*Hiroshi’s Quiet Storm*
The classroom buzzed with chatter as students filtered in, filling the air with laughter and gossip. Hiroshi sat quietly in his corner, adjusting his thick glasses and flipping through a fantasy novel. The world within the pages was his refuge, a place where he could escape the whispers and stares that seemed to follow him everywhere.
But today was different.
“Hey, Hiroshi,” sneered one of the boys from the back row, his voice dripping with mockery. “Still reading those dumb books? You know, you won’t find any friends in there.”
A chorus of laughter erupted, and Hiroshi’s grip on his book tightened. He glanced up briefly, his face carefully blank. He knew better than to respond; it would only make things worse.
“Yeah,” chimed in another, a girl with a sharp smile. “Maybe if you read a book on how to be normal, people would actually talk to you.”
More laughter.
Hiroshi lowered his gaze back to his book, ignoring the heat rising to his cheeks. He focused on the words, willing himself to disappear into the story. *Knights don’t cry,* he reminded himself, echoing the mantra of the hero in his novel.
Before the bullies could press further, the door swung open, and their teacher strode in, her sharp heels clicking against the tile floor.
“Alright, class, settle down,” she called, her voice cutting through the noise like a blade.
The bullies scrambled to their seats, their snickers fading into silence. Hiroshi didn’t look up, pretending he hadn’t heard a thing. He knew the routine well: endure, survive, and escape.
---
When the bell signaled the start of recess, Hiroshi waited until most of the students had filed out before gathering his things. The cafeteria was always a minefield, but at least he could sit alone and avoid further torment.
He found a quiet spot near the edge of the cafeteria, away from the bustling tables filled with laughing groups. Pulling out his lunch, he began to eat in silence, his book propped open beside him.
He was so engrossed in his story that he didn’t notice someone approaching until a tray clattered onto the table across from him.
“Hey, Hiroshi,” a cheerful voice greeted.
Startled, Hiroshi looked up to see Hina, the girl he’d seen at the bookstore before. She was smiling brightly, her long hair tied back in a casual ponytail.
“H-Hina?” he stammered, pushing his glasses up his nose.
She nodded, taking a seat without waiting for an invitation. “Yeah! I saw you sitting here alone and thought I’d join you. Hope that’s okay.”
Hiroshi blinked, unsure of how to respond. He wasn’t used to people approaching him, much less someone like Hina.
“Uh, sure,” he mumbled, closing his book.
Hina glanced at the cover and grinned. “Still reading those fantasy novels, huh? You really love those.”
He nodded, unsure if she was teasing or genuinely interested. “They’re… comforting.”
“Comforting, huh?” she repeated, taking a bite of her sandwich. “I guess I can see that. I prefer romance novels, though. They’re more… exciting.”
Hiroshi’s brow furrowed. “Exciting? But they’re so predictable. Don’t they all end the same way?”
Hina laughed, her eyes sparkling. “Says the guy reading about a knight saving a princess. That’s not predictable at all, right?”
He couldn’t help but crack a small smile. “Touché.”
They fell into an easy rhythm of conversation, the awkwardness melting away as they talked about books, school, and the little things that made them happy. For the first time in a long while, Hiroshi felt like he wasn’t completely invisible.
---
As their conversation lulled, Hiroshi hesitated before asking, “So… I saw you the other day. You were walking with someone. A tall guy with broad shoulders. Is he your… boyfriend?”
Hina blinked, then burst out laughing, nearly choking on her juice. Hiroshi’s face turned crimson, and he immediately regretted asking.
“No, no, no!” she managed between laughs. “That’s my brother, Ren!”
Hiroshi’s embarrassment deepened, and he looked down at his lunch. “Oh. I didn’t know…”
Hina grinned, leaning forward on her elbows. “Wait, why are you asking? Were you jealous?”
His head shot up, eyes wide. “What? No! I just—”
“You were jealous!” she teased, her laughter ringing out.
“I wasn’t!” he protested, but his reddening cheeks betrayed him.
Hina leaned back, smirking. “Relax, Hiroshi. I’m just messing with you. But seriously, you’re funny when you’re flustered.”
Hiroshi groaned, burying his face in his hands. “I’m never asking you anything again.”
Hina laughed again, reaching across the table to nudge his arm. “Hey, don’t be like that. It’s fun talking to you.”
He peeked at her through his fingers, unsure if she was joking or sincere. But the warmth in her smile made him believe she meant it.
---
As the bell rang, signaling the end of recess, Hina stood and grabbed her tray. “Well, I better get back to class. See you around, Hiroshi!”
“Y-yeah,” he muttered, watching as she walked away.
For the first time in what felt like forever, Hiroshi didn’t feel so alone. And as he picked up his book again, he found himself smiling.
YOU ARE READING
THE FIRST TIME DADDY
RomantikMax never imagined his life would turn out like this: a single father raising a lively two-year-old while working at a quiet bookstore. Far from the successful man his wealthy parents hoped he'd become, Max is still finding his footing after years o...
