꧁༒I'll Be Your Peace༒꧂

You walked through the courtyard, trying your hardest to maintain composure. It wasn't easy, though, especially with Hiragi Toma walking beside you. Your cheeks flushed with every step, the blush finally reaching the tips of your ears."ACKKK! Toma-chi's beside me and as expected, he's handsome up close!" you thought, quickly averting your (e/c) eyes before he could even look back at you.

You couldn't help but feel a little self-conscious, a bit like a deer caught in headlights. Toma's presence was both exhilarating and intimidating. He had this aura of quiet confidence, a strength that seemed to radiate from him. Including the fact that he was so effortlessly cool, with a natural charisma that seemed to draw everyone's attention.

"Don't worry, you'll be just fine..." Toma spoke in a whisper but enough for you to hear. Then, he turns his head towards you, slightly looking up since you're inches taller. "And you'll definitely make tons of good memories, (Name)."

His words, spoken with a gentle sincerity, warmed your heart. You couldn't help but feel a sense of reassurance, as if he had read your mind and understood your anxieties. You smiled back at him, a shy, grateful smile that made your cheeks flush even more.

As you walked, you noticed majority of the students gathered near a large, ancient-looking tree. They were laughing and talking, their voices blending with the rustling of leaves and the chirping of birds. You felt a surge of joy as a smile made its way on your lips while looking at the sight, even though it has only been an hour and you're already drawn to each and every one of them.

Gazing back to Toma, face filled with newfound determination as it shone under the sunlight, "I-I think... I've found myself had fallen for this place, Toma!" The taller of the two claimed, his (e/c) eyes never leaving the other's emerald hues. Toma hearing you say that made a smile flash on his lips while a small blush crept up on his cheeks. He couldn't quite understand the feelings he had towards you, but your presence, your words, and how you perceived things truly captivated him. For a long time, he understood why so many people were drawn to you and the others, attached, he was certain he was one of them.

However, an unsettling feeling settled within him. Toma, along with the others, had known you for a year, and all he could think of was how innocent you seemed in this field, despite being exposed to the ways things were done here. The school you transferred to was unlike those that mainly focused on academics; this school had a different reputation. He and every student in this facility protected the town with their own hands, and it meant more violence, varying on how individuals handled certain situations. You may have been aware, but as long as there was violence, the unimaginable becomes possible. Toma hoped that if something were to happen, it wouldn't change you.

These thoughts made him sick-truly sick as he choked on his own saliva and clutched his stomach. Toma grabbed a small box from the pocket of his pants, quickly putting a certain amount of round tablets into his mouth.

"EHHH?! Toma-chi, don't die on me!!!" you exclaimed in shock, your eyes widening in concern. You were always a bit of a worrywart, especially when it came to your friends.

"H-huh...? Y'know I'm not dying, calm down!" Toma reassured you, a wry smile playing on his lips as he recovered from the sudden discomfort. He knew you were just trying to look out for him, and he appreciated your concern, even if it was a bit over the top.

"But... but you looked so pale!" you insisted, your voice laced with worry. "Are you sure you're okay?"

"I'm fine, really," Toma said, his voice gentle.

"*Sigh* It's just stomaches and I have my meds here."

You hesitated for a moment, still a little concerned, but you knew Toma was a strong guy. He wouldn't let a little thing like a stomach ache get in the way of his day.

"Okay," you said, a small smile returning to your lips. "But promise me you'll take care of yourself."

"I promise," Toma said, his emerald eyes meeting yours. I don't really know how since we have that idiot... But, I'll do my best, I guess. He thought and sighs internally.

"Now, let's go find out what our first task is."

With a newfound sense of determination, you walked side-by-side with Toma, ready to face whatever challenges this new school year might bring. You knew that you had a lot to learn, but you also knew that you had great friends by your side, them who would always be there for you, no matter what. And that, you realized, was the most important thing of all.

You felt so dumb and guilty, realizing it only now, after all these years. You had been so caught up in your own thoughts, your own anxieties, to the past, that you hadn't truly seen the obvious. The signs had been there all along, but you had been too blind to notice them. But looking past it, you felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude for all the people you had met along the way. They had become more than just friends; they were beacons of kindness and patience, guiding you to see what you had been missing all this time.

Their unwavering support and understanding had opened your eyes to a new perspective, one filled with compassion and empathy. They had shown you the beauty of acceptance and forgiveness, teaching you valuable lessons about humility and growth.

With each interaction, each shared moment, you had learned to appreciate the diversity of personalities and experiences that shaped your relationships. The laughter, the tears, the shared joys and sorrows-all of it had woven a tapestry of connections that enriched your life in ways you never thought possible.

You were grateful for their presence, for the way they embraced you with open arms and showed you the true meaning of friendship. Their kindness had touched your heart, leaving an indelible mark that would forever remind you of the power of human connection and the beauty of genuine relationships.

As you reflected on the journey that brought you to this moment, you knew that you were truly blessed to have such wonderful souls by your side. They were not just friends; they were your guiding stars, illuminating the path towards self-discovery and personal growth. And for that, you would be eternally thankful.

꧁༒My A.R.T!༒꧂