Rosette's Persistence
933 Words
“Mom, look… flowers! Ah, red roses. That’s right, they bloom during this season.”
Rosette suddenly recalled the words her mother once told her as a child.
“You were named after them. Roses symbolize elegance and grace, so you must always carry yourself with dignity.”The memory lingered briefly in her mind, making Rosette feel as though she had failed to live up to those expectations. Still, she refused to give up. She had made a vow long ago—to embody elegance and prestige no matter what.
To Rosette, this was simply another challenge.
And she intended to overcome it before the school week ended.During break period, Rosette finally made her move.
Genji sat exactly as he had that morning, head lowered onto his desk.
He must really like the texture of that desk, she thought.Clutching her lunch pack, she smiled to herself.
At this point, I’m not holding back.
She had barely taken a few steps toward him when two girls suddenly intercepted her.
“Hi! I’m Leslie, and this is Luna,” one of them said cheerfully. “We saw you talking to the weirdo earlier.”
“You should know it’s not your fault,” Luna added. “He’s always been like that. Even back in junior high.”Leslie crossed her arms.
“Anyone who tries to be friends with him ends up failing. It’s best to just leave him alone.”
Oddly enough, hearing that only motivated Rosette even more.
The girls continued speaking.“We’re part of the student council, same as Amane. We’d really love for you to join too. It’d be great having someone like you on the student body.”
Rosette gave a polite smile.
“I’ll think about it and give you my answer later.”Without hesitation, she resumed her original mission.
When she finally reached Genji’s desk, she leaned forward slightly to catch his attention.
“Hello again,” she said warmly. “I was wondering… would you have lunch with me?”
The classroom instantly fell silent.Rosette’s sudden request stunned everyone. They couldn’t understand why someone as graceful and admired as her would want to share lunch with Genji.“I strongly disapprove,” a voice interrupted.
It was Jace.
“Someone of your grace should not associate with a lowly commoner like him. If you need a lunch companion, I am far more qualified.”“Who’s that guy?” David whispered quietly.
“I’m pretty sure he’s the one who never participates in anything.”
“I didn’t even know he was in our class.”Meanwhile, Genji remained motionless.
I just need to wait until break ends, he thought. I don’t need to entertain her.
But Rosette refused to back down.
She gently grabbed his hand.
“I really do want to be friends,” she said softly. “But being lunch buddies is fine for today.”This girl is trouble. Why is she so fixated on me? She must have some hidden motive.
He finally raised his head slightly.
“Let me be blunt,” he said coldly. “Why do you want to be friends with me so badly?”
Rosette stayed silent.“What did you mean earlier when you said you were sent here? And what exactly do you gain from becoming friends with me?”
The classroom became completely dumbfounded.For the first time ever, Genji was actually talking to someone.
Even if he sounded cold, the fact remained—he was responding.
“Did he just agree to share lunch with her…?” someone muttered.
“No way.”“No way.”
Mark stared in disbelief.
“I’ve been trying to get that guy to say even one sentence since junior high,” he said in shock.
Mark had known Genji ever since his enrollment at Josei Academy, and Genji had never spoken to anyone besides his aunt.Anyone who tried approaching him was always met with a lifeless stare and painful silence.
Yet here he was—
Holding a conversation.
Letting Rosette hold his hand.
Even agreeing to share lunch.Mark could barely process what he was witnessing.
Genji’s sharp gaze returned to Rosette.
“So tell me,” he said quietly, “why are you willing to go this far?”
“Do I need a reason to be your friend?”
“Yes,” Genji replied immediately. “You do.”Rosette hesitated briefly before speaking.
“If I had to choose a reason… I’d say it’s why I transferred here in the first place.”
Genji remained silent.
“But meeting you changed things.”His eyes narrowed.
“Tell me what drives you. Either answer me… or leave me alone.”“When I look into them… I see pain,” she answered softly. “There’s this endless darkness inside you.”
Genji’s expression stiffened as Rosette gently tightened her hold on his hand.“What does that even mean?”
Rosette looked directly into his eyes.
“It’s your eyes.”
Genji frowned.
“What about them?”“I just want to carry some of that pain with you,” she continued. “I want to shine light into that darkness.”
Her voice lowered slightly.
“You remind me of him…”
Genji couldn’t quite hear the last part.“That’s enough,” he muttered. “This conversation is dragging on too long. Let’s just share lunch and get it over with.”
But before either of them could move—
The bell rang.
The entire class groaned in disappointment.
- Writer
