In the middle of autumn, bathed in sunlight,
The train came to a stop, the metal creaking as it did, while the scenery remained peaceful in sight.
He stepped off the train with a bag on his left shoulder and no expectations. The air smelled of fresh leaves falling from the trees—calm, ordinary, and peaceful.
"Maybe I will find peace here," he muttered to himself.
He stood in front of Saito Station, which seemed to be a truly tranquil town at first glance.
Reaching into his backpack, he pulled out an address. It was the address number of his uncle, and as he looked at it, he saw it read, "Yamazaki Residence, 24th Street, Himuka Shinwa Gaido." He felt clueless about this city; it was different from the urban environment he was used to.
"W-what? How can I even find this place?" he muttered to himself, looking quite lost.
His gaze then fell upon a mysterious girl beside a tree. She wore a cool red hat and seemed to be waiting for someone, looking somewhat bored.
He hesitated, contemplating whether to approach her, as she didn't seem to be in a good mood.
"Ah, I guess this is the only way," he muttered as he approached the girl with the cool hat.
"H-hey… can I ask you for directions?" he said in a nervous tone, trembling slightly.
The girl regarded him carefully. "There's no need to be nervous; I won't eat you or anything," she said with a smile. "Sure thing… let me see that paper." She examined it closely.
"Oh, Yamazaki Residence; of course, I know it. I live not too far from there," she said.
He looked relieved. "Oh really? Well, I just moved here, and I guess I need to learn about this place," he replied.
She smiled again, laughing gently. "You better, haha," she said. "By the way, I haven't asked for your name yet… I'm Rika Minakami," she introduced herself.
He blushed. "Oh man, oh man, this is a chance I must not mess up," he muttered to himself, lost in nonsensical thoughts.
"I'm Shinji Valentine, nice to meet you," he said, noticing Rika's keen interest.
"Valentine? That's unique. Are you really from here?" Rika asked.
"Well, haha… my father has some kind of foreign heritage," Shinji replied, observing Rika's intrigued expression.
"Anyway, lets go shinji" rika said, both of them walking ahead "the sun will set in a few hours"
Shinji glance at the sky
Shinji followed rika, bag on his shoulder
A new town, a new start...maybe even peace.