Now Akira and Riku are both 8 years old.
It is evening time and Riku comes running and suddenly bumps into Akira.
This is the first time they're meeting each other.
Akira is slightly taller than Riku, with a lean build and a round-shaped face.
His messy black hair falls loosely around his narrow black eyes, which sit under thin, sharp eyebrows.
Riku, also lean, has a round-shaped face shape and striking spiky white hair. Like Akira, his eyes are narrow and black, framed by thin eyebrows that give him a focused, intense look.
"Sorry! Sorry! Did you get hurt?" Riku asks, his eyes wide with concern, slightly panting from running.
"No, I'm fine," Akira replies with a gentle smile, brushing off his shirt. His tone is calm and forgiving.
"Hi! My name is Riku. What's your name?" Riku asks brightly.
"My name is Akira," he says softly.
"Nice name! So, who all are there in your family?"
"In my family... it's me, my dad, my mom, and my uncle."
"You're so lucky. At least you have a dad… I only have my mom," Riku says, a sad expression on his face.
"And your dad?" Akira asks, his voice soft and eyes full of empathy.
"Mom told me that just two days after I was born, he passed away due to cancer."
Riku looks away, a faint tremble in his voice.
He tries to stay strong, but the pain is clear.
They were just talking when Hiroshi arrives.
"Akira, what are you doing here? Come on, let's go home now," Hiroshi says, smiling gently.
"Yes, Uncle," Akira replies politely.
Riku looks up with a smile. "Hello Uncle, how are you?" he asks politely.
Hiroshi notices Riku and pauses for a moment. "Hello… Are you Meishin's son?" he asks.
"Yes, Uncle," Riku says, nodding.
Akira tilts his head curiously. "Uncle, why did you go towards the Northern Valley?" he asks.
Hiroshi pauses — a bit nervous. "Oh… I just went there… for a walk. Nothing special," he says quickly. "Now come on, let's go home."
Akira nods softly. "Okay, Uncle."
He turns to Riku and waves. "Okay, Riku. I've got to go now. See you tomorrow. Bye!"
Riku waves back cheerfully.
"Bye!"