Chapter 4: Aya’s Determination

The Morning Resolve

After the whirlwind of emotions from the previous day, Aya woke up with a resolute determination. As the soft morning sunlight filtered through her window, she stared at the ceiling, her thoughts fixed on one goal: She had to get Ryu to open up.

Aya’s Thoughts: “I don’t know why I care so much… but I do. Ryu needs someone to talk to, even if it’s just me. I can’t just sit back and do nothing.”

With renewed energy, she sat at her desk and began brainstorming. Scribbling on her notepad, she drafted possible plans:

Start the day with a friendly chat before classes begin.

Ask Ryu if he wants to study together during lunch.

Try to walk home with him after school.

Aya leaned back, satisfied with her ideas, and muttered to herself, "This time, no interruptions." Determined, she got ready for school and hurried downstairs for breakfast, eager to start her day.

Morning Encounters: Missed Chances Begin

The moment Aya reached the school gates, her eyes spotted a familiar figure ahead—Ryu. He walked calmly through the main gate, his usual serene demeanor making him stand out. Aya’s heart skipped a beat as she quickened her steps to catch up with him.

Aya’s Thoughts: “This is my chance. Just say hi and keep it simple, Aya!”

But before she could even call out his name, a voice interrupted her.

Yumi: “Aya! Over here!”

Aya turned to see her friends waving enthusiastically from the side. They surrounded her before she could protest, bombarding her with chatter about the upcoming sports meet.

Aya (forcing a smile): “Uh, yeah… sounds great. Excuse me, I just—”

Mika grabbed her arm, pulling her into their group as they walked toward the classroom. Aya glanced back at Ryu, now far ahead, and sighed in defeat.

Interrupted Plans: A Day of Frustration

The pattern repeated itself throughout the day.

During lunch, Aya spotted Ryu once again, this time seated at the far end of the courtyard, enjoying his meal under the shade of a tree. She hurriedly packed up her bento box and was about to head over to him when Haru and Jun plopped down beside her.

Haru: “Aya! You’re not escaping lunch with us today!”

Jun: “Yeah, and don’t think we didn’t notice how distracted you were yesterday. Spill it!”

Aya flushed, stammering out an excuse, but her friends’ teasing laughter drowned her protests. She reluctantly stayed with them, all the while sneaking glances at Ryu, who seemed completely oblivious to her plight.

The rest of the school day followed the same frustrating pattern. Every time Aya tried to approach Ryu, someone or something interrupted her—classmates asking for notes, teachers assigning tasks, and her friends pulling her into conversations.

By the time the final bell rang, Aya was at her wit’s end.

A Disappointing End to the Day

Determined not to let the day go to waste, Aya bolted out of the classroom as soon as school ended, hoping to catch Ryu before he left. She hurried toward the school gates, scanning the crowd of students for his familiar figure.

But to her dismay, she overheard a classmate mention that Ryu had already left early for some important errand. Aya stopped in her tracks, her shoulders slumping in defeat.

Aya’s Thoughts: “Not again… How does this keep happening?!”

Her frustration boiled over as she walked home. By the time she reached her house, her emotions were written all over her face, and her family quickly noticed.

At Home: A Burst of Frustration

At the dinner table, Aya’s mood was sour. Her parents exchanged worried glances as she picked at her food in silence.

Father: “Aya, are you feeling alright? You seem upset.”

Aya (snapping): “I’m fine, Dad. Just tired.”

Ren, her younger sister, grinned mischievously.

Ren: “Tired? Or are you thinking about someone special?”

Aya’s head shot up, her cheeks reddening.

Aya: “What are you even talking about, Ren? Stop being ridiculous.”

Ren (giggling): “Oh, come on, Sis. You’ve been acting so weird lately. Blushing, spacing out… it’s obvious!”

Aya glared at her sister, the teasing pushing her over the edge. Without another word, she stood up abruptly.

Aya: “I’m not hungry.”

She stormed upstairs, leaving her family behind. Her mother sighed, worry etched on her face.

In Her Room: A Moment of Sadness

Aya collapsed onto her bed, burying her face in her pillow. Her chest felt heavy, her thoughts a jumbled mess of frustration and disappointment.

Aya’s Thoughts: “Why am I so bad at this? All I wanted was to talk to him, and I couldn’t even do that…”

A few tears escaped her eyes as she lay there, feeling overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next.

Suddenly, there was a soft knock on her door.

Mother: “Aya? Can I come in?”

Aya hesitated before mumbling, “Yeah.” Her mother entered, her gentle smile immediately soothing Aya’s frayed nerves.

Mother’s Wisdom: A Heartfelt Conversation

Aya’s mother sat beside her on the bed, brushing a strand of hair from her daughter’s face.

Mother: “You’ve been quiet since you got home. Is something bothering you?”

Aya hesitated, unsure of how much to reveal.

Aya: “It’s nothing, really. I just… had a bad day.”

Her mother studied her carefully, her tone soft and understanding.

Mother: “Sometimes, when we care about something—or someone—it can feel overwhelming. But running away from those feelings won’t help, Aya.”

Aya’s eyes widened slightly.

Aya: “I-I’m not running away! I just… don’t know what to do. Every time I try, something goes wrong.”

Her mother smiled knowingly.

Mother: “Have you tried being patient? Sometimes, the best way to understand someone is to give them space and let things unfold naturally. Rushing can make things harder.”

Aya frowned, mulling over her mother’s words.

Aya: “But what if they never open up? What if I never get the chance?”

Mother: “You will. If your intentions are genuine, they’ll feel it. Just be there for them, Aya. That’s the most important thing.”

Her mother’s words felt like a balm to Aya’s restless heart. She nodded slowly, a small smile forming on her lips.

Aya: “Thanks, Mom. I think… I know what to do now.”

Her mother leaned down, kissing her forehead.

Mother: “Good. Now, get some rest. You’ll feel better in the morning.”

As her mother left the room, Aya felt a sense of calm wash over her. She lay back down, her mind clearer than before.

Aya’s Thoughts: “Tomorrow, I’ll try again. One step at a time.”

She drifted off to sleep, a newfound determination settling in her heart.

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