Yuki No Furu Machi (The City Where Snow Falls)

The next morning, after Naomi's visit to Kotaro's house, the day looked beautiful. The sun's rays were gently piercing the leaves, and the flowers were opening to the rhythm of a breeze that seemed to whisper peace. However, Naomi was oblivious to the beauty around her. 

Her mind was caught up in what happened at Kotaro's house, reliving over and over again the awkward moments that made her feel completely out of place. "What am I going to do now? I feel like I'm in trouble... I have a feeling this is not going to be a good day." she kept repeating to herself over and over again, as her heart pounded nervously. 

Naomi, lost in her worry, walked beside her friend Saori, who kept talking about everything and anything. But Naomi paid no attention to her. She was so absorbed in her thoughts that even the soft sounds of nature and Saori's warm presence seemed to fade away. 

What exactly happened after the encounter at Kotaro's house? The memory flooded Naomi's mind. When Kotaro noticed Naomi's presence in her house, they were both puzzled for a few seconds.

 - Is something wrong? - asked Kotaro's mother, breaking the silence. - No, nothing, mother. I didn't expect to find you here, Hanazawa. - Kotaro replied with his typical calmness. Naomi, uncomfortable, didn't know what to say. Words stuck in her throat. It was as if the air in the room became heavy. Finally, with a strained little smile, she forced herself to speak. - I'm sorry for coming all of a sudden.... I came to bring you the work you didn't get handed in at class and also.... I brought this dessert as a thank you for what you did for me. I was trying to keep my composure, but all I wanted at that moment was to run out of that house. 

- There was no need to bother you for that. - Kotaro replied, his face unperturbed. Kotaro's mother, curious about the conversation, asked what had happened. Naomi, feeling relieved that someone else was involved in the talk, briefly related what Kotaro had done for her. The mother, hearing the story, was filled with pride and walked over to Kotaro to hug him. 

- What a good boy you are, son! I'm so proud of you. - She hugged him so tightly that Kotaro couldn't help but show an embarrassed expression. - It was nothing, mother. - Kotaro returned the hug, but tried to hide his discomfort. - There are visitors, mother... 

- Oh, of course. I don't want to embarrass you in front of your classmate. I'll get us some drinks. Make yourself comfortable, Naomi. - The lady smiled and walked towards the kitchen, carrying little Sakura who was begging for attention as well. 

Silence invaded the room again when they were alone. For Naomi, those few seconds felt eternal. She looked around looking for a way out, any excuse to run away from the discomfort she felt.

 When her eyes finally met Kotaro's, a cold, menacing gaze settled on her. That simple eye contact made her heart beat faster. The urge to get up and run away overpowered her. 

- I-I'm sorry ma'am, I have to go. I didn't warn my aunt that I would be so long and she's going to worry..... - Naomi said hurriedly, trying to hide her discomfort. - Oh, what a shame. You're the first friend to visit us. I hope to see you again soon, Naomi. - replied Kotaro's mother with a warm smile from the kitchen. - I-it was a pleasure, ma'am. See you later. - Naomi could barely reply with a bow before she left the house as fast as she could, like a soul in the wind. 

Presently, Saori's voice was still ringing beside her, talking excitedly about the series she had watched the night before. Naomi was still deep in thought, oblivious to what her friend was saying. Saori, noticing that her friend was completely ignoring her, frowned and decided to apply her "method" to get attention. 

From one moment to the next, she gave her a little smack on the head. - Ouch, why are you hitting me? - Naomi complained, holding her hands to her head. - I thought you fell asleep while walking. I wanted to check. - Saori replied with a mischievous laugh, though a little worried. 

- What's the matter? You've been distracted the whole way. - Sorry, Saori... - Naomi muttered, lowering her head. Saori looked at her with curious eyes. Suddenly, her tone changed and, with a mischievous smile, she moved closer to Naomi.

 - Hmm, did something interesting happen yesterday? Did you deliver her dessert? Come on, don't lie to me. I know it was for him. 

- Huh? No, nothing important... We'd better hurry. We're going to be late if we're still here. - Naomi replied with obvious nervousness, picking up her pace. 

- If you say so... - Saori watched her out of the corner of her eye, knowing that Naomi was hiding something, but decided to let it go for the moment. 

Being at school, Naomi and Saori each headed to their classrooms, but unfortunately for Naomi, upon arriving, she found Kotaro at the entrance of the classroom. Clearly, something she did not want at that moment. - Well... good morning," Naomi greeted nervously. 

Kotaro, with a serious expression, firmly grabbed Naomi's arm before she could enter.

 - I need to talk to you. 

-It's okay, it can be at lunch time," Naomi replied shyly. 

- No, it has to be right now," said Kotaro, staring into her eyes, coldly. 

- But classes will start soon... - It won't be long," replied Kotaro, giving her no choice. 

Kotaro gently tugged her arm, leading her to the hallway near the stairs. Naomi, frightened, only prayed in her mind that the rumors about him were not true. 

However, with everything she has seen, she couldn't help but be confused about who Kotaro really is. It was as if there were two versions of him. 

After releasing her, before Kotaro could say anything, Naomi decided to step forward. - I'm... I'm sorry. I didn't mean to come to your house like that," Naomi says, her eyes lowered. Sorry, I just wanted to bring you the essay that the teacher sent and thank you for what you did for me.... 

- I told you not to thank me and to stay away from me," interrupted Kotaro, his tone cutting. - But... it's just that... - But nothing! -Kotaro shouted, hitting the wall with the palm of his hand, startling Naomi.

-. Stay out of my life. Naomi cringes at the violent reaction, her hands started to shake as he asks her: -You haven't told anyone about yesterday? 

- No.... I haven't and I won't," Naomi replied, her face crestfallen and her voice trembling. Kotaro, noticing the trembling in her hands, softened his expression, as if he regretted his reaction.

 - Sorry... It's okay," Kotaro murmurs, lowering his voice a little, "I just wanted to make sure of that. And one last thing... don't come near me. I don't want to hurt you. What you saw... it's between us, okay?

 - Yes... I'm sorry," Naomi said, barely audible, with a mixture of fear and confusion. Naomi, not wanting to prolong the conversation any further, quickly retreated, her head down and her heart pounding a mile a minute. Kotaro, for his part, remained silent, clenching his fist tightly, as if struggling internally. 

Back in the classroom, the atmosphere is tense, and although Naomi and Kotaro don't exchange glances or words, the silence between them says it all.

 Meanwhile, the teacher has an announcement for the class, something that will take Naomi by surprise. 

- Guys, as you know, it's important for the class to elect a representative, so I'd like to know if there are any volunteers. The classroom fell dead silent as the students exchanged glances, waiting for someone to volunteer. But, as expected, no one did. 

- As I imagined, in that case, I'll choose the representative myself," added the professor, raising an eyebrow. - Noooooo! -they all shouted in chorus. 

- Then we'll do it by vote, if there are no volunteers," suggested the professor with a smile. To everyone's surprise, a hand went up. - You! -exclaimed the teacher, surprised. All the students turned their attention to Makoto, who had her arm raised confidently. Murmurs filled the room, "He must be joking," "Does Makoto really want to be a representative?", "Will it be another one of his nonsense?". - Hashimoto, is he volunteering to represent the class? -asked the teacher, incredulously. - Me? No, not at all. I'm not interested in that nonsense," replied Makoto, shrugging his shoulders. 

- Then what's he raising his hand for? -asked the teacher, visibly annoyed. - Can't I? They always tell us to stretch in the morning? -Makoto replied, stretching his arms and letting out a mock groan. 

- Stop acting like a fool, Hashimoto! -shouted the teacher, clearly losing his patience. - Easy, old man... Actually, I raised my hand to make a suggestion," said Makoto, keeping his sarcastic tone. - Then speak up already and stop wasting time," said the professor, looking at Makoto with disdain. 

- Very well... fellow students, I think the most suitable person to represent us is our classmate Hanazawa," said Makoto, pointing at Naomi, who was distracted, deep in thought after her encounter with Kotaro. - Me?" stammered Naomi, surprised, not understanding why he had named her. 

- We don't know her very well, it's true. But this is a great opportunity for her to join the group. Besides, she has glasses, and you know? who with glasses isn't smart? -Makoto added, smiling as many in the class began to laugh. 

The gazes focused on Naomi, who, paralyzed by surprise, didn't know what to say. Some classmates murmured, dubious that Makoto was the one making the proposal, but others were beginning to look favorably on the idea, if it meant it wouldn't be their turn. Before they knew it, Makoto and her friends began to chant: - Hanazawa, Hanazawa, Hanazawa!.... Naomi, caught up in the pressure of the moment, looked around, more nervous than ever. Her day, which had already started badly, seemed to get worse.

 "It can't be... Why me, I always wanted to wear contact lenses!" -thought Naomi, as she felt the walls closing in on her. 

The chorus continued, getting louder and louder. Kotaro, meanwhile, was still looking out the window, seemingly ignoring all the commotion. 

- Student Hanazawa, do you agree with the proposal? -asked the teacher, trying to calm the commotion. But Naomi was not listening. She was caught up in her own thoughts. "What should I say, what should I do? Come on, Naomi, you have to refuse! But... I promised to change. I promised not to run away anymore..." her mind was a whirlwind of doubts and fears.

The room fell silent as everyone waited for her answer. - Hanazawa, do you agree to represent the class? -repeated the teacher. 

- Hey... Yes... I accept," answered Naomi, almost in a whisper, with her head down, feeling that there was no other choice.

 - Come forward, please," said the professor, with a faint smile. With the teacher's command, Naomi rose from her seat and, with trembling hands, walked to the front of the class. Each step felt endless to her, wishing it would all be over soon. 

"This isn't real...the last thing I wanted was to draw attention to myself, and now I'm the class representative. I just want to go home and not go out anymore..." thought Naomi, as she looked up and saw Makoto's smirk from her seat. 

- Gra... thank you for choosing me. I'll do my best to represent our class well," Naomi said quietly, feeling her words sounded empty. "What else do I say? I can't think of anything..." - Okay, Hanazawa. Thank you, but you won't do the job alone. You have the opportunity to choose a partner to help you with the tasks," the teacher added, looking at Naomi expectantly. Naomi, a little more upright, looked up and noticed that some of her classmates were avoiding eye contact. She didn't know anyone in particular, so she didn't know who to pick out. However, her eyes were fixed on only one person: Kotaro. Automatically, the gazes of all the other students also turned to him.

 - "Is she crazy?", "I don't think he'll accept..." -some murmurs could be heard in the class. Kotaro, for his part, remained indifferent. He seemed to be unaffected by the situation, nor by the stares that were now focused on him. As if Kotaro's words echoed in her mind, Naomi remembered what he had told her, "I don't want you to come near me.... I don't want to hurt you..." Discouraged, and with the pressure mounting, Naomi turned her gaze to the professor. 

- I'm sorry, Professor, but I don't know who to choose," she replied, with a mixture of nervousness and relief. 

-It's okay, I'll decide for you. Miyazawa, would you be willing to work together with Hanazawa? -asked the teacher. 

-Of course, Professor. I'd be delighted," Akane replied, rising calmly, projecting a confidence that contrasted with Naomi's insecurity. 

- Perfect. You two are in charge. I need you to meet with the other representatives to organize the sports festival that will take place in a few weeks. 

- Understood, teacher," they both replied in unison. As the school day progressed, Naomi couldn't help but cast furtive glances at Kotaro, who remained as distant and cold as ever.

 Her mind kept going over and over about what happened at his house, and about how he had acted that morning. "What's wrong with him, why is he so indifferent to me, why did he help me in the park if he treats me like this now? I feel like he hates me, but... I don't understand..." Naomi sighed internally, remembering someone from her past, as her thoughts continued to flit around without finding an answer. 

The day, for Naomi, had been long and tiring. When classes ended, she met Saori at the school entrance to return home together. As they walked through the park, Naomi remained silent, deep in thought. Saori, on the other hand, could not stand the prolonged silence, so, without warning, she hugged Naomi by the shoulders and shook her lightly. 

- Heh heh, what's wrong, friend! You're quieter than usual today, is something wrong? - asked Saori, worried, while hugging her. 

- Hey... No, nothing important... I just realized today that I haven't socialized with anyone in my class... and I was chosen as a representative," Naomi replied, lowering her eyes with an embarrassed expression. 

- What?! -exclaimed Saori, letting out a laugh that made Naomi cover her face with her hands, "I can't believe it! You, representative! Really? 

- Don't laugh at me..." muttered Naomi, embarrassed. - Sorry, sorry... it's just so funny," Saori kept laughing. I remember how you were hiding in high school so you wouldn't be elected representative. It's a plot, I know! 

-I know... I couldn't do anything today," she replied, still covering her face. 

- It was all a plot to trap you," Saori let out another laugh as Naomi blushed more. 

-I don't understand why they think that, just because I wear glasses, I can be good at this..." said Naomi, sighing. 

- Relax, Naomi. Maybe this will help you get to know your classmates better. Besides, you promised yourself you'd change, remember? Naomi sighed as they continued walking. 

- I don't know if I can do it... I don't know if I'll be able to socialize, or change the way I want to. My hands still shake when people look at me.... Saori stopped in her tracks and grabbed Naomi by the shoulders, looking her straight in the eyes with a serious but affectionate expression. 

-Nao, we promised each other that in this school we would leave all the bad things behind. We promised that we would change our lives. You promised that a new Naomi would be reborn! 

- I know, but... but sometimes I feel it's impossible for me..." she said, her voice trembling, trying to hold back tears. 

-It's hard, I know. But you are not alone, Naomi. I'm with you because you are my best friend, and I know you can do it. 

- Thank you, Saori..." replied Naomi, moved, while her friend encouraged her with her positive energy. They both continued their journey. 

- Hey, but there's a bright side to this," added Saori, trying to lift her spirits. Maybe you'll become popular, and get closer to your prince! Have you talked to him yet? 

-No... I haven't talked to him. He always avoids me... he seems to be the same with everyone at school. And I told you he's not my prince.... -Naomi answered, blushing even more. 

-So the dessert didn't work? If even with your delicious desserts you can't make it work, that boy must be really bitter. 

- I don't know... I didn't have the chance to give it to him like I wanted to. I just wanted to thank him, but... I think I'd better walk away," said Naomi, with a mixture of sadness and resignation. The two continued chatting all the way home, and, as usual, Saori dropped Naomi off in front of her house before leaving.

 In the quiet of the night, Naomi, in her pajamas and lying on her bed, stared at the ceiling, deep in thought. She couldn't get Kotaro's words out of her mind, "Stay away from me...I don't want to hurt you."

 "Why, why do I feel like everything is repeating itself all over again?" she thought, as she closed her eyes, trying to calm the emotions that were invading her. Questions invade her mind, pulling up memories Naomi had tried to keep buried. 

One face in particular appears: a boy of about 10 years old, with brown eyes and brown hair, smiling. That image transports her back to those times when they played and laughed together as children.

But the happy memories soon fade, and her mind takes her to a darker place. The same boy, now older, in high school. His gaze now was dull, lackluster, though when he smiled at her, it was with a sad, vacant expression, much like Kotaro's face. 

That boy's words echo in her mind: - "I'm fine, don't worry." - "Hello, Nao. You look pretty today." - "I'll always be with you." Those words, laden with a sadness hidden behind a forced smile, make Naomi feel a knot in her stomach.

Then, the image changes, becoming more somber. The boy's room appeared in her mind: a gloom that seemed to devour everything, and he, lying on the floor, face down, surrounded by a pool of blood flowing from his wrists. The flickering light illuminated the scene intermittently, and Naomi, in her memory, weeps in despair over the boy's suicide. Kotaro's words strike her again: - "Stay away from me." - "I don't want to hurt you." 

Suddenly, Naomi woke up. The memories had turned into a nightmare that left her despondent. She turned to her alarm clock, noticing that it was only five minutes before it would go off. With emotions still weighing on her, she rubbed her eyes, trying to clear her mind, and put on her glasses before deactivating the alarm without much encouragement. Now calmer, Naomi arrived at the school. 

The atmosphere seemed serene, but her tranquility was short-lived. As she entered the classroom and approached her seat, she noticed something strange on Kotaro's desk. He moved closer to get a good look at it: a message taped to the desk. 

Without thinking too much, she pulled a handkerchief from her bag and began to rub the surface, trying to erase the writing before Kotaro arrived. She was straining, but it was useless. - What are you doing to my desk? -she suddenly heard. 

Naomi, startled, turned quickly to see Kotaro. - I... I'm sorry... I tried to erase it," she answered as she nervously showed him the handkerchief. Kotaro, serious, held her arm, the same one that held the handkerchief. When he read what was written on his desk "get the hell out of here, you fucking weirdo" his gaze hardened for an instant. 

Then he let go of Naomi's arm without a word, and sat back in his chair as if nothing had happened. 

- Sorry... I just meant to erase it. I didn't write that... -Naomi was trying to apologize, but Kotaro didn't respond. he just settled back in his place, his expression distant and unperturbed. Naomi, disappointed by his reaction, could only lower her gaze. She put her handkerchief away quietly and sat back, feeling the tension of the morning begin to dissipate. 

The school day passed without further incident, and when classes were finally over, Naomi sighed with relief. She rose from her seat, ready to pick up her bag and leave, when a voice interrupted her thoughts. 

- Hanazawa, remember that today we have a meeting with the other members of the other classes. We can't leave yet," said her classmate Akane, who remained seated in her place, a book in her hands. "Oh no, I had completely forgotten..." I'm sorry, Akane. It had completely slipped my mind. Thank you for reminding me. - Naomi tried to smile, embarrassed. And you can call me Naomi, if you want. 

-I'm sorry, but I don't know you well enough to call you that," Akane replied, her tone cold, not looking away from her book. 

- It's okay... I'm sorry," Naomi replied, feeling uncomfortable by the coldness of the answer. Forcing a smile, she added, "I'll go out for a moment. Akane said nothing more. 

Naomi, trying to keep her composure, left the classroom with her mind heavy with thoughts. Naomi made her way to the school entrance to meet Saori and let her know that she would not be able to leave with her. After a quick goodbye, she headed back inside the school. 

Near the remaining lockers at the entrance, she heard laughter. Something about the laughter sounded familiar, and she decided to peek out subtly to find out who it was. She wasn't wrong. 

- Did you really write that? -asked a mocking voice. - Of course I did. We've had enough of that fool. He only knows how to get in the way and scare others in class. Girls from other classes won't even come near our classroom because of him," replied Makoto, boasting. 

- You'll get in trouble if he finds out it was you," warned another boy who was with them. - He won't find out. He's too stupid to do anything. His family must not even want him," said Makoto contemptuously, causing the three of them to burst out laughing. 

Naomi, hearing those cruel words, felt something inside her stir. Without thinking too much, her body reacted before her mind, and she plucked up the courage to approach. 

- He... he's not stupid," she said in a trembling voice. The laughter died down immediately, and Makoto turned to her with a mocking expression. - Well, well! If it isn't our representative, the telescope girl," he sneered, mimicking the gesture of wearing glasses on his face. 

-You can't judge someone like that... you... you don't know him," Naomi replied, trying to remain calm, though her heart was pounding. 

- And you do know him? -asked Makoto, scoffing more. 

- No.... I don't know him at all. But... but I feel he's a better person than you. I feel he's someone with a good heart," Naomi replied more firmly, holding her hands to her chest. 

What Naomi didn't know was that, on the other side of the lockers, Kotaro was listening to the conversation. He was clenching his fists tightly, head down, not moving from his place, impressed by Naomi's words. 

-You must apologize for what you wrote on his desk," Naomi insisted. 

- Or what will happen? You will accuse me to the teacher? The girl is going to accuse me! How childish! - said Makoto in a mocking tone, provoking laughter among her friends. 

- I... I think it's childish to write something like that to a classmate. That's what elementary school kids or immature people do," said Naomi, though her voice was shaking with nerves. Makoto stopped laughing. Her expression changed immediately, and she stepped forward, grabbing Naomi by the collar of her shirt. 

- What did you say, four eyes? -he said quietly, his eyes full of anger. 

- Hey, wait. Don't hurt him or you'll get in trouble," one of his friends warned him. - Shut up! This busybody is nobody in this school, and I'll do whatever I want," said Makoto, moving closer to Naomi. Naomi closed her eyes in fear, expecting the worst. But suddenly, everything went silent. Makoto immediately let go of her, taking a step back. 

-"Wow, looks like you have a bodyguard," said Makoto, with a sarcastic smile, as she looked behind Naomi. She staggered back, and as she turned around, she saw Kotaro standing right behind her, one hand resting firmly on her shoulder. 

-Well, nosy, we'll talk later. This is not going to stand," said Makoto. But when she turned to see her friends, they had already vanished, running away at the sight of Kotaro. 

- Damn you, why are you leaving me like this? -Makoto shouted, before making her own escape. 

With the atmosphere calmer and being alone, Naomi lowered her head, feeling a little embarrassed. 

- I'm sorry... I got into your trouble again," she said quietly. Kotaro turned his back to her, walking a few steps away. 

- Don't worry about it. Thanks for what you did," he replied, without looking at her. Naomi was shocked to hear him say "thank you". She raised her head, as if she couldn't believe what she had just heard. 

-By the way, stop apologizing every time you see me," said Kotaro, as he turned his head to look at her. 

- I'm sorry... -Naomi covered her mouth with her hands as she realized she had done it again. That gesture made Kotaro smile slightly. 

Naomi, seeing that sincere smile, was even more surprised. It was the first time she had seen him smile like that, and the warmth in his expression touched her. 

- Oh, by the way, thanks for the dessert the other day. My little sister loved it," said Kotaro, still with a small smile on his lips. 

- Really? What a joy! I made it myself. I'll gladly make another one for your little sister - replied Naomi, excited.

Kotaro looked at her in surprise, not expecting her to have prepared the dessert. - I... I thought you bought it. Don't bother making it again," he replied. 

- No, it's no bother. I'll be glad to. 

- Okay, thank you," said Kotaro, his warm look contrasting with his usual coldness. That same look Naomi saw at home. Naomi smiled and blushed slightly at seeing him like that. 

- I think you have to go to a meeting, don't you? -Kotaro asked, changing the subject. 

- Hey, I forgot again! Sorry," said Naomi, rushing to her meeting with Akane, but before leaving, she stopped and turned to Kotaro.

-By the way... thanks again for helping me. 

Naomi arrived just in time for the meeting, and after the meeting, she said goodbye to Akane and went back to the living room to finish filling out some forms. 

As the sun began to set, Naomi tiredly lay on her arms, looking out the window. From there, she could contemplate the beautiful sunset, and for a moment, she lost herself in the beauty of the orange sky. She remembered Kotaro's smile and how he had sincerely thanked her. 

With a blissful expression, Naomi enjoyed the sunset as night began to fall. Leaving the classroom to head home, Naomi walked down the dark hallway of the school. 

The building was silent, her footsteps echoing in the stillness, but suddenly, she heard a soft piano melody. The music was so captivating that, for a moment, it made her pause. 

With a slight tremor of uncertainty, she wondered if anyone would be in the music room at that hour. At first, she hesitated to approach, fearful of interrupting, but the beautiful harmony drew her in, as if the melody spoke directly to her heart. 

Following the trail of that soft melody that seemed to envelop everything around her, Naomi walked until she reached the door of the music room. The door was ajar. Curious and captivated, she discreetly peeked in to discover who was the architect of that magical moment. 

Her surprise was enormous when she saw that the one playing that melody was none other than Kotaro. 

There he was, sitting in front of the piano, his fingers gliding over the keys with a mastery Naomi could never have imagined. Kotaro's concentrated expression, the slight movement of his body in time with the notes, and the melancholy that the music gave off, created an image that seemed to be taken from a dream.

Naomi was completely hypnotized, motionless in the doorway, her eyes fixed on him. The melody Kotaro played not only echoed in the music room, but seemed to fill every corner of the school, enveloping everything in a sense of calm and nostalgia.

She felt that this music was not only for her, but for all those who were willing to listen. It was as if Kotaro was sharing a part of his soul through the notes. Each chord touched something deep in Naomi's heart. 

Emotions swirled in her chest; the music touched her soul. However, just as she felt the melody reach its most emotional point, Kotaro suddenly struck the keys abruptly, interrupting the harmony abruptly. 

The beauty of the music was replaced by a deep silence, broken only by the echo of the strike. 

Naomi, startled, quickly hid behind the door, her heart pounding a mile a minute. She didn't want Kotaro to see her. From her hiding place, she heard him murmur with palpable sadness. 

- Why... why does this have to happen to me? -Kotaro said, his voice broken with grief. Naomi peeked out again, carefully, and watched him lean over the keys. A lone tear slid down her cheek, falling onto the piano keys. The image of Kotaro, so lonely and vulnerable, shocked Naomi deeply. He was not the same distant, cold boy she had known at school. He was someone broken inside, someone who carried a pain she was just beginning to understand. 

Kotaro's gaze was lost, as if he was seeing something Naomi couldn't. At that moment, an image seemed to be projected in Kotaro's mind: a girl of about eight years old, with long dark hair, was crying inconsolably. The pain in Kotaro's eyes was evident, as if that memory was tearing him apart from the inside. 

Naomi, still leaning against the hallway wall, felt the weight of the situation bearing down on her like an avalanche. The sadness in Kotaro's voice echoed in her mind, somehow connecting with the painful memories she herself had tried to bury. 

She remembered her nightmare, the image of the boy she had loved so much and ended up wanting to take her own life. The anguish of those days surfaced again, but this time it was mixed with the need not to stand idly by again.

"It won't happen again...I won't let it" Naomi thought, resolutely, as she looked up at the ceiling. The sound of Kotaro's last note still echoed in the atmosphere, and with it, Naomi made a decision. 

She couldn't let someone else sink into the darkness. She could not let Kotaro be trapped in his pain, as that person in her past had been. Without a word, without Kotaro even noticing her, she silently walked away from the music room. 

As she headed home, Kotaro's words and his pained expression kept swirling in Naomi's mind. She couldn't stop thinking about the scene she had just witnessed: the Kotaro she knew at school was not the same Kotaro she had seen in that classroom. Behind that cold, distant face was someone who also needed help. 

That night, as Naomi walked under the starry sky, she made a firm decision. From that day on, she made up her mind to be the person who would help Kotaro, the person who could save him from the abyss that enveloped him. She knew it would not be easy, but for the first time in a long time, she felt she had a reason to fight.