Beneath The Maple Tree

//HIGAN'S POV//

The unspoken beauty in his eyes captivated me, drawing my gaze like a moth to a flame. As he took a step closer, I raised an eyebrow, caught off guard by the concern etched on his face.

"You are hurt..." His gentle voice whispered, low and soothing, as he examined the bruise on my cheek with a worried expression.

"It's nothing... Who are you...?" I managed to ask, bewildered by the sudden warmth I felt towards this cute boy with puppy ears that twitched adorably as he spoke.

"My name is Hikaru... What's your name?" he replied, his voice brightening with a childlike enthusiasm.

"...I am Higan," I said, my eyes darting down to avoid his gaze, feeling an inexplicable urge to protect him.

[He's not scared of me...? Does he not realise that I am a lion...?] I thought, surprised by his lack of fear as he reached into his bag and pulled out a small pup bandage.

He approached me without hesitation, gently placing the bandage on my bruised cheek.

[Eh? He's either an idiot or he just doesn't know me... But why does it feel so nice?]

"So... Hikaru... A first year?" I asked, trying to maintain my composure and act like a good student.

"Yeah...! I am...!" he responded, his excitement infectious, like a child receiving a long-awaited gift.

"I see... Hm... Uh, well... I am in my first year too, but I will join classes starting tomorrow..."

"Really...? Then will you be my friend...?!" His eyes sparkled with hope, and I felt my heart flutter and soften at the sight.

"Uh... Fine...!" I sighed, unable to resist his infectious smile.

[Ugh... What is happening? The great Higan getting flustered over a damn pup? He must have done some black magic...! Let's just keep an eye on him for now...]

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As the day wore on, I found myself following Hikaru around the school, unable to tear my gaze away from him. It was as if an invisible thread connected us, pulling me closer with each passing moment. I watched him interact with classmates, his laughter ringing out like music, brightening the dull atmosphere of the school.

"Hey, Hikaru!" a girl called out, her voice laced with enthusiasm. "Are you coming to the club meeting after school?"

"Of course! I wouldn't miss it for the world!" he replied, his eyes sparkling with happiness.

[The hell is with that woman, I will kill her... How dare she get close to Hikaru...!]

A pang of jealousy shot through me. Why did everyone seem to gravitate towards him? I wanted to be the one he looked at with that same joy, the one he shared his secrets with. But I kept my distance, lurking in the shadows, watching him from afar.

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As the final bell rang, signaling the end of the school day, I felt a surge of anxiety. I had to talk to him, to solidify our newfound friendship. I approached him as he gathered his things, my heart pounding in my chest.

"Hey, Hikaru!" I called out, trying to sound casual.

He turned, his face lighting up as he saw me. "Higan! You're still here!"

"Yeah, I wanted to see if you'd like to exchange numbers," I said, my voice slightly shaky.

"Of course!" he exclaimed, pulling out his phone with a bright smile. I couldn't help but notice how his fingers danced over the screen, entering my number with a speed that made me envious.

Once we exchanged numbers, I felt a rush of exhilaration. It was a small step, but it felt monumental. "I'll text you later!" he said, waving as he walked away, his backpack bouncing with each step.

I stood there for a moment, watching him disappear into the crowd. My heart swelled with a mix of emotions- happiness, excitement, and an overwhelming urge to protect him from anything that might harm his innocent spirit.

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As I made my way home, I couldn't shake the feeling of obsession that had begun to take root in my mind. Why was I so drawn to him? I had never felt this way about anyone before. It was as if Hikaru had unlocked something deep within me, a desire to be close to him, to shield him from the world.

When I finally arrived at my house, I was greeted by the familiar sight of my sprawling mansion. The exterior was a blend of modern architecture and classic elegance, with large glass windows that reflected the setting sun. The manicured lawn was dotted with vibrant flowers, and a stone pathway led to the grand entrance.

Inside, the air was cool and inviting. The marble floors gleamed under the soft glow of the chandeliers, and the walls were adorned with exquisite artwork. My family's wealth was evident in every detail, from the plush furniture to the state-of-the-art technology that filled the rooms.

" Leona!" I called out, my voice echoing through the spacious hallways. "Are you home?"

I waited, listening for her familiar footsteps. Leona, my older sister, always seemed to know when I needed her. Whether it was to talk about my day or to share my latest thoughts about Hikaru, she was always there to lend an ear.

"Coming!" she replied, her voice loud and annoying as always.

I smiled to myself, feeling a sense of comfort wash over me. No matter how complicated my feelings for Hikaru became, I knew I could always count on Leona to help me navigate through it all.

As I waited for her to arrive, I couldn't help but think about the day ahead. Tomorrow would be my first day in class, and I would finally get to see Hikaru again. The thought sent a thrill through me, and I couldn't wait to see where this unexpected connection would lead.

"Leona!" I called out again, getting irritated as she was always slow.

"Just a second!" she shouted back, and I could hear her footsteps growing closer.

I leaned against the doorframe, anticipation coursing through me as I prepared to share my day with her. Whatever happened next, I knew I wouldn't be alone in it.

As my sister came down with wiping her hair with a towel she looked at me, "So? What's up? Yelling my name like that"

"I think... A boy used black magic on me"

"...Huh?"

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_To Be Continue_