The Heart of Zero

The sun bathed the school field in golden light, its warmth mingling with the cheers and excitement of the sports day. Students crowded the tracks and bleachers, their laughter and encouragement blending into a lively cacophony. Despite the spirited atmosphere, Shingin and Ryuosho found themselves quietly hidden beneath the shade of a tree, evading the hustle and bustle.

"Come on, Shin! Let's skip out and grab some food!" Ryuosho said, his voice alight with mischief. His excitement was infectious, brimming with the energy that made it hard for anyone, including Shingin, to resist.

"But if the homeroom teacher catches us, we're dead…" Shingin hesitated, torn between the temptation of freedom and the weight of authority. Yet, as always, Ryuosho's enthusiasm chipped away at his reservations.

"Relax! Everyone's too busy with the games. No one's paying attention to us!" Ryuosho grabbed Shingin by the arm, and the two of them darted through the campus. Their laughter trailed behind them, carefree and untamed, basking in the sun's glow.

As they moved, Shingin suddenly came to a halt.

"Wait—I left my bento!" he exclaimed, recalling the homemade lunch his mother had carefully prepared that morning. The memory of its aroma—steaming rice, tender braised pork, and crisp vegetables—made his stomach rumble with anticipation.

"Your bento? Seriously?!" Ryuosho sighed, exasperated but ultimately tagging along as Shingin made his way toward the cafeteria.

The scent of food wafted through the cafeteria as they arrived. The clatter of pans and utensils echoed from the kitchen, mixing with the lively chatter of students. Some were engrossed in animated discussions about the games, while others quietly pored over textbooks. The room was alive with youthful energy.

Shingin retrieved his bento box, feeling a sense of contentment as he opened it. Inside was a neatly arranged meal, its vibrant colors reflecting the care his mother had poured into making it. The sight of it brought a warm smile to his face.

But the peaceful moment was shattered.

"Still eating your mom's cheap cooking, huh?" A sharp, mocking voice cut through the air.

Shingin froze, his gaze lifting to meet the cold eyes of Kaga, flanked by her clique. Her disdainful smirk was like a blade, slicing through his tranquility.

"What, too scared to respond?" she taunted, her voice dripping with malice.

Shingin tightened his grip on the bento box, his knuckles whitening. He remained silent, his mind racing with conflicting emotions—anger, shame, and helplessness.

Unbothered by his silence, Kaga took a step closer. "Pathetic," she sneered. With a swift motion, she knocked the bento from his hands.

The box hit the ground with a sickening thud, its contents scattering across the floor. Rice, pork, and vegetables lay in a mess, sullied by the dirt and dust.

Shingin stared at the ruined meal, his heart sinking. That meal had been a labor of love, a symbol of his mother's care. Now, it lay desecrated, trampled upon by cruelty.

Kaga let out a cruel laugh, nudging the spilled food with the tip of her shoe. "Honestly, it's trash—just like you," she said, turning on her heel and walking away, her entourage following with their derisive giggles.

Shingin remained rooted to the spot, his mind a storm of emotions. The humiliation burned deep, but so did a profound sense of powerlessness. He knelt down, his hands trembling as he reached for the scattered food.

The cafeteria's lively chatter continued around him, oblivious to the scene. It was a stark contrast to the turmoil within him, the world moving on as if his pain didn't exist.

For a moment, Shingin's vision blurred with unshed tears. He clenched his fists, frustration boiling within him. Yet, amidst the cacophony, he felt an overwhelming loneliness—a void that no amount of noise could fill.

As he knelt there, the sunlight streaming through the windows cast fragmented patterns on the floor. It was a cruel reminder of his fractured state, the light unable to fully reach the shadows within him.