Prologue.

The warmth of the afternoon sun poured through the open windows of Sakuragawa High School, casting a golden hue over the classroom. A gentle breeze rustled the curtains, carrying the faint scent of cherry blossoms from the courtyard outside. It was spring, the beginning of a new school year—a time of new beginnings and quiet hopes.

Hikata Nanakami sat by the window, resting his chin on his palm, staring absentmindedly at the clouds drifting across the sky. His second year of high school had begun, yet he found himself lost in the same thoughts that had followed him since last year—thoughts of her.

Hanaki Kitori.

A name that lingered in his mind, a presence that made his heart beat just a little faster whenever she was near. She sat three rows ahead of him, her long, silky hair swaying slightly as she laughed at something her friend had said. Her laughter was light, like wind chimes on a breezy day, and it made Hikata’s lips curve into a small, unintentional smile.

It had been like this for a while now—watching from afar, admiring her energy, her kindness, and the way she seemed to brighten the room without even trying. He wasn’t sure when it had started, but it had become an undeniable part of his life.

"Hikata, you're staring again," a voice teased beside him.

He turned to find his best friend, Satoshi, smirking knowingly. Hikata felt heat creep up his neck.

"I-I wasn’t staring. Just thinking," he mumbled, shifting his gaze back to the window.

"Yeah, thinking about Hanaki, right?" Satoshi chuckled, nudging him playfully. "Dude, you've had a crush on her since forever. When are you actually going to talk to her?"

Hikata sighed. "I do talk to her. Sometimes."

Satoshi rolled his eyes. "Saying ‘good morning’ and ‘see you later’ doesn’t count."

Hikata didn’t argue because his friend was right. Despite being in the same class, despite having a few casual conversations, he had never truly let her know how he felt. There was always something stopping him—a quiet fear, an uncertainty that he couldn’t shake off.

Just as he was lost in thought again, the bell rang, signaling the start of homeroom. Their teacher walked in, and the classroom fell into a hushed silence. Hikata sighed and straightened in his seat, pushing his thoughts aside for now.

Lunch break arrived faster than expected, and the classroom buzzed with lively chatter. Hikata had planned to spend his break on the rooftop, enjoying the spring breeze, but fate had other plans.

“Hikata-kun!”

He froze mid-step, recognizing the voice immediately. He turned around, and there she was—Hanaki Kitori, standing in front of him, her bright brown eyes looking directly into his.

For a moment, he forgot how to breathe.

“Can I ask you something?” she said, tilting her head slightly.

“…Yeah,” he managed to reply, his heartbeat loud in his ears.

She hesitated for a second before continuing, “Are you… good at math?”

Hikata blinked. That was not what he had expected.

“Uh, yeah. I guess?” he said, still trying to catch up to reality.

Her face lit up. “Really? That’s great! I was wondering if you could help me study. I’ve been having trouble with the last few lessons.”

Study. She wanted him to help her study.

A part of him wanted to panic, but another part of him saw this as an opportunity—a chance to actually spend time with her, to talk to her more than just exchanging greetings.

“S-Sure. I can help,” he said, trying to sound calm.

Hanaki beamed. “Thank you, Hikata-kun! You’re a lifesaver. Let’s meet after school, okay?”

She waved before heading back to her friends, leaving him standing there, dazed.

Satoshi appeared at his side, grinning. “See? The universe is giving you a chance, man.”

Hikata exhaled slowly, his heart still racing. Maybe, just maybe, this was the beginning of something new.

A love as rare and precious as a diamond.

Hanaki Kitori