It was the first day of high school, and the campus was alive with energy. The hallways buzzed with excitement as students, both new and returning, rushed to find their assigned classrooms. Groups of friends reunited, laughter and chatter echoing through the corridors as everyone looked forward to a fresh start.

Aya, standing in a crowd of students with her friends, felt the thrill of the new beginnings. She smiled brightly as she joined in the excitement, her pink hair catching the light, and her bright pink eyes reflecting her anticipation. Her friends were equally animated, their voices filled with curiosity about the new teachers, the classes, and—of course—the students.

As they entered their classroom, Aya felt a shift in the atmosphere. The hum of voices around her seemed to fade slightly as her eyes landed on someone sitting alone at the far corner of the room. He was quiet, a stark contrast to the bustling energy that filled the classroom. There, seated by the window, was Ryu.

His bright purple eyes gazed out of the window, seemingly lost in thought, his purple hair falling slightly into his face. His posture was calm, almost detached from the surrounding excitement. For a moment, Aya was taken aback. There was something about him that was different—he radiated a quiet, almost mysterious beauty that set him apart from everyone else in the room.

The world around Aya seemed to slow down as she observed him. Her friends continued to talk, unaware of her distraction, but Aya couldn’t tear her eyes away from Ryu. She was struck by his serene appearance, a sharp contrast to the lively chaos around them. It wasn’t just his looks that caught her attention, but the way he seemed completely unfazed by the excitement of the first day.

Aya’s Thoughts: "Who is he? Why does he seem so... distant?"

Despite her curiosity, Aya didn’t approach him immediately. Something about Ryu’s reserved nature made her hesitate. He seemed like someone who valued his space, and she didn’t want to intrude. Instead, she quietly took her seat, casting one more glance at him before turning her attention back to her friends and the excitement of the first day.

The Start of Classes

The bell rang, and the room quickly quieted down as the teacher entered, signaling the start of their first class. Aya, still curious, noticed that Ryu remained silent throughout the introductions. While most students eagerly introduced themselves and shared their excitement for high school, Ryu kept to himself, offering only brief, polite responses when called upon.

As the day went on, it became clear that while Ryu was quiet and reserved, there was something deeper going on. When it came time to engage with the schoolwork, Aya noticed that Ryu was struggling. He stared at the assignments in front of him with furrowed brows, clearly unfamiliar with the tasks at hand. Unlike the other students, who had experience from previous schooling, this seemed new to him.

Aya watched for a moment, noticing his unease. Her natural empathy kicked in. While most of the class moved forward without issue, Ryu looked hesitant, almost lost. His hands remained still on the desk, the pen in his hand unused.

Taking a deep breath, Aya decided to act.

---

Offering Help

When the class broke for group work, Aya stood up from her seat and walked over to where Ryu was sitting. Her heart raced slightly, unsure of how he would react. She didn’t want to seem nosy, but she also couldn’t stand to see someone struggling alone.

Aya: "Hey, um... do you need some help with the assignment?"

Ryu looked up, his purple eyes meeting her pink ones for the first time. There was a brief moment of surprise in his gaze, as if he hadn’t expected anyone to approach him, let alone offer help. His face softened slightly, though, as he nodded.

Ryu: "Yes, thank you... I’m not really familiar with this."

Aya smiled warmly, feeling a sense of relief that he hadn’t turned her away. She pulled up a chair and sat next to him, her presence bright and comforting. As they worked through the assignment together, Aya explained the concepts patiently, showing him how to solve the problems step by step.

---

Ryu’s Perspective

Ryu listened attentively, his eyes focused on the work in front of them, but in his heart, he felt something stir. He had spent his entire life at the orphanage, where help was a rare commodity. He had grown used to doing things on his own, never expecting anyone to step in and lend a hand. The fact that this girl—Aya—had not only noticed his struggle but had gone out of her way to help him was... unexpected.

Ryu’s Thoughts: "Why would she do this? No one’s ever done this for me before."

He didn’t say much, but internally, he was grateful. Her kindness was something he hadn’t experienced in a long time, and it left him feeling both confused and appreciative.

---

Aya’s Impression

As they finished the assignment, Aya couldn’t help but notice how calm and polite Ryu was. Despite his initial struggle, he listened carefully and never interrupted her explanations. There was a quiet intelligence in his demeanor, even though this was his first experience in a formal school setting.

When they finished, Ryu turned to her and offered a small, genuine smile.

Ryu: "Thank you. I really appreciate your help."

Aya felt her heart warm at his gratitude. She smiled back, realizing that beneath his reserved exterior, Ryu was kind and thoughtful.

Aya’s Thoughts: "He’s not just quiet. He’s... different. In a good way."

They didn’t talk much beyond that, but the connection was made. It was the first time they had truly interacted, and though brief, it left an impression on both of them. Aya returned to her seat, but her thoughts kept drifting back to Ryu, wondering what his story was.

---

And so, the first chapter of their story began. Though it was just a small moment of kindness, it would be the spark that would bring Aya and Ryu closer together over time. Ryu, who had always been used to doing everything on his own, had found someone willing to extend a hand. And Aya, who had always been curious about the world around her, found herself intrigued by the quiet boy with the purple eyes.

That evening, as the sun began to set and Aya returned home from school, there was a noticeable change in her. Her usual brightness seemed to shine even more than before. Her family, used to her cheerful demeanor, couldn’t help but notice something different in her today. There was a lightness in her step, an extra sparkle in her bright pink eyes.

At dinner, Aya’s younger sister, Ren, leaned over the table and playfully nudged her.

Ren: "You seem extra happy today, Aya. Did something interesting happen at school?"

Aya blinked, a little surprised by the question. She hadn’t realized how much her mood had changed. Flashes of Ryu sitting quietly by the window came to mind, and she remembered their brief but meaningful interaction during class. His calm, polite smile and those deep purple eyes had left an impression on her.

Aya: (smiling sheepishly) "No, nothing much... just a normal day."

But even as she said that, she couldn’t shake the image of Ryu from her mind. His quiet, reserved nature intrigued her, and there was something about the way he smiled that felt... different. Polite, but not forced. Genuine, but distant. It left her wanting to know more.

---

That Night: A Restless Mind

Later that night, after everyone had gone to bed, Aya lay under her covers, staring up at the ceiling. Her thoughts wandered back to Ryu, replaying the events of the day in her mind.

She could still see his face clearly—the way his purple eyes glittered under the classroom lights, filled with a calmness that seemed almost otherworldly. Yet, there was something hidden behind those eyes, something that made her wonder.

Aya’s Thoughts: "He’s different from anyone I’ve met... Why does he seem so distant? Is there something he’s not telling?"

Aya’s heart fluttered at the thought. She had never felt this way before. It wasn’t just his good looks—though she couldn’t deny he was beautiful—it was the quiet mystery that surrounded him. But amidst her growing curiosity, a sudden realization hit her.

Aya’s Thoughts: "I never even asked him his name!"

A wave of embarrassment washed over her. She had spent so much time helping him with the schoolwork that she completely forgot the simplest thing—introductions. Determined not to let that happen again, Aya made a decision.

Aya’s Thoughts: "I’ll ask him tomorrow. I have to know more about him."

---

The Next Day: A New Connection

The next morning, Aya arrived at school with a sense of anticipation she hadn’t felt before. She glanced around the halls, searching for the familiar figure with the purple hair. As students hurried past her, laughing and chatting about their classes, she spotted him—Ryu—walking down the corridor, heading to their classroom.

Her heart skipped a beat as she watched him. There he was again, moving quietly through the crowd, unnoticed by most. Aya took a deep breath and decided to approach him.

Aya: "Hey! Wait up!"

Ryu turned at the sound of her voice, his purple eyes meeting hers once again. For a brief moment, there was a flicker of surprise in his gaze, but it quickly softened into the same calm expression she had seen the day before.

Ryu: "Oh, it’s you... Good morning."

Aya caught up to him, slightly flustered by how her heart was racing. She smiled nervously, her cheeks warming as she spoke.

Aya: "I just realized... I never asked your name yesterday."

Ryu paused, as if the thought hadn’t occurred to him either. A small smile tugged at the corners of his lips.

Ryu: "You’re right. We didn’t introduce ourselves, did we? I’m Ryu."

There was something about the way he said his name—soft, almost as if he wasn’t used to saying it out loud. Aya found herself staring at him for a moment, her mind repeating his name. Ryu. It fit him perfectly.

Aya: (smiling brightly) "I’m Aya. It’s nice to officially meet you, Ryu."

Ryu gave a polite nod, his calm demeanor unchanged.

Ryu: "Thank you again for helping me yesterday. I really appreciate it."

Aya felt a rush of warmth at his gratitude. The fact that he had remembered and thanked her so sincerely made her heart swell. But at the same time, she felt flustered, unsure of how to respond. She had never been the type to be at a loss for words, but something about Ryu made her feel shy.

Aya: (blushing slightly) "It... it was nothing, really. I’m glad I could help."

They began walking together toward their classroom, the quiet morning air around them filled with a comfortable silence. Aya sneaked a few glances at Ryu as they walked, still fascinated by his composed demeanor. Yet, even as he smiled and thanked her, Aya couldn’t shake the feeling that there was something more beneath the surface.

Aya’s Thoughts: "He’s so polite and calm... but there’s something else. It’s like he’s hiding something behind that smile."

The thought lingered in her mind, a small seed of curiosity that would only grow over time. As they walked side by side, Aya knew one thing for sure—she wanted to know more about Ryu. And not just his name, but everything he kept hidden behind those purple eyes.

---

And so, the beginnings of a deeper connection were formed. While Aya’s heart started to stir with new emotions, Ryu remained unaware of her growing affection. For him, Aya was simply the kind girl who had helped him on his first day. But for Aya, this was the moment she realized that Ryu was more than just a quiet boy in the corner. He was a mystery waiting to be uncovered.

As the day’s classes began, Aya found it impossible to focus. The words on the blackboard blurred in front of her, her thoughts drifting back to Ryu. She replayed their conversation from the morning, thinking about his polite smile, the way he carried himself, and the gentle yet distant tone in his voice.

It was strange—she had only met him yesterday, yet her thoughts kept circling back to him. His presence was like a quiet storm, pulling her in, and she couldn't explain why. As the teacher's voice echoed through the classroom, Aya barely registered what was being taught.

Suddenly, her teacher’s voice cut through her thoughts.

Teacher: "Aya, are you paying attention?"

Startled, Aya blinked and sat up straighter in her seat, her pink eyes wide with surprise. She forced a smile and nodded quickly.

Aya: "Y-yes, everything’s fine."

The teacher gave her a curious look but continued with the lesson. Aya let out a quiet breath of relief, though her mind was still far from the classroom. It was all because of Ryu. Why was she thinking about him so much? She hadn’t known him long, but something about him made her heart beat faster and her mind wander.

---

Lunchtime: A Quiet Solitude

When lunchtime arrived, Aya sat with her friends as usual, their conversation filled with the latest gossip, funny moments from class, and their plans for the weekend. Aya tried to focus, but her attention kept drifting. She glanced around the courtyard, and there, sitting alone under the shade of a tree, was Ryu.

He looked just as serene as ever, his back resting against the trunk of the tree, a book in his hands. His bright purple eyes scanned the pages, completely absorbed in the world of words. The soft breeze ruffled his purple hair, and his expression was calm, as though nothing could disturb him.

Aya’s heart skipped a beat at the sight. There was that familiar smile on his face again—gentle and polite—but there was something behind it. A depth she couldn’t quite grasp. He looked peaceful, but also... lonely.

Aya’s Thoughts: "Why is he always alone? Doesn’t he have anyone to talk to?"

She stared at him without blinking, completely lost in thought. Her friends’ chatter faded into the background as she observed Ryu from afar. The way he seemed so content on his own only deepened the mystery surrounding him. How could someone be so quiet, so reserved, and yet captivate her attention so completely?

Suddenly, one of her friends nudged her, breaking her trance.

Friend: "Aya! Are you even listening?"

Aya jolted, quickly turning her attention back to the group, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment.

Aya: "S-sorry! I was just... thinking."

Her friends exchanged curious glances, but they didn’t press her further. Aya, however, couldn’t shake the image of Ryu sitting alone under that tree from her mind. The rest of the day, she found herself distracted, her thoughts filled with questions about him. Who was he really? Why did he always seem so distant, even when he smiled?

---

The Walk Home: A Subtle Concern

As the final bell rang and the school day came to an end, Aya gathered her things and headed toward the school gate. Just as she stepped outside, she spotted Ryu walking ahead, his usual calm and composed figure moving quietly through the crowd of students. Without thinking, her feet moved toward him.

Aya’s Thoughts: "Maybe I can talk to him... just for a little while."

She quickened her pace, catching up to him just as he neared the edge of the school grounds.

Aya: "Ryu! Wait up!"

Ryu turned at the sound of her voice, his expression softening as he saw her approach. He waited patiently for her to catch up, his purple eyes meeting hers with a gentle curiosity.

Ryu: "Hey, Aya."

There was a brief pause as they walked side by side, the sound of their footsteps blending with the chatter of other students heading home. Aya felt a nervous flutter in her chest, but she tried to keep her voice steady.

Aya: "I wanted to ask... Is everything okay? I mean, you always seem so... calm, but I just wondered if something was bothering you."

Ryu glanced at her, his expression thoughtful. For a moment, he didn’t respond, his gaze dropping to the ground as they walked. It was as if her question had caught him off guard. Aya’s heart raced, unsure of what he might say.

Finally, Ryu spoke, his voice quiet and measured.

Ryu: "I’m fine. There’s nothing wrong, really."

But Aya wasn’t convinced. His words were calm, but there was something in the way he hesitated, something in the way his eyes flickered downward that told her otherwise. She could sense that he was holding something back, hiding something behind that composed exterior.

Aya’s Thoughts: "He’s not being completely honest... Why won’t he open up?"

But she didn’t push him further. She could tell that Ryu wasn’t ready to share whatever was on his mind. Instead, she smiled softly, deciding to leave the conversation on a lighter note.

Aya: "Well, if you ever do need to talk, I’m here, okay?"

Ryu glanced at her again, his eyes softening at her offer. He gave a small nod, his smile returning—polite as ever.

Ryu: "Thanks, Aya."

They continued walking for a short while longer before parting ways at the intersection near their homes. As Aya watched him disappear down the street, a feeling of unease settled in her chest. She couldn’t help but feel that there was more to Ryu’s story—more than he was letting on. There was a wall, an invisible barrier he had built around himself, and she couldn’t understand why.

---

That Night: Aya’s Thoughts

Later that night, Aya lay in bed, staring up at the ceiling once again. Her mind raced with thoughts of Ryu. His quiet smile, his gentle demeanor—it all seemed so perfect on the surface. But she knew there was something he wasn’t telling her. Something he was keeping hidden deep within himself.

Aya’s Thoughts: "What is he hiding? Why won’t he let anyone in?"

She couldn’t stop thinking about it, her curiosity growing with each passing moment. The more she thought about him, the more she wanted to understand him. What had made him this way? What secrets were buried in his heart, hidden behind that polite smile?

As she drifted off to sleep, one thought lingered in her mind.

Aya’s Thoughts: "There’s a wall around his heart... and I’m going to find a way past it."

---

And so, Aya’s curiosity about Ryu deepened. While Ryu remained polite and distant, Aya couldn’t help but feel drawn to the mystery surrounding him. Little by little, she would come to realize that breaking through his walls wouldn’t be easy—but it was a challenge she was willing to face.