the school was alive with the buzz of students returning to their routines. The music club gathered in their usual room, the instruments set but untouched as everyone noticed Hajime. He sat near the window, quiet and distant, his gaze fixed on something far away. His expression was blank, but the tension in his body told a story of inner turmoil.
The others exchanged worried glances, unsure how to approach him. Daka tried to step forward but hesitated. Emily fidgeted nervously, her usual confidence faltering. Even Rizra, usually straightforward, decided to hold back, unsure of what to say.
The door to the clubroom opened, and Sockoo walked in with Amy trailing behind her. Sockoo’s face lit up as she greeted everyone. "Hey, everyone! Got some news for you all today!"
But her smile faltered slightly when she saw Hajime. She immediately noticed his unusual silence and the tension in the air. Setting aside her announcement for the moment, Sockoo approached Hajime and knelt beside him.
"Hajime, what’s wrong?"
Hajime didn’t respond. His hands gripped the fabric of his pants, and his gaze remained unfocused. Everyone watched in worried silence, unsure how Sockoo would handle the situation.
Sockoo, however, didn’t push him. Instead, she smiled gently and said, "You don’t have to talk if you’re not ready."
Hajime blinked, startled by the gesture. His body stiffened for a moment, but Sockoo’s calm presence had a soothing effect. She ran her fingers through his hair softly, speaking in a voice only he could hear. "It’s okay. I’ll wait as long as you need."
The club members were stunned, but they quickly realized Sockoo’s approach was what Hajime needed. Slowly, Hajime’s tense body relaxed, and his eyelids grew heavy. Within moments, he had fallen asleep, his breathing even and peaceful.
Sockoo looked up at the others with a small smile, her voice hushed but cheerful. "By the way, I almost forgot—Amy’s joining the music club."
Amy stepped forward, giving an awkward wave. "Uh, yeah. I figured it might be fun to hang out with you guys more. Plus, Sockoo talked me into it."
The club broke into quiet applause, respecting Hajime’s rest but genuinely welcoming Amy. Daka grinned. "More people to beat at music battles! Welcome aboard, Amy."
Emily smirked. "Let’s see if you can keep up."
Sockoo chuckled softly, her attention still focused on Hajime. The moment was a mix of emotions—worry for Hajime’s state, but also warmth from the bond everyone shared. The music club felt like a family, and no matter how broken one of them might feel, they were determined to hold each other together. Later that day, when the club had dispersed and the noise of the afternoon settled, Hajime and Sockoo found themselves alone in the quiet music room. The sunlight filtered through the windows, casting a warm glow over the instruments and creating a peaceful atmosphere.
Sockoo sat across from Hajime, her gaze gentle but probing. She could tell something was weighing heavily on his mind. Hajime leaned forward, his elbows resting on his knees, his hands fidgeting. He took a deep breath, his eyes avoiding hers.
"Sockoo,""I’ve been… remembering things. Things from before I met Daka and Rizra."
Sockoo tilted her head slightly, her curiosity piqued but her expression patient. "What kind of things?"
Hajime sighed, his hands clenching into fists. "My parents, Bella and Baku… I remember them now. But it’s not just them. I had siblings too—a little brother, Ichika, a little sister, Jessica, and…"
He paused, his voice catching. "A twin sister. Aqua."
Sockoo’s eyes widened. "A twin sister? Hajime, that’s…"
"They left me,""When we were kids, they left me behind. Took my siblings and went on some ‘mission’ because they had magic and could protect themselves. I didn’t. I hadn’t unlocked my magic yet, so I was useless to them."
The bitterness in his voice was palpable, and Sockoo felt her heart ache for him. "They abandoned me, Sockoo. Months turned into more months, and I waited for them to come back. I waited, thinking maybe they’d return and take me too. But they didn’t. And now, after remembering all this, I can’t help but hate them."
Sockoo reached out, placing a hand over his clenched fists. "Hajime…"
"Don’t tell me to forgive them,""I know they’re trying to act like parents now, but it doesn’t erase what they did. It doesn’t erase how I felt as a kid, wondering why I wasn’t good enough to go with them. Why I was left behind."
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Sockoo shook her head. "I wasn’t going to say that. I just… I can’t imagine how much that must’ve hurt you. But I know one thing for sure: you’re not that abandoned kid anymore. You’ve built something amazing with the music club, with Daka, Rizra, and the others. You’re strong now, Hajime, and you’ve got people who’ll stand by you no matter what."
Hajime’s expression softened slightly, though the pain in his eyes didn’t fade entirely. "I know. But it doesn’t make it easier. Every time I see Bella and Baku, I can’t help but feel… betrayed. And now that I remember Ichika, Jessica, and Aqua, it makes me wonder if they even cared about me at all."
Sockoo tightened her grip on his hands. "They made mistakes, Hajime. Maybe unforgivable ones. But whatever you decide to do about them, you’re not alone anymore. You’ve got us. You’ve got me."
Hajime’s gaze met hers, and for the first time that day, he allowed a small, grateful smile to cross his face. "Thanks, Sockoo. That means more than you know."
The two sat in silence for a while, Sockoo simply being there for him as he processed the flood of emotions. Though Hajime’s relationship with his parents seemed irreparable, Sockoo’s unwavering support gave him a small sense of stability amid the chaos of his memories. The next day, the music club gathered in their usual spot after school, the atmosphere buzzing with a mix of determination and dread. The reason? Exam week was just around the corner, and everyone was feeling the pressure—except for one person.
Hajime sat in the corner, leaning back in his chair with his arms crossed, an expression of complete indifference on his face. While the others had their textbooks, notes, and highlighters sprawled out on the table, Hajime sat with nothing but a faint smirk.
"Hajime,""You could at least pretend to study, you know. It’s a study group."
Hajime shrugged, his voice calm. "Don’t need to. I’ll pass just fine."
The room collectively groaned.
"Of course you don’t,""Genius over here doesn’t even have to try. Meanwhile, some of us are barely surviving."
Rizra, sitting beside Daka, smirked. "Speak for yourself. I’m doing fine. But seriously, Hajime, at least grab a book or something. You’re making us feel bad."
Hajime chuckled. "Sorry, but I’m not about to waste my time cramming. I’ve got better things to do."
Sockoo, sitting across from Hajime, gave him a knowing look. "Like what, Hajime? Napping?"
Hajime raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. "Napping sounds pretty good, actually."
Emily, flipping through her flashcards, sighed. "I can’t believe you’re so calm about this. Exams are stressful, Hajime. Even if you think you’ll pass, shouldn’t you at least try to improve your score?"
Hajime leaned forward, resting his chin on his hand. "What’s the point? I’ve got enough to pass, and that’s all that matters."
Makoto, ever the diligent one, adjusted his glasses and gave Hajime a pointed look. "That kind of attitude won’t get you far in life, Hajime. Discipline and preparation are key."
Hajime smirked. "Discipline and preparation are great and all, but so is knowing when to chill. You guys stress too much."
The group erupted into playful bickering, with everyone throwing their own quips and complaints at Hajime. Sockoo, however, couldn’t help but smile. Despite his nonchalant attitude, she could see that Hajime’s confidence wasn’t arrogance—it was just his way of staying grounded amid everything they’d been through recently.
As the study session continued, Hajime leaned back again, closing his eyes and tuning out the chaos around him. Exams might’ve been looming, but to him, they were just another minor obstacle—nothing compared to the battles he’d fought and the memories he was still piecing together. For now, he was content to let the others stress while he remained the calm eye in the storm.
For now, Hajime slept soundly, finding a rare moment of peace in Sockoo’s presence. The study session continued with varying levels of focus and chaos. Yosuke, Yu, and Angel were quietly immersed in their notes, working diligently as they reviewed equations, historical dates, and key concepts. Angel, being the most meticulous of the three, occasionally nudged Yu when his attention started to drift. Yosuke remained stoic but committed, flipping through his textbook with precision.
Meanwhile, Rizra was keeping a sharp eye on Daka, who was struggling to focus.
"Daka,""Stop doodling on your notes and pay attention. You know you’re going to fail if you don’t study."
Daka groaned, slumping in his chair. "Why do you have to call me out like that? I’m trying!"
"Trying to distract yourself doesn’t count,"
Rizra retorted, pointing at the scribbles of swords and random patterns on his notebook. "If you fail, don’t come crying to me."
Hajime, watching the exchange from his corner, let out a low chuckle. His amusement was short-lived, however, as Bondo slammed his book down on the table and grinned at him.
"Alright, Hajime,""If you’re so confident you don’t need to study, let’s make this interesting."
Hajime raised an eyebrow. "Interesting, how?"
"Whoever gets the highest score on the exams wins,""Winner gets bragging rights and… let’s say, the loser has to treat the entire music club to dinner."
The room fell silent for a moment before an excited buzz filled the air.
"Ooh, now that’s a challenge,""What do you think, Hajime? Are you in?"
Hajime leaned back, smirking. "Sure, why not? I could use a free meal."
"Ha! Bold words for someone who’s not even opening a book,""Don’t think I’m going easy on you just because you’re some genius. I’m aiming to win this fair and square."
"Fair and square, huh?""Alright, Bondo. Let’s see if you can actually keep up."
The rest of the group erupted in cheers and laughter, clearly enjoying the unexpected rivalry. Even Rizra seemed momentarily distracted from scolding Daka, her attention drawn to the lively banter.
"This is going to be good,""Two stubborn guys competing to see who’s the smartest? Count me in to watch the fallout."
"Don’t get too distracted, Daka,""You still have a mountain of material to get through."
"Fine, fine,""But you can’t blame me for wanting to enjoy the show."
Unfinished anger…
And a name deep in Hajime’s past that he still can’t say without trembling.
but whether it lifts him up or breaks him further…
that’s something only the next chapter will reveal.
Who is your favorite character so far
