Chapter 2: The Spark of Change
The morning sun filtered through Nobita's bedroom window, casting warm rays across his cluttered desk. Books, half-finished homework, and a few forgotten gadgets from Doraemon lay scattered on the surface—evidence of his usual chaotic life. But something felt different today.
Nobita sat on the edge of his bed, still in his blue pajamas, rubbing sleep from his eyes. His mind kept drifting back to last night—Ariana Mizuki and her incredible invention. He could still hear her bright laughter and the way she explained her drone with so much passion. It was the first time in a long while someone had made him feel... inspired.
"Nobita! Breakfast is ready!" his mother called from the kitchen.
"Coming!" he replied automatically, though his thoughts were miles away.
As he trudged down the stairs, he caught sight of his reflection in the hallway mirror. His messy hair stuck out in random directions, and his eyes still carried that sleepy, half-defeated look.
"Ugh," he muttered, patting his hair down with both hands.
---
Outside, the neighborhood was already alive with the sound of kids heading to school. Nobita shuffled along with his satchel slung over one shoulder. His usual routine involved getting scolded by his teacher, avoiding Gian's bullying, and somehow scraping through the day without doing any real work.
But today... he couldn't shake the feeling that something was about to change.
---
At School
Nobita walked into the classroom, expecting the usual jeers from Suneo and Gian.
"Well, look who's late again," Suneo sneered, flicking his neatly combed hair.
Gian cracked his knuckles nearby, flashing his usual grin. "Bet he didn't even finish his homework."
Nobita's stomach clenched, but before he could stammer out an excuse, a voice called out behind him.
"Maybe he's late because he was working on something important."
All heads turned to see Ariana standing at the door, arms crossed with that same confident smile. The sunlight streaming in made her green eyes sparkle.
"What... what are you doing here?" Nobita blurted out, caught completely off guard.
Ariana strolled into the classroom like she had belonged there all along. "I transferred here this morning. Surprise!"
Nobita's heart thudded against his chest. This was the last thing he expected—but somehow, he couldn't help feeling a little... excited.
---
Lunchtime
By the time lunchtime rolled around, Ariana had already made an impression. She wasn't just smart—she was funny, quick-witted, and totally unfazed by Gian's loud threats or Suneo's bragging.
She sat next to Nobita beneath the shade of a tree in the courtyard, eating rice balls from her packed lunch.
"So," she said between bites, "tell me something, Nobita... why are you always so down on yourself?"
Nobita almost choked on his food. "W-what do you mean?"
Ariana glanced at him sideways, her green eyes sharp. "I see how you carry yourself. Like you're always expecting the worst to happen. Like you're... afraid to try."
Nobita shifted uncomfortably. It wasn't like he didn't know his flaws—he just wasn't used to someone pointing them out so... casually.
"It's not that simple," he mumbled.
"Sure it is," Ariana said, grinning. "You just need to start believing in yourself. Maybe try doing something... different."
Nobita blinked. Different? He'd spent his whole life trying to survive without attracting attention. Different sounded... terrifying.
---
The First Step
That afternoon, after school, Nobita found himself walking home with Ariana. Doraemon floated along behind them, listening silently.
"So... what kind of things do you invent?" Nobita asked, trying to sound casual.
Ariana's face lit up. "Everything! Gadgets, machines... I'm working on a solar-powered skateboard right now. Want to see?"
Before Nobita could answer, she pulled a small device from her backpack—an unfinished miniature hoverboard, wires sticking out from the sides.
"Wow..." Nobita whispered.
Ariana's grin widened. "It's not finished yet. Maybe you could help me test it when I get it working."
"Me?" Nobita's eyes widened in disbelief. "I-I wouldn't know where to start."
"Everyone starts somewhere," Ariana replied simply. "Even geniuses like me."
Her playful wink made Nobita's heart thump in a way he couldn't quite explain.
---
Later That Night
As Nobita lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, Ariana's words echoed in his mind.
"You just need to start believing in yourself."
It sounded so simple when she said it.
But could he really change? Could he become someone extraordinary?
For the first time in his life... Nobita thought maybe he could.
He reached for his alarm clock and set it half an hour earlier than usual. Tomorrow, he was going to try—just a little.
A spark had been lit.
---