Morning arrived gently in the quiet town of Sakuragawa.
Soft sunlight slipped through the thin curtains of Haruki's new room, slowly filling the space with a warm golden glow. The light touched the wooden floor, the desk in the corner, and finally reached Haruki's face as he lay asleep.
Outside, the town was already awake.
A cool spring breeze carried the faint scent of cherry blossoms through the open window.
Haruki slowly opened his eyes.
For a moment, he stared silently at the unfamiliar ceiling above him.
It still felt strange.
Just a few days ago, he had been living somewhere else… in a different town, surrounded by different streets and different people. But now everything had changed.
New house.
New town.
New school.
A new life.
Haruki quietly sat up on his bed and stretched his arms before walking toward the window.
When he looked outside, the peaceful beauty of Sakuragawa greeted him.
Rows of cherry blossom trees lined the quiet streets. Pink petals drifted slowly through the air, carried gently by the wind. Small houses stood neatly along the road, and in the distance, the hills surrounding the town were covered in soft morning light.
The scene felt calm.
Almost like something from a dream.
Haruki watched silently for a moment.
Then suddenly… a small smile appeared on his face.
A memory had returned to him.
Yesterday evening.
The garden.
And that girl.
Her calm presence, the way she stood near the lake, the quiet atmosphere around her—it all remained clearly in Haruki's mind.
They hadn't spoken.
Not even a single word.
She had left before he could say anything.
Yet somehow… the memory felt strangely important.
Haruki looked out the window again, lost in thought.
Who was she…?
After getting ready for school, Haruki stepped outside and began walking through the streets of Sakuragawa.
The town felt peaceful in the morning.
Small shops were opening their doors for the day. The smell of freshly baked bread drifted from a nearby bakery. Bicycles passed by occasionally, their bells ringing softly.
Students wearing school uniforms walked along the sidewalks.
Some walked in groups, talking excitedly.
Some laughed loudly as they shared stories.
Others rushed past, trying not to be late.
But Haruki walked alone.
His steps were calm and quiet.
He observed the town as he walked—new streets, unfamiliar shops, small parks, and the gentle rhythm of life in Sakuragawa.
Even though everything was new to him, the town had a warm feeling.
Eventually, the school building appeared ahead.
Students gathered around the entrance, chatting with friends before class began.
Haruki paused for a moment before entering.
He could already hear the noise coming from inside the building.
The sound of laughter.
The sound of conversations.
The sound of people who already belonged there.
But Haruki was different.
Today would be his first day.
Which meant only one thing.
An introduction.
Haruki slowly walked down the hallway until he reached his classroom door.
From inside, the voices of students filled the room.
He hesitated for a second.
Just as he expected.
Before he could think further, the classroom door suddenly slid open.
The teacher stepped out and noticed him standing there.
"Ah, you must be Haruki," the teacher said with a friendly smile.
Then he turned toward the class.
"Everyone, listen for a moment. We have a new transfer student joining us today."
The classroom immediately grew quieter.
"Come in, Haruki."
Haruki nodded slightly and stepped inside.
The moment he entered, dozens of eyes turned toward him.
Curious looks.
Interested looks.
Some students whispered quietly to each other.
Haruki stood calmly at the front of the room.
He didn't like attention.
But he had gotten used to moments like this.
After a short pause, he spoke.
"My name is Haruki."
His voice was calm and simple.
"Nice to meet you."
That was all.
A short introduction.
The classroom remained silent for a moment before whispers started spreading again.
"That's it?"
"He's pretty quiet."
"Maybe he's shy."
Haruki ignored the murmurs and quietly walked toward an empty seat near the window.
The sunlight coming through the glass warmed the desk slightly.
As he sat down, he looked around the classroom.
And then—
His eyes suddenly stopped.
A few seats away from him…
Near the opposite window…
Sat a girl.
She was quietly writing something in her notebook.
Her long hair moved gently with the breeze coming through the slightly open window. Outside, cherry blossom petals floated slowly past the glass.
Haruki's eyes widened slightly.
It was her.
The same girl he saw yesterday in the garden.
For a moment, Haruki simply stared in surprise.
It's her…
She looked just as calm as she had the day before.
Quiet.
Focused.
Almost distant from the noise of the classroom around her.
She didn't notice him.
Or maybe she did.
It was impossible to tell.
The class soon began, and the teacher started the lecture.
Haruki tried to focus on the lesson, but occasionally his eyes drifted toward her.
Several students approached him during breaks to introduce themselves and welcome him to the class.
They asked questions about where he came from and how he liked Sakuragawa so far.
Haruki answered politely.
But he didn't talk much.
He preferred listening.
Before long, the final bell rang.
Students immediately began packing their bags.
The classroom quickly filled with energy again.
Friends gathered in groups.
Plans for after school were made.
Laughter filled the room.
Haruki packed his bag slowly.
As usual, he was the last one still sitting there.
When he finally looked up, he noticed something.
The girl.
She had already stood up and was quietly walking toward the door.
Without talking to anyone.
Without waiting for anyone.
She simply left.
Soon, the classroom became empty.
Haruki finally left the school building and began walking home.
Just like before…
He walked alone.
After returning home, he changed his clothes, ate dinner, and spent the evening doing the things he enjoyed.
Watching anime.
Playing games.
Solving puzzles and quizzes.
He was an average student.
Not particularly great.
Not particularly bad.
Just normal.
As evening slowly arrived, the sky outside turned orange with the colors of sunset.
Haruki suddenly felt like going out.
Without thinking too much, he walked toward the garden near the lake.
The place looked even more beautiful during sunset.
Cherry blossom trees surrounded the calm water, their pink petals glowing softly in the golden light. The surface of the lake reflected the sky like a mirror.
The entire place felt peaceful.
Almost magical.
Haruki slowly walked toward the lake.
Then he noticed someone standing near the water.
A familiar figure.
His heart skipped a beat.
It's her again…
The girl stood quietly near the edge of the lake, watching the reflection of the setting sun.
For a moment, everything felt different.
The wind.
The falling petals.
The light on the water.
Everything moved in slow motion.
Everything looked more beautiful.
The girl suddenly turned and noticed him.
Their eyes met.
She looked slightly surprised.
Then she began walking slowly toward him.
Haruki's heart started beating faster.
Step by step, she came closer.
Until she finally stopped a few steps away from him.
For a brief moment, neither of them spoke.
Then she smiled softly.
"Hi…"
Her voice was gentle.
"You're that new student… right?"
...to be continued