Echoes of the Rain

New college

As Yuri played the piano, the melody seemed to cry with her, each note echoing the sorrow and loneliness of her past. The memories were still vivid, still painful, but through the music, she found a way to express what words could not convey. The piano was her only companion, the one thing that had stayed with her through all the darkness. And so, she played on, letting the music speak the emotions she had long buried within her soul.

Yuri entered the gates of her new college, feeling a pang of discomfort as she looked around. The campus was filled with students who seemed to have everything she didn't-expensive clothes, polished shoes, and faces adorned with makeup that spoke of wealth and carefree lives. They laughed and smiled with ease, their parents fussing over them, ensuring they had everything they needed for the day. It was a stark contrast to Yuri, who had walked there alone, her worn-out shoes and borrowed uniform marking her as different.

She glanced down at her shoes, the soles thinning, the fabric frayed. Her uniform was a hand-me-down from a friend who had moved on to the next grade, and though she had tried to iron it neatly, it still looked tired and old compared to the crisp, new outfits of her classmates. Yuri swallowed hard, trying to push down the lump forming in her throat. She had learned long ago not to let her emotions show too easily.

As she stepped into her classroom, she noticed it was already buzzing with activity. Groups of students were chatting, their voices filled with excitement about the new chapter of their lives. Yuri quietly made her way to the back of the room, hoping to blend into the background. She set her bag down on the last bench, grateful for a moment of solitude.

But just as she sat down, a tall girl with flawless, fair skin, heavy makeup, and the demeanor of a model approached her. The girl's presence was commanding, her every movement graceful and confident. She looked at Yuri with an air of entitlement and said in a tone that left no room for argument, "This is my seat. Please take another one."

Yuri hesitated, her face burning with embarrassment, but she didn't want to cause a scene. Without a word, she picked up her bag and moved to another seat, trying to disappear into the background once more. The classroom continued to fill with students, their laughter and conversations surrounding her, but Yuri remained silent.

As the other students chatted and introduced themselves, forming the beginnings of friendships, Yuri pulled out her books and laid them on the desk. She focused on the pages, trying to block out the feeling of isolation. This was how she had learned to cope-withdrawing into herself, finding solace in the work that lay ahead. In the midst of the noise and excitement, she was alone, just as she had been for so much of her life.

But Yuri didn't let the loneliness consume her. Instead, she concentrated on what she could control-her studies. She knew that if she wanted to make something of herself, she would have to work hard, harder than anyone else in that room. So she opened her book, blocking out the world around her, and prepared herself for the challenges that lay ahead.

As the teacher entered the classroom, the room quickly quieted down. The students, now seated, greeted the teacher in unison. Yuri joined in the greeting, her voice soft and barely above a whisper, as she focused on the lesson that was about to begin.

The teacher, an older man with a stern expression, started writing on the board, launching straight into the day's topic. Just as he began explaining, the door creaked open, drawing everyone's attention. A boy walked in, his presence immediately commanding the room.

He had black hair that fell slightly over his forehead, and his light brown eyes scanned the classroom calmly. He was tall, carrying a bag slung over one shoulder, and his shoes were polished to perfection. There was an air of confidence about him, something that made him stand out even among the other well-dressed students.

The teacher, visibly irritated by the interruption, raised his voice, "Do you not know the time for this class? What is the reason for your tardiness? And what's your name?"

Before the boy could respond, another student called out from across the room, "His name is Yohan," with a calm smile, as if this should explain everything.

At the mention of his name, the teacher's demeanor shifted almost instantly. The irritation on his face softened, and his tone became unexpectedly courteous. "Ah, Yohan... I see. Please, take a seat." The contrast in the teacher's behavior was striking, almost as if he had recognized something special about the boy.

Yuri watched the exchange with quiet curiosity, wondering who this Yohan was and why he seemed to command such respect, even from the teacher. As Yohan moved to find a seat, Yuri couldn't help but notice the subtle difference in how everyone reacted to him-a mix of curiosity, admiration, and perhaps a hint of envy.