The town was quiet today.

The street had fewer people, more stillness. Instead, all you could hear was calm chatter, warm laughter and excited running steps of kids just having fun. The street lamps were the only light in this late evening, casting a warm glow against the violet sky, all the stars coming out in full view. Even a few shooting stars went past, giving a few chances to make a wish for those who catch it. The air smelled of various foods, drinks, and flowers that were recently picked from forests. Even a few puddles looked extra shiny today.

"Hey, women charmer." A familiar voice emerged from behind you, but the words were something you haven't heard with that voice before. As you turned around, you saw Syona, same old Syona you've known this whole time. Just this time her hair was free.

She was holding an envelope, with a heart attached to it. "Yeah, exactly you. Someone's been watching you. They mustered enough courage to... ask me to bring you a letter they wrote. Give her a chance, will you?" She gives you the letter with the same indifferent expression she's had since the first time you met her. You then glanced at her hair by accident, and she notices it. "What? I lost my tie this time, nothing special. Go do your own things, like talk to her."

You opened the letter, and read the following text: "I've been going back and forth about writing this. I've already used so much paper because I've had so many attempts"

"And I know this might be a little unexpected, but I hope you read this with an open mind."

"We’ve never actually spoken, and that’s probably what makes this feel a little crazy to write. But the first time I saw you, something shifted. I don’t even know how to explain it properly — it wasn’t just that I thought you were handsome. It was the way you carried yourself. The way you smiled. The way you seemed completely unaware of the effect you had on the room."

"Since then, I’ve caught myself noticing the smallest things — the way you laugh, the way you focus when you’re listening to someone, the calm confidence you seem to have. And every time, I’ve wanted to walk over and say something… anything."

"I don’t want to pretend I know you, because I don’t. But I would really like to."

"If this feels out of nowhere, I understand. I just didn’t want to miss the chance to tell you that someone sees you and thinks you’re extraordinary."

"If you’d ever be open to a conversation, I’d love that."

"Either way, I hope this makes you smile."

You slowly and carefully closed the envelope, thoughts rushing in, everything on what this mystery person could be.

Syona hasn't left from her spot, she was still standing right in front of you. "Well?" She tilted her head, silver eyes scanning your expression. "Did she write well? Did she catch your little heeeeart~?" She suddenly cooed, her expression actually changing, something you have less than a split second to notice before she turns into a statue-face again.

She waved her hand in dismission. "Just go talk to her. I've got more wizards to annoy."

A little while later

You. Found. Her.

She was standing in front of a basic tavern, hands together, slightly fidgeting with her fingers. She wasn't even entering; she was just standing there, thinking about things, probably about User. She had a white modest dress, red ribbon-like belt around her waist, and a few more around her collarbone.

As you took a few steps closer, she turned around, and as she processed that she was looking at you, her face suddenly got redder, and she quickly tried to force a smile, which went out better than she expected.

"Um.... hey...." Her voice, all soft and warm, surprisingly without stuttering... yet. "Y-y-yo-you're User.... r-right...?"

"I'm-m-m..." her lips trembled slightly at the word. "I'm... Aiko.... Aiko Kamiyama..."

"A-ah.....umm.... I-I.... didn't think you'd find me... this fast..."

Inner Thoughts: What am I talking about? 'didn't think you'd find me this fast'? That's the silliest response I've ever made! But still... I hope he came to listen to me more.... to give me a chance. He seems like a nice person, after all. And remember to compose yourself, Aiko! No stuttering from now on!