Beneath The Maple Tree

Ever since having that strange dream, my mind began to clear, and I started recovering slowly. Days turned into weeks, weeks into months, and before I knew it, a few years had passed. I turned 18 years old, having made a full recovery. My big brother Itsuki had turned 22 and gone abroad to study, while my eldest sister Hana, now 24, was in her final year of engineering. Without them it sure gets lonely...

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"Your body is still weaker compared to others kids from your family, but you should be able to move around more often," the house doctor said as he bowed slightly and left. My mom and dad exchanged warm smiles before looking at me. My mom spoke first, her voice soft yet full of encouragement.

"Hikaru, now that you're healthy, do you have any wish?"

I hesitated for a moment, feeling the weight of the question. My ears lowered shyly as I whispered, "Um... I actually do have a request..."

Seeing my hesitation, my dad gave me a reassuring smile. "Hikaru, no need to be shy. Ask for anything you want"

I took a deep breath, gathering my courage. "Umm... I want to go to high school...! And make friends...! All my life, I've only been homeschooled, so I never got the chance to make any friends..."

My parents exchanged glances again, their surprise quickly melting into understanding and warmth. My mom knelt beside me, placing a gentle hand on my shoulder. "Of course, Hikaru. We want you to have all the experiences you've missed out on. We'll support you in any way we can!"

Dad nodded enthusiastically. "Ebalon High School would be a great choice! It's known for its vibrant community and diverse students, I think you'll fit right in...!"

A wave of happiness surged through me, and I felt my ears perk up with excitement. It was happening- I was going to experience high school life! That night, as I lay in bed, my heart raced with anticipation. I imagined all the friends I would make, the laughter we'd share, and the adventures awaiting me. Sleep came easily, filled with dreams of a bright future.

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The next morning, sunlight streamed through my window, filling my room with a warm glow. I dressed quickly, unable to contain my excitement. Ebalon High School awaited me.

The school campus was breathtaking. Nestled between lush green hills, it was surrounded by vibrant flowers and towering trees. The main building was a mix of modern design and whimsical charm, with large windows letting in streams of sunlight and murals celebrating the unique traits of its students.

As I stepped through the gates, I was mesmerized. Students with all sorts of animal features filled the grounds- some had fox ears or wolf tails, while others sported wings or antlers. Their laughter and chatter filled the air, creating an electric atmosphere. It was both overwhelming and exhilarating.

But as I wandered through the bustling halls, I quickly realized I was lost. The corridors twisted and turned, leading me farther into unfamiliar territory. Panic started to creep in, but before I could spiral, I bumped into someone.

"Whoa, easy there!" a cheerful voice said.

I looked up to see a boy with rat-like features- small ears poked out from his messy hair, and a long, twitching tail swayed behind him. He grinned, his eyes twinkling with mischief.

"You look a bit lost. I'm Remi. Need some help?"

Relieved, I nodded. "Yeah, I'm Hikaru. I'm new here..."

"Awesome! Let me show you around," he said, leading me through the maze of hallways. As we walked, we talked about our interests, and I discovered that Remi was a year younger than me. Despite his age, he had an impressive knack for finding hidden gems around the school.

When we reached our classroom, I was pleasantly surprised to find we were in the same class. "Looks like we're stuck together!" Remi laughed, his enthusiasm contagious. For the first time, I felt a small but comforting connection to this new environment.

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During lunch, I decided to explore the school garden. It was a tranquil oasis filled with vibrant flowers, the gentle hum of bees, and the sweet fragrance of blooming jasmine. Cherry blossoms painted the paths with soft pink petals, and towering maple trees provided shade from the midday sun.

As I wandered, lost in the serenity, I noticed someone standing under a large maple tree. He leaned against the trunk, his posture relaxed yet commanding. His cheek bruised as if he was slapped...?

The boy was taller than me, with striking blue hair that shimmered faintly in the dappled sunlight. His vibrant red eyes were sharp, captivating, and seemed to hold secrets I couldn't yet fathom. He had lion-like features... majestic ears poked through his hair, and his tail swayed lazily behind him, adding to his enigmatic aura.

"Ah... Like the burning fire...."

Our eyes met, and time seemed to pause. My breath caught in my throat as I felt a strange, unexplainable pull toward him. There was an intensity in his gaze, but also a hint of something softer, something hidden beneath the surface.

I took a cautious step closer, unable to resist the pull of curiosity. Who was he? Why was he hurt...? What's this feeling...?

The garden buzzed with life and colour, the rustling of leaves as if it were dancing, the chirping of birds... but in that moment, all I could focus on was the boy beneath the maple tree...

_To Be Continue_