Part 2: The Morning of Change
Haruto stirred slightly under the blanket, still half-asleep, the memory of the fevered mornings lingering faintly in his mind. Akari, sitting beside him, patted his side gently.
"I know why you're not going to the academy," she said softly, her brown hair brushing against his shoulder. "Because of what they say… how they call you a girl because of your hair, right?"
Haruto didn't answer, only shifted slightly, hiding more under the blanket.
Akari leaned closer, her voice gentle but firm. "Haruto… it doesn't matter what anyone thinks. Your hair turned red because of who you are, and that's not your fault. It doesn't change you… and it doesn't make you any less strong."
Haruto blinked slowly, a faint shiver running through him. Then he mumbled, his voice tinged with confusion, "I… I don't know why… I'm the only one who changed. Everyone used to tell me I was cute… and those eyes of mine… but now… I don't know why my hair and eyes… changed since then."
Akari shook her head gently, squeezing his shoulder. "Haruto… it's okay. Your hair, your eyes… they're just a part of you. They don't define you. You're still the same Haruto inside, and that's what matters. You don't have to be ashamed."
Haruto remained silent for a moment, letting her words sink in. Then, in a soft voice, he murmured, "But… what if they laugh? What if they… don't let me…"
"Then that's on them, not you," Akari said warmly, patting his hair lightly. "You're Haruto. That's enough. And I'll be here — always — Aka is not going anywhere."
Outside, the morning sun cast a comforting glow through the window, filling the room with quiet reassurance.
She smiled softly, brushing a stray strand of his red-and-blue hair from his forehead. "Haruto… I want you to try. Just for one day. Go to the academy. You don't have to go every day, not yet… just try for today."
Haruto's small hands twisted in his lap. "One day…? I… I don't know… what if they laugh? What if they… stare at me?"
She leaned closer, voice calm and warm. "Then that's their problem, not yours. You're still Haruto. Your hair, your eyes… they don't define you. You don't have to change for anyone. Just try… for yourself. And I'll be with you the whole time."
Haruto hesitated, biting his lip, the fear of judgment still heavy. Then, slowly, he whispered, "Okay… I'll try… just one day."
"That's my boy," she said, smiling gently and ruffling his hair. "Now let's get you ready."
She helped him wash up, carefully guiding his small hands under the warm water. He trembled slightly, but her calm presence reassured him, letting him focus on the motions rather than the fear lingering in his chest.
When it came time to tie his hair, she gently brushed the long strands and began arranging them neatly. Haruto stared at the mirror, the red and blue streaks falling past his shoulders catching the sunlight. His reflection was almost unrecognizable — the boy looking back at him had changed so much. For a moment, he didn't even know if it was really him.
"I… is that really… me?" he whispered, voice trembling.
She smiled softly. "It's still you, Haruto. Just a little older… a little stronger. That's all."
Haruto blinked, taking a deep breath as her hands worked carefully through the thick, long hair. "I… okay… I'll try," he murmured again, feeling a small surge of courage.
Next, she helped him into his academy uniform, straightening the collar and adjusting the sleeves. "There you go. All ready," she said. "No one can tell you who you are. Remember that."
Haruto finally stood, looking at himself once more in the mirror. The boy with the long red-and-blue hair, slightly trembling but determined, stared back. He whispered, "Thanks… Aka."
She extended her hand. "Come on, Haruto. One step at a time. I'm right here."
He placed his small hand in hers. Together they walked toward the door. Outside, the morning sun painted the streets golden, and the distant chatter of other students from the academy floated through the air.
As they walked, Haruto's steps were hesitant at first, but her presence beside him gave him courage. Around the corner, Kaito and Renjiro appeared, heading toward the academy as well.
"Good morning, Haruto!" Kaito called cheerfully, noticing his uniform.
Haruto's small voice barely rose above a whisper. "Morning…"
Renjiro, tall with white spiky hair and a mask partially covering his face, gave him a small nod. "Ready for today?"
Haruto swallowed, tightening his grip on her hand. "I… I'll try," he said, his voice steadier than before.
"That's all anyone can ask," she said softly, squeezing his hand. "One day at a time."
With that, the small group continued walking toward the academy, Haruto keeping his gaze forward. Each step felt heavier than usual, but he no longer felt entirely alone. Her calm reassurance, Kaito's cheerful presence, and even the quiet support of Renjiro gave him the courage to face the day… the first day after so long.
And as the academy gates drew near, Haruto lifted his head slightly, ready to take the next step in a world that had changed around him — but where he could still find his place.