Monsoon Romance

The soft hum of a gentle breeze filled the air as Haruto walked through the cherry blossom grove, his hands tucked into his pockets. Today was his birthday, but to him, it felt like any other day. He didn't expect much—a quiet day, maybe a small celebration with his parents. What he didn't expect was Aiko waiting for him under their tree, a mischievous smile playing on her lips.

"Haruto!" she called out, waving excitedly as he approached.

He blinked, surprised. "Aiko? What are you doing here?"

She grinned, hiding something behind her back. "It's your birthday, silly! Did you think I'd forget?"

Haruto scratched the back of his neck, feeling a bit embarrassed. "I didn't think you'd remember. It's just a normal day."

Aiko's eyes widened in mock horror. "A normal day? Haruto, birthdays are special! And I have something for you."

Before he could protest, she pulled out a small box wrapped in bright blue paper with a silver ribbon. Haruto stared at it, unsure of what to say.

"You didn't have to—" he began, but Aiko cut him off.

"Of course I did. You're my best friend. Open it!"

Haruto carefully untied the ribbon and peeled back the wrapping paper. Inside the box was a small, star-shaped charm made of silver, glinting softly in the afternoon sunlight.

"A star," he murmured, lifting it out of the box.

Aiko nodded, her expression softer now. "You've always loved the stars. You talk about them all the time—how you want to study them, explore the universe. I thought… maybe this could remind you to keep dreaming."

Haruto's fingers tightened around the charm as a warmth spread through his chest. "Aiko, this is… it's perfect. Thank you."

She beamed, her eyes lighting up with joy. "I'm glad you like it! There's something else, too."

Haruto raised an eyebrow. "Something else?"

Aiko pulled out a small notebook from her bag and opened it to a page filled with sketches of constellations. "I thought we could stargaze tonight. I marked the best constellations we might see."

Haruto couldn't help but smile. "You thought of everything, didn't you?"

She shrugged playfully. "Well, it is your birthday. Come on, let's find a good spot before it gets dark."

They walked together to the edge of the grove, where the trees opened up to reveal a wide, grassy field. The sky was already beginning to shift from blue to orange as the sun dipped lower on the horizon.

As they settled on a blanket, Haruto held the star charm tightly in his hand. He glanced at Aiko, who was busy flipping through her notebook, her face glowing with excitement.

"Aiko," he said softly.

She looked up, her eyes meeting his. "Hmm?"

"Thank you. For everything."

Aiko's smile was gentle now, full of understanding. "You don't have to thank me, Haruto. That's what friends are for."

But as the first stars began to appear in the night sky, Haruto couldn't shake the feeling that Aiko was more than just a friend. She was a constant presence in his life, a source of light and warmth. And as he gazed up at the stars, he made a silent wish—not just for his dreams to come true, but for Aiko to always be by his side.

The stars twinkled above them, and in that quiet moment, Haruto knew that this birthday was one he would never forget.