Mushoku No Sonzai 無色の存在 (Colorless Existence)

Beyond Our Reach [Chapter 7.5 Valentine's Day Special]

"Y-Yeah..."

She returns a cheerful smile.

"Then, don't give up!"

E-Easy for her to say...
We approach the usual railroad crossing. Her home was the opposite direction of mine, so this was always where we split ways.
She runs to the left crossway.

"See you tomorrow!"

"Yeah."

I walk towards the opposite crossway, and begin walking home.
I was never really excited about going home much. The truth is, my parents divorced when I was only 4 years old.
My dad was never one to care, he just left me and my mom alone.
My mom, well, she isn't exactly great either...
As I approach my house, I open the door quietly as usual. I never really greet my mom. I come home, grab food from the kitchen, and go straight to my room.
As I shut the door and head for the kitchen, I notice my favorite snack was gone. Ah. Screw it. I'll go buy more Mochi cakes later.
I head towards my room upstairs, and hear noises coming from my mom's bedroom.
Yeah...The usual noises.
My mom was a prostitute. Every evening, some random men would buy her on the street, and this is where she serves them. Did she enjoy doing this to herself? I don't know. Ever since my dad left, money has been hard to get.
As much as it pissed me off, I ignored it and went straight to my room.
I lock the door behind me, and jump on my bed.
My room was bland. It's still hot...
I glance outside the window, and stare at the vast sea of clouds in the sky. I reach my hand out to a cloud, as if trying to grasp it.
I begin falling asleep...
Can I really ever reach that which is beyond my grasp?...
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The birds chirp and tweet outside. I feel a warm breeze of air pass my body. I open my eyes slightly. It's morning...
I look at the clock on my cabinet. 7:55 am.
I burst off my bed and quickly change into my uniform. Damn it, I'm going to be late again!
A few minutes pass, and I dash out of the doorway towards school. I have to get there before 8:00 am!
I rush through the streets, and pant for breath.
I approach the school gates. I can make it!
I sprint faster, and attempt to pass through the gates.
As soon as I enter the gate, I am greeted by a homeroom teacher. She blocks my path with her arm, and hands me a note to give the office.
I-I got tired for nothing...

The bell rings. I was already in my seat in class. My seat wasn't the greatest. It was right in front of the teacher, which really didn't help if I was tired. The class begins, and I force myself to pay attention.

A few minutes pass. Homeroom was over. Ah. Finally...

"Good morning! Wakahisa-kun!"

Chiharu walks in from the doorway. It was morning break, and she always visited me like this. She's my only friend, actually. So I never expect to be greeted by anyone else.

"Good morning."

"Eh? You're still tired?"

"Not really."

"Hm..."

I stretch my arms.

"Aside from that, we still have exams to take soon."

"Ah. I forgot!"

"Seriously?"

She laughs with a shy smile and places her hand on her hair. As her hand is on her hair, I notice something different.

"Say, Tachibana-san. Your hair."

"Eh?"

I reach my hand for her hair.

Smack!

She slapped my hand away nearly instantly...

"Wh-What? Tachibana-san?"