After college classes ended, Aiko and Mika were sitting on a bench in the campus garden. Aiko opened her sketchbook and started drawing. The pencil moved in her hand so smoothly, it was as if her heart itself was writing on the paper.
Mika leaned over curiously.
Mika: "Aiko… did you draw this?"
Aiko smiled slightly and nodded.
Aiko: "Yes… just practicing."
The drawing showed a beautiful street scene. The shade of the trees, the soft sunlight, and the silhouettes of people looked so natural that Mika just stared at it for a few seconds.
Mika: "Aiko, do you even realize how talented you are?"
Aiko shrugged a little.
Aiko: "Talent… what does it even matter, Mika? There are so many artists. I don't think I'll ever become famous."
Mika immediately looked at her seriously.
Mika: "Aiko Tanaka, if you don't believe in yourself, no one else will."
Aiko stayed silent for a moment. She closed her sketchbook and looked at the sky. It was evening, and the sky was filled with soft shades of pink and orange.
Aiko: "My only dream… is that one day my paintings reach beyond my small room, all the way to the world."
Mika smiled.
Mika: "And that day will definitely come. I promise."
They laughed together.
A little later, Aiko walked back home. Her sketchbook was in her hands, and Mika's words were still echoing in her mind: "You have to believe in yourself…"
Aiko paused and looked at her drawing one last time.
Aiko: "One day… I will surely become a successful artist."
She had no idea that one day, her dream would bring her face-to-face with someone the world would know as a global pop idol. But for now, her journey was just beginning.
To be continued…