The Broken Camera (Please Support the Novel)

The Class 1-D classroom gradually quieted after school. The space that had been bustling all day was bathed in the warm orange-red glow of the setting sun. Most of the students had packed their bags and left in twos and threes, laughing. The scraping of chair legs and the sounds of farewells slowly faded away, leaving only the empty classroom and the cicadas beginning to chirp outside.

Watanabe Hayabara was still sitting at his desk, his back straight and his hands folded on the desktop, his posture calm and unhurried. His gaze rested on the plane tree leaves drifting past the window. His eyes were as peaceful as if he were admiring a painting, and he showed no intention of leaving.

He was waiting for the right moment.

The classroom clock ticked away, and about ten more minutes passed before the last few students on cleaning duty packed up their supplies and left. Then, a faint rustle came from the corner of the classroom. Airi Sakura stood up slowly, her head bowed and a pink backpack on her shoulders. She moved so lightly, as if afraid of disturbing the empty room, and her fingers absently pinched at her backpack strap.

Watanabe Hayabara immediately looked away. The moment Airi Sakura stepped out of the classroom, he rose without a sound and followed her. The hallway was dim, and he deliberately slowed his pace, keeping a moderate distance. Watching Airi Sakura's slender figure turn at the end of the hallway, Watanabe Hayabara couldn't help but laugh bitterly to himself. If another student caught me tailing a girl right now, they'd probably think I was a pervert.

What puzzled him even more, however, was that Airi Sakura didn't head for the stairs. Instead, she went straight toward the rooftop. She gently pushed open the rooftop door, which was rarely used, and it creaked softly. Watanabe Hayabara paused, then followed her up with careful, quiet steps. When he pushed the door open, he made sure not to let it make too much noise.

The evening breeze swept across the rooftop, cool against his face and lifting the edges of his clothes. The moment Watanabe Hayabara stepped onto the concrete, he stopped short. Airi Sakura stood by the railing with her back to the door. Hearing him, she slowly turned around. There was not a trace of surprise on her face; instead, she wore a faint smile. Her usually downcast eyes were quietly fixed on him, and a trace of blush still lingered on her cheeks.

Seeing her untroubled smile, Watanabe Hayabara's prepared explanation caught in his throat. He could only return an awkward smile, scratch his head, and say, "So you knew, Sakura."

Airi Sakura's fingertips curled lightly against the railing. She lowered her head, her voice barely audible and trembling noticeably. "Um... well... I did see Akito Miyake being cornered by three students from Class C. Maybe I can help..." Each word seemed to take all the strength she had. When she finished, she pressed her lips together quickly, and her ears turned red.

The awkwardness vanished from Watanabe Hayabara's face, replaced by a sincere smile. He took half a step forward and softened his voice. "Thank you so much, Sakura. I'm grateful you're willing to testify. You're really brave."

"B-brave?" Airi Sakura lifted her head sharply, disbelief filling her eyes. Her fingers twisted nervously at the hem of her uniform. "I just want to make as many friends as I can. Someone like me must be really unpleasant, so if I help..." Her voice grew quieter and quieter until the last few words nearly disappeared in the wind.

"It takes a lot of courage for a shy girl like you to come forward as a witness." Watanabe Hayabara leaned forward slightly so he was at eye level with her, his voice full of encouragement. "You really are brave, Sakura."

"Really?" Airi Sakura's eyes lit up like stars. She blinked at Watanabe Hayabara, her long lashes casting faint shadows beneath her eyes. She looked like a kitten cautiously testing the waters after being praised.

"Really." Watanabe Hayabara smiled and nodded, then gently changed the subject. "But do you have any solid evidence, like a video or a photo? That kind of evidence would be even more useful."

"A video... a photo..." Airi Sakura lowered her head and tapped her fingers absently against the railing, her brow furrowing as she thought. The rooftop breeze lifted the ends of her hair, revealing her smooth forehead. After a long pause, she slowly looked up, uncertainty in her voice. "I recorded a video of what happened when I passed by, but..." Her voice fell quiet again, and her fingers twisted together nervously.

"What's wrong?" Watanabe Hayabara kept smiling patiently, waiting for her to continue. There was no hint of pressure in his eyes.

"It's... it's that my camera broke when I dropped it. It needs repairs, but..." Airi Sakura's voice grew softer and softer as she lowered her head, as if worried her problem would trouble him.

Watanabe Hayabara immediately understood what she was worried about and suggested gently, "Are you afraid to go get your camera repaired alone, Sakura? If you don't mind, I can go with you."

Airi Sakura's shoulders trembled slightly. She fell silent for a few seconds, her long lashes fluttering like butterfly wings. Then she slowly lifted her head and mustered the courage to look at Watanabe Hayabara. Her eyes blinked with a hint of hope and unease. "Um... Watanabe, could you wait for me after school tomorrow? Could we meet here on the rooftop again? I'll bring the broken camera." Her voice was soft, but much clearer than before.

Seeing the light sparkling in her eyes, Watanabe Hayabara nodded emphatically. "Of course. I'll wait for you here."

"Then... see you tomorrow, Watanabe." Airi Sakura's voice was as faint as a dandelion in the wind, still trembling slightly. As soon as she finished speaking, she abruptly raised her hands to cover her blazing cheeks, the blush visible even between her fingers.

She didn't look up at Watanabe Hayabara again. She lightly tapped her toes against the ground twice, as if gathering all her courage, then turned and hurried toward the rooftop door. Her uniform skirt fluttered slightly as she ran, like a startled fawn, her steps light but unmistakably flustered.

At the rooftop door, she nearly tripped over the threshold. She stumbled and caught herself on the doorframe, then disappeared down the stairwell without looking back.

Watanabe Hayabara stayed where he was, watching Airi Sakura's hurried figure disappear from view. The corners of his mouth lifted slightly despite himself. He shook his head gently, his eyes holding both a trace of helplessness and a tenderness he couldn't put into words.

He slowly walked to the railing and gazed at the brilliant evening clouds on the horizon. The smile gradually faded from his face, replaced by a thoughtful expression.