A Boy's Journey Beyond the Panels

Sports festival and Memories of Snow

Even though it was an early weekend morning, the school was already bustling with the families of the festival participants. Grades 1st to 3rd students were grouped by their Sensei separately and sent to their respective classrooms for a headcount.

Meanwhile, the 4th to 6th-grade students were engaged in a half-hour-long 'March-Past' session. Such a formal or ceremonial parade by students was customary during such significant events.

"Well then, everyone, let's all do our best today to have fun!" When the Sensei for Towa's class, Yamamoto-sensei arrived, she began to explain in an energetic voice.

"Yeah!" "We will win for our Sakura-gumi!" "I miss my Onee-chan!" "Tch, It's pointless."

At the word of enthusiasm from their Sensei, cheers erupted from a part of the class. While some students anticipated the event's arrival, others harbored antipathy toward an event primarily focused on sports.

Surroundings that were becoming restless by the portion of students who had confidence in their athleticism and just wanted to play or show parents their performance were in high spirits.

Amidst the commotion, there was a girl who remained composed, quietly reading a book while stealing glances at a boy seated beside her and a carry bag placed under her desk.

Her slender frame carried itself with an understated elegance. She has long, straight black hair that falls neatly around her shoulders with an ahoge that lays flat atop her head. Her most striking feature is a pair of large, piercing blue eyes, which give her a cool and composed outlook.

Her name was Yukinoshita Yukino.

A cute model student with good grades.

Her usual appearance was like a delicate wisp of silver moonlight, which hinted a quiet strength that lay beneath the surface, was nowhere to be found. Instead, her eyes held what was a gaze that had a rare combination of analytical acuity and subtle vulnerability.

Clutching the bag carefully so as not to damage the contents, Yukino wrestled with her conflicting emotions, torn between her desire to show her appreciation and her fear of drawing attention to herself.

As for why she is nervous and peeking at her seatmate, is because of what happened months ago.

*Flashback*

"What should I..." early in the morning wisp of a low voice can be heard.

The voice was so low that if a person was next to it would unlikely catch on in a filled classroom.

But there was no one nearby except for a girl.

A lonesome girl walked down an empty corridor.

"What should I do?"

The girl's unusual early arrival wasn't that odd, considering she seemingly commuted privately by car. Soon, students would arrive, but they would miss out on the rare sight of Yukinoshita Yukino with a downcast look, free from the usual cold air she gives out.

Yukino is known for her cool and composed demeanor. She is intelligent, and diligent, and often comes across as aloof, carrying an air of sophistication.

However, her demeanor can come across as distant or cold, making it difficult for others to initiate conversations or build connections with her. Yukino is an independent and self-reliant individual. She often prefers to handle things on her own rather than seeking help from others. While this independence is a strength, it can contribute to her social isolation as she may not readily open up to others.

Despite her seemingly detached exterior, she possesses a strong sense of responsibility and is committed to maintaining high standards in her academic and personal life, as if she were trying to catch up to someone; that being her admired sister Yukinoshita Haruno.