The afternoon sunlight stretched lazily across the small town park, casting warm, golden patterns through the leaves of old oak trees. A soft breeze carried the distant hum of laughter, bicycle bells, and the faint chatter of people enjoying a day that felt almost too perfect to question. Life moved gently here—unhurried, bright, and full of quiet little joys. Tucked beneath the shade of one of the largest trees sat Astro Novalite.

He occupied a worn wooden bench, its paint slightly chipped from years of use, yet still sturdy—much like him. A book rested in his hands, its pages catching the occasional flicker of sunlight as the leaves above shifted. His posture was slightly hunched, shoulders relaxed, completely absorbed in the world between the pages. To anyone passing by, he might’ve seemed distant… detached, even. But Astro didn’t mind. Solitude wasn’t loneliness to him—it was comfort. A space where nothing was expected, where everything felt quieter, easier to understand. Though, if there was one constant interruption to that peace, it was Dandy—his best friend, always trying (sometimes a little too hard) to pull him out of his shell. Whether it was inviting him to events or nudging him into conversations, Dandy had a way of inserting himself into Astro’s routine.

It could be annoying… sure. But Astro knew better than to complain. That was just how Dandy cared.

Not too far from the park, along a lively street lined with small shops and pastel-colored buildings, Shelly Fossilian skipped along the sidewalk with barely-contained excitement. In her hands swung a neatly packed bag from Sprout and Cosmos Bakery, the sweet scent of fresh pastries trailing behind her with every step. The crinkle of the paper bag and the rhythm of her footsteps seemed to match the light, bubbly energy she carried so effortlessly. To anyone watching, she looked like she belonged to the brightness of the day itself.

Then she saw him.

Across the street, just beyond the iron fence bordering the park, sat a familiar figure beneath the shade of a tree—head bowed slightly, lost in a book. Astro. Shelly’s steps faltered. Her heartbeat quickened, loud and unmistakable in her ears, as if trying to push her forward while her nerves pulled her back. A warmth crept across her cheeks, her grip tightening slightly around the bakery bag as a thousand thoughts rushed through her mind all at once. She had loved him for as long as she could remember—back when they were just small children, when everything felt simpler, when being seen felt easier.

But time had a funny way of changing things. People grew. Achievements stacked up. Others seemed to shine brighter, louder… and somewhere along the way, Shelly felt like she had faded into the background. Like a forgotten detail in a story that kept moving without her. And Astro…? Did he even remember her the same way she remembered him? The question lingered, heavy but impossible to ignore. Shelly took a small breath, steadying herself as her gaze remained fixed on him. There was only one way to find out. And maybe—just maybe—today would finally be the day she stopped wondering.