Tokonosu City, Fujimi Academy
Spring arrived once again, carrying with it the warmth of the sun and the fragrance of blooming flowers that spread across the school grounds and its small gardens. Sunlight gently filtered through the branches of the cherry blossom trees, casting golden patches upon the ground still damp with the morning mist, while the leaves swayed to the rhythm of a calm breeze, as if dancing lightly with the air. The sky was perfectly clear—pure, cloudless blue—like a carefully painted masterpiece by a Japanese artist, reflecting a sense of tranquility, renewal, and peace.
Along the walkways, drops of dew sparkled on the grass and flowers, as though the earth itself were celebrating the beginning of a new day. The chirping of birds echoed here and there, announcing the birth of a fresh morning filled with life and energy. Students, dressed in their school uniforms, exchanged greetings and laughter; some hurried toward old friends with joyful smiles, while others felt a hint of nervousness upon meeting new classmates. Every smile, every whisper, added vitality to the place, making the school seem as though it were pulsing with their youth and curiosity.
The passing breeze carried with it the scent of cherry blossoms and jasmine, brushing against the students' faces and making them feel that this day was not merely the start of a new school term, but a fresh opportunity—to move forward, to learn, and to create memories that would remain etched in each of their hearts. Even the old school buildings appeared less stern, welcoming both young and old with renewed spirit, as if sharing in the sense of rebirth that filled the air.
In this atmosphere brimming with life, everything felt natural and familiar, yet at the same time special. Every new term carried with it a faint sense of excitement and tension—an opportunity for new encounters and moments that would linger in memory. A new school day had begun, and with it, a new page in every student's life, filled with hope, joy, and perhaps the surprises waiting for them in the corners and corridors of the school.
"The opening speech is boring and ridiculously long…" muttered a silver-haired, ash-eyed teenager as he yawned indifferently while wandering through the school hallways. "I don't feel like attending classes… maybe I'll go to Shizuka-chan and slack off for a bit."
He was of average height, around 170 centimeters, with a slender build that made him look delicate within the loose school uniform. His skin was slightly pale, a sign that he wasn't the type to spend much time in the sun or exercise regularly.
Kasugano Haruka.
That was his name. He was well-known throughout the school, not only for his striking good looks—which made many girls dream of dating him—but also because his younger sister was exceptionally beautiful, prompting many boys to try to get close to him just to see her or attempt to catch her attention. He wasn't just an ordinary student; he was a central figure in the school's daily life, and even his mere appearance in the hallway naturally drew eyes toward him.
It was time for the break, bringing with it that temporary calm that settled over the corridors after the rush of the first classes. Haru walked with slow steps and an indifferent expression, heading toward his younger sister's classroom as he did almost every day. This wasn't just a routine; it was a long-standing ritual between them, something that belonged to the two of them alone—having lunch together in the secluded corner of the school rooftop, far from everyone's eyes and noise.
When he reached the classroom door, he saw his sister, Sora, stepping out quietly, holding a small bento box with both hands as if protecting a precious treasure.
With her serene beauty, Sora looked as though she had stepped out of a painting: porcelain-pale skin, ash-gray eyes shimmering behind strands of her long silver hair, and a slender body that suggested fragility and delicacy. Others had always regarded her as a sensitive girl with frail health, but to Haru… she was something entirely different.
"Sora!"
Haru waved to her with a light smile. She immediately lifted her head toward him, a small yet sincere smile forming on her face, as though his presence alone was enough to make her day better.
"Haru!"
She called out to him warmly, then hurried over without hesitation, gently taking his hand and pulling him along toward the rooftop.
"Come on… hurry. I'm really hungry."
Haru chuckled softly as he let her lead him, then glanced at her with his familiar teasing look.
"Are you really hungry… or are you more excited about the cuddling session after lunch?"
Sora's face flushed slightly, but the hand holding his didn't loosen. Instead, she squeezed it gently, as if admitting everything without words.
Because in truth… there was another ritual that bound them together, one known only to the two of them. The real reason they stayed away from the students' eyes and chose that secluded corner on the rooftop… was their overwhelming need to relax close to each other. Quiet moments where they leaned against one another, sharing warmth and comfort, stroking each other's hair or resting one's head on the other's shoulder.
Their relationship was not that of ordinary siblings.
It was deeper… more closely bound… and far more intimate than others could ever understand.
And yet, to both of them… it felt completely natural, as if they had been created to remain close to each other in this way—without distance, without barriers, and without the need for explanations neither of them wished to give.
Soon, the two reached the school rooftop, climbing the narrow stairs leading to the small observatory before the rest of the students began to flood the area. At this time of day, the rooftop was nearly empty, and the spring breeze passed lightly over the arranged wooden panels, granting the place a soothing calm—like the beautiful isolation they had grown accustomed to.
Haru and Sora sat side by side in their usual corner and carefully took out their bento boxes. This ritual between them was constant; simply sitting close to each other brought a sense of peace, as though the entire world became quieter and gentler.
Sora opened her small lunch box, her ash-gray eyes wandering with faint admiration over the neatly arranged food inside.
The bento—as always—had been made by Haru, since Sora was not skilled at household chores at all. She preferred ready-made snacks or spending hours in front of her computer, browsing the internet and playing games.
Ever since their father's passing, Haru had taken responsibility for everything related to their lives, especially since their mother was always busy managing the café—meals, cleaning, appointments, even organizing their daily schedules.
Despite that, they never had to worry about money. Their father—who had been a doctor—left behind a vast fortune and savings sufficient to support them for many years without the need to work. His private clinic, bank accounts, and insurance policies all formed a comfortable barrier, preventing any fear of the future.
Even with a bit of extravagance, that money could not be easily depleted.
And so, Haru was able to devote all his time to caring for his sister—without pressure, without complaint, and without feeling as though he was sacrificing anything.
To him, it was simply natural.
And Sora… relied on him completely, finding in his presence a sense of reassurance that made the world seem far less harsh.
In that quiet moment, as they sat together on the peaceful rooftop, it felt as though everything they had lost… and everything they still had… was concentrated within these simple moments they shared.
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