Reincarnation of hearts. [BL]

Kai

First days never really bothered me. In fact, I kind of enjoyed them—new faces, new places, and a chance to make a fresh impression. As I stood at the front of the classroom, I flashed a quick smile, waving slightly at the students who stared back at me with varying degrees of interest.

"Nishimura Kai." Ms. Yamada introduced me.
"He's new here, so I expect you all to make him feel welcome."

A few murmurs passed through the class, but most students returned to their conversations, unimpressed. No big deal. I was used to this. I gave a quick bow, feeling the usual excitement bubbling up inside. First days were like a clean slate, a chance to explore a new space. The class murmured a few greetings before turning their attention back to their conversations. My eyes quickly scanned the room, noting everyone with a quick glance.

But then, I saw him.

Sitting near the back, a boy with blonde hair that brushed just above his neck, his bangs hung low, framing his face like curtains, partially hiding his face. But even through the veil of hair, I could feel his piercing gaze locked on me, cold and unreadable His features were delicate, almost feminine, and there was something ethereal about him that drew my attention. But the most striking thing was the coldness in his gaze. He stared at me for a few long seconds before turning back to his notebook, acting like I didn't even exist.

That was new.

Ms. Yamada pointed to an empty seat by the window, and I made my way over, settling into my seat as the lesson began.

I wasn't the type to dwell on things, but I couldn't help sneaking another glance at him during class. He sat perfectly still, his pen moving swiftly across his notes. But occasionally, he'd lift his head and glance my way with that same frosty stare before turning back to his work.

The class went by quickly, and I spent most of it chatting quietly with the students around me.

"Say, Nishimura-san which club are you planning to join?" Airi, the girl sitting next to me, asked, her voice light and curious as she leaned in slightly. She was part of the photography club, one of those clubs where only a handful of students had joined.

"No idea yet," I replied, shrugging. "But I'm really interested in photography, so if it's cool with you, I'd love to join your club." I gave her a small smile.

"Sure!" she exclaimed, quickly scribbling down my name. "You can join our club starting tomorrow! And if you have a camera, bring it with you." she added, grinning widely.

"Woah, that was fast." I chuckled nervously at her, my eyes drifting toward the blondie from earlier, who was sitting quietly and engrossed in a book.

As the day came to an end, I got into the bus, ready to head home. I turned to my side and froze. There, sitting next to me, was the blond boy from my class. I blinked in surprise, my nerves kicking in as I met his eyes, he turned his gaze back staring out the window with the same detached expression he had in class. Anxiety bubbling within me as I tried to avoid looking his way.

I got off at my stop and began walking home, only to realize that he was heading in the same direction as me.

Great. Not only were we in the same class, but we lived nearby. He didn't acknowledge me at all, just walked ahead with that same tense, distant energy.

I watched him disappear around the corner, wondering if I'd ever get the chance to break through that wall of his.

As I reached home, I slipped off my shoes and changed into my slippers, heading upstairs to my room, ignoring the chaos my siblings were causing downstairs.

"Oi!" My sister, Yuki, burst into my room, kicking the door open and startling me. "I told you to buy the groceries on your way home! Did you do it?!"

"Ah, damn... I forgot," I said, grinning sheepishly.

Yuki crossed her arms, glaring down at me. "You better not forget next time because I wi—"

I cut her off by pushing her out of my room. "Alright, alright, I'm tired now." I said, locking the door behind her as she yelled outside.

I let out a heavy sigh and headed to the bathroom for a shower.

Maybe tomorrow would be different.