The Philosophy of the Heart and the Wall of Rules

Reikou, Ryuuto, and Shiori sat in a heavy silence, the steam from their lunch trays rising between them. Then, the ultimate question was whispered into the air

WHAT IS LOVE?

“There are two types of love!” Ryuuto declared suddenly, his voice taking on a serious, professorial tone.

“First, if someone falls for a person because of their body, their money, or their looks that’s not real love. That’s just chasing fame or desire. Second, if you fall in love with their Tamashii (their soul) and you can't even explain why you feel drawn to them... that is real love. Because you love who they are, not just their name.”

Reikou and Shiori stared at him, their mouths hanging open in total shock. Ehh?

“Ryuuto-san!” Reikou laughed, breaking the tension. “Why are you sitting here with us? You should be on a political stage giving speeches!”

“For real,” Shiori whispered, impressed.

“Ahh! Shut up!” Ryuuto muttered, his face turning a bright shade of crimson.

“So, Ryuuto-kun, how do we know if we love the body or the soul?” Reikou asked, leaning in.

“Umm! Well...” Ryuuto tapped his chin.

“That’s simple!” a new, confident voice boomed. “Whenever you think you love someone, ask yourself one question: ‘If this girl were a boy, would I still want to talk to them?’ If you lose interest the moment you imagine them as a guy, then congrats you only fell for the body.”

“Hunn!” Reikou, Shiori, and Ryuuto all exhaled in unison.

“Who are you? When did you get here?!” Shiori asked, jumping slightly.

“Yo! I was right behind you the whole time... and I heard every word.” The newcomer stepped forward. “I am Kiyoshi Shenzuki. A professional footballer and a man of action!”

“Nice to meet you all especially you, Reikou-San,” Kiyoshi said, flashing a blinding, high-wattage smile that made his teeth literally sparkle like a toothpaste commercial.

“Hmm? How do you know my name?” Reikou replied.

“Ohhh! We’re in the same class!” Kiyoshi yelled, looking hurt. He stood with his hands in his pockets, radiating an aura of absolute confidence, like a stone cutting through a river's flow.

“Hey! Kiyoshi-san! I was going to answer that!” Ryuuto shouted. The canteen went silent as students turned to stare.

“CHILL! EAT! EAT!” Kiyoshi waved him off.

“You took too long, so I stepped in with the correct answer.”

“NO! THAT WASN'T THE CORRECT ANSWER!”

A new, melodic voice rang out from behind Kiyoshi. A girl suddenly leaned over his shoulder, her presence like a dry flower finally receiving water. Her long blue hair shone like polished crystal, and her... assets... were quite distracting.

Reikou immediately fell into a daze, his eyes drifting downward. ‘Whoa...’

“You really are a pervert donkey, aren't you?” her face suddenly inches from Reikou’s. She placed both hands on his cheeks, trapping him.

Reikou shook his head violently. ‘Am I really a donkey today?!’ “No! I wasn’t looking—I mean—I was just—!”

“Nice to meet you, Reikou-kun,” Yueko said with a faint, knowing smile. Laughter rippled through the group.

“But hey, Yueko-san! Why was my answer wrong?!” Kiyoshi pouted.

“Because you gave a boring lecture,” Yueko-san replied, tilting her head. “In simple words: Real love is when you love someone without knowing why. That’s it. Am I right, Reikou-kun? You fell for Meiyu-san, didn't you?”

Reikou went quiet, unable to find the words.

“I see,” Yueko sighed. She rested her chin on her hand, looking at him with pity. “But for your information... she’s not the romantic type. She has her own boundaries. She’s the sole daughter of the Sazanami Empire pure royalty. She built those walls to protect herself. It’s all in the magazines, you know.”

‘Magazines?’ Reikou gasped. ‘I haven’t read a single one!’

“If Reikou-san breaks her rules, then he can reach her,” Ryuuto muttered. “Breaking the rules... even without her realizing it.”

The whole group Shiori, Kiyoshi, and Yueko turned and stared at Ryuuto in dead silence.

“Ahh! Hey, I was just giving an idea!” Ryuuto whispered, rubbing his neck.

“You stupid boy...” Shiori smiled. “Sometimes you actually have brilliant ideas.”

“Exactly,” Kiyoshi added, crossing his arms. “She is protected by a fortress. A ‘Wall of Rules.’ If Reikou-san wants to reach her heart, he has to smash through that wall.”

“Yeah! Break the rules, reach her heart,” Yueko agreed, taking a sip of her cold drink.

Reikou gripped his fist, thinking of the cold gaze of Akihiro-san. ‘But how? If I try, the media will trend it instantly. I'll be buried in hate and criticism.’

Then, a realization hit him. ‘Wait... if it trends on media, then I’ll be famous too. This is a golden opportunity!’

Reikou didn't realize that as he thought this, a truly distorted, abnormal smile was spreading across his face.

“He’s making that absolute ugly face again,” Kiyoshi nodded solemnly.

“Un,” everyone else agreed.

[End of Chapter 4]