The café was bustling with activity, the clatter of plates and the low hum of conversation blending into a soothing background noise. Haruto felt out of place in the sleek, modern setting. His wrinkled shirt and worn-out sneakers stood in stark contrast to the polished glass tables and the well-dressed patrons sipping lattes.
He spotted Aiko Tanaka sitting near the window, her laptop open in front of her. She was typing rapidly, her sharp features illuminated by the natural light streaming in through the glass. Her hair, tied back in a neat bun, framed her face, accentuating the glasses perched on her nose. Aiko exuded an air of precision and control, a stark reminder of her success in the corporate world.
Haruto hesitated for a moment before approaching her table. "Aiko," he said softly.
She looked up, her eyes narrowing slightly as she recognized him. "Haruto," she said, her voice cool and measured. "It's been a while."
"Yeah," he replied, shifting awkwardly on his feet. "I hope I'm not interrupting."
"You always were terrible at small talk," she said with a faint smirk, closing her laptop. "What's this about?"
Haruto slid into the seat across from her, pulling out a folder filled with sketches, notes, and diagrams. "I need your help," he said simply.
Aiko raised an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued. "Help with what?"
Haruto hesitated, searching for the right words. "I've been working on something. A project that could change the way we produce energy. It's... it's big, Aiko. But I can't do it alone."
She studied him for a moment, her expression unreadable. "You quit your job for this, didn't you?"
He nodded, his jaw tightening. "I couldn't stay in an industry that values profit over sustainability. This is what I want to do—what I have to do."
Aiko sighed, leaning back in her chair. "All right, show me."
Haruto reached into his bag and pulled out the crystal, carefully placing it on the table. The shard caught the light, its surface shimmering faintly.
"This is a resonance crystal," he explained. "It can generate clean energy through vibration and resonance. The technology is still in its early stages, but—"
"Does it work?" Aiko interrupted, her tone skeptical.
"It does," Haruto said quickly. "It's not perfect, but I've made progress. With your help, I can take it to the next level."
Aiko picked up the crystal, turning it over in her hand. Her sharp eyes studied every facet, every imperfection. Finally, she placed it back on the table.
"It's an interesting concept," she said slowly. "But ideas alone don't change the world, Haruto. You need results. Proof."
"I know," he said, his voice tinged with urgency. "That's why I need you. You're the smartest strategist I know, Aiko. Together, we can make this work."
She leaned back, crossing her arms. For a long moment, she said nothing. Haruto's heart pounded in his chest as he waited for her response.
"All right," she said finally. "I'll help you. But I'm not doing this out of charity. If you want my support, you'll have to prove to me that this is worth my time."
Haruto exhaled, relief washing over him. "Thank you, Aiko. You won't regret this."
She gave him a faint smile, her sharp eyes glinting with determination. "Let's hope not."
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