“Eyes are the windows to the soul, but what if the soul is already broken?”
Chapter 1: The Letter
The novel opens with a 14-year-old boy, known only by his nickname “Eyes,” receiving a letter from a classmate, Kojima. She reveals that she, too, is bullied at school and suggests they form a silent alliance. Eyes, who suffers relentless torment due to his lazy eye, is hesitant but intrigued by her offer of companionship.
Chapter 2: The First Meeting
Eyes and Kojima begin meeting secretly after school. Their conversations are awkward but meaningful, as they bond over their shared suffering. Kojima, who is poor and unkempt, is bullied for her appearance, while Eyes is targeted for his physical disability. Their friendship becomes a refuge from their daily torment.
Chapter 3: The Bullies
The narrative shifts to the bullies, particularly Ninomiya and Momose, who escalate their cruelty. They force Eyes to eat chalk, steal his belongings, and humiliate him in front of the class. Kojima, though also a victim, remains defiant, refusing to show weakness, which both impresses and worries Eyes.
Chapter 4: The Teacher’s Indifference
Eyes tries to seek help from a teacher, but his pleas are dismissed. The teacher implies that bullying is a natural part of growing up and that Eyes should toughen up. This betrayal deepens his sense of isolation, making his bond with Kojima even more vital.
Chapter 5: The Abandoned Building
Kojima takes Eyes to an abandoned building, which she calls “Heaven.” It becomes their sanctuary, a place where they can escape their tormentors. Here, they discuss their fears, dreams, and the unfairness of their suffering. Eyes begins to see Kojima as his only true friend.
Chapter 6: The Breaking Point
The bullying intensifies, culminating in a brutal assault where Eyes is forced to strip naked in front of his classmates. Kojima is also subjected to public humiliation. The trauma leaves both of them shattered, and Eyes starts questioning whether their friendship is enough to endure the pain.
Chapter 7: The Fallout
After the incident, Kojima stops coming to school. Eyes, now completely alone, spirals into despair. He visits Heaven alone, reflecting on their conversations and the fleeting moments of peace they shared. He wonders if Kojima has given up on him—or on life itself.
Chapter 8: The Reunion
Kojima eventually returns, but she is changed. She tells Eyes that she has accepted her suffering as inevitable. Eyes, however, struggles with this resignation. Their dynamic shifts as Kojima becomes more withdrawn, and Eyes grapples with his own anger and helplessness.
Chapter 9: The Final Confrontation
In a climactic scene, Eyes confronts Ninomiya, demanding to know why he torments them. Ninomiya responds with chilling indifference, revealing that he sees them as nothing more than objects for his amusement. This encounter leaves Eyes with a grim realization about the nature of cruelty.
Chapter 10: The Aftermath
The novel ends ambiguously. Eyes and Kojima part ways, each carrying the weight of their experiences. The final scene shows Eyes standing alone at Heaven, staring at the sky, wondering if there is any escape from the pain—or if suffering is all there is.
Key Ideas
- The psychological and physical toll of bullying on adolescents.
- The fragility of human connection in the face of cruelty.
- The indifference of authority figures to suffering.
- The search for meaning in pain.
- The duality of friendship as both salvation and burden.
Who should read this book?
- Readers interested in psychological and emotional narratives.
- Those exploring themes of bullying and resilience.
- Fans of contemporary Japanese literature.
- Individuals seeking raw, introspective storytelling.