While I was lost in thoughts and a pain that still gripped my heart, time slipped by unnoticed. I was trapped in a whirlwind of memories, battling in my mind with no escape. Suddenly, the alarm rang sharply at 6:30 AM, loud and persistent, as if screaming to drag me out of my deep slumber.

  I reached out reluctantly and silenced it with a swift tap, as if trying to stop time itself. I opened my eyes with difficulty, feeling like weights were tied to my eyelids. Yet, the stubborn morning light crept through my window, insisting on its presence against my will.

  Ozawa: "I'm tired... really tired."

  (He looks around, mumbling)

  Ozawa: "Where did I put my glasses? I can't see them anywhere. I was wearing them yesterday... where did they go?"

  A flash of memory crossed my mind… Right! The bag. I left them there. I opened the bag with slightly trembling hands from the cold, and there they were, lying inside.

  Ozawa: "There you are! Thank goodness you didn’t break... I can’t afford a new pair."

  (He chuckles faintly): "Hehe, what a crisis it would’ve been if something happened to you."

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  ---

  Breakfast Time

  He opens the fridge and checks its contents.

  Ozawa: "Let’s see… eggs, some meat, old rice, and a ramen pack. I guess it’s just rice and an omelet today."

  He starts cooking quickly, heating the rice and whisking the eggs gently. The aroma begins to fill the small room.

  Ozawa: "Haa, itadakimasu!"

  He takes a big bite and begins to chew with a soft sound, as if this simple meal was the tastiest thing he’d had in days.

  Ozawa (between bites): "Mmm… so good!"

  After finishing his meal, he sets the dishes aside and quietly says:

  Ozawa: "Thanks for the food."

  Then he stands and gets ready for a new day.

  ---

  At School: Loneliness

  Ozawa: "Here we go again..."

  School was, as usual, bustling with students, but I felt invisible. No friends, no acquaintances, just an outcast walking the school halls unnoticed.

  Ozawa (inner voice): "Yeah, that’s me. No friends at school. No matter what I do, no one comes near. They avoid me like I’m a monster. It’s not that different from how things used to be."

  (He recalls his elementary school days)

  "They always said, ‘Look! It’s that weird kid. His clothes are strange. He walks funny. Don’t go near him.’ Even the teachers avoided me like I was a curse."

  (He smiles bitterly)

  Ozawa: "But now... it doesn’t matter. I enjoy being alone. I don’t want anyone in my life."

  ---

  Meeting Mio

  During break, I was sitting alone in a neglected corner of the schoolyard, avoiding eye contact with anyone, when I heard footsteps approaching. I slowly raised my head to see a girl I’d never seen before walking toward me with a gentle smile.

  Mio: "Hi, is this seat taken?"

  I stared at her for a moment before replying hesitantly:

  Ozawa: "Uh… no, you can sit."

  She sat down beside me without asking again. It felt strange, but I didn’t move.

  Mio: "I’m Mio Kobayashi. And you?"

  Ozawa: "Huh? Why do you want to know?"

  Mio (cheerfully): "I just want to get to know you, that’s all."

  (With a sigh)

  Ozawa: "I’m Ozawa Kotaro. You can call me Ozawa."

  Mio: "Nice to meet you, Kotaro-kun!"

  (He looks at her in surprise): "Oi… we didn’t agree to use first names."

  Mio: "It’s fine, right? You seem like someone who could use a friend."