While I was lost in thought, pain still twisting my heart, I didn’t notice time passing.
I was trapped in a whirlwind of memories, clashing inside my mind, unable to escape them.
Suddenly, the alarm rang out at 6:30 AM—sharp and repetitive—as if it were screaming to wake me from a deep slumber.
I reached out irritably and stopped it with a swift press, as if I wanted to halt time itself.
I opened my eyes with difficulty, feeling as though heavy weights were holding my eyelids down.
Still, the stubborn morning light crept through the window, asserting its presence whether I liked it or not.
Ozawa: “I’m tired… really tired.”
(He looks around, mumbling to himself)
Ozawa: “Where did I put my glasses?... I can’t see them anywhere. I was wearing them yesterday, so where did they go?”
A brief image flashed in my mind—ah yes! The bag. I put them there.
With slightly trembling hands from the cold, I opened the bag, and there they were.
Ozawa: “There you are! Thank God you didn’t break... I don’t have money to buy new ones.”
(He chuckles softly) “Hehe… it would’ve been a disaster if something happened to you.”
---
Breakfast Time
(He opens the fridge and checks what's inside)
Ozawa: “Let’s see… eggs, some meat, old rice, and a cup of ramen. Looks like it's rice and omelet today.”
This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.
He quickly started preparing the food, heating the rice and lightly whisking the eggs.
The smell of food began to fill the small room.
Ozawa: “Haa… itadakimasu!”
He took a big bite and began chewing softly, as if the simple food was the most delicious thing he’d had in days.
Ozawa (between bites): “Mmm mmm… so tasty!”
After finishing his meal, he placed the dishes aside and said quietly:
Ozawa: “Thanks for the meal.”
Then he stood up and got ready for a new day.
---
Isolation at School
Ozawa: “Here we go again...”
The school, as always, was full of students, yet I felt invisible.
No friends, no acquaintances—just an outcast wandering the halls, unnoticed.
Ozawa (inner voice): “Yeah, this is me. No friends at school, no one approaches me no matter how much I try.
Everyone avoids me like I’m a monster. Not much different from how things were in the past.”
(He recalls his elementary school days)
“They used to say: ‘Look! It’s that weird kid. His clothes are strange. The way he walks is creepy. Stay away from him.’
Even the teachers avoided me like I was cursed.”
(He smirks bitterly)
Ozawa: “But now... it doesn’t matter. I enjoy my solitude.
I don’t want anyone entering my life.”
---
Meeting Mio
During break time, I was sitting alone in a forgotten corner of the schoolyard, avoiding eye contact with anyone,
when I heard footsteps approaching.
I slowly raised my head to see a girl I hadn’t seen before walking toward me with a calm smile.
Mio: “Hi, is this spot free?”
I stared at her for a moment before answering hesitantly:
Ozawa: “Uh... yeah, you can sit.”
She sat quietly beside me without waiting for further permission. It felt strange, but I didn’t move.
Mio: “I’m Mio Kobayashi. And you?”
Ozawa: “Huh? Why do you want to know?”
Mio (with a natural smile): “I just want to get to know you, that’s all.”
(With a sigh) “My name is Ozawa Kotaro. You can call me Ozawa.”
Mio: “Nice to meet you, Kotaro-kun!”
(He looks at her, surprised)
Ozawa: “Oi... we didn’t agree on using first names.”
Mio: “It’s fine, isn’t it? You look like someone who could use a friend.”
---
Inner Dialogue
(While remembering his talk with Mio, he returns to the present)
Mio (shaking her head): “Oi! Wake up! Where did your mind wander off to?”
Ozawa: “Huh? What?”
Mio: “You’re lost in thought. Do you have a girlfriend?”
Ozawa (sarcastically): “Where would I get a girlfriend from? My life isn’t some romantic movie.”
Mio: “So… that’s a no. You must be thinking about something else.”
Ozawa (annoyed): “Do I look like someone who would be thinking like that?”
Mio: “Ah, no. Sorry.”
---
Scene: After School
Ozawa walks slowly along the road leading home, his bag on his shoulder, eyes fixed on the ground.
Suddenly, he hears a familiar voice from behind.
Mio: “Ozawa-kun! Wait for me!”
Ozawa turns slightly and sees Mio running toward him, waving her hand.
Ozawa: “Oh, Mio. What do you want now?”
Mio (panting slightly): “You walk fast. I just wanted to talk with you a bit on the way.”
Ozawa (sighing): “I don’t think we have much to talk about. But do what you want.”
Mio (smiling as she walks beside him): “Why are you always so cold? Do you hate talking to people?”
