NOVEL NEXT Chapter 1: First Meeting
---> Main CHARACTER- Haruto Takahashi (Boy) and Aiko Tanaka (Girl)
(Age: 6)
Scene:
A bright spring afternoon. The cherry blossoms are in full bloom, and the park is full of children playing. Haruto Takahashi, a shy and introverted boy, sits under a large cherry tree, gazing up at the pink petals falling gently from the branches. He clutches a book about stars, his mind far away.
Haruto's Thoughts:
"The stars… so far away, yet so beautiful. I wish I could see them up close..."
Suddenly, a small voice interrupts his thoughts.
Aiko (with a cheerful tone):
"Excuse me! I lost my ribbon! Have you seen it?"
Haruto looks up, startled, and sees a girl with messy hair, holding a flower in one hand and looking around desperately. She's around his age, with a bright smile and big, curious eyes.
Haruto (softly, shy):
"Uh… I… I'm not sure…"
Aiko spins around, eyes searching the ground for the missing ribbon.
Aiko (pouting):
"It was pink and had little white flowers on it! My grandmother made it for me... I can't lose it!"
Haruto feels a sudden urge to help, even though he's usually quiet. He stands up slowly, his book still in his hand, and begins to help search. After a few moments, he spots something pink in the grass near the base of the tree.
Haruto (pointing):
"Is that it?"
Aiko turns, her face lighting up in excitement as she runs toward him.
Aiko (grinning brightly):
"Yay! It is! Thank you so much!" She reaches out to take the ribbon from his hand. "You're a lifesaver!"
Haruto feels a warmth spread through his chest, though he doesn't know why. Her smile is so infectious, so genuine.
Haruto (softly, blushing slightly):
"No problem…"
Aiko (laughing):
"I'm Aiko Tanaka! What's your name?"
Haruto (quietly, looking down):
"Haruto... Haruto Takahashi."
Aiko (grinning widely):
"Haruto! I'll remember that! Let's be friends, okay? We're going to be under this tree every day in spring, right?"
Haruto looks at her, a little surprised by her enthusiasm.
Haruto (shyly):
"Yeah... I guess so…"