Yuki No Furu Machi (The City Where Snow Falls)

"Who is he...?" she thought as the clock in the tower ticked off the seconds, prolonging her confusion.

Just as she was beginning to fall into her deepest thoughts, a familiar voice suddenly called out to her, approaching quickly among the cherry blossoms.

-Naomi! Naomi, I'm so sorry! I overslept, did I keep you waiting too long? - asked a brown-haired girl reaching over her shoulders, her tone full of apologies.

Saori, you're finally here! - Naomi said, between tears and nervous laughter, hugging her friend as if an eternity had passed since the last time she saw her. - I'm sorry, I'm sorry, don't hate me, please - replied Saori, between giggles and pouts, but still stroking her head as if she was trying to comfort a little girl who had lost her favorite toy. Naomi, calmer after the hug, picked up her backpack and, as they walked towards the school, told Saori everything that had happened. Every word she spoke reflected the fear and insecurity that had overcome her during those anxious moments.

-I'm so sorry, Naomi, I shouldn't have kept you waiting alone. I'm so glad nothing happened to you," Saori said, sincere and somewhat embarrassed. She felt guilty about what had happened.

As they reached the school gates, both girls hurried their pace so as not to be late. After a few minutes in the auditorium, where the teachers were welcoming the new school year, Naomi and Saori went to the hallways to see which class they were in. They approached the board with the lists of students assigned to each classroom.

-Naomi: "Naomi, which class did you get? -Saori asked, approaching Naomi expectantly.

-I'm in the second group," replied Naomi, checking the list.

-What?! It's not fair! I'm in the third group," said Saori, pouting as she waved her arms in protest.

-Hey, really? -Naomi exclaimed, quickly looking up her friend's name to check.

-Nao! Nao, I wanted to be in the same class as you. And I came to this school to be together! -Saori complained, hugging Naomi from behind, throwing a small tantrum that drew the attention of the other students passing by.

Naomi, feeling somewhat uncomfortable about the scene her friend was making, tried to let go without drawing more attention to herself. But as she did so, her eyes met those of the boy who had saved her that morning. He stood there near the board, silent and somber, watching the list with disinterest. He seemed completely oblivious to the scene Saori was playing out.

-I didn't want us to be separated either, Saori," said Naomi, trying to comfort her friend with a fleeting smile.

-No! It's not fair! -Saori repeated, clinging tighter to Naomi.

-But we can still see each other every day, come to school together and have lunch," Naomi suggested, trying to calm her down.

-Okay," Saori replied, finally calming down, "I promise I won't be late again.

With Saori finally calm, both girls headed to their respective classes. Naomi walked slowly through the halls, nervously, looking for the classroom that was right for her. Arriving in front of the door, she took a breath and peeked out to observe the atmosphere. There were many students inside, all chatting animatedly among themselves, making jokes and sharing their winter break experiences. It seemed like they already knew each other.

But then, her gaze stopped on a familiar figure, sitting in the last seat near the window. It was the boy who had saved her that morning. He was alone, looking through the glass, with a distant expression, as if nothing that was happening around him interested him.

"Hey, he's here too..." thought Naomi as she watched him carefully. "Will he also be new to the school...?".

Trying not to draw attention to herself, Naomi entered the classroom and quickly took a seat. But before she could settle in, she heard a mocking voice echo throughout the room. -Well, well, look who's here! Did you come for me? Or did you come for my kisses? -shouted Makoto, who was sitting on the other side of the classroom, accompanied by his two friends.

The comment was followed by laughter, and Naomi felt all eyes turned to her.

"Why me?" she thought, wishing she could disappear right then and there.

Embarrassed, she hurried to her seat, which was right next to the mystery boy. She placed her briefcase on the desk, took a deep breath and nervously tried to greet him.

-Ho... hello, good morning," said Naomi, in a shaky voice.

The boy, without turning to her, remained motionless, as if he had not heard her. Naomi felt a twinge of discomfort, but just as she was about to look away, he slowly turned his face towards her, looking at her for a brief moment. Naomi nervously averted her eyes immediately, unable to hold his gaze.

Minutes passed, and class began. The teacher greeted the students enthusiastically, talking about the expectations and new challenges that awaited them in the new school year. Meanwhile, Naomi was barely paying attention. Her gaze drifted to the boy by the window. He remained motionless, his eyes fixed on the teacher, but Naomi felt the tension in the air, as if an invisible barrier was keeping him apart from the rest.

Suddenly, Naomi felt a twinge on the back of her neck, as if someone was watching her. She slyly turned her head and met Makoto's unmistakable wink. Her stomach immediately churned, and the nervousness that was already invading her was amplified. She bit her lip, trying to avoid any eye contact.

-"Well, young people, I know many of you already know each other, but I see new faces. So it's only fitting that you each introduce yourselves and share your goals for this year," said the professor with a smile.

"Introduction...no way!" -thought Naomi, feeling the blood rush down to her feet. A shiver ran through her body at the thought of having to speak in front of everyone.

The introductions began in line order. Some students looked bored, others excited, while Naomi, her heart pounding, tried to calm herself. Her hands were shaking slightly as she listened to her classmates' introductions, though she barely managed to pay attention. And then it was Makoto's turn.

-What a nuisance to do this," Makoto began, with a mocking grimace on his face. You already know my name, even the girl with the glasses has already had the pleasure of being in my arms this morning.

Eyes immediately turned to Naomi. A murmur of confusion and curiosity went through the room, while she could only look away and concentrate on the marks on her desk. Her face burned with embarrassment. She just wanted to disappear.

-Stop fooling around and make quick work of the presentation, or do you want me to throw this at you! -scolded the professor, visibly irritated as he raised his eraser threateningly.

-Okay, old man, take it easy!

-What did you say? -The professor, furious, squeezed the marker hard, while some students laughed nervously at the insolent comment.

Before the professor could lash out at him, Makoto decided to continue with his introduction.

-My name is Makoto Hashimoto, I'm 16 years old, and my goal for this year... is for the girl with the glasses to have her first kiss, and maybe something more," said Makoto, shooting a mischievous look at Naomi while winking at her.

Naomi, unable to face the laughter and stares that now surrounded her, lowered her head even further. The weight of humiliation made her want to sink into her seat. She felt that all eyes were on her, and her only response was to remain silent, struggling to control the tears.

The mystery boy, however, showed no reaction. He rested his face on his hands, as if Makoto's comment and the tension in the classroom did not exist. The girl next to Naomi was still concentrating on her book, completely oblivious to what was going on around her. The teacher, visibly angry, ordered Makoto to leave the classroom and wait for him in the teacher's lounge.

-Let's see if you can think of something more appropriate while we wait for you," said the professor, in a curt tone.

Makoto, with a nonchalant gesture, grabbed his backpack and left the classroom. Gradually, the introductions continued, but the air was still thick with tension. Naomi could hardly relax.

When it was the turn of the girl to her right, the atmosphere changed completely. She carefully put away the book she had been reading, and, with a natural elegance, stood up. The light streaming in through the window bathed her figure, highlighting her long red hair and bright red eyes. Admiring glances from both boys and girls soon followed.

-Good morning. My name is Akane Miyazawa, I am 16 years old, and my goal for this year is to improve my results and move towards my goal, which is to enter university. I hope to share unforgettable moments with everyone and grow together as a group. Thank you," said Akane, her voice soft but firm. Her tone radiated confidence, and her beauty and simplicity caused a momentary silence in the room.

Naomi watched Akane in awe. The clarity and assurance in her presentation made her feel even more insecure. Her own presentation was approaching, and Akane's words only added to her nerves.

-Please, next to present," said the professor, encouraging her to stand up.

Naomi broke out in a cold sweat. Her lips were trembling, and her hands were stiff as she stood up awkwardly.

-I... boo... bu... My name is Naomi Hanazawa," she stammered, and the laughter of some of her classmates was not long in coming. I'm 15 years old, and my goal is... to have a good school year. Thank you," she said hurriedly, wishing with all her might that she could sit down again and disappear.

The teacher, trying to smooth things over, responded kindly:

-Thank you, Hanazawa.

The murmurs among her classmates intensified:

"Another nerd!". "We'll have two nerdy girls in the class." "I think they'll compete for first place." "But Akane is more attractive."

Naomi lowered her head, trying not to listen to the comments, but her thoughts kept tormenting her. "No way, why do they think I'm as smart as her, my intellect is normal!" she silently complained.

Finally, the introductions continued, until it was the turn of the last student in line: the mystery boy. The tension in the atmosphere grew immediately, and the classroom was filled with an awkward silence. Naomi held her breath, anxious to hear his introduction.

-My name is Kotaro Himura, I'm 16 years old. Here since the first year. My goals... are irrelevant," he said, with a coldness that left everyone motionless.

He sat back down without another word, and the teacher, clearly uncomfortable, mumbled a thank you:

-Thank you... thank you for your introduction, Himura.

The murmurs began again:

"What's wrong with this kid?". "He's still weird, just like last year." "Why didn't he change schools?".

But Naomi didn't join in the voices. Instead, her eyes focused on Kotaro, trying to read what was hidden in his vacant, distant gaze. There was something about him that she couldn't quite grasp, but it piqued her curiosity.

"Those eyes... their gaze reminds me so much of him," she thought, unable to take her eyes off Kotaro.

After the introductions were over, the class continued in a calmer manner. Naomi tried to concentrate, but her mind kept wandering through the morning's events. She just wished lunchtime would come quickly, to get rid of the stress that was consuming her. Finally, the bell rang and everyone rose from their seats.

Naomi, unsure, wanted to approach Kotaro to thank him for what happened at the school entrance, but before taking the first step, a familiar voice called out to her from the classroom door.

-Naomi! Let's have lunch together! -Saori shouted, with her characteristic enthusiasm.

Without much thought, Naomi accepted her friend's invitation and they both headed for the courtyard. The fresh air and green grass helped Naomi relax a little, although she was still lost in thought. As Saori talked animatedly, Naomi only nodded from time to time.

-How was it with your classmates? How did it go? -asked Saori, with a smile.

-...

-Earth calling Naomi! -said Saori, while waving her hands in front of her friend.

-Hey! I'm sorry! -What were you saying?

-I was asking how it went with your classmates," repeated Saori, laughing.

-Ah, fine... although the boy who bothered me at the entrance is in my class. I have a feeling he's going to try to make my life miserable. He already made fun of me during the presentation," Naomi answered, lowering her eyes.

-What? Let's settle this right now. If he messes with you, he messes with me," said Saori, standing up and gathering her sleeves as if preparing to fight.

-No, that's not necessary. The teacher took him out of class," replied Naomi, trying to calm her friend.

-But let me know if he bothers you again.

-Okay, I will. I don't want this to get out of hand, though," said Naomi with a shy smile.

-Never mind, just let me know.

Naomi took a deep breath, relieved that the conversation was drifting into a lighter tone. But then Saori returned with her usual enthusiasm.

-Ah, yes! The boy who saved you this morning... is he in your class too?

-Yes... -Naomi answered, feeling a slight warmth in her cheeks.

-How exciting! Your prince is with you. How lucky! -exclaimed Saori, almost jumping with excitement.

Hey! No, he's not my prince..... -Naomi blushed even more.

-And why don't you thank him with one of your delicious desserts? -Saori suggested, tapping her on the shoulder.

-I don't know if he'd accept it.... -said Naomi, lowering her head, unsure.

-Hey, come to think of it, in my class I heard that there's someone dangerous in the school. They say that even the teachers are afraid of him. Have you met him yet? -Saori asked, lowering her voice as if telling a secret.

-Dangerous? Could it be Makoto? He's just looking for attention... although this morning he scared me a lot," admitted Naomi.

-No, it's not Makoto. The boy I'm talking about is called Kotaro," replied Saori, in a conspiratorial tone.

-Kotaro...? But he's the one who saved me from Makoto. Although... now that you mention it, everyone in class is afraid of him. He doesn't talk to anyone... -Naomi remembered Kotaro's cold and distant look during the class.

-What! Your prince is the dangerous boy in school? This is unbelievable! In my class everyone says that he belongs to a delinquent gang, and even that he was expelled from high school once. -Saori seemed excited by the revelation.

-But I don't think it's like that. There's something about him... something that doesn't seem to fit with those rumors," said Naomi, with a mixture of curiosity and confusion.

The conversation was interrupted by the bell announcing the end of lunch. They both got up and returned to their classrooms. Naomi couldn't stop thinking about Saori's words. The rumors about Kotaro and the coldness with which he had treated her had her uneasy.

The next day, Naomi decided to follow Saori's advice and brought a dessert as a token of appreciation for Kotaro. She arrived at school early, determined to approach him, but when she tried, Kotaro showed no reaction. He seemed to ignore her completely. Naomi, disappointed, put the dessert away without another word.

During lunch, Naomi tried again to talk to him, but Kotaro disappeared before she could approach him. Crossing paths with Saori, Saori couldn't help but notice the situation. -Hi, Naomi! Shall we have lunch together?

-Uh, yeah... wait for me for a second," Naomi replied, trying to hide the dessert.

-What's that?

-This? It's nothing, just a dessert.

-Is it for your prince? -asked Saori, with a mischievous smile.

-No, it's not for anyone," replied Naomi, blushing.

The frustration of not being able to deliver the dessert to Kotaro accompanied her all day. At the end of class, Naomi saw Kotaro get up from his seat and quickly leave the classroom. Just as she decided to follow him, a teacher called out to her.

-Excuse me, Hanazawa. Here is your essay from this morning. Please give this one to Himura, I think he's already left and I didn't get a chance to give it to him.

-To Kotaro...? -asked Naomi, surprised.

-Yes, please. Give it to him tomorrow. Although, if you could give it to him today, I'd really appreciate it. She needs to see the corrections for tomorrow's test.

Naomi felt this was her chance to finally talk to Kotaro and thank him. -Yes, I will.

On the way to Kotaro's house, Naomi kept questioning whether she was doing the right thing. With every step she took, the doubts multiplied. When she arrived, she saw that the house was small but cozy. She stood in front of the door for several seconds, her heart pounding and her hands trembling. Finally, he pressed the doorbell, holding the dessert in both hands.

"I'll just hand you the essay and leave. There's nothing to worry about.... it's just that," Naomi thought, trying to calm herself. Then, the door opened.

-Hello? -said a tender little voice. It was a little girl of about 5 years old, with a look that radiated sweetness.

"How cute!" -thought Naomi, with an automatic smile.

Hello, little girl. I'm Himura's classmate, I've come to bring you an assignment," replied Naomi, calmer when she saw the girl's tenderness.

-My little brother hasn't come home from school," replied the girl.

-Who is it, daughter? -An adult voice was heard from inside the house.

-It's a friend of my little brother's," said the girl, with a mischievous smile.

-Friend! Come in, come in," said the woman, opening the door wider to invite her in.

Naomi entered shyly, introducing herself formally. Kotaro's mother, a woman with shoulder-length black hair and a tired face, greeted her with a warm smile. The girl, who introduced herself as Sakura, radiated a cheerfulness that contrasted with Kotaro's personality.

-First time a classmate of Kotaro's has come home. What happiness," said the mother, "I always wondered if he had friends, but from the way he is, I think it's not difficult for him.

The mother's words left her somewhat puzzled. "Because of the way she is...?" thought Naomi, as she tried to process what the lady was saying. At that moment, she heard the door open.

-I'm home! -an animated voice was heard from the doorway.

-Little brother! -shouted Sakura, running towards the door.

-Hello, little doll," answered Kotaro, as he carried his sister in his arms and showered her with kisses.

-Welcome, son. How was your day? -asked his mother, as Kotaro advanced into the living room without noticing Naomi's presence.

Kotaro entered with a smile on his face, an expression Naomi had never seen before. The hardness in his gaze, which had always intimidated her, had vanished, replaced by a warmth that made him unrecognizable. As his little sister hugged him, Naomi couldn't help but think: Who is this boy really? What makes him such a different person when he's at home?

When he turned, he finally saw her. He was completely perplexed to find Naomi sitting in his living room. Naomi, for her part, said nothing, surprised by the very different image of Kotaro she had just witnessed.

That day, Kotaro had let his guard down, and it was then that the relationship between him and Naomi began to change. It was that instant that marked the beginning of a new story for both of them.