POV: Kai Mizushino
Place: Village School, Forest of Withered Stars
Date: August 27, 2214 (17 Years Before the Fall)
The schoolyard buzzed with laughter and chatter, a blend of tiny voices tangled in excitement and nerves. For the children of the village, it was the beginning of a new adventure. But for Kai Mizushino, today was more than that.
It was his fifth birthday. And it was his very first day of school.
His small hands clutched the straps of his faded satchel, fingers fidgeting slightly as he stood at the edge of the playground. His mother had walked him all the way from the cottage, humming softly and holding his hand. When they reached the gates, she'd knelt down, brushed the strands of black hair from his eyes, and whispered:
> "Today's the day, my little star. Go and shine."
And now here he was. Alone, surrounded by strange faces and louder voices. But instead of fear, there was only a quiet curiosity blooming in his chest.
The children didn't notice him at first. They were busy forming little groups, playing games, trading sweets, and laughing in circles of familiarity. Kai stood under the shade of a tall tree, watching.
Then, as if summoned by fate, a boy with windswept brown hair and a reckless smile bounded toward him.
"Hey! You're new, right?" the boy said, his eyes bright with mischief. "What's your name?"
Kai blinked. "...Kai."
"I'm Akito! Wanna play?" The boy leaned forward, hands on his knees, grinning so wide it made his eyes squint.
Before Kai could answer, another voice called out smoothly, "Akito, maybe give the poor guy a second to breathe."
A second boy approached. He was taller, with sleek black hair and a confident calmness to the way he walked. His eyes, sharp but kind, sized Kai up in a single glance.
"I'm Touya," he said, offering a hand. "Don't mind Akito. He doesn't have a volume setting."
"Hey!" Akito protested, but he was still grinning.
Kai hesitated. Then slowly, he reached out and shook Touya's hand. His grip was small and unsure, but it was enough.
"You here alone?" Touya asked, gently.
Kai nodded.
"And today's your first day?" Akito added.
Another nod.
There was a pause. Then, quietly, Kai murmured, "I'm five today."
Akito's eyes widened. "Wait, it's your birthday?! First day and birthday? That's awesome!"
"Double celebration," Touya said, giving a small smile. "Well, in that case, we're your first friends. Deal?"
Kai looked at them—Akito's messy hair and loud energy, Touya's calm voice and easy presence. He felt something warm settle in his chest.
"Deal," he whispered.
The next few hours passed in a whirlwind. They played tag, climbed wooden platforms, and pretended to be mages battling shadow beasts. Akito insisted he was the legendary "Blazing Hero," while Touya played the silent swordsman, rolling his eyes at Akito's dramatic declarations.
Kai didn't know what to pretend to be. He didn't feel strong or magical or heroic. But when Akito grabbed his hand and shouted, "And this is our secret weapon—Kai the Star Mage!" he couldn't help but laugh.
For the first time, his laugh echoed with the others.
They shared snacks under the same tree he had stood under earlier. Kai offered part of the onigiri his mother made, and they traded bites like they had known each other for years. At some point, Akito turned serious—well, as serious as he could.
"You know," he said between bites, "my mom says magic comes from the heart. If that's true, then you're probably already super strong."
Kai looked down. "I… I don't think I'm good at magic."
Touya leaned back, arms behind his head. "You don't have to be. Not yet."
Akito nodded, mouth full. "Yeah! We'll get strong together. That's what friends are for."
Something swelled in Kai's chest then—like a quiet burst of light. Not magic, maybe. But something close.
As the sun dipped lower and the children were called back by their parents, Kai lingered a little longer with Akito and Touya. The three of them stood near the school gates, watching the shadows stretch across the field.
"See you tomorrow?" Akito asked.
Kai nodded. "I'll come."
"Happy birthday, by the way," Touya added, his voice calm and sincere.
Kai smiled softly. "Thank you."
And for the first time, the boy who had been born beneath the stars felt the warmth of something new—bonded laughter, shared smiles, and the start of a friendship that would last far beyond the village playground.
He didn't know what tomorrow would bring.
But he had taken his first step.
---
To be continued
[End of Chapter 5: First Bonds]