The sun shone brightly over Earthland, gilding the morning sky in shades of amber and gold. Sakura Town bustled with the gentle rhythm of everyday life—children chasing each other down narrow lanes, vendors calling out prices of fresh fruit, the scent of blooming cherry blossoms drifting through the breeze. At the center of this peaceful town stood Sakura High School, its elegant gate adorned with ivy and flowers, welcoming streams of students in crisp uniforms.
Inside the school courtyard, the chatter of students mixed with laughter, hurried footsteps, and the metallic clang of locker doors. For most, it was just another ordinary day. For two students in particular, however, fate was quietly weaving threads that would soon bind them to something far greater than they could imagine.
"Haruto! Hurry up, you're going to be late again!"
A cheerful voice called out across the yard.
Standing beneath a blossoming cherry tree was Beru Denzaki, a bright-eyed girl with soft brown hair tied into a lively ponytail. Her smile was the kind that warmed even the coldest hearts. Next to her was Luna Ayame, her best friend since childhood, more composed and elegant, with a quiet grace that contrasted Beru's bubbly nature.
From the school gate came a tall figure with slightly messy dark hair, his uniform tie loosened in his usual careless style. Haruto Azechi. His sharp features and calm, confident aura drew whispers from passing girls, but he seemed oblivious, hands shoved in his pockets as if the world itself couldn't faze him.
"Sorry, sorry," Haruto muttered with a sheepish grin as he reached them. "Alarm clock broke. Again."
Beru puffed her cheeks, trying to look stern but failing as her heart fluttered at his smile.
"You always have an excuse, Haruto! One day, it won't work."
Luna chuckled softly, nudging Beru's shoulder. "Don't worry. You'll keep reminding him anyway."
What no one else noticed was the way Beru's eyes softened when she looked at him. She and Haruto weren't just classmates—they had been neighbors since they were little kids. She remembered countless afternoons spent playing in their yards, sharing snacks, and racing bicycles down the street. Somewhere along the way, her childhood playmate had become something more in her heart. But to Haruto, she was still just Beru—his dependable friend from next door.
Before Beru could retort, two more voices joined. Souta Takanashi, lively and mischievous, bounded toward them, tossing a basketball in one hand. Beside him walked Tadao Sakurada, quieter and more thoughtful, his bag slung lazily over his shoulder.
"Yo, Haruto! You coming to practice after school?" Souta called.
"If he doesn't sleep through it again," Tadao teased dryly, earning a laugh from the group.
The five of them walked together toward their classroom, their conversations weaving between jokes, homework complaints, and weekend plans. To anyone watching, they were just normal friends, enjoying the innocence of youth.
But for Beru, the walk carried a secret weight.
She glanced sideways at Haruto, her eyes softening again. He was laughing with Souta, his voice warm, his smile careless. Every little thing about him lit up her world, though he never seemed to notice. Her crush was a quiet, one-sided secret—made heavier by the closeness of their lives. They were neighbors, friends since childhood, yet he was completely unaware of the feelings she carried.
"Beru, are you even listening?" Luna whispered, catching her in her dreamy daze.
"Huh? O-of course!" Beru stammered, cheeks turning rosy as Luna gave her a knowing smile.
The morning classes drifted by, filled with chalk dust, teachers' lectures, and the rustling of notebooks. In math, Haruto leaned back in his chair, looking out the window while Beru scribbled furiously to keep up. In literature, Luna answered with calm precision, earning praise, while Souta yawned and doodled on his notebook. And in history, Tadao quietly passed notes of key points to Beru when she struggled, a quiet gesture of friendship.
At lunch, the group gathered under the cherry tree in the courtyard, opening their bentos. The blossoms above rained down soft petals, painting the air with a fleeting magic that none of them noticed, not yet.
"Hey, Haruto, want half of my sandwich?" Beru offered brightly, her heart pounding as she held it out.
"Hm? Oh, thanks!" Haruto said casually, taking it without a second thought and diving back into his conversation with Souta.
Beru smiled, though a little ache pinched her chest. He doesn't even realize… but it's okay.
From the outside, it was just another day in the lives of Sakura High students. Laughter, small dreams, tiny struggles—nothing unusual. Yet, beyond the veil of this peaceful Earthland, darkness had already spread across the stars. A war had begun on a distant planet, and soon, the ripples of fate would reach even here.
For now, though, their laughter rang freely beneath the cherry blossoms.
Unaware. Unprepared.
But destined.
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To be continued...