Yuki No Furu Machi (The City Where Snow Falls)

Naomi was walking along the path through the park on her way to school, enjoying the coolness of the morning. The soft air caressed her face as the first rays of sunlight filtered through the branches, creating a dance of light and shadow that enveloped her in a calm and relaxing atmosphere. The birds were singing happily, composing a soft melody that seemed to synchronize with her steps.

Suddenly, among the trees, she spotted Saori, whose bright hair stood out against the green of the park. They found themselves in a small clearing adorned with wooden benches and colorful flowers.

-Hey, Naomi! -How was your visit last night? Was it exciting?

Naomi smiled, though her hands felt slightly sweaty. Her voice, as always in nervous moments, trembled barely.

-Hello, Saori. It was an interesting visit... a bit unexpected, actually. Kotaro suddenly showed up at my house just to... return the glasses I forgot.

Saori arched an eyebrow, revealing a mischievous smile.

-Oh, yeah? Just to return your glasses? -She joked, "Are you sure it wasn't an excuse to hang out with you?

Naomi felt the heat rise to her cheeks and began to stutter, trying to avoid her friend's mischievous look.

-No, it wasn't that at all. It was just to give me back my glasses, nothing else.

-It's okay, it's okay," Saori laughed, "I just wanted to make sure you weren't hiding something exciting from me. But if anything else happens, you have to tell me!

Naomi nodded, feeling the blush on her cheeks as she tried to calm the embarrassment swirling in her chest. The mention of Kotaro in relation to her visit made her uncomfortable; she didn't want Saori to misunderstand their relationship. Together they continued on their way, though the conversation still made her uneasy.

-Wait! -How do you know he was at my house last night?

-Because I'm keeping an eye on you," replied Saori, laughing as she turned away, teasing her playfully.

-Hey, don't dodge, tell me why you didn't show up last night! -Naomi insisted, between amused and intrigued.

Once in the classroom full of students, Naomi, upon seeing Kotaro, shyly greeted with a slight nod of her head, though he only observed her with a serious and distant expression, barely returning the greeting. Kotaro's indifference surprised her, especially after the night before. A feeling of discomfort grew in her chest, and a hint of sadness clouded her thoughts.

The teacher entered the classroom and, in a firm voice, announced that the first term was coming to an end, along with the rapidly approaching exams. A murmur of excitement and nervousness filled the classroom, and Naomi felt a shiver run down her spine. The mention of exams filled her with insecurity and anxiety.

She glanced at her classmates as they pulled out their notebooks and books, eager to begin reviewing. Instead, she remained motionless, with a blank stare and a hesitant expression. It can't be...the exams are here, and I haven't studied at all, she thought, feeling a surge of worry begin to take hold of her.

Negative thoughts immediately surfaced, invading her mind. She doubted her abilities and questioned whether she would really be able to do well. The thought of facing the assessments made her feel overwhelmed, and a sense of hopelessness began to grow more and more intense.

So absorbed was she in her thoughts that she did not notice Kotaro, sitting to her left side, watching her intently. He sensed her concern, but made no comment, maintaining his usual silence.

While everyone around her was immersed in their books and notes, Naomi remained trapped in her thoughts. She tried to remember the important concepts, the formulas, but it seemed that her doubts and fears blocked any effort. Despite her attempts to concentrate, her nervousness only grew. Her hands began to tremble slightly, and a feeling of tightness gripped her chest, as if each breath became more elusive.

Finished for the day, everyone left, leaving Naomi alone in the living room. She took advantage of the silence to finish some notes the teacher had given her, enjoying the quiet in the desolate school, though the uneasiness about the exams still lingered. As she got up, she felt an inexplicable impulse to go to the music room; something inside her pushed her to check if Kotaro was there, perhaps playing the piano.

When she arrived, she found the classroom plunged into absolute silence. He shouldn't be here... she thought, hesitating for a moment. About to leave, the sudden sound of a key stopped her. She froze, startled, as the note echoed softly in the air. Her heart pounding with anticipation, she peeked her head out and confirmed that it was Kotaro, who, in deep concentration, was drawing an enveloping melody from the keys.

From the half-open doorway, Naomi watched as he played the piano. How can someone look so...different while playing, she thought, as her eyes followed his every hand movement. The dim light from outside illuminated Kotaro's figure in the gloom of the classroom, highlighting his features as his hands moved with precision and dexterity. His fingers danced over the piano, plucking each note with a mixture of strength and delicacy, creating a melody so beautiful that it seemed to fill every corner of the classroom.

As the music flowed, the sound filled the space and enveloped Naomi, creating an intimate and magical atmosphere. Each note conveyed something profound, as if Kotaro found in music a way to express emotions that words could not reach. His face, serene but intense, revealed a sadness that transformed into something else, something akin to hope. What does he hold so deeply inside? Naomi wondered, feeling that, for a moment, the barrier between them disappeared, and that she could see a side of Kotaro that few knew, a vulnerable and authentic side.

The intensity of the music held her mesmerized, connecting them on a deeper level and revealing a part of Kotaro that only music could unleash. Naomi understood in that instant that there was something special about him, something unique that awakened in her a spark of admiration and attraction. "Why...why do I feel this way when I see him?" Her heart pounded as she repeated that question to herself, still not understanding her own feelings.

The moment was fleeting but significant, leaving an indelible impression on her. Kotaro's music had touched her heart in a way she had never experienced before, awakening in her a whirlwind of emotions she was just beginning to understand. I don't want this moment to end, she thought, still marveling.

As the melody came to an end, Naomi decided to retreat quickly, fearful of being discovered. "I'd better go...this is your space, your moment." Her heart still thrilled by what she had witnessed, she walked away in silence, leaving the classroom behind and taking with her the image of Kotaro lost in his world of notes and silences.

The next day, being the weekend, Naomi woke up early and decided to take a walk in a quiet park. She had her backpack with her, hoping to find peace and concentration for her studies. As she walked along the paths surrounded by greenery, she enjoyed the gentle wind and the refreshing scent of nature.

Just then, a small, quickened figure caught her attention. A girl was running towards her with an expression of pure terror. At first, she did not recognize her, but soon saw that it was Sakura, Kotaro's little sister, who came with tear-filled eyes and a face of absolute fright, as if she was running away from a monster.

Without hesitation, Naomi embraced her and lifted her in her arms, trying to convey security. But at that instant, a dog appeared jumping up and down, wagging its tail and with such an animated expression that it seemed to have found its best friends. Seeing the dog, Naomi became alarmed, trying to protect Sakura with a heroic and slightly exaggerated gesture.

-Stay back, dog, don't scare the girl! -Naomi exclaimed, although her tone did not intimidate the dog, who continued to run around happily.

Attempting to take a step back, Naomi stumbled awkwardly and ended up on the ground with Sakura in her arms. The dog, as if taking it as an invitation to play, started jumping up and down and running in circles, enjoying the chaos she had caused. Sakura, still in Naomi's arms, cried louder and louder, while Naomi tried to get up, covering Sakura and looking at the dog with a mixture of bewilderment and resignation.

It was then that Kotaro, who had been following Sakura, came to the rescue, encountering the chaotic spectacle. Without a word, he walked over and took his sister in his arms, casting a look of mild exasperation at the dog and addressing Sakura in a gentle tone.

-It's okay, Sakura. The dog just wants to play with you. It's not bad," he explained patiently, while Sakura looked at him still sobbing.

-But it's an ugly dog! -she protested, giving the dog a reproachful look.

To everyone's surprise, the dog seemed to understand the offense, lowering its tail and ears, with an almost hurt expression. Just then, a girl came running up and took the dog away, apologizing repeatedly as they walked away.

Relieved, Kotaro turned to Naomi, who was still sitting on the ground, dusting herself off a bit and her cheeks flushed with embarrassment.

-Are you all right? -he asked, offering her a hand to help her to her feet.

-Eh, yeah, thanks... although I can't believe this is happening," Naomi replied, letting out a nervous laugh as she tried to keep her composure.

After making sure Sakura was safe and the dog was no longer in sight, the three made their way to a nearby bench and sat down. For a while, neither spoke, though Naomi was still lost in thought, especially worried about the exams.

To her surprise, Kotaro broke the silence, glancing sideways at his note-laden backpack.

-Are you all right? I feel that something is making you uneasy," he asked calmly, while Naomi averted her eyes in surprise.

-Hey, yeah, yeah, I'm fine, don't worry," she replied, though her tone betrayed a slight nervousness.

-You seem to be worried about next week's exams. 

-Kotaro observed, noticing her discomfort.

Naomi, blushing, nodded.

-I didn't think it would show so much... I haven't studied hard enough and... I'm afraid I'll get a bad result. I don't want to disappoint my aunt and I feel that, if I don't do well this year, I'll never get into a good college. I know it sounds exaggerated, but... I don't feel capable.

Kotaro nodded and, taking a serious tone, replied:

-I understand how you feel. Exams can be stressful, but you're smart and capable. And if you want to advance, I can help you. You can come to my house and we can study together.

Naomi blinked, stunned by the offer, and hesitated before replying.

-To... to your house? Now? I...

-I'm sorry if that causes you trouble," Kotaro interrupted, somewhat uncomfortably.

-No, no, it's just that..." Naomi blushed more. I just thought you didn't like it the last time I went. But... yes, I would like to.

Kotaro smiled slightly.

-Sorry for that time, it was a complicated situation, but it won't happen again.

-I know, don't worry," Naomi replied, relaxing a little. So, when do we study?

Kotaro looked at his watch and answered with a touch of pragmatism:

-Well, since you have your notes here... how about now?

Naomi opened her eyes wide, surprised by the speed.

-Right now?! -she exclaimed, surprised, while Kotaro nodded, calmly.

-That's right, Sakura and I came to distract ourselves for a while, but I was also planning to study today.

Naomi nodded, a little overwhelmed by the sudden turn, but grateful. They both got up from the bench, and Kotaro called Sakura, who was playing catch with butterflies, to go back together.

Arriving home, they were greeted by Tomoko, Kotaro and Sakura's mother. Tomoko greeted them with a warm smile, recognizing Naomi immediately. But to everyone's surprise, she embraced Naomi with a sincerity that perplexed them.

-Is everything all right, mother? -asked Kotaro, somewhat puzzled.

-Yes, everything is fine. I'm glad to see your friend here again," she replied with a kind smile. I thought you wouldn't visit us again.

-Good afternoon, Mrs. Himura. Yes, I wanted to visit you again. How nice to see you again," replied Naomi, somewhat embarrassed by the effusive welcome.

Before she could continue, Sakura burst into the conversation with her infectious energy.

-Mommy, Mommy! My little brother's girlfriend saved me from an ugly dog that wanted to bite me. Thanks to her I'm alive! -Sakura exclaimed excitedly, leaving no room to correct her.

-Huh? girlfriend!?!!? -Naomi felt her cheeks burning as her words ran over as they came out- -No, no, I'm not his girlfriend! It's a misunderstanding!

-Sakura... she's just a friend," Kotaro interjected, trying to calm the situation, though his own blush betrayed him.

Tomoko, watching the scene, couldn't help but laugh at their reactions, enjoying the moment and Naomi's confusion. Kotaro quickly mentioned that Naomi was there to study and invited her to his room, seeking to escape the embarrassment that still filled the atmosphere.

Once inside, Naomi was impressed to see the room: everything in impeccable order, with a carefully organized record collection and a bookshelf full of books. She looked around, admiringly, and turned to him with a shy smile.

-Your room is... beautiful," she said, her voice full of admiration.

-Thank you. -Kotaro shrugged, a little uncomfortable with the compliment. Give me a moment, I'll get something.

As he left the room, Naomi took a deep breath, trying to calm her nerves. "No way, I'm in Kotaro's room! I don't know how to act, what do I do?" she thought, feeling the pressure rising in her chest.

Nervously, she began to notice that she needed to go to the bathroom. She decided to go outside and look for Kotaro's mother to ask her where he was. Following the directions, she rushed to the bathroom and, without thinking too much, opened the door... but fate had a surprise in store for her: there was Kotaro, his torso naked and half-dressed, in the middle of putting on his pants.

Naomi felt the world stop and the crimson color invaded her face in an instant.

-I'm... I'm so sorry, sorry for barging in like this! -she stammered, her voice trembling and her pulse racing.

She tried to close the door immediately, but she couldn't help but see Kotaro alone in his underwear, while he, between surprised and embarrassed, awkwardly tried to cover himself. For a moment, they both looked at each other in complete silence, the air thick and charged with uncontrollable tension.

After a second, Kotaro let out an awkward laugh, breaking the overwhelming silence.

-W-wait... do you need the bathroom? -he managed to say, between nervous laughs, "I'm done, you can come in. Don't worry.

Naomi felt the floor beneath her feet open up and, without saying anything, she walked quickly past him, avoiding looking at him at all costs. Her mind was scrambled, and she felt as if every corner of her face was burning with embarrassment. However, one detail momentarily distracted her: she caught a glimpse of some scars on Kotaro's torso, a silent trace of something she didn't understand that aroused in her a mixture of curiosity and sadness. But she said nothing, fearing to make him even more uncomfortable.

When she returned to the room, the silence was so heavy it was almost painful. Naomi apologized again, trying to ease the tension.

-Don't worry, it was an accident..." Kotaro tried to reassure her, although he still avoided looking directly at her.

Determined to get the embarrassment out of their system, Kotaro proposed that they start studying and gathered his notes. Naomi, still a little confused, agreed to start with math, and little by little, they both concentrated on studying.

More than an hour of intense and silent work passed. Naomi looked at Kotaro out of the corner of her eye, noticing his concentration and seriousness. Although she appreciated it, she felt that the silence between them created an inexplicable distance. She wanted to start a light conversation, but every mental attempt to do so felt ridiculous. Frustrated, she continued with her notes, resigned to the idea of just studying.

Just then, the door opened with a bang and Sakura burst in, rushing over to Naomi and jumping animatedly onto her lap. Her sudden entrance broke the silence and immediately the atmosphere became more relaxed.

-What are they doing, are they playing? -Sakura asked, as Kotaro looked at her with a mixture of exasperation and affection.

-Sakura, Naomi is busy studying," Kotaro told her kindly, 'We don't want to bother you, Naomi, but...'.

Naomi smiled at the girl.

-No problem, I like your little sister very much," she said, stroking Sakura's head.

Even so, Kotaro asked Sakura to retire, promising her that he would play with her later. The girl, somewhat disgruntled, left the room after expressing her desire to stay.

-Sorry about that," Kotaro apologized.

-It's okay, I like your company," Naomi replied, laughing softly.

Kotaro turned his attention back to the study and, seeing that Naomi was having trouble with an operation, went over to explain it to her. In his concentration, he didn't notice that he was getting closer and closer to her. When he looked up, he realized that their faces were only inches apart. Both were frozen, the eyes of one reflecting the other's astonishment. Suddenly, Kotaro pulled away quickly, the blush spreading across his face.

-I'm-sorry..." he stammered, looking away.

Naomi, also blushing, tried to hide her own embarrassment.

-No... it's okay, it's okay..." she replied, struggling to control her own nervousness.

Fortunately, Sakura burst in once again, showing Naomi a toy, which helped ease the tension in the air. Even Sakura seemed to notice the uncomfortable atmosphere, though she said nothing and merely smiled.

After several hours of study, Naomi got up to leave. They both agreed that it was better to continue studying the next day. With the tests getting closer and closer, Naomi said goodbye to everyone with gratitude and courtesy, leaving Kotaro's house behind with her heart racing and a mixture of emotions that she was still trying to understand.