Episode 1: "The Silent Heart"
Scene 1: School Rooftop, Early Morning
The school bell rings sharply, signaling the beginning of a new year. Aoi stands on the rooftop of her high school, gazing at the sprawling city below her. The early morning mist still clings to the buildings, creating an ethereal glow around the edges of the horizon. Her camera hangs from her neck, the strap resting against her chest, a familiar weight she's come to rely on. The camera isn't just a tool for capturing moments; it's her shield from the world around her. Behind the lens, she's in control. People can look, but they can't truly see her.
She exhales a quiet breath, watching the morning sun slowly rise. There's a slight chill in the air, a reminder that the seasons are shifting. Yet, as the world begins to stir below, Aoi feels like an outsider, disconnected from everything happening in the bustling city. Her classmates are already gathering in the hallways, chatting excitedly about the new school year, but Aoi prefers the stillness of the rooftop, the solitude offering peace in a world that constantly feels overwhelming.
The silence is broken when she hears the sound of footsteps behind her. Aoi doesn't turn around immediately, thinking it's just someone passing by, but then a voice calls out to her.
Riku: "Hey, sorry if I startled you. You're always up here, huh?"
Aoi tenses slightly at the sound of his voice but doesn't immediately respond. She knows Riku, of course. They've shared a few classes over the years, but they've never really talked. He's one of those people who seems to effortlessly connect with others, a popular boy with a warm smile and an infectious energy. Aoi, on the other hand, has always kept to herself.
Finally, she turns, her camera instinctively shifting as her fingers fumble with it, her face flushing slightly from the sudden interaction.
Aoi: "I… I like the view."
Riku steps closer, his expression open and friendly. He's panting lightly, as if he ran up the stairs just to catch her before the bell rang. There's a sincerity in his eyes that Aoi doesn't quite understand, a warmth that's different from the usual friendly faces she's seen before.
Riku: "It's peaceful up here. I get it." He looks out over the city with her, a soft smile curving on his lips. "I don't usually come up here, but I saw you standing alone… thought I'd say hi."
Aoi hesitates for a moment, the sound of her own heartbeat pounding in her ears. There's something comforting about his presence, yet she's unsure of how to navigate this sudden closeness. She can feel the weight of his attention on her, but something about Riku's genuine nature puts her at ease. He doesn't seem interested in prying into her life—he's just here, sharing the moment with her in a way that feels unforced.
Riku: "So, what's your plan for the new year? I'm guessing you're not one for big crowds, huh?"
Aoi: "Not really," she says softly, her gaze once again drifting to the horizon. "I just… like to be by myself."
Riku: "That's fair. I'm not much for crowds either, but I get it. It's the track meet this weekend, though. I'm sure you'll get a chance to see some of the action."
Aoi isn't sure how to respond to the mention of the track meet. She's never been into sports, and she knows little about them. But there's something about Riku's enthusiasm that piques her curiosity. He's excited, and for the first time, she wonders why.
Aoi: "I don't really know much about it…"
Riku: "Well, that's okay. I'll be running, so you could always come and watch. Maybe it'll be more fun than you think."
Aoi (blushing slightly): "Maybe…"
As he stands there, the world around them seems to slow down, just for a moment. Riku's energy is easy to catch, and for the first time, Aoi feels like she's part of something—a conversation, a connection. She's used to being in the background, but today feels different.
The bell rings, signaling the start of the day, and they both look toward the door. Riku gives her one last smile, a knowing look that makes her stomach flutter slightly.
Riku: "Well, I'll see you around, Aoi. Don't be a stranger, okay?"
Aoi nods, still caught in the afterglow of their brief exchange. As Riku turns and walks back toward the school, she watches him go, her hand absentmindedly brushing the lens of her camera. It's a small interaction, but it's one that lingers, hanging in her thoughts as she heads to her first class of the year.
---
Scene 2: The Next Day at Lunch
The next day, Aoi walks into the bustling cafeteria, the noise of students filling the air. It's a scene she's familiar with—tables filled with laughter and chatter, groups of friends gathered around their trays, the occasional sound of a lunchbox opening or a drink can being cracked open. Aoi picks a quiet corner to sit alone, the familiarity of solitude comforting.
She unwraps her sandwich, eyes scanning the cafeteria while trying to avoid looking directly at the crowd. Her gaze falls on Riku, sitting by himself at a table near the window. He's eating his lunch, but he seems distracted, occasionally glancing up as if waiting for someone.
Aoi hesitates. She's never been one to seek out company, always content with her own space. But something about the way Riku is sitting there, alone, draws her in. Maybe it's the way he doesn't seem to mind the solitude, or maybe it's just the curiosity he's sparked in her over the past day. She feels a small tug to join him, but the fear of disrupting his space holds her back for a moment.
With a quiet breath, she gathers her courage, grabs her lunch tray, and walks over. Riku looks up just as she reaches the table, surprise flashing across his face, but he quickly recovers with a warm smile.
Aoi (softly): "Mind if I sit?"
Riku (with a surprised but pleased look): "Of course, I was just thinking about how nice it'd be to have company."
As Aoi takes a seat across from him, she notices how effortlessly comfortable he is, his easy smile never faltering. There's a kindness in his eyes that makes her feel less out of place. They both eat in a comfortable silence, only the soft sound of chewing and occasional glances shared between them.
Aoi keeps sneaking looks at Riku, curious about his every movement. He's different from the other boys she's known—more grounded, more genuine. He's not trying to impress anyone, and his demeanor is disarming. Aoi feels an unfamiliar sense of calm in his presence.
---
Scene 3: After School
After the last bell rings, Aoi grabs her things and heads for the exit. She's ready to go home and retreat into her own space. But as she steps outside, she's surprised to see Riku waiting by the school gate, leaning casually against the fence. He looks over at her and smiles when he sees her.
Riku (casually): "Hey, Aoi! Walking home, too?"
Aoi blinks, slightly caught off guard. She hadn't expected to see him again so soon.
Aoi: "Uh, yeah…"
Riku pushes off from the fence and begins walking beside her without waiting for an invitation, his pace leisurely.
Riku: "I don't mind walking with you. It's a nice day out, after all."
Aoi doesn't know what to say. The silence between them feels different this time—comfortable, yet somehow meaningful. She glances at him from the corner of her eye, wondering what he's thinking. He doesn't seem nervous, but she feels an odd flutter in her chest.
After a few moments of walking, Riku breaks the silence again, his voice casual but with a hint of earnestness.
Riku: "Hey, I've been thinking… maybe I could help you with photography? If you want."
Aoi looks at him, surprised by the suggestion. She doesn't know why, but something about his offer makes her heart race. She's always been fine on her own, never needing anyone's help, but Riku's sincerity catches her off guard.
Aoi (hesitating): "I... don't know. I'm fine on my own."
Riku (grinning): "Well, maybe I could learn something, too. I've always wondered what it's like to capture things the way you do."
Aoi smiles, her defenses slowly crumbling. There's a softness in his eyes, and something about his willingness to share this space with her feels like a small step forward. They walk in silence again, but this time, it's easier. Less awkward. And somehow, it feels like this is just the beginning.