The morning sun poured over Tokyo like a gentle blessing, painting the streets in gold and orange hues as the city yawned awake. In a quiet neighborhood, far from the sparkling glass towers and luxury districts, Haruki Sakamoto adjusted his school tie in front of the cracked mirror in his bedroom. His navy-blue uniform was freshly ironed, though the collar sat slightly uneven, a reminder of his mom's rush before leaving for her morning shift at the convenience store.
"Haruki, you're gonna be late!" shouted Kenta Shibata from outside the window, his best friend and partner in crime since kindergarten. Haruki gave himself a half-hearted grin, grabbed his worn-out schoolbag, and dashed downstairs, almost forgetting his lunchbox on the counter.
"Wait up, idiot!" Haruki called out, running to catch Kenta.
The two boys fell into step, laughing, joking, and making wild plans for the high school life they had only dreamed about before.
"Bro, imagine if we both end up dating the prettiest girls in school by next month," Kenta said with a grin that stretched from ear to ear.
"Pfft," Haruki laughed. "You? Date? Your face alone is enough to scare them away."
"Oi! Harsh! But seriously, man, high school's gonna be epic. Clubs, girls, festivals—you name it."
"I just hope we survive entrance exams and math class first."
The streets buzzed with other students heading in the same direction, but suddenly, the hum of chatter fell into a hush. Heads turned as a sleek, jet-black Rolls-Royce Phantom glided down the street, its presence out of place among the modest surroundings. It pulled smoothly to a stop in front of the school gates.
"Whoa..." Kenta breathed. "That's gotta be some government official's kid or something."
The door clicked open, and stepping out like a scene from a movie was Aoi Fujimura. Her uniform looked like it was tailored by a professional, her posture flawless, and her long black hair shimmered in the morning light.
She stood for a moment, glancing at the sea of curious students as if looking through them. Her deep blue eyes, cold yet calm, scanned the crowd without much interest. Then, slowly, she turned toward the school gates, walking as if the world moved in rhythm with her steps.
Kenta nudged Haruki sharply in the ribs. "Dude. Dude. That's your future girlfriend right there."
Haruki rolled his eyes. "Yeah right. Me? As if a girl like that would even notice a guy like me."
"You never know, man. What if she has a secret thing for plain-looking guys with bad jokes and average grades?"
Haruki chuckled. "In your dreams."
But as they walked toward the school entrance, Haruki couldn't help but steal another glance. For a split second, their eyes met—or at least he thought they did. Aoi's gaze lingered before drifting away, leaving Haruki to wonder if he imagined the whole thing.
The school grounds were buzzing. Banners hung over the courtyard: "Welcome New Students!" First-years gathered in clusters, some nervous, some excited, all trying to make a good first impression.
"Alright, time to find our class," Kenta said, dragging Haruki toward the bulletin board.
1-A.
Their names were side by side: Sakamoto Haruki, Shibata Kenta. Relief washed over them. At least they'd survive the first day together.
But as Haruki scanned the list further down, his heart skipped a beat.
Fujimura Aoi.
Same class.
"Oh no," Haruki muttered.
"Oh YES," Kenta grinned. "Dude, your destiny is calling."
Haruki shoved him lightly. "Quit it, man. We're from completely different worlds."
"Then make a bridge." Kenta laughed.
Inside the classroom, desks were neatly arranged, the windows casting streams of warm light onto the wooden floor. Haruki and Kenta grabbed a pair of seats near the middle. Students began to fill in, their voices bouncing off the walls.
Then the room went quiet as Aoi entered.
She moved gracefully, her presence commanding yet distant. Whispers followed her like shadows. She sat by the window, second row from the back—the classic spot for the mysterious beauty.
Haruki tried not to stare, but his eyes betrayed him.
"Good morning, everyone," came the cheerful voice of their homeroom teacher, Ms. Tanabe. She was young, energetic, and clearly ready to tackle the chaos of a first-year class.
"Let's start with introductions! Say your name, your hobbies, and what you're looking forward to in high school."
One by one, students stood up, some confidently, some shyly.
When it was Haruki's turn, he stood awkwardly. "Uh, I'm Haruki Sakamoto. I like soccer and... um... video games. I'm looking forward to making friends."
Simple. Honest. Safe.
He sat down quickly, heart pounding.
A few turns later, it was Aoi's turn. She rose gracefully.
"Aoi Fujimura. I enjoy reading and playing the piano. I hope to have a fulfilling school life."
Her voice was soft but clear, and for a moment, the room fell silent as if still absorbing her words. She sat down without glancing at anyone in particular.
"See?" Kenta whispered. "Perfect girl."
"Out of my league," Haruki replied, forcing a smile.
The rest of the day passed in a blur of class orientations, rules, and school tours.
During lunch, Haruki and Kenta sat on the rooftop, enjoying the breeze and a view of the city stretching into the horizon.
"So," Kenta began, mouth full of bread. "You gonna talk to her or what?"
"Talk to who?"
"Don't play dumb. Fujimura."
Haruki shook his head. "Girls like her date guys like Kurosawa-senpai. Tall, rich, perfect."
"You gotta stop selling yourself short."
"I'm being realistic."
Kenta sighed dramatically. "Fine. Be boring. But don't blame me when she ends up falling for some douchebag."
Haruki chuckled, leaning back against the railing, letting the spring breeze ruffle his hair. He watched the cherry blossom trees below sway gently in the wind. Petals danced through the air, falling like pink snow.
He closed his eyes for a moment.
Maybe he didn't need to dream big. Maybe just surviving high school with his best friend was enough.
———
Down below, Aoi sat alone beneath one of those cherry blossom trees, flipping through a book no one else had noticed her holding all morning. She paused briefly, her eyes lifting toward the rooftop where Haruki and Kenta sat.
A faint smile crossed her lips—so quick and subtle, it disappeared before even she could understand why.
She turned the page.
———
The bell rang, calling them back to class.
The rest of the afternoon passed quietly, the sun beginning its slow descent. After the final bell, the courtyard filled with students chatting, making plans, and adjusting to their new lives.
Haruki packed up his bag, noticing that Aoi was still gathering her things alone. For a moment, their eyes met again. Not a long, romantic gaze—just a fleeting moment.
He offered a polite nod, unsure why he did.
Surprisingly, Aoi gave the faintest nod back before turning away.
"Holy crap," Kenta whispered beside him. "She acknowledged your existence."
Haruki laughed, brushing it off, but inside his chest, something fluttered.
As they left the school gates, the Rolls-Royce waited patiently. The driver opened the door for Aoi, and she slipped inside without a word, disappearing behind the tinted glass.
"Another world," Haruki muttered.
"Not impossible to reach," Kenta grinned. "But it'll take some serious hustle."
They turned the corner, walking home through familiar streets. The cherry blossoms continued to fall softly in their wake, like a silent promise of everything that was yet to come.