Hoshizora high—It was lunchtime again, Haruto sat outside at a quiet spot under a large cherry blossom tree in the schoolyard. A few students were scattered around, enjoying their meals, but he preferred the solitude, he thought he'd use the time to catch up on some reading.
"Haruto-kun!"
He looked up to see Sakura approaching him again, carrying a neatly packed bento box. A small smile tugged at the corner of his lips.
"You really don't have to share your food with me every time," Haruto said, scratching his cheek.
Sakura grinned, sitting down beside him. "I don't have to, but I want to."
Haruto shook his head but took the rice ball she offered him anyway.
Just as they were about to start eating, an unfamiliar voice interrupted them.
"Well, well. Look at this."
Both Haruto and Sakura turned to see Ryohei Kanzaki standing a few feet away, arms crossed, flanked by three of his lackeys. The surrounding students sensed trouble and began whispering among themselves.
"Look, over there!"
"That's Kanzaki Ryohei! This is gonna be bad…"
"That new kid doesn't know what he's in for."
Sakura frowned. "Kanzaki-kun… What do you want?"
Ryohei's smirk widened. "Just wondering who this nobody is that you're wasting your time with." His blue eyes flicked to Haruto. "You new here? Must be, if you don't know whose seat you just took."
Haruto remained calm. "Didn't know seats were reserved."
One of Ryohei's lackeys snorted. "They are when it comes to Kanzaki-sama."
Sakura stood up, placing her hands on her hips. "Stop this, Kanzaki-kun. I can sit with whoever I want."
Ryohei's smirk twitched slightly before he turned back to Haruto. "You're pretty relaxed for someone who just made an enemy of the wrong guy."
Something about this rich-entitled prick reminds me of Agrippa, he probably thinks he can push me around because of who he is, big mistake! I'm not the same pushover I was in kindergarten!
Haruto stared intently. "You don't seem that scary to me."
A low murmur spread through the watching students.
Ryohei's expression darkened, and then—
BOOM!
A sudden shockwave erupted around him, rustling the leaves of the tree. The air vibrated with energy. It was subtle, but Haruto recognized it immediately.
Caster.
Ryohei cracked his knuckles, a dangerous grin on his face. "Let's see if you're still calm after I put you in your place."
Haruto sighed, standing up and brushing off his pants. "I was hoping to finish up on my reading today, but… fine."
Sakura looked between them worriedly. "Kanzaki-kun, stop this! You don't know what you're getting into."
Ryohei ignored her, raising his hand as glowing red sparks crackled between his fingers. "Don't blink, new guy."
Haruto exhaled slowly, waiting for Ryohei to attack.
"Alright then, hit me with your best shot."
The fight was about to begin.
+++
The courtyard outside Hoshizora High buzzed with restless energy as students gathered, their eyes locked on the tense scene unfolding. Ryohei, the infamous caster with his signature red power blazing from his fists, ready to put another poor soul down for 'disrespecting him in his own kingdom'.
Haruto's calm gaze met Ryohei's fury without a flicker of fear. Sakura's voice trembled as she stepped forward, "Ryohei, please… don't do this. It's not worth it."
But Ryohei snarled, "Shut the hell up, Sakura! This loser's gonna learn what happens when you mess with me."
With a roar, Ryohei unleashed a barrage of red power blasts, streaking like burning comets toward Haruto. The crowd gasped, expecting the usual swift victory. But Haruto moved with uncanny grace, dodging every attack-each blast scorching the ground mere inches from where he had stood a heartbeat ago.
"Dude, is that all you've got?" Haruto taunted, voice steady. "You're nothing but hot air, I thought you said you were gonna put me in my place" he laughed. "Hope it's not with a weak attack like that?"
Ryohei's eyes flared. "You little-!" He charged, forming a massive spear of red energy, his battle cry echoing through the courtyard. The ground trembled beneath his feet.
Haruto sidestepped with lightning speed, the spear missing by a hair's breadth. The crowd's murmurs grew louder-this wasn't going as expected.
"You're a damn joke," Haruto said, voice low but fierce. "If I were you I'd stop this hillarious display of what you call attacks right now."
Ryohei's fists ignited again, launching a furious storm of blasts, each more desperate and wild. But Haruto's movements were fluid, almost effortless, weaving through the inferno as if dancing with the flames.
This guy is too careless with his caster-powers, he could hurt the other kids just blasting away at me like a maniac…
Sakura tried to talk him down again. "Stop it, Kanzaki-kun! Before anyone gets hurt!"
But Ryohei only sneered, "I'm the king here, and I'll crush anyone who thinks otherwise."
Ryohei continued blasting away but to no avail, and Haruto was now starting to get bored.
Okay, I think I've had enough of this, time to end this quickly. But I shouldn't go all out or I might kill him...
Haruto smirked.
But I should still make it look flashy for the crowd watching… wouldn't wanna dissapoint them with a fizzled out ending.
Suddenly, Haruto's aura flared-a brilliant, shimmering yellow light that pulsed with raw power. The air thickened as he unleashed a blinding burst of energy, a wave that swept over Ryohei like a tidal force.
Ryohei was thrown back, crashing hard onto the cracked pavement, his red energy flickering and dying out. The silence that followed was deafening.
The crowd stared in stunned disbelief. The invincible Ryohei, beaten and humbled.
Haruto stood tall, eyes blazing with quiet strength. "This ends now. Sakura deserves more than your selfish bullshit."
Sakura rushed to Haruto's side, relief washing over her face as the students erupted into cheers-not for Ryohei, but for the new hero who had shattered his reign.
Ryohei lay there, chest heaving, pride shattered. The throne he'd claimed outside Hoshizora High was no longer his-and the school would never forget the day the red caster was finally put in his place.
+++
It had been three days since the infamous fight, the sun was beginning to set, casting long shadows across the back of the school. Haruto had just finished gym class and was heading toward the lockers.
Ever since I took down that bully, everyone has been treating me differently… not like before… before they didn't really care, they only stared at me since I was always with Sakura… but now, they have been trying to get close to me, trying to become friends… they look at me not with fear, but… admiration.
Haruto continued to walk in the hallway, walking to his locker…
When did I become so popular all of a sudden… people watching everything I do. Quite frankly it's annoying…
He finally stopped at his locker…
I guess taking down the most popular guy in school didn't exactly do me any favors… Especially, when I only wanted to exist in the background.
Haruto then turned his head to a rustling sound he heard behind him…
He then noticed a cute girl with short blonde hair also in her gym attire, struggling to balance a stack of books and a bag of sports equipment.
"Need a hand?" he asked.
Haruto couldn't help but notice that the girl was wearing a neckless with a little shinny red crystal at the end, it looked really good hanging on her busty chest, for a moment Haruto didn't know where to look so he gazed up to the ceiling, trying to not give himself away.
To his request to lend a hand, she let out an exaggerated sigh of relief. "I thought you'd never ask!" She shifted the weight slightly, allowing Haruto to grab half of the books. "You're a lifesaver, dude."
Haruto chuckled. "No problem. Where to?"
Before she could answer, a slow clap echoed through the empty hallway.
"How heartwarming."
Haruto stiffened. He knew that voice. Ryohei stood at the far end of the hallway, leaning casually against the wall, arms crossed. Behind him were three of his minions—grinning like a pack of hyenas.
"Look at you," Ryohei sneered. "First, you steal Sakura's attention, and now you're already moving on to another girl?"
Haruto exhaled sharply, already tired of this guy's nonsense. "Not interested in whatever you're trying to start. Move."
"Not so fast," Ryohei said, stepping forward. "You embarrassed me in front of everyone, and I can't let that slide. So here's the deal—you get on your knees and apologize, or we settle this another way."
The girl scoffed. "Wow, big man needs backup for a one-on-one fight? What, scared?"
Ryohei's grin twitched. "Oh, we've got a feisty one here." He turned to Haruto. "Better be careful Haruto. Looks like you've picked up a reckless stray."
The girl rolled her shoulders. "Yeah? Keep talking, rich boy. I'm just waiting for an excuse to shut you up."
Ryohei's smirk deepened. "Fine, you wanna go first?, I know how to put little bitches like you in your place"
He flicked his wrist, and the air crackled with energy. With a swift motion, he slammed his palm against the floor, sending a ripple of force through the ground. The red shockwave rushed toward Haruto and the girl.
Haruto reacted instantly, grabbing the girl and jumping back just in time to avoid the impact. The tiles cracked where they had just stood.
The girl's eyes widened. "Ohhh, so we're doing that kind of fight?" She dropped the books and stretched her fingers. "Guess I can stop holding back."
She raised her hands, and suddenly, the air around her shimmered. A vibrant golden glow formed around her fists as if raw energy was pulsing through them.
Ryohei's eyes flickered with intrigue. "A caster, huh? This just got interesting."
"Hey," She grinned at Haruto, her eyes sparking with excitement. "Hope you're not gonna just stand there."
Haruto exhaled. He didn't like using his powers carelessly, but Ryohei wasn't giving him much of a choice. He raised his hand, feeling the familiar warmth of the sun's energy course through him. A faint golden aura flickered to life around his arms.
Ryohei's smirk faltered. "Shit, not agai—"
Before he could finish, the girl lunged forward, her glowing fist swinging straight at his face.
BAM!
As Ryohei landed on the floor, he barked to his minions "You morons! Don't just stand there! Get that bitch!"
One of Ryohei's minions rushed at the girl from the side, aiming to catch her off guard. She ducked, pivoted smoothly, and slammed her knee into his gut, sending him flying into a locker.
"Too slow!" she called.
Meanwhile, Ryohei launched another shockwave toward Haruto. This time, Haruto didn't dodge—he absorbed it. The energy wrapped around him, fueling his power. He clenched his fist and fired back a concentrated solar burst, forcing Ryohei to jump back.
"Tch," Ryohei hissed, realizing he had severely underestimated his opponent—just like last time.
"It's like you have this illusion in your deluded mind that you're the only one with power," Haruto said calmly.
Another one of Ryohei's lackeys tried sneaking up behind Haruto, but before he could do anything, the girl intercepted, catching him in a swift spin-kick to the chest.
"Gosh you're so lucky I'm on your side," she laughed to Haruto.
Haruto smirked. She was definitely not someone to mess with.
Realizing he was outmatched, Ryohei gritted his teeth. "Enough!" He raised both hands, gathering a massive amount of energy. "I don't care how strong you think you are—I'll crush you both!"
The girl clicked her tongue. "He's gonna go all out."
Haruto exhaled. "Then we finish this now."
They exchanged a quick glance, silently forming a plan.
Ryohei unleashed his strongest shockwave yet, the force ripping through the air toward them.
But Haruto and the girl were ready.
Haruto jumped forward, absorbing part of the energy while the girl used the momentary distraction to dart to the side. Haruto redirected the energy, sending it spiraling off-course, while the girl closed the distance in a flash—her charged fist connecting cleanly with Ryohei's jaw.
The impact sent him crashing into the lockers.
Silence filled the hallway.
Ryohei groaned, slumping to the floor. His minions had either been knocked out or fled.
The girl dusted off her hands. "Well, that was fun."
Haruto shook his head with a small smile. "You have a weird definition of fun."
She grinned. "And you're a way better fighter than you let on. What's your deal?"
Haruto looked down at his hands, his solar energy fading. "Let's just say… I've had a lot of time to learn."
Akari tilted her head, sensing something deeper behind his words. But she didn't press. Instead, she clapped a hand on his shoulder. "Well, you've got one more ally now, I didn't catch your name by the way?"
"Haruto Aoki, but you can just call me Haruto", he said.
"Haruto huh," she smiled "I'm Akari Mima, call me Akari as well. I like you Haruto Aoki, wanna be friends?"
Haruto blinked, caught off guard by her straightforwardness.
"Yeah sure."
She laughed at his expression. "So how come I've never seen you in school before, you new?"
"Yeah, I actually just transferred here a week ago" he replied with a smile.
Akari perked up. "Cool, so what class are you in?"
"Class 2-A" Haruto answered with a bit of curiosity.
"We are in the same grade!" She said with excitement. "I'm in Class 2-B."
She then suddenly grabbed his hand, dragging him along with her. "C'mon, I'll buy you a snack. That fight made me hungry."
He chuckled, following her as they stepped over the groaning Ryohei.
Their friendship had officially begun.
+++
The soft hum of Haruto's ceiling fan spun lazily above him. He lay on his bed, scrolling mindlessly through his phone. The room was dim, lit only by the faint blue glow of his screen.
What a day, I hope now that I've taken care of the Ryohei situation, things can cool down. Being the center of attention is exhausting…
Suddenly—RING! RING!
He blinked at the unexpected call. Sakura Hoshino.
That's right, we exchanged numbers the other day, but I didn't think she'd actually call me.
"Hey. What's up?", he answered.
"Haruto, whatcha doing?" Sakura said cheerfully.
"Uh… just lying down. Why?", he asked.
"No reason. Just felt like calling. I didn't see you after gym class…"
Haruto raised an eyebrow.
"So what, you got worried and decided to call At 11:42 PM?"
"Yup!" She said playfully. "What, am I interrupting some grand, important event?"
Haruto laughed.
"Totally. I was in the middle of... deep, life-changing thoughts."
"Ohhh, about what? The mysteries of the universe? The meaning of life?", she giggled.
"Nah. About why vending machines always eat my coins", he said.
"Pfft—serious stuff.", Sakura laughed.
Somehow, the conversation flowed effortlessly from there—jokes, random topics, and Sakura's passionate rant about how curry bread is criminally underrated.
"I mean, think about it! It's soft, warm, and it has curry inside. What's not to love?", Sakura complained.
Haruto grinned.
"You sound personally offended."
"Because I am! People always run for melon bread or yakisoba pan. Criminal behavior, I tell you.", She exclaimed!
The minutes passed unnoticed until—
"Hey… do you ever get scared of… I don't know, messing up?" She asked softly…
Haruto paused. Her tone had shifted.
"All the time." he said calmly "But I figure… if I mess up, I'll just try again. That's what retries are for."
"Yeah… I guess you're right." Sakura agreed. "Sorry, didn't mean to get all deep on you." she chuckled softly.
"I don't mind. Besides, you're the one who called me out of nowhere, remember?" He said.
Sakura grinned.
"True. Guess you're stuck with me."
1:05 AM
Sakura finally realized how late it was when she caught a glimpse of the time on the clock on her nightstand.
"Okay, I should probably sleep… but thanks, Haruto. For picking up."
Haruto smiled, "Anytime."
A small pause—then her teasing voice.
"But next time, it's your turn to call first."
Haruto laughed."Deal."
The call ended, but Haruto stared at his phone for a second longer, a small smile tugging at his lips.
"Next time, huh?" he thought, setting his phone down.
He didn't mind.
+++
The soft click of the call ending echoed in Sakura's ears. She lowered her phone to her chest, lying flat on her bed. The faint moonlight streamed through her window, casting a silvery glow across the room.
Her heart felt… warm.
Geez… Haruto, you're such an idiot.
She smiled softly, her eyes drifting toward the ceiling.
She rolled onto her side, hugging her pillow close. Her thumb lingered on Haruto's contact name—plain and simple: Haruto Aoki.
Why does just… talking to you make everything feel lighter?
Her mind replayed the conversation—the teasing, his dry humor, and the way he answered her serious moment without hesitation or awkwardness.
He really just... gets me. Even when I'm rambling about curry bread or being dramatic about life.
A tiny chuckle escaped her lips.