The sky was blue and endless, dotted with drifting clouds like cotton.
It was Asuke's first day in the new neighborhood. He stood by the swings alone, his small hands clutching the straps of his backpack, eyes fixed on the dusty ground. The other kids ran and played, but none came near him.
He wasn't good with words. He wasn't good at smiling either.
Then came a voice, clear and warm like sunlight:
"You're new, huh?"
He looked up.
A girl stood before him, about his age, with a small leaf stuck in her hair and a bright smile that didn't feel forced. Her name was Hana, and she was the kind of kid who talked to lonely people without thinking twice about it.
Asuke blinked. He didn't answer.
She tilted her head and asked, "What's your name?"
"…Asuke," he said softly.
"Nice to meet you, Asuke!" She beamed and reached out her hand. "Wanna play with me?"
He stared at her hand for a moment, unsure if she was teasing him like the kids from his last school. But there was something honest in her eyes. No pity. No hesitation. Just kindness.
Cautiously, he took her hand.
And she led him toward the sandbox like they'd always known each other.
They played until the sun began to dip behind the trees. They built crooked castles and gave them names. They took turns pushing each other on the swings. At some point, Hana started laughing—and it made Asuke laugh too.
For the first time in a long time, he didn't feel strange. Or alone.
Before they parted, Hana tugged his sleeve and whispered:
"We're friends now, okay? Even if no one else is."
Asuke nodded.
He didn't say anything. But in his chest, something warm bloomed quietly—something like hope.
Day after day, Hana would always stand by the swing, waiting for Asuke to come.
As soon as Asuke showed himself, he found himself mesmerized by Hana. She smiled brightly and waved at him.
"Asuke!! Right over here!!" She giggled.
A pulse.
And for the first time, he didn't hesitate to walk over. Asuke was becoming more dependable with her.
Then, they played like they'd always known each other—laughing and chattering until the sky turned orange.
Both of them slowly became best friends.
"We'll be best friends, okay?" Hana lifted a finger.
Asuke nodded, "Mhm."
Their fingers intertwined together, casting a warm light between them.
From that day on, Asuke began to visit more often. Until one afternoon...
"Dad, Nii-chann!! Meet Asuke!!" Hana jumped happily, pushing him in front.
Her brother raised an eyebrow in amusement. "Now, now, who's that Hana?"
"My new best friend, Asuke!"
"Hello..." Asuke spoke quietly, waving.
"Why, nice to meet you, Asuke. I'm Isamu— Hana's brother."
Isamu knelt down to his level, patting his head in a gentle manner.
Something flickered in Asuke's eyes.
Warmth.
"N-Nice to... Meet you too..."
Before anything could happen, Hana hurriedly pulled Asuke away, and excitement filled her voice.
"Let's play in my room now, my best friend!!"
"Don't play too much, okay, Hana?" Isamu reminded.
"Hm! I will onii-chan!"
She waved while dragging Asuke. It was going well so far— both of them played dolls, laughing, giggling at each other.
"I'm PrincessHana, and I will protect my people!!" She lifted the doll's hand.
"Heh, not so fast, princess. I will show you what I could really do!"
Then, Asuke dramatically tried to use the villain's weapon, attacking Princess Hana.
Soon, both of them mimicked their screams— hitting each other at the same time. But with one final strike of Hana, the villain was defeated.
She beamed, "laugh— I won you, selfish villain! I, Princess Hana, had avenged my people once more!"
The princess shone bright— indicating their victory.
Asuke let out a soft pout, "That's no fair... you're the main character."
"Except for that— I would do the same thing as well: If my people are in danger, I would fight for them even if it means dying." She pointed herself.
"Don't say that, Hana."
Hana giggled, "What? I'm just saying."
Asuke grumbled, "... Never mind."
While they talked— Hana's brother came in, opening the door.
"Asuke? Your parents are looking for you now. It's time to go home now."
"Aw... Can't we play a little longer?" Hana insisted.
"No, Hana. Asuke needs to go home... His parents might get worried."
"Oh okay..."
Then, Asuke slowly got up while Hana followed along.
As they opened the door and exited their house— Asuke's parents were really standing by, waiting for him.
"Asuke!" His mother called out, holding him.
"Let's head home, bud. You've had a fun day," His father added.
Asuke turned his head to look at Hana, who was slightly disappointed, and waved at her.
"...Bye-bye, Hana." He let out a small smile.
With just his smile, her sadness disappeared for some reason. Her usual— bright smile returned on her face.
"Mhm, goodbye, Asuke! We'll see each other again tomorrow! At the playground, all right?" She waved back.
Asuke's face faltered for a moment, letting out a weak nod before leaving into the background.
For a moment, he felt another pulse in his chest.
And soon, the sun glimmered once again. Making the world bright and filled with warmth.
The playground echoed laughter and chatter as usual.
Asuke wore a light, green hoodie, along with brown pants. His soft, brown eyes beamed with the sun as his black hair danced smoothly.
He slowly approached the playground, his eyes wandering around to look for Hana.
Until he saw her.
Hana had worn a white sundress with a pink cardigan— her brown hair flowed gently as she held a plushie in her arms.
However, she was with two other boys, one of whom she was trying to talk to, and the other who was minding their own business.
"H-Hana...!" He called out, approaching them.
She blinked, looking towards Asuke. Her hazel eyes met his. A smile crept onto her mouth.
"Asuke...? Asuke! You finally came!!"
Asuke slowly stopped in his tracks.
"Who are they...?" He asked, glancing towards a boy she had been talking to and the other guy.
He noticed that the boy beside her had black hair and black eyes.
Hana waved her hands frantically, "Ah— they are Ren and Sota, just some friends I met. Say hi!"
She said to the boy beside her.
Soon, both Asuke and he made eye contact. An uncomfortable silence lingered between them. The boy was too expressionless, leaving Asuke nervous.
Hana could only glance between them. Then, stepped in.
"Uhm, sorry... Asuke. Ren is quite shy today, so... Let's just continue on what we're gonna do, okay?" She pleaded.
Asuke managed to let out a nod, looking down at her outstretched hand before grabbing it.
Without hesitation, both of them walked away. Hand in hand.
"S-Sorry guys— I'll catch up with you later!" She waved, letting out a small smile.
Then, they slowly disappeared into the background.