The morning sunlight spilled softly across the hallway. Himari clutched her notebooks tightly as she walks toward the locker, eager to went through quietly before the students rush in the hallway.
Lost in thought, she didn't noticed the boy leaning in casually against the walls, headphones in, eyes focused somewhere far away. She bumped into him.
"Oh! Sorry—" she started, but he lifted a hand in a quick.
He removed his headphones, glancing at her with a cease of curiosity. " Are you okay?" he said, voice calm, detached, as if the world around him didn't exist.
Their eyes met for the briefest moment, and something unspoken passed them.
Himari took a deep breath, trying to steady her racing heart, curiosity nudging to ask. She hesitated then she called him softly "Hey... uhm, do you go to this school too?"
He nodded, and put his headphones, "Yeah... I guess. First time seeing you around, though"
She smiled nervously, " I— I'm Himari . You're ...?"
"Hatu" , he said . His tone was casual, almost indifferent but his eyes towards her has a hint of interest.
"You're in... which class?" she asked, trying to keep the conversation going
"Second-year, same as you?" he said.
Himari nodded. "Yes... I've seen you around, but we've never talked " She paused," Do you... like this school?"
Hatu smirked " Some days are better than others. It depend on people,I guess"
Himari's heart skipped. " I think ... I like to know you better" she admit it before she could stop herself.
He blinked, caught off his guard. "Maybe... but don't make it weird though"
"I won't" cheeks blushing " I promise!"
For a moment, silence fell, but it was comfortable. Neither of them knew what to say, yet neither of them want to end the moment.
The moment the bell rang, students began to flood the hallway. "See you later, Himari"
he said.
"See you too, Hatu" she replied, with a smile.
And just like that, their first conversation ended— ordinary on the surface, but unforgettable experience for the both of them.