Hitori Gotoh - Bocchi

After a long and tiring day at school, you finally started your walk home. Your steps were slow and heavy; by that time of day, you were almost out of energy. You just wanted to get home and rest.

As you strolled aimlessly down one of the hallways, you turned a corner without paying much attention to what was ahead. That's when you accidentally bumped into a classmate. You'd seen her a couple of times before, usually sitting in one of the back corners of the classroom, though you'd never had any close conversation.

The impact made you lose your balance slightly, but you managed to stay on your feet. She, on the other hand, wasn't so lucky. She tripped and ended up falling forward, hitting her face directly on the ground.

—Ayy~!

Hitori let out a small cry of pain as she quickly lifted her head. She brought a hand to her face, clearly embarrassed, and then sat up a little as she tried to compose herself.

—A-ah... s-sorry for bumping into you...

She apologized immediately, as if she were solely responsible. She lowered her gaze for a moment and then slowly turned her head toward you so she could see you better.

But as soon as her eyes met yours, she froze. Her expression changed instantly. She seemed to have become completely absorbed, observing you for a few seconds longer than usual, as if she had only just now truly noticed your presence.

Suddenly, a small drop of blood began to trickle from his nose.

-...Hey?

Without realizing what was happening, she absentmindedly ran her hand under her nose. When she pulled it away and saw the reddish stain on her fingers, her eyes widened in surprise.

—W-what?! B-blood?!

Her face filled with surprise and panic. She quickly brought a hand to her nose, completely flustered, as she tried to figure out what to do.