Damaged Camera (Seeking Everything)

After school, the Year 1-D classroom gradually quieted down, the space that had been bustling all day now bathed in the warm, orange-red glow of the sunset. Most students had packed their bags and left in twos and threes, their laughter, the scraping of chair legs against the floor, and their farewells fading into the distance, leaving behind only the empty classroom and the rising chorus of cicadas outside the window.

Watanabe Hayabara, however, remained seated at his desk, his back straight and his hands folded on the surface, his posture calm and unhurried. His gaze rested on the sycamore leaves drifting outside the window, his eyes as tranquil as if he were admiring a painting, showing no intention of leaving.

He was waiting, waiting for the right moment.

The clock in the classroom ticked away, and about ten minutes later, the last few students on cleaning duty packed up their tools and left. At that moment, a slight sound came from the corner of the room; Airi Sakura stood up slowly, her head bowed, wearing her pink backpack. Her movements were light, as if she were afraid of disturbing the empty classroom, and her fingers were unconsciously twisting the straps of her bag.

Watanabe Hayabara immediately withdrew his gaze. The moment Airi Sakura stepped out of the classroom door, he rose silently and followed. The corridor was dim, and he deliberately slowed his pace, maintaining a distance that was neither too close nor too far. Watching Airi Sakura's slender silhouette turn the corner at the end of the hall, Watanabe Hayabara couldn't help but smile wryly to himself—if any other students caught him tailing a girl like this, he would surely be mistaken for a creep.

However, what puzzled him more was that Airi Sakura did not head toward the stairs, but instead walked straight toward the roof. The door to the rooftop, rarely visited by anyone, was pushed open by her with a soft, creaking sound. Watanabe Hayabara paused, then followed with light steps, taking care to push the door open gently to avoid making too much noise.

The evening breeze on the rooftop rushed to meet him, ruffling his clothes. As soon as Watanabe Hayabara stepped onto the concrete, his footsteps came to an abrupt halt—Airi Sakura was standing by the railing with her back to the door. Hearing the sound, she turned around slowly. There was no surprise on her face; instead, she wore a faint smile, her eyes, which were usually cast downward, now looking at him quietly, a lingering flush still visible on her cheeks.

Seeing her candid smile, the words Watanabe Hayabara had prepared stuck in his throat. He could only return a slightly awkward smile, scratching his head as he said, "So you knew, Airi Sakura."

Airi Sakura's fingertips curled slightly against the railing. She lowered her head, her voice as thin as a mosquito's hum and trembling noticeably: "Th-that... I did indeed witness Akito Miyake being cornered by three students from Class C. Perhaps I can provide some help..." Every word seemed to drain her of all her strength, and once she finished, she pressed her lips together tightly, her ears turning bright red.

The awkwardness on Watanabe Hayabara's face vanished instantly, replaced by a sincere smile. He took a half-step forward, his voice softening: "Thank you so much, Airi Sakura. Thank you for being willing to testify. You are truly brave."

"Br-brave?" Airi Sakura looked up abruptly, her eyes filled with disbelief, her fingers nervously twisting the hem of her uniform. "I just wanted to make friends as much as I could. Someone like me must be very annoying, right? So, if I help..." Her voice trailed off, the final words almost dissipating into the wind.

"It takes a lot of courage for an introverted girl like you to step forward as a witness." Watanabe Hayabara leaned in slightly to bring his line of sight level with hers, his tone full of encouragement. "You really are very brave, Airi Sakura."

"Really?" Airi Sakura's eyes lit up suddenly, like ignited stars. She blinked her moist eyes at Watanabe Hayabara, her long lashes casting soft shadows beneath her lids, looking like a kitten cautiously testing the waters after receiving affirmation.

"Really," Watanabe Hayabara nodded with a smile, then shifted the topic gently. "But do you have any physical evidence, Airi Sakura? Like a video or photos? That kind of proof would be even more effective."

"Video... photos..." Airi Sakura lowered her head, her fingers tapping the railing unconsciously, her brows furrowed in thought. The rooftop breeze lifted her hair, revealing her smooth forehead. After a long while, she finally looked up, her voice tinged with hesitation: "I did record a video of the scene when I walked by, but..." At this point, her voice dropped again, and her fingers tangled together nervously.

"Is something wrong?" Watanabe Hayabara maintained his smile, patiently waiting for her to continue, his eyes devoid of any impatience.

"It's just... my camera is broken. It needs repairs, but..." Airi Sakura's voice grew smaller and smaller, and she buried her head even lower, as if worried that her problem would cause trouble for him.

Watanabe Hayabara immediately understood her concern and suggested gently: "Are you afraid to go get the camera repaired alone, Airi Sakura? If you don't mind, would you like me to accompany you?"

Airi Sakura's shoulders trembled slightly. She remained silent for a few seconds, her long lashes fluttering like butterfly wings. Then, she slowly looked up, gathering the courage to meet Watanabe Hayabara's gaze. Her eyes blinked, filled with a mix of anticipation and unease: "Um... Watanabe-kun, could you wait for me after school tomorrow? Can we meet on the roof again? I'll bring the broken camera tomorrow." Her voice was soft, but much clearer than before.

Watanabe Hayabara looked at the light shimmering in her eyes and nodded firmly: "Of course. I'll be waiting for you here."

"Then... see you tomorrow, Watanabe-kun." Airi Sakura's voice was as fragile as a dandelion in the wind, still carrying a trace of lingering tremor. As soon as she finished speaking, as if scalded by her own words, she suddenly raised her hands to cover her flushed face, the redness visible even through her fingers.

She didn't look at Watanabe Hayabara again. She tapped her toes on the ground twice, as if summoning all her strength, and turned to trot toward the rooftop door. The hem of her uniform skirt flared in a small arc as she ran, like a startled fawn, her footsteps light but clearly flustered.

As she reached the door, she nearly tripped over the threshold, stumbling and grabbing the doorframe to steady herself before disappearing into the stairwell without looking back.

Watanabe Hayabara stood where he was, watching Airi Sakura's hurried silhouette vanish from view, the corners of his mouth lifting involuntarily. He shook his head slightly, his eyes filled with a mix of helplessness and an indescribable gentleness.

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