ᥫ᭡Growing up, Kuji navigated a childhood overshadowed by his weight, bearing the burden of exclusion from his peers, which inflicted profound wounds upon his tender heart. Amidst his parents' relentless toil, Kuji found himself adrift, devoid of companionship. The pivotal moment arrived in third grade when Kuji's parents deposited him at a new school, a solitary figure in a sea of unfamiliar faces. Each step through the corridors felt like a descent into despair, exacerbated by the cruel taunts of Andrew, the embodiment of torment.
Andrew's voice pierced the air: "Ah, behold, a newcomer dares to grace us with his presence?"
Laughter reverberated as Kuji, trembling, attempted to utter a greeting.
Yet, Andrew's scornful interjection silenced him: "How dare you defy me?"
Before Andrew could exact further cruelty, the bell's merciful chime dispersed the gathering, leaving Kuji sprawled upon the ground, bewildered by the onslaught of his anguish.
Within the classroom's sanctuary, Kuji's eyes met Andrew's, foreshadowing future confrontations. The arrival of Mrs. Okino provided a fleeting respite, shattered by Andrew's projectiles assaulting Kuji's solitude.
Summoning courage, Kuji protested: "Cease your torment!"
Andrew's retort, laden with disdain, echoed through the room: "No, you repulsive, overweight fool!"
Undeterred, Kuji's defender emerged, a beacon of empathy amidst the darkness.
"Teacher! Andrew targets the newcomer!" the boy exclaimed.
Swift intervention from Mrs. Okino brought relief to Kuji, who exchanged a grateful glance with his newfound ally.
"Thank you," Kuji whispered.
"You're welcome. What is your name?" the boy inquired.
"I am Yoshida Kuji. And you?"
"Hino," the boy replied, extending an offer of friendship. "Kamado Hino. Shall we be bestbuddies?"
In that moment, a bond forged in adversity united Kuji and Hino as steadfast companions. Time marched forward, ushering them into high school, where tranquility seemed within reach until an unexpected revelation shattered Kuji's world.
"Kuji!" his mother's urgent summons pierced the calm.
Approaching her with trepidation, Kuji awaited her solemn disclosure, bracing himself for the storm on the horizon.
"What news do you bear, Mother?" he implored, his voice tinged with apprehension.
The tale she unfolded bore the weight of consequence, leaving Kuji teetering on the precipice of uncertainty. With every word, the foundations of his reality trembled, threatening to crumble beneath the weight of newfound revelation.
To be continued..."
