Chapter "A Door Closes"

Hamlyn grabbed his phone, dialled a number, placing the phone on his ear, after a short silence, someone picked up.

"Hey, I want to know something," Hamlyn asked eagerly.

"Sure, what's up?" Hamond asked casually.

"Tell me her name, I really wanna know." Hamlyn insisted, his voice filled with determination.

Hamond's tone changed to excitement. "Ah, now we're getting somewhere! You have feelings for her, don't you?”

"Yes, I love her." Hamlyn responded swiftly

Hamond burst out joyfully, "Awesome! I bet she likes you too. I'll tell you her name tomorrow at school."

"Okay, see you tomorrow," Hamlyn agreed.

"Yep, catch you later," Hamond replied, ending the call.

With a smile spreading across Hamlyn's face as he headed to bed…

The next morning, as Hamlyn walked through the school corridors towards his class, he heard Hamond's teasing voice behind him. "Well, well, look who's here—the smitten Romeo!" Turning around, Hamlyn saw Henry and Hamond approached him with casual strides.

"Congratulations and all the best," Henry warmly exclaimed, his voice filled with genuine happiness for Hamlyn.

"Thanks," Hamlyn replied with a grateful smile. Turning to Hamond with curiosity shining in his eyes, he asked "So, what's her name?”

Hamond and Henry exchanged knowing glances, their smiles widening.

"Oh, please, just tell me already," Hamlyn urged, his excitement peaking.

"Her sweet name is Sheryl Shinohara," Hamond revealed with a grin.

"Sheryl Shinohara," Hamlyn echoed with a broad grin. "Let's get to class, we're running behind," he suggested with a smile.

The three friends walked together, Hamond and Henry playfully ribbing Hamlyn, their laughter echoing through the corridors…

As they entered the classroom, Hamlyn made a conscious effort to avoid looking at Sheryl. After settling into his seat, he took a deep breath and gazed straight ahead. Noticing Sheryl's absence from her usual spot, he couldn't help but feel a pang of disappointment. Just as he lowered his gaze momentarily, Sheryl suddenly appeared from the other side of the classroom.

Hamlyn suddenly felt Sheryl's presence and he quickly raised his eyes to see Sheryl standing in front of class, deeply immersed in laughter with her friends. Unaware of Hamlyn's gaze, she stood right in front of him, completely lost in talking with her friends.

Giggling with her friends, Sheryl suddenly caught Hamlyn's gaze fixed on her, causing her cheeks to flush crimson with embarrassment. Swiftly, she averted her eyes, attempting to conceal her blush.

Seeing Sheryl blush, her friends chuckled and teasingly encouraged her to take her seat.

Seated, Sheryl stole a quick glance at Hamlyn, only to find his eyes already on her. They locked gazes in a silent exchange, holding each other's eyes for a moment before she quickly lowered her gaze, focusing on her books. Despite her attempt to avoid his gaze, Hamlyn's smile persisted, and he continued to watch her.

When the lunch bell rang, signalling a break, Hamlyn stepped out of the classroom for a drink. Just then, Fredy appeared from behind, playfully punching his shoulder "Hey, Hamlyn” he called out “I've been looking all over for you, buddy!"

Sharing a meaningful look with Fredy, Hamlyn said, "I need to talk to you about something."

"Sure, go ahead," Fredy replied, intrigued by Hamlyn's serious tone.

"Not here," Hamlyn replied, pointing towards the school gates. Sensing his friend's seriousness, Fredy agreed with a nod, and they walked out together.

Seated on a bench within the school grounds, where they could talk privately, Fredy couldn't resist asking, "So, what's on your mind?"

Hamlyn met Fredy's gaze with determination, "I have feelings for someone." he admitted.

Fredy's jaw dropped in disbelief, his eyes widening, as he stared at Hamlyn in astonishment.

Questions by Fredy poured out in rapid succession. "Who is she? Do I know her? Is she in your class? or maybe from our cram school? Hold on, don't tell me you love someone older than you.”

"Quiet down and let me explain," Hamlyn retorted, cutting through Fredy's barrage of questions.

With a composed demeanour, Hamlyn proceeded to lay out the details, while Fredy listened intently, absorbing every word.

"Ah, I see. Will she be at the main gate today as well?" Fredy asked, anticipation lighting up his eyes.

"I suppose so," Hamlyn responded simply.

"Great! Then I'll come along today. I'm really eager to meet her," Fredy declared enthusiastically. In response Hamlyn simply nodded in agreement.

"But how will I recognize her?” Fredy asked “Is there something specific about her?"

After a moment of thought, Hamlyn responded, "Well, she's quite beautiful.”

"Any more details?" Fredy pressed on.

Hamlyn thought for a moment "Well, she carries a bright red backpack" he responded.

"Got it," Fredy grinned. "I'll keep an eye out for the red backpack.” both smiling…

As classes ended, Hamlyn was descending the stairs when Fredy caught up with him.

"I'm here. Hopefully, she'll be waiting for you again today," Fredy remarked optimistically.

Hamlyn nodded in agreement, "Yeah, let's hope so."

Exiting the school together, Hamlyn noticed Sheryl standing next to the main gate. Their eyes locked, and a silent connection passed between them. Both blushed, unable to break the gaze.

After their eyes finally parted, Sheryl's cheeks were flushed, and Hamlyn left the school, still feeling the warmth of their exchange.

Outside, Hamlyn was still blushing. Fredy, bubbling with excitement, remarked, "Man, you're lucky. She's stunning."

Hamlyn smiled and replied. "Yeah, she really is," Fredy enthusiastically nodded in agreement.

"So, what's your next move?" Fredy asked eagerly.

Hamlyn pondered for a moment before replying, "I think I'll seek advice from someone, maybe Hamond.”

"You shouldn't trust him,” Fredy cautioned.

“After all, he's still a stranger,"

"But he's been a good friend to me," Hamlyn countered.

"I'll help you instead. We'll figure it out together," Fredy proposed. Hamlyn nodded in response, and together they continued walking home together…..

Day passed on. At night after the cram school Hamlyn entered his house.

"Mom? Mom?" he called out upon entering the house.

To his surprise, Ullmar emerged from the kitchen wearing an apron, looking slightly annoyed. "Why are you shouting?" he asked.

"Where's mom?" Hamlyn asked.

"She and dad went grocery shopping,” Ullmar replied casually. "I'm cooking something up. Hungry?”

Hamlyn nodded eagerly. "Yes, please. Let me give you a hand in the kitchen," he offered,

"That'd be a big help," Ullmar said appreciatively.

Together, they headed to the kitchen. Ullmar took charge at the stove while Hamlyn skillfully chopped vegetables.

Amidst their cooking collaboration, Hamlyn gently brought up the topic, "So, how are things going with your relationship?”

"Why are you suddenly interested in relationships?" Ullmar asked casually, his focus still on his cooking.

"Just curious, that's all," shrugged Hamlyn, still chopping.

"What's her name?" Ullmar asked casually.

Hamlyn paused chopping, briefly taken aback, hesitated before quickly turning to Ullmar, “Huh?” he responded.

“Just drop the act and tell me what's her name?” Ullmar persisted, his gaze still fixed on the stove.

Smiling, Hamlyn admitted, "Sheryl Shinohara”

"Are you two in the same class?" Ullmar asked.

Hamlyn shook his head in denial, "No, but in the same school.” he answered.

"Have you told her how you feel?" Ullmar pressed. Hamlyn admitted, "Not yet."

"Better do it sooner rather than later," Ullmar advised. Hamlyn smiled in acknowledgment and resumed chopping vegetables.

Suddenly, Ullmar's phone chimed with a message. As he checked the screen, a flicker of anger flashed in his eyes.

Without a word, Ullmar left the kitchen, tossing his phone and apron onto the sofa before swiftly grabbing his jacket and slipping on his shoes.

Sensing Ullmar's urgency Hamlyn stepped out of the kitchen, “What happened?" Hamlyn asked, seeming confused.

"Nothing," Ullmar brushed off with a curt reply. "Make yourself something to eat; I need to go out for a bit.”

Noticing the anger etched on Ullmar's face, "Are you okay?” Hamlyn asked with concern, “What's wrong? I'm coming with you.”

"Absolutely not, you're staying here," Ullmar replied sharply and firmly.

"No, I'm coming with you," Hamlyn insisted, his voice steady and determined.

"Fine, go and get your jacket," Ullmar retorted with frustration evident in his tone.

As Hamlyn moved toward his jacket, the loud slam of the door reverberated in the room.

Stunned Hamlyn sprinted to the door, only to discover it tightly shut, with Ullmar out of sight. Panic set in as he urgently rattled the doorknob, but it refused to budge.

With a surge of frustration, he attempted to shoulder his way through, even resorting to kicking it, but to no avail. Anguish boiled within him,

"Why, Ullmar, why!" Hamlyn's voice boomed with anger. He then rushed to his phone.