Fallen

Hitori

"People often say that love is needed to move on, but I don't think that is true," I, Hitori Uno, thought to myself. "I will never find love." It's painful to witness people being happy only to end up broken in the end. I've never fallen for someone, and I'm convinced that I never will.

One day, a new transfer student named Ayame Yamane entered our classroom. The announcement was made, but I couldn't be bothered. "Another transfer student, nothing new to me. I'm going back to sleep," I muttered. However, Ayame introduced herself with enthusiasm. "Hello everyone, my name is Ayame Yamane. You guys can call me Ayame. I like to help people in need and garden. My favorite food is ice cream with strawberries on top. I also work at a café with my dad."

I couldn't understand why people put so much effort into their relationships or work with their parents. It often seemed like a facade, as if they didn't genuinely care. I've always questioned the purpose of it all. In the end, we'll all die and amount to nothing, wishing we had more time. Those who work hard to make the world a better place are often ruined by those who don't care.

The teacher decided that Ayame would sit next to me. She approached me and apologized for any trouble she might cause. I responded dismissively, "Eh, don't care here," as I handed her my books. She asked if I would need them, which annoyed me further. "Can you let me rest in peace?" I snapped. She apologized again, and I fell into a deep slumber.

When lunchtime arrived, Ayame asked if she could eat with me. I woke up, grabbed my lunch, and headed outside, next to the cherry blossom tree, seeking solitude. To my surprise, Ayame followed me and sat behind me. She smiled and said, "You know, Hitori, we are so different, but I feel like we could be friends." I opened my eyes and corrected her, "You don't deserve to call me that, Yamane. Just call me Uno." She laughed and responded, "It's Ayame, H-I-T-O-R-I." Irritated, I got up, and she started running away, laughing. I chased after her, insisting it's Uno while she kept playfully saying Hitori.

Finally, it was time to go home. I headed to the train stop and looked up, only to find Ayame standing there. She seemed surprised and exclaimed, "No way! Are we going on the same train, Hitori?" Annoyed, I replied, "I hope not." However, fate seemed to have a different plan. We both got on the same train. I wondered what I had done to deserve this.

We reached my stop, and Ayame was still following me. She turned right and said, "Looks like this is my house?" It appeared more like a grand mansion to me. I continued walking to my house, feeling a sense of loneliness. I called out for my parents, but they had moved away to get away from me. They had asked me to move closer to their work, and I hadn't seen them since I was thirteen.

Feeling exhausted and disheartened, I took a hot bath and went to sleep. However, I was soon awakened by a knock on my door. I opened it to find Ayame standing there, tears streaming down her face.