The Classroom:
As the teacher droned on about school rules and expectations, the protagonist stared out the window, his mind elsewhere. That shimmering bird—what was it about it that unsettled him?
A voice snapped him back to the present. "Hey, new guy!"
He turned to see a girl with sharp eyes and a mischievous grin. "You're spacing out already? Not a great start."
Before he could respond, the teacher's glare silenced them both.
The girl leaned over and whispered, "I'm Kaya. Better get used to me—I sit next to you."
During lunch, Kaya dragged him to join her group of friends. The cafeteria was bustling, but his attention was elsewhere.
That night, his dream returned, more vivid this time. The girl's blurred face seemed closer, and the sound of laughter sharpened, accompanied by the same voice he had heard at lunch.
The Turning Point:
As Haru walked home, he decided to take a detour through the park. The setting sun bathed the trees in golden light, and the air was cool and refreshing. Lost in thought, he almost didn't notice the bird perched on a nearby bench.It was no ordinary bird. Its feathers shimmered with hues of blue and gold, and its eyes seemed to pierce into his very soul.
"Haru," the bird said, its voice soft yet commanding.
He froze. "Did… did you just talk?"
"You'll find the answers in Astrelia," the bird continued, ignoring his question. "Follow your dreams."
Before Haru could respond, the bird spread its wings and vanished into the sky, leaving him stunned. That night, he couldn't stop thinking about the encounter.