Students move between buildings as sunlight filters through cherry blossom trees. A soft breeze carries petals across the school courtyard.
"Some days feel like whispers from the past... and today, the wind brought a familiar name with it."
She looks peaceful, until—
"Ren? Is that really you?"
( A tall, confident boy stands there with a hand raised in a casual wave.)
"It's me—Ren. From Hoshizora Middle?"
"Ren?! You transferred here?"
Ren:
"Just yesterday. Looks like we're classmates again, huh?"
[ Alex's Thoughts]
"Who is that guy? And why does she look so... happy to see him?"
( Alex's eyes, shadowed slightly)
He tightens his grip on his pencil, but his face remains neutral.
"Hey, new guy seems popular, huh?"
Alex (calmly):
"Yeah. Guess he knows Stella well."
"You still hum when you draw. I remember that."
"I can't believe you noticed that back then."
(Hidden behind the rooftop door, Alex watches briefly before walking away quietly.)
Ren:
"Want to walk home together like old times?"
(Alex steps in, casually but firm)
Alex:
"She has class today. I'll walk her after."
Stella (surprised):
"Alex? I didn't know you were—"
Alex (smiling faintly):
"You said you'd help with the sketchbook layout, right
(Stella and Alex sit side by side, silent for a moment.)
Stella
"Are you... okay?"
Alex (softly):
"Yeah. Just... didn't expect you to smile like that today."
(Stella looks at him, surprised. Alex doesn't look back.)
Alex:
"Forget it. Let's finish this page."
"I thought I understood the colors of people's hearts. But today, Alex's seemed harder to read."