"Your family is a thief."
"Just die already."
"'Avelle'? That's a family of thieves, right?"
"Stay away from us, we don't need you here."
"Your father is evil."
The voices echoed endlessly, overlapping until they became nothing but noise. Faint, distorted, and cruel.
Through the haze, a soft voice emerged—clearer, warmer. A young woman, in her early thirties, knelt beside an eight-year-old boy with tears trembling in his eyes. She placed her gentle hand on his head, smiling faintly.
"Don't worry, your father is amazing. Don't listen to the words they've been saying."
And just like that, the blurry world started to fade.
The boy—now nineteen—slowly opened his eyes. His name was Ryuzen Avelle.
Black messy hair, dark green eyes dulled by exhaustion. The same dream again.
He lay there for a moment, his forearm resting over his eyes, quietly breathing. Then, after a brief silence, he sat up. His gaze landed on the small photo frame beside his bed—his family smiling together. His expression didn't change.
Ryuzen rose and walked toward the window. He slid the curtain to the side, and the sunlight broke in, brushing over his pale face. Across the glass, another apartment building stood quietly in the morning calm.
Another meaningless day... he thought, eyes squinting at the bright sky.
---A few moments later…---
The quiet creak of his footsteps echoed down the apartment stairs. He reached the ground floor, where the manager—an elderly woman always stationed at the small counter—was already busy checking papers and counting rent money.
She looked up with a smile as Ryuzen approached.
"Oh? Ryuzen-san, good morning."
"Good morning," he replied with a polite nod.
He pulled out his wallet and handed over a few folded bills. "Here. My rent payment for the room."
The woman accepted it with a light laugh. "You really never pay late, aren't you?"
"Well," Ryuzen said simply, slipping his wallet back into his pocket, "it's my responsibility to pay on or before the due date."
"Thank you, here's your receipt."
The landlady handed the small slip of paper to him. Ryuzen nodded, took it quietly, and tucked it into his back pocket.
"Have a good day, Ryuzen-san," she said, waving slightly.
He gave a faint nod again and stepped outside. The morning air greeted him—fresh, crisp, and faintly scented with bread from the nearby bakery.
He reached into his camera bag slung over his shoulder and took out his camera. Adjusting the lens cap, he began to walk down the street—his silent world once again framed through the glass of his camera.
Ryuzen walked down the streets in his brown shirt and black pants, his camera hanging from his neck. The sound of passing cars and distant chatter filled the air as he scanned the surroundings, searching for something worth capturing.
My name is Ryuzen Avelle. I'm currently nineteen years old. I'm a student from Kishiro Academy. I work as a photographer—through this lens, I can see the world clearly.
Even if everyone around me hates me because of my father being the mayor of this city, I still want to believe there's hope... hope that one day, they'll see who we really are.
He paused, lowering the camera slightly as a faint breeze passed by.
Well... is there really hope?
He continued walking, lost in thought. A kid chasing a small brown dog caught his eye. The boy laughed as the dog wagged its tail, running in circles. Ryuzen lifted his camera and took several shots in a row.
Click. Click. Click.
He lowered the camera again, checking the preview screen with a sigh.
I can't find a good shot... sigh. How can I sell something like this?
He scratched the back of his head, his brows slightly furrowed.
I guess I should walk around more.
Then, from a distance, a small hamburger stall caught his attention. The smell of grilled meat and toasted buns reached him, and his stomach made a quiet growl.
"I guess I should eat first," he muttered to himself.
He walked toward the stall, ordered a simple meal, and ate quietly at the counter. The taste wasn't special, but the warmth filled his chest somehow. After finishing, he wiped his hands with a tissue, adjusted his camera bag, and began walking again.
The time passed, and Ryuzen found himself sitting on a long wooden bench near the park—the same park where he had earlier photographed the little boy and the dog. The sky was beginning to change color, painted with soft shades of orange and pink.
He leaned back on the bench, holding his camera on his lap.
I wonder what would be my next piece to sell. I can't even find a good landscape anymore.
He sighed again, tilting his head slightly to the side.
Well... because you took every landscape you saw and sold them, Ryuzen. Smart move.
He gave a small smirk at his own sarcastic thought, then exhaled deeply.
A few meters away, two women in their forties were standing beside a vending machine. Their eyes caught sight of the young man sitting on the bench.
"Hey, isn't that the son of the mayor?" one of them whispered.
"You're right. What's he doing here all alone?"
"The rumor said his father took money from the government."
"Yeah... what a scumbag."
Their voices weren't loud, but not quiet enough to be ignored.
Ryuzen's eyes shadowed as he listened. His grip tightened slightly on his camera—but only for a moment. He didn't turn around, nor did he say anything. Instead, he slowly stood up, brushed the dust off his pants, and began walking forward.
No... you're all wrong.
He didn't need to explain himself anymore.
The sky had grown dim by the time he reached the edge of the pier. The late afternoon sun reflected beautifully across the calm ocean, where small boats floated lazily. Ryuzen raised his camera once again and captured the moment—the fading light, the ripples on the water, the serenity of everything around him.
Click.
He lowered the camera, watching the sea breeze ripple through the surface.
"Okay... I guess this is it for today's work."
He smiled faintly, the kind that held a quiet loneliness, before slinging his camera back over his shoulder and turning toward the street—where fate was waiting to cross his path.
Here is the text copied and formatted as an anime light novel chapter:
Morning sunlight passed through the trees as students filled the walkway of Kishiro Academy. The school stood tall with its modern white walls, wide glass windows, and a garden stretching along the front gate. Water from the small fountain sparkled as students walked past it, chatting loudly.
Their uniforms were clean and simple.
Boys wore a white long-sleeve shirt under a black coat, lined with a thin purple stripe around the wrists. Their black slacks matched the coat's trim.
Girls wore the same upper design, except their coat was slightly fitted and paired with a black skirt with a matching purple line near the hem.
Inside the building, the hallways were bright and spacious, filled with rows of shoe lockers and soft chatter echoing from classrooms.
Inside Class 2-B, Ryuzen Avelle sat at the back beside the window, chin resting on his palm. The morning breeze pushed the curtains lightly, brushing against his cheek. He stared outside quietly, letting the faint sunlight color his already tired expression.
Suddenly, footsteps approached.
"Yo, Ryuzen."
A tall guy with messy brown hair leaned beside his desk. His name was Kaito Renji, Ryuzen's one and only friend.
"You're still quiet as ever. Can you at least talk to our classmates once in a while?"
Ryuzen didn't look away from the window.
"It's okay. I don't need to."
"Why? They're not gonna eat you or anything."
"I know that. It's just…"
Kaito tilted his head.
"Hm? What is it?"
"…Nothing."
"Eh? Whatever then." Kaito shrugged. "Wanna grab something to eat?"
Ryuzen finally shifted his gaze, tired eyes meeting Kaito's.
"Sure."
Kaito grinned, slapping his shoulder lightly.
"Good. Don't run away from me."
Ryuzen huffed out a soft breath — something close to a laugh.
---
The two walked through the hallway toward the cafeteria. Students turned their heads as Ryuzen passed by. Some whispered, some stared, others stepped aside slightly.
Despite the looks, Ryuzen walked with calm confidence — hands in his pockets, eyes half-closed, expression unreadable. Kaito walked right beside him, arms crossed behind his head like nothing bothered him.
"Amazing," Kaito whispered with a smirk. "People are staring at you again."
"Why are you amazed?" Ryuzen muttered. "If you keep being friends with me, they'll hate you too."
"So what?" Kaito answered immediately. "It's my choice. I'm friends with you because I want to."
Ryuzen clicked his tongue. "You're impossible."
"I don't regret being your friend," Kaito continued, now speaking seriously. "Even if people hate you because of your family name… that has nothing to do with me. Rumors saying your family is a thief or whatever? I don't believe any of that crap."
Ryuzen didn't reply. He kept walking, listening.
His fingers slightly curled inside his pocket — the only sign his friend's words reached him.
Kaito kept going, voice steady and honest.
"If you wanna prove them wrong… if you want them to see your family differently, then you can't keep avoiding everyone. At least try to communicate, right?"
Ryuzen's eyes widened slightly.
"…Well… I guess you're right."
"Of course I'm right." Kaito grinned proudly. "So don't be shy. If they avoid you, so what? Just keep trying."
"Alright, alright. Thanks."
"Good."
They entered the cafeteria.
Noise filled the air — trays clattering, students laughing, food smells mixing together. The two found an empty seat for four people and placed their trays down before sitting.
Ryuzen quietly ate, while Kaito kept talking, teasing him about something Ryuzen clearly didn't want to discuss.
Nearby, two girls from their class walked around, holding trays and looking for seats.
The shorter one, a girl with fluffy short hair, whispered,
"Mika, that's the only table left… and Ryuzen-san and Kaito-san are sitting there."
The taller girl beside her, Aira, glanced nervously.
"Can we really sit there? I'm… kinda nervous…"
"I think it's fine," Mika said softly. "Ryuzen-san and Kaito-san seem kind."
"Are you sure…?"
"Let's go before someone takes it," Mika urged.
At the table, Kaito smirked at Ryuzen.
"Come on, spit it out, Ryuzen."
"I told you, I don't have—"
But Ryuzen stopped mid-sentence as the two girls approached. Mika spoke first, clutching her tray with both hands.
"Uhm… can we sit here?"
Aira followed, voice quiet.
"There are no more empty seats… so this was the only one with two spots. Is it okay for us to join you?"
Before Ryuzen could answer, Kaito leaned forward with a wide grin.
"Go on, go on! It's free. Sit down and talk with us."
He shot Ryuzen a teasing grin.
Ryuzen stared at him, confused and slightly annoyed.
But the girls bowed lightly and sat across from them.
"T-thank you so much," both girls said as they placed their trays down.
The atmosphere around the table shifted — a little awkward, a little warm.
Kaito leaned closer to the girls, mischief written all over his grin.
"Oh, come to think of it, Ryuzen told me he wanted to know more about you two."
Kaito wiggled his eyebrows dramatically, clearly enjoying himself.
"H-hey! Wha—?"
Ryuzen turned his head sharply toward him, eyes narrowing just a little. His tone stayed calm, but the annoyance was obvious.
Kaito ignored him and continued loudly,
"Who would've thought the always-quiet Ryuzen actually wants to talk to new people?"
"I didn't say anything."
Ryuzen's face remained composed — no blush, no anger — just the usual flat expression with a soft glare.
"I see…?" the short-haired girl blinked.
The two girls glanced at each other. Confused at first… then they both smiled as if they found Ryuzen's reaction unexpectedly cute.
"Well, can you believe it?" Kaito kept going, laughing smugly. "Ryuzen finally—"
"You. Stop it already."
Ryuzen wrapped his forearm around Kaito's neck, pulling him into a tight headlock.
Kaito's grin instantly vanished.
Ryuzen looked at the two girls with a polite but annoyed smile.
"Oh, sorry about this idiot. He talks nonsense sometimes. You must be uncomfortable now, right? We'll take our leave."
Kaito's arms flailed as he struggled to break free.
"C-can't breathe— S-stop it! Sorry! Sorry!" he gasped, tapping Ryuzen's arm rapidly.
Before Ryuzen could drag Kaito away, Mika reached out slightly, stopping him.
"W-wait… I-it's okay. You don't have to leave."
Her voice was soft, a little shaky, but sincere. Her eyes widened nervously, yet she held her ground.
Ryuzen blinked, loosening his hold slightly.
Aira, the taller girl with long hair and calm eyes, added quietly,
"Really… it's fine."
The atmosphere softened again.
Mika straightened in her seat and introduced herself first.
"I'm Mika Saito."
Then Aira bowed her head slightly.
"And I'm Aira Hoshino."
Kaito rubbed his neck and nodded enthusiastically. Ryuzen listened silently, observing their expressions.
"Then I should introduce myself too! I'm—"
But before Kaito could finish, Aira gently cut him off.
"Well… actually… we already know who you two are."
Her tone was polite, but honest.
"Eh? You know us?" Kaito blinked.
The two girls nodded in unison.
"Yes," Mika answered.
"How?" Kaito leaned in, confused but interested.
Mika lowered her gaze for a moment.
"We already knew Ryuzen-san… because of the things people say. About his father… the rumors…"
Aira shook her head firmly.
"But I don't believe those things. And Mika doesn't either. We don't care about the rumors."
Mika nodded.
"And we also knew Kaito-san because… students talk about you too. They say you're Ryuzen-san's only friend."
Aira smiled softly.
"We wanted to approach you both since the first day of school… but you two always walk so fast."
Kaito immediately turned toward Ryuzen with a huge grin.
"You heard that, Ryuzen? These two don't care about your family name at all. Mika and Aira said it themselves."
Ryuzen quietly sipped from his boxed juice, eyes lowered as he absorbed their words.
So Kaito… was right all along…
Kaito nudged him. "Come on, say something."
Ryuzen exhaled softly and looked up.
"Well… thank you. I didn't know there were people who didn't believe those rumors."
Mika smiled shyly.
"A rumor is just a rumor."
Aira nodded.
"We prefer to judge people by how they act… not what others say."
Kaito leaned back and grinned.
"See? I told you you'd be fine."
Ryuzen sighed lightly, but there was a tiny hint of relief in his voice.
"…Yeah. Thanks."
The four of them continued talking — slowly, awkwardly at first, but naturally growing more comfortable. Laughter started mixing into their conversations, and the table that once felt cold now held the warmth of something new forming.
By the time they finished eating, the atmosphere between them had softened completely.
From strangers…
To classmates…
To something that might become friendship.
Here is the continuation of the story, formatted as an anime light novel chapter:
---
The golden afternoon light stretched across the school hallway as the four walked side by side. Ryuzen and Kaito in front; Mika and Aira slightly behind them.
Kaito glanced at the fading light outside the window.
"Man… this day felt long. I can't wait to go home."
Mika nodded, hugging her books. "Same. I just want to sleep."
Aira giggled softly. "You always say that, Mika."
Kaito stretched his arms. "Ryuzen, you heading straight home later?"
"Yeah," Ryuzen replied, calm as ever. "I still have to sort my photos."
"Oh? The usual sunset shots?" Kaito smirked. "You and your camera. One of these days, you'll fall in love with the sunset instead of a girl."
Ryuzen sighed quietly. "Don't start."
Mika glanced over. "But… I think it's nice. You always look peaceful when you take pictures."
Ryuzen blinked—caught off guard. "Is that so?"
Aira smiled. "It is. You look different when you hold your camera."
Kaito laughed. "Hear that? You're charming without even trying."
Ryuzen just shook his head, but a faint smile tugged at his lips.
They finally reached the school entrance.
"Alright, we'll go this way," Mika said, waving as she and Aira turned toward their route.
"Yeah. See you guys tomorrow!" Aira added.
Ryuzen raised a hand. "Take care."
Kaito nudged Ryuzen as they walked the opposite direction. "Let's go, man. I'll split here at the next turn."
"Yeah."
They walked until they reached the fork. Kaito slapped Ryuzen's back. "I'm heading left. Don't get too distracted taking pictures."
"No promises," Ryuzen replied.
Kaito waved and left.
Ryuzen continued straight, quiet footsteps echoing as the school grew distant behind him.
---
Ryuzen stopped at the familiar intersection:
Left toward his apartment.
Straight to the city.
Right toward the bus stop.
He reached for his camera.
"Battery's low…?" he muttered, staring at the blinking red icon.
I need to hurry and charge this thing.
His eyes caught a hamburger stall nearby.
"…Maybe I should eat something first," he whispered. "This thing won't shut down right away… right?"
He bought a hamburger, thanked the vendor, and began eating while walking.
Why does burger always taste better when it's slightly warm?
No—focus. I need to take pictures of the sunset.
But the sky's nice today…
I swear, if this camera dies before I get one shot, I'll—
He took another bite.
…Man, I really need to buy an extra battery. Why do I keep forgetting?
A stray dog suddenly wagged its tail in front of him.
"Huh?" Ryuzen looked at his half-eaten burger.
You're hungry too, huh…?
He knelt and tore off the remaining piece, placing it gently on the ground.
"Here. Eat well, okay?"
He stood up, brushing the dust from his uniform.
Five steps before turning left, he glanced across the right side…
And froze.
At the bus stop stood a young woman—a woman, slightly shorter than him.
Short black hair.
Purple eyes behind thin glasses.
Arms infront lightly as the wind blew past her.
The world slowed.
Ryuzen's breath caught.
Her gaze locked with his—clear and calm, yet deep enough to make his heartbeat stumble.
He snapped out of it and hurriedly reached for his camera.
I need to take a picture—where is it? Come on—
He checked the screen.
It was dead.
No way… it shut down NOW?! She's beautiful, I need to capture this—just one picture from here…
He looked up—
She was already boarding the bus.
The doors closed.
The bus began to move.
Ryuzen instinctively followed with his eyes, searching through the windows—
There.
She was standing inside, holding the overhead strap.
And again, she looked at him.
Another eye contact.
Another moment where the world slowed around him.
Another silent pull in his chest.
Ryuzen stood there, unmoving, watching the bus drive away along the same road that led toward his apartment.
His fingers tightened around his dead camera.
He couldn't say a word.
Only a quiet breath escaped him.