My Neighbor, the Most Beautiful and Innocent “Blind Girl” in School Moved Next Door to My House

One day, due to certain circumstances, I, Tsushiro Souta, a high school student attending a school far from my hometown, found myself living alone in an apartment. It wasn’t long before a stunning girl, Misumi Sayo , moved into the apartment next door. Sayo’s family runs a rural shrine, and as fate would have it, she had left her home behind to live here. Sayo had been suffering from a condition called “psychogenic visual impairment” for the past year, caused by extreme stress. Her vision was so impaired that she could barely see ten centimeters in front of her. “Neighbors should help each other out when they’re in need,” she had said. I couldn’t just leave Sayo to fend for herself, so I began helping her with various things. In return, she would often cook meals for me, as a way of showing her gratitude. As two people living alone, we started to rely on one another in small ways. Yet, as we spent more time together, I found myself startled by her actions and words on more than one occasion, my heart racing at the smallest gestures. Sometimes I was flustered, other times embarrassed… But I had sworn off love. I had convinced myself that I didn’t believe in it. There’s no way I could ever fall for Sayo—no way! Yet, as I learned more about the source of Sayo’s stress, it became clear that if her condition improved, her vision might return. And if that’s the case, I must be the one to help her, without any ulterior motives. I have to be sincere. “For some reason, I feel calm when I’m with you, Tsushiro-kun,” Sayo said one day, her soft voice breaking through my thoughts. Little by little, as I spent more time with her, my distrust in love—once so steadfast—began to waver…