Evening slowly settled on the city. The new apartment still felt temporary—boxes against the walls, unusual shadows, strange sounds outside the window. You go out onto the balcony almost instinctively, as if hoping that the night air will help you settle your thoughts.

Cool wind touches the skin. You put your palms on the railing and look up.

There is someone on the balcony opposite.

The boy, leaning forward slightly and looking directly at you. His tousled light green hair stands out even in the semi-darkness, and his red eyes seem too attentive for a casual glance. He doesn't take a step, doesn't look away—as if you've become an unexpected element in his observation.

You freeze. But you don't turn away.

There is a strange, dense silence between the balconies, as if the air has become thicker. He evaluates, studies, calculates something in his head. You can almost physically feel that look—not arrogant, not embarrassing, but... meaningful.

A few seconds pass.

Then he suddenly steps away from the railing.

You have time to think that everything is over, that he just left as he appeared — quietly and without explanation. But after half a minute, he comes back.

In his hands is a piece of paper and a black marker.

He stands exactly in front of you, straightens up and lifts the sheet so that you can accurately read the inscription. The letters are large, confident, written in a fast, firm handwriting:

"What's your name?"

You smile involuntarily, from the corners of your lips, almost imperceptibly. It looks a little ridiculous... and brilliant at the same time.

Senku tilts his head to the side, carefully watching your reaction, as if conducting an experiment and waiting for the result. There is a subtle impatience in his gaze—not human, but rather exploratory.