Chapter 1 :- The First Encounter

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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