The perfect ideal System

       sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm golden hue over the bustling city of Aetheria. Skyscrapers towered like giants, their glass facades reflecting the last rays of daylight. The streets were alive with the sounds of honking cars, chattering pedestrians, and the distant strumming of a street musician’s guitar. Yet, amidst the vibrant chaos, Haruki Tanaka felt like a ghost, drifting through the throngs of people without truly being seen.

At seventeen, Haruki was an average high school student, blending into the background of his school’s social hierarchy. He had tousled black hair that fell into his eyes, a pair of round glasses perched on his nose, and a penchant for wearing oversized hoodies that swallowed his slender frame. While his classmates were busy chasing popularity and grades, Haruki found solace in his sketchbook, where he could escape into a world of imagination.

As he walked home from Aetheria High, the weight of his backpack felt heavier than usual. Inside, it held not just textbooks and notebooks, but also his dreams—sketches of fantastical creatures, vibrant landscapes, and characters that danced in his mind. Art was his refuge, a place where he could express himself freely, away from the pressures of school and the expectations of others.

“Hey, Haruki!” a voice called out, breaking him from his thoughts. He turned to see Aiko Matsumoto, a classmate with bright blue hair and an infectious smile, jogging to catch up with him. She was a talented photographer, always capturing the world through her lens. “You coming to the art club meeting today?”

Haruki hesitated, glancing at the ground. “I… I don’t know. I have some sketches I want to finish.”

Aiko pouted, her hands on her hips. “Come on! We need your creativity. Besides, I heard there’s going to be a guest speaker today. It could be inspiring!”

He felt a flicker of excitement at the thought of inspiration, but the familiar voice of self-doubt crept in. “What if they don’t like my work?” he muttered, looking away.

“Haruki, you’re an amazing artist! You just need to believe in yourself,” Aiko encouraged, her eyes sparkling with determination. “Let’s go together. I’ll be there to cheer you on!”

With a reluctant sigh, Haruki nodded. “Okay, I’ll go.”

As they walked to the art club, Haruki couldn’t shake the feeling of inadequacy that often haunted him. He admired Aiko’s confidence and talent, but he couldn’t help but compare himself to her. She had a way of capturing beauty in every photograph, while he struggled to convey his emotions through his art.

The art club room was filled with the scent of paint and the sound of laughter. Students were gathered around tables, discussing their projects and sharing ideas. Haruki felt a sense of warmth wash over him as he entered, but it was quickly overshadowed by the familiar pang of insecurity.

“Hey, everyone! This is Haruki!” Aiko announced, pulling him into the spotlight. “He’s an incredible artist, and he’s going to share some of his sketches with us!”

Haruki’s cheeks flushed as he felt the eyes of his peers on him. He fumbled with his sketchbook, flipping it open to reveal a page filled with intricate designs of mythical creatures. The room fell silent as everyone leaned in to take a closer look.

“Wow, Haruki! This is amazing!” one of the club members exclaimed, breaking the tension. “You’ve got such a unique style!”

“Yeah, I love the details!” another chimed in.

Haruki’s heart swelled with a mix of pride and disbelief. Maybe he wasn’t as invisible as he thought. As he shared his sketches, he felt a sense of belonging that he had longed for. The art club became a sanctuary, a place where he could express himself without fear of judgment.

After the meeting, Haruki and Aiko walked home together, their conversation flowing easily. They discussed their dreams, their favorite artists, and the challenges they faced as aspiring creators. For the first time in a while, Haruki felt hopeful about his future.

“Hey, Haruki,” Aiko said, her voice suddenly serious. “Have you ever thought about what you want to do after high school?”

Haruki paused, his heart racing. “I want to be an artist, but… I don’t know if I’m good enough to make it.”

“Of course you are! You just need to keep pushing yourself maybe