Yuki No Furu Machi (The City Where Snow Falls)

Upon returning home, Naomi enjoyed a relaxing bath, but she couldn't get the moments she had shared with Kotaro out of her mind. Sakura's words, calling her "Kotaro's girlfriend," brought a slight blush and an involuntary smile to her face as she found herself undressed in her room. Gently, she ran her hand over her chest, remembering the scar on Kotaro's torso that she had seen the previous evening. Questions soon arose, "What would have happened to him to bear so many marks?" His arms were also marked, with scars and burns that aroused in Naomi a mixture of curiosity and concern. "Could it be true what they say at school, had he really been in fights and gangs?"

Lost in thought, Naomi walked over to her full-length mirror, observing her reflection. Her eyes roamed over each mark her skin held, recalling moments from her childhood: a scar on her thigh from a fall while playing in the park, a burn on her left forearm from when she was a child. "Every scar tells a story," she thought, her fingers stroking the marks gently. Thinking of Kotaro's, she felt an unexpected, deep connection, as if they both bore the trials of difficult chapters they shared in silence.

The next day, after a restless night, Naomi decided to focus on her studies. As she was eating breakfast, the doorbell startled her. She got up to open it and, to her surprise, found Kotaro standing in front of her.

-Good morning, sorry for coming unannounced," said Kotaro, with his characteristic serene tone.

-Kotaro, good morning," Naomi replied, still processing the surprise. Although she hadn't expected to see him so early, she gave him a smile.

-I thought you might want to continue studying," commented Kotaro, somewhat uncomfortably. I hope you don't mind.

-Study? Yes, I do," Naomi replied, though her words came out with a slight hesitation.

-May I come in? -he asked quietly.

-Hey, yeah, sure, just a minute... wait here for a moment.

Naomi quickly closed the door and ran into the study, noticing the mess she had left behind. But in her haste, she slammed the door in Kotaro's face, only to realize her mistake an instant later. Oh no, I slammed the door in Kotaro's face again!

She opened the door again and apologized, embarrassed. Kotaro accepted her apology with a quiet smile, waiting in the doorway as he listened to the noise Naomi generated as she tried to tidy up the space. Finally, exhausted, but with the studio presentable enough, she appeared in front of Kotaro again, inviting him in.

Naomi's study was a cozy little nook, bathed in the soft light filtering through the curtains and with a lovely view out into the garden. A desk was strategically placed in front of the window, where an open laptop was surrounded by colorful notes and pens. On a nearby shelf, her collection of anime movies, doramas and light novels was displayed, while small plants adorned the windows and a meticulously tended bonsai occupied one corner.

-I love plants, that's why I have so many here," Naomi commented with a slight smile, noticing Kotaro's interest. My aunt always jokes that I have a garden inside, but I can't resist having a bit of nature nearby.

-It's nice to know that detail about you," said Kotaro, appreciating the serene atmosphere surrounding the space.

They settled at a small table, facing each other, while Kotaro watched her with a calm expression.

-Sorry for arriving like this," he said, with a sincere tone. I thought you could concentrate better here. At my house there were too many interruptions, especially with Sakura. I hope it will be quieter here.

-You don't have to apologize," Naomi replied, smiling. In fact, I had a good time, but thanks for coming.

-So, let's start with math. I think you have some doubts with the last topic.

-Sorry... I'm not that good at it.

-Don't worry, that's what we're here for.

So, they began to study. As time passed, they both immersed themselves in their notes, silence filling the air and allowing them to concentrate. The only sound was the soft brushing of pencils on paper and the occasional sighs of concentration from Naomi, who noticed how Kotaro seemed to master the material with ease. As they progressed, the initial tension disappeared, replaced by a shared calm.

The silence began to become heavy for Naomi, who watched Kotaro absorbed in his notes. She wondered if it would be inappropriate to interrupt him or if he simply lacked her same ability to concentrate. Finally, she plucked up the courage to give voice to her discomfort.

-Ko... Kotaro, could we take a break? -he asked, with a tremor in his voice.

-A break? Sure, sorry. I was so focused that I didn't even notice the time.

Naomi got up and went out for a few moments. When she returned, she brought a tray with cups of steaming tea and freshly baked muffins, whose aroma filled the studio, creating a warm atmosphere. Kotaro, surprised, gave her a smile as he took one of the muffins.

-Thank you. By the way, I haven't seen your aunt, isn't she at home? -asked Kotaro, intrigued.

-Oh, no. She went out early to deliver some desserts she was ordered. In fact, these muffins are the ones she made this morning.

-So you were alone.

-Yes, but now... it's just you and me. -Realizing how she sounded, her face reddened and she tried to clear it up. I mean, there's no one else here!

Kotaro looked at her with a calm smile, and Naomi decided to take advantage of the moment to get to know him better.

-Now that I think about it, we don't know that much about each other, although we've been talking more lately. Actually, I don't know much about you.

-What would you like to know? -Kotaro asked, looking at her curiously.

Naomi felt many questions piling up in her mind, but she couldn't make up her mind. Finally, she plucked up her courage.

-Is it true what they say at school... about you? -she asked, almost whispering. They say you belong to a gang.

Kotaro paused. His eyes reflected a mixture of surprise and slight discomfort, and Naomi immediately felt that she had messed up.

-Sorry! You don't have to answer. It's probably just rumors... Besides, looking at you now, I see that you are a very dedicated person and a great support for your family... and for me too," she admitted, feeling her face redden even more.

Kotaro looked at her with a small smile.

-Thank you for your words," he said, sincerely. His smile made Naomi stand mesmerized for a moment, before he continued. By the way, you said you knew I played the piano. How did you know?

-Ah! Well, it was a coincidence..." Naomi looked down, a little embarrassed. Once, late at school, I heard the sound of the piano in the music room and I went over to see. I saw you playing, but it was only for a few seconds, I wasn't spying on you! I'm sorry I didn't say anything to you before.

Kotaro let out a light laugh.

-Don't worry about it. You don't always need to apologize. I'm glad you listened.

-Thank you... and yes, I also really liked the tune you played the other time," Naomi replied, remembering the moment in the classroom.

- And did you like the last tune I played?

-Did you know you were there? -asked Naomi, astonished.

-Yes. Actually, I was playing it for you to hear. I saw you were worried about something and I thought I'd help you, like my mother did for me. Her music always calmed me down.

Naomi, moved, felt her eyes water.

-I didn't know you had done that for me. Thank you... I've never had anyone do anything like that for me before.

Kotaro looked away, uncomfortable with the thanks, and nodded.

-Besides, I needed to review for the exams," he said, playing it down, while Naomi smiled gratefully.

Taking advantage of the conversation, Naomi told him about her friend Saori.

-Sometimes I study with Saori, but she gets distracted easily. Although I find it amazing that she does well without studying much. She has a good GPA, although she's more interested in sports.

-I see that they are very fond of each other and support each other," commented Kotaro, with interest.

-Yes, after my parents died, Saori has been like a sister to me. I will always be grateful to her.

Kotaro was silent for a moment and then asked, gently:

-Can I know what happened to your parents?

-It was a car accident... during the winter," Naomi said softly, looking into her teacup.

Kotaro looked down, and Naomi sensed a sadness in his eyes. To lighten the mood, she decided to change the subject with a smile.

-But tell me, besides the piano, what other things do you like?

Kotaro seemed grateful for the change of subject.

-Mostly reading. -And you?

-Baking! -Naomi replied, cheerfully. My aunt taught me. But I'm terrible in the kitchen...I always burn everything. That's why I try to concentrate by practicing meditation. I love nature and plants. Also, anime... especially romance stories," Naomi blushed as she realized how much she had talked. I'm sorry, I think I talked too much.

Kotaro smiled.

-You don't have to apologize. It's nice to hear you talk like that. What's your favorite anime?

-If I had to choose, I'd say Hauru no Ugoku Shiro. I love its music, especially the song "Merry Go Round of Life"," he said, humming the melody softly.

-Yes, I know it. I've seen it with Sakura, even if she doesn't understand much, she likes it.

-Do you have a favorite movie? -Naomi asked, intrigued.

-I think The Pianist," answered Kotaro.

-I haven't seen it! I'd love to. -They both continued to talk about movies, series and music, feeling the connection between them growing stronger and enjoying discovering each other's interests.

Seeing Kotaro answering her questions, Naomi wanted to know more.

-Kotaro... do you only live with your mom?

Her countenance changed slightly, and Kotaro paused before answering.

-My father is no longer with us.

Noticing his discomfort, Naomi decided not to insist and quickly diverted the topic to something lighter. After a moment of silence, they agreed that they should get back to studying, but the connection they had built made the atmosphere feel much lighter. Kotaro patiently explained various topics to her, and Naomi never ceased to be amazed by his skill.

Hours later, Naomi, satisfied with what she had learned, walked Kotaro to the door to see him off, feeling grateful for the time they shared and all she had discovered about him.

It was evening and, exhausted after a long day of study, Naomi headed to her room to rest. Once in her pajamas and under the covers, she pulled out her cell phone and, not quite knowing what to say, texted her friend Saori: "I studied with Kotaro at my house all day. He is a great person and very smart." It wasn't even a minute before she received a reply: a sticker of surprise that made her smile.

-What? Oh my God, you had your prince in your house? Tell me, tell me, tell me how it went!

-Tomorrow at school I'll tell you. I can only tell you that he's really not the person many people think he is. I'm going to sleep now. Good night.

-All right! I'll see you tomorrow. Bye, bye. And don't forget, it's your prince! -Saori replied, accompanying the message with a cheeky face sticker.

Naomi left her cell phone on the bedside table and settled into bed, eager to sleep. However, a nagging thought broke into her peace of mind, "Exams start tomorrow." Anxiety began to take hold, and despite her efforts to calm herself, she tossed and turned in bed for much of the night.

The next day, Naomi arrived at school with a pounding heart, still nervous. As soon as she had a chance, she met with Saori to tell her what had happened during her study session with Kotaro. However, her shyness played a trick on her; seeing Saori's attentive gaze, she only managed to stammer and blush, eliciting an amused laugh from her friend.

-Naomi, you're so red you look like a tomato! -Saori said, laughing, "Don't worry, I'm sure Kotaro must be nervous too. It's nice to see that you're gaining confidence with him.

Between exams and long hours of studying, the week went by like a whirlwind. Naomi counted down the days, wishing the tests were over, but at the same time she felt a little calmer remembering Kotaro's help. A part of her was beginning to believe that maybe she would achieve good results.

The following week, the test results were posted, and the students' scores and positions appeared on the large board in the center of the school. Naomi, her heart pounding, walked over next to Saori to check her position. Nervously, she scanned the middle rows, hoping to see her name. Not finding it, however, she looked down to the lower positions, feeling her anxiety rise.

To his surprise, he did not find his name there either. A feeling of disappointment began to wash over her until she heard Saori's excited shout.

-Naomi, you made it! Look at your position! -Saori exclaimed, pointing to a number on the board.

Naomi looked to where her friend was pointing, her eyes widening as she saw the number 15 next to her name, out of 120 students. Excitement swept through her, but her shyness led her to contain her joy and lower her gaze, as a few students murmured around her.

The comic moment came when Saori checked her own position on the board and began to laugh.

-Naomi, this is amazing! We're so close to each other that it even looks like we planned it. I'm number 12! We have to celebrate this achievement! -She exclaimed with laughter, not caring about the stares of the others.

Suddenly, murmurs and glances were directed towards the first place of the board, where several girls were beginning to congratulate Akane for having obtained the first place. The students' astonishment was not only due to her, but to the fifth place position: Kotaro. Naomi, who was watching Akane receiving congratulations out of the corner of her eye, noticed the uncomfortable atmosphere around her seeing Kotaro's name so high in the ranking.

Derogatory comments filled the air:

-How could he possibly be in fifth place? He must have cheated.

-Sure, or maybe he threatened a teacher.

Naomi's mood darkened, and she decided to walk away to hear no more. As she turned around, she noticed Kotaro standing behind the crowd, listening with a serious expression and clenched fists, showing his frustration. Before he could think about it, Naomi decided to walk over and try to talk to him.

-Kotaro... congratulations. I also achieved a good position thanks to your help -she said, with a shy but sincere tone-. Fifth place is really impressive. I knew you would get it.

-You don't need to thank me. It's to your credit," Kotaro replied in a serious tone, averting his gaze. Besides, I'm not interested in that position. I'm sorry, I don't want to talk right now.

With these words, Kotaro turned and walked away, leaving Naomi with a mixture of confusion and concern. She watched him silently, wondering what it was that was tormenting him so much and wishing she could do something to help him.