Chapter 1
Prologue
Haruka and Makoto were the only ones left inside the classroom 2-5.
It was time for the summer sunset streaking in from the horizon, and the colors dyed the room into vermilion.
Twenty-three desks and chairs were arranged meticulously, as always. The name of the most recent student on duty, Kitajima, was scrawled messily on the blackboard at the front of the class. A cool breeze flowed through the open windows, intertwining with the lingering summer heat.
As summer drew to a close, the evening cicadas sang their final harmonies.
Haruka sat at her desk in the back by the window, and Makoto sat at his to her right.
Bathed in the light of the setting sun, Haruka's long black hair glowed red.
The nape of her pale neck was radiant in the evening light.
The red scarf of her summer uniform trembled in the breeze.
Her eyes narrowed as her gaze swept over the classroom.
A slipper hung from her slender toes, tottering back and forth.
Without a word, Makoto watched her. Even seated, Haruka's perfect proportions were transparent. His eyes were imprisoned by the shape of her face. She was on a different level to Makoto, with his average build and plain face.
The two of them had come to the classroom that day because that was what she had wanted.
Summer break was nearing its end.
Makoto struggled to envision what the second term might bring.
Haruka turned to look at him.
Hey, what do you think of me?
What do you mean?
Just that, what do you think of me?
Haruka's eyes held a seriousness. Her typically clear gaze was filled with an expression he had never seen before.