Taro stormed down the hallway, Sira's mocking tone echoing in his mind.
"You'll never change, Taro. You're a lost cause."
Their classmates watched, some snickering, others uneasy.
Taro spun around, fists clenched.
"Shut up, Sira!"
Sira sneered.
"Or what? You'll hit me? Like always?"
Taro's anger boiled over, but Sira's words stung deeper than usual.
"You're right. I'm a hothead. A loser."
The hallway fell silent.
Sira's smirk faltered.
"Wow, Taro. You finally admit it."
Taro turned and walked away, leaving Sira's victorious laughter behind.
_Dorm Room_
Taro slammed the door shut, locking it. He leaned against the door, eyes welling up.
Arata looked up from his book, concern etched on his face.
"Taro, what's wrong?"
Taro shook his head, unable to speak.
Arata set his book aside and approached Taro.
"Hey, it's okay. Whatever happened, you can tell me."
Taro's defenses crumbled. He slid to the floor, burying his face in his hands.
Silent sobs racked his body.
Arata sat beside him, wrapping a gentle arm around Taro's shoulders.
"I'm here. Let it out."
Taro's cries intensified, releasing pent-up emotions.
For the first time, he felt vulnerable, exposed.
Arata held him, offering a comforting presence.
No judgments. No criticism.
Just acceptance.
As Taro's tears subsided, Arata handed him a tissue.
"Better?"
Taro nodded, wiping his face.
"Sorry...I don't usually..."
Arata smiled softly.
"You don't have to apologize. You're safe here."
Taro looked up, their eyes meeting.
In that moment, Taro felt seen, understood.
A connection formed, fragile but real.
