The alarm rang exactly at five in the morning.
Naoki opened his eyes before the second beep. He didn't really need it—his body had memorized the rhythm of mornings in this quiet house.
"Ugh... morning again."
He quickly turned off the alarm and got out of bed to begin his usual routine. He entered the bathroom, washed his face, then stared at his reflection in the mirror: thick, messy black hair covering his dark eyes, and a small, noticeable mole under his right eye.
"I'm Haru... Naoki Haru. My father chose this name for me, or at least that's what my mother told me. I live in Tokyo with my mother, and I'm a third-year student at Daichi High School."
"Haru! Breakfast is ready!"
That was his mother, Akiko, calling from the kitchen.
"That's my mom, Akiko. The greatest mom anyone could ever dream of. I always thought I was lucky to have a mother like her—smart, strong, and dependable."
"Come on, I made your favorite meal… eat well."
"Mmm... delicious."And a great cook too.
After finishing her breakfast, his mother stood by the door, adjusting her glasses and putting on her coat.
"I'm heading to work now. See you tonight."
"Take care."
"I need to study hard and get a good job. You won't have to work anymore. I'm sorry... just hold on a little longer.
He quickly washed the dishes, grabbed his school bag, and rushed to the door. As he slipped on his shoes, he passed by a small table in the hallway.
There, an old photo was placed—three people: his father, his mother, and him as a little boy.
He looked at it for a moment, then turned his eyes away.
"My father, Naoki Hiroshi, disappeared seven years ago.... when I was ten, Whenever I asked my mom about him, she said he vanished and no one could find him. But I never really believed that."
"In my mind, there are only two possibilities: either he died mysteriously... or he abandoned us."
He shook his head slightly, as if trying to push the thought away.
"Anyway, it doesn't matter anymore. Not much time left before he's officially declared dead. But my mom... she's still clinging to hope, waiting for his return."
"It must be painful... losing someone you love and not knowing where they are or if they're even alive."
He hurried down the stairs.
"Crap! It's already seven! I'm going to be late!"
He ran toward the train station and barely caught the train in time.
He stood silently among the crowd, surrounded by phone sounds, whispers, and the rustle of newspapers.
He arrived at school five minutes before the bell. He passed through the main gate without looking at anyone, even though he knew all eyes were on him.
"There's Naoki Haru..."
"I heard he ranked first in the latest aptitude test!"
"Of course he did, again."
"He probably doesn't even sleep..."
He had gotten used to such whispers over the past three years, so they no longer bothered him.
He entered his classroom and went to his usual seat: third row by the window. He placed his bag and pulled out his notebook.
He opened the book to page 110—the current lesson, which he had already finished yesterday.
Some students entered, glanced at him briefly, then ignored him.
He had no friends. He never tried to make any. No one understood him, and and he never tried to explain himself.
He sat alone, as always.
The teacher entered and called out to the class:
"Good morning! Open your books to page 110… unless you're Naoki, who probably finished the whole curriculum!"
A light chuckle spread through the class.
"That's how it is for me..."
"Usually, the top student in school is good-looking, popular, surrounded by friends. But I'm different."
"I completely fail at making relationships. That's why I'm always alone."
He glanced at the other students, talking and laughing.
"Seems like the top isn't meant for everyone…"
"But... I have to keep going."
"For Mom. Only for her."
At that moment, the classroom door suddenly opened.
"Good morning, sorry I'm late!"
All eyes turned toward the door — even Haru's, which was unusual.
A boy with messy brown hair entered, holding his bag with one hand and wearing his jacket halfway. He smiled confidently as he walked toward the teacher as if being late didn't concern him at all.
"Ah yes, this is the new student I mentioned yesterday," the teacher said, gesturing toward him.
"Everyone, this is Takahashi Ryo. He just transferred this week. I hope you'll help him adjust."
"Hey, nice to meet you all!"
He said it cheerfully and gave a quick bow, prompting a few students to laugh lightly.
"You can sit over there, in the back."
On his way,he shot a curious glance at Haru—sitting by the window—with a curious look, then took the back seat without showing any tension.
The first class passed quietly. The teacher lectured, some students were focused, most distracted.As for Haru, he was reading a physics book instead of following the lesson.
"This is way too easy... can't they speed things up a bit?"
He muttered to himself, flipping the page.
From time to time, he heard a light chuckle from the back.
He didn't need to turn to know it came from the new student.
After the class, the room filled with whispers again.
Haru listened in silence.
"Did you see how he talked back to the teacher?"
"Heh, he looks dumb, but he's kinda cute."
"I heard his family's really rich!"
During the break, he went to the school rooftop—as usual. It was the only place where he could think clearly.
He sat on the ground, leaned against the wall, and opened a novel he had started reading two days ago.
But this time, he didn't read. He just stared at the page, seeing nothing.
"Sometimes, I wonder... if I wasn't a genius, would my life be different?"
"Would I have had friends?"
He slowly closed the book, then raised his eyes to the gray sky.
"I'm a failed genius…"
"But there's no time for empty wishes. This world gives you nothing for free."
"I have to keep going… even if I'm alone."
The bell rang again.
He stood up, brushed off the dust, and returned to class without anyone noticing he was gone.
After the last class ended, the room began to empty.
Haru, sat silently in his seat, organizing his books and preparing to leave.
Then a voice behind him:
"Look at that isolated genius over there... what a stuck-up jerk. He hasn't spoken to anyone since the start of the year."
"Does he really think he's a genius?"
"I heard his mom works late at night."
"Hah! Could it be that she's...?"
"Hey, Naoki... I heard your mom works really late. Could it be that she... you know, sold herself?"
It was Yamada—the student known for his big mouth—one of those Haru had always ignored.
But not this time.
He stood up slowly and turned his face toward him.
"What did you just say?"
Yamada smirked.
"Why so angry? Or maybe what I said is—"
Before he could finish his sentence, Haru's fist smashed into his face violently, knocking him to the ground like a ragdoll.
Students gathered around them.
"Are you crazy?!" one girl screamed.
"Oh my God, Haru punched him!"
"Someone get the teacher!"
Haru, whose voice was rarely ever heard, now stood over his opponent, body trembling, breath quickened.
"I don't care if you talk shit about me—it means nothing!"
"But saying that kind of trash about my mother is unforgivable."
"Do it again, and I'll make sure you're buried alive."
This was the first time Haru had ever shown himself like this in front of everyone.
Ryo Takahashi stood among the crowd, watching in silence.
He said nothing—just looked at Haru and those furious eyes.
"This guy... is interesting," he said to himself, with a slight smile.