Minami Kotaro, 15 years old.

  His name is read as Kotaro.

  But, I call him "Tora-chan."

  Tora-chan moved to Gifu.

  We go to the same high school.

  I first heard about it from my parents last fall.

  He moved near our house.

  My parents were saying, "Is it really okay to live in a house like this, something so old-fashioned like a row house?" but I think it’s a cute house.

  Tora-chan's school was apparently shut down because the number of students decreased.

  I thought that was a bit sad.

  At the same time, I was curious about what kind of life he had in such a small school.

  The only version of Tora-chan I know well is when we played together during the summer and winter vacations.

  So, I was surprised to find out that Tora-chan is actually quite good at his studies.

  I thought he wasn't great at it, just like me, so I was a little disappointed.

  His hobbies... manga, novels, and fishing.

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  For manga, he’s totally into Shonen Champ.

  For novels, probably influenced by his grandfather, he seems to like period dramas and martial arts stories.

  I once tried to ask him to show me one of his novels, but he refused, saying, "No way."

  I have a feeling it probably has some suggestive content.

  How is he with sports?

  Well, Tora-chan’s house is surrounded by nature, so I feel like he could manage, considering he lived in such an environment.

  Also... despite living in a place where so much snow falls, he hates the cold.

  Even when I invited him to play, he wouldn’t get out of the kotatsu, and even when his grandfather yelled at him to shovel the snow, he mumbled, "Shoveling snow is the most pointless thing...”

  It seems like he doesn’t have any really close friends yet, but I hope he finds some soon.

  ...

  I think Tora-chan is feeling better now.

  He really, really tried his best.

  That day, we went to the circus together, and then...

  What would I have done if I were in Tora-chan’s shoes?

  At that time, I told my dad and on weekends, I would have Tora-chan's grandfather come pick me up.

  I’d go to Tora-chan’s room, and all I could do was talk with him.

  I couldn’t do anything for him.

  I wish I could have done more...

  "Okay, now, it’s time for homeroom."

  When the homeroom teacher stood at the front of the classroom, the chatter in the room quieted down.

  "I’ve heard that there have been more unsettling incidents happening around the city recently. Please be careful on your way home. Especially avoid paths that are less populated and going out late at night."

  The students began to whisper to each other.

  "Well, I don’t think there’s any need to worry, but it’s better to be cautious. Now, please make sure to head home safely."

  Once the teacher’s words were finished, the classroom started buzzing again.

  I called out to Tora-chan, who was getting ready to leave.

  "Hey, want to go home together today?"

  "Yeah, sure... but what about the teacher’s announcement?"

  "About the unsettling stuff? It’s probably an exaggeration. Just the usual warning."

  I said lightly, and Tora-chan tilted his head, looking like he was thinking for a moment.

  "Well, if nothing happens, that’s fine. But I did watch that video this morning..."

  We exchanged those words as we walked out the school gate.

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