It was my second year of middle school when I, Kai Furukawa, was the most popular yet least-liked person in the year level.

I would be 'friends' with everyone. If life were a competition of the number of people who would consider you a 'friend'—then I would be winning. If you asked any student in the school who the most popular boy was—they would say it was me

However, to be a 'friend' is not the same as being liked. As a result, I didn't manage to experience any of the joy of youth.

I never had a girlfriend.

I was never invited to parties aside from large whole-year level parties.

I never had anyone I could confide my emotions in.

I was practically alone.

Eventually, it all builds up and I felt like I was completely lost. The world was dark, cold and scary. Under this façade, I would simply live in the shadows, isolated from everyone, yet hiding in plain sight.

**

It was a windy afternoon. The sun was hidden behind a fog of grey clouds. The air was cold but not too chilly. I was sitting alone on the wooden bench near the edge of the oval.

School had already ended, it was around 4:30pm at this point. I would usually walk home as soon as the bell rang, however, today I felt particularly disappointed in myself.

Just as I was about to get up and begin walking home, a girl approached me. She was a cute-looking girl with a dark brown bob-cut. Playfully she stuck out her hand and spoke to me.

'You should've just told me that you felt lonely~'

'Huh?'

At the time, I didn't know what was happening. I had had plenty of experience talking with girls, but never in this way. They never spoke to me with so much confidence.

'What is it?' I asked.

'It's nothing, I just came here to cure you of your loneliness.'

'I'm not lonely.' I stated.

She laughed a little.

'You're an idiot then.'

'What?'

She had a smile as bright as the sun.

Without saying anything else, she grabbed my hand and pulled me up from the bench.

'I found this nice fish and chips shop that I've been wanting to go to.'

'Go by yourself.'

'But if I went by myself you'd be all alone, that would be sad wouldn't it?'

Her words shocked me. How did she know all of this, everyone at this school should've thought that I was a popular boy. Why did she know that I was lonely? I couldn't understand what was happening at the time. However, in retrospect, that would be the first moment I would feel warmth in my heart.

'Fine, I'll come.'

'Yay! Come on, I'll show you the way.'

**

Akane.

It took me so many years to realise.

But no worries.

I love you.

I will protect you.

I won't let anyone hurt you.

Especially you—Kohei Tachibana—don't go anywhere near Akane.