Chapter 37: From Study Groups to Business Ventures: A Journey Revisited
“Since we’re all here,” Kaeya said as she poured herself a cup of coffee, “tell me more about what you’re working on. I’m curious about your project.”
Oki, seizing the opportunity, began to explain. “We’ve been working on a new software solution designed to streamline workflow and improve efficiency for small to mid-sized businesses. It’s been a lot of hard work, but we’re proud of how it’s turning out.”
“Sounds impressive,” Kaeya said, her eyes sparkling with interest. “What inspired you to take on this particular project?”
Rafta leaned forward, his enthusiasm evident. “We saw a gap in the market for affordable and user-friendly solutions for businesses that were struggling with inefficient processes. We wanted to create something that would make a real difference.”
Kaeya nodded thoughtfully. “That’s a great mission. It’s important to address those gaps and help businesses grow. I can see why you all are so passionate about it.”
As they continued to chat, Ashi couldn’t help but notice how easily Kaeya and Haari interacted. “So, Yami-san, did you ever expect to run
into Haari again in this setting?”
Kaeya laughed softly. “Honestly, no. It’s a small world, though. When I saw Haari, I couldn’t believe my eyes. It’s been so long, and it’s wonderful to see how far he’s come.”
Haari, who had grown more relaxed since the start of their conversation, smiled modestly. “But you’ve come so far ahead of me; I never expected you to be like this.”
Kaeya laughed. “Life has a way of taking unexpected turns and leading us to become something we never imagined.”
Oki, curious, asked, “What was Kichiro-san like as a student?”
Kaeya chuckled. “Oh, he was the quintessential top student—always prepared, always thorough. I remember he used to help us with study groups and was always willing to lend a hand. Not much has changed, it seems.”
Rafta grinned. “I can see that. Haari’s still the dependable one in the group.”
Haari shrugged with a modest smile. “I try my best.”
As they continued their conversation, the team felt more at ease. The initial nervousness from the presentation was replaced by a sense of camaraderie and renewed energy. Kaeya’s presence had transformed what could have been a tense debrief into an enjoyable and enriching experience.
“You know,” Kaeya began, “I still remember our university days like they were yesterday. Haari, you, me, and the guys—what were their names again?”
“Riku and Sora,” Haari responded with a chuckle. “I haven’t heard from them in years.”
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Kaeya laughed. “Right, Riku and Sora. We were quite the team back then.”
Oki, curious, leaned in. “What were you all up to back then?”
Kaeya’s face lit up with memories. “Oh, we were involved in so much! We participated in every competition and festival we could find. Remember that tech competition where we built that robot?”
Haari grinned. “How could I forget? We were up all night before the competition, and the robot’s battery died in the middle of the presentation.”
Kaeya chuckled. “Yes, and you managed to fix it just in time. We ended up winning first place, remember?”
Rafta raised an eyebrow. “Sounds intense. What other events did you guys participate in?”
Kaeya’s eyes twinkled. “There was the annual university festival, where we organized the tech fair. We had everything from coding workshops to VR demos. It was a huge hit. Riku was in charge of the workshops, Sora handled the VR demos, and Haari and I took care of the main exhibits.”
Haari nodded in agreement. “And don’t forget the time we had that debate competition. We were up against some really tough teams, but we managed to secure a win.”
Ashi, intrigued, asked, “What was it like working together on all these projects?”
Kaeya’s smile grew wistful. “It was a blast. We were a tight-knit group, always supporting each other. We had our share of disagreements, but we always found a way to work things out. I think it was that camaraderie that made our projects so successful.”
Rafta leaned back, impressed. “Sounds like you all had a lot of fun and made some great memories.”
Kaeya nodded. “Absolutely. It was a time of growth and learning. And we learned a lot from each other.”
Ashi, noticing how Haari seemed to glow with the nostalgia of the conversation, asked, “So, do you keep in touch with Riku and Sora?”
Haari shook his head. “Not as much as I’d like to. We went our separate ways after graduation. I’ve tried reaching out a few times, but life got busy for all of us.”
Kaeya’s expression softened. “It’s a shame. But maybe now that we’ve reconnected, we can find a way to get everyone back together for a reunion. I’m sure they’d love to hear from you.”
Haari’s eyes lit up with the idea. “That would be great. I’d love to catch up with them.”
As they continued chatting, Kaeya shared more stories from their university days. They laughed about the pranks they’d pulled, the late-night study sessions, and the impromptu celebrations they’d had after their victories.
“Thanks, Kaeya,” Rafta said with a smile. “We’ll definitely keep that in mind.”
Oki, sitting next to Rafta, kicked him under the table, as Rafta had slipped into using Kaeya’s first name instead of her last name in a casual manner.
Rafta looked at Oki, his eyes wide with realization. “Oh, I’m sorry! I meant Miss Yami. I didn’t mean to be informal.”
Kaeya, chuckling, waved off the apology. “It’s okay. Ah, I'm sorry, but what was your name again?”
“Rafta Densi,” Rafta said, slightly flustered.
Kaeya smiled warmly. “It’s nice to meet you, Densi-san. Thank you for the warm welcome. I hope we can all keep in touch.”
Kaeya glanced at her watch and sighed. “I really should get going. But this has been wonderful. It’s been great catching up with all of you and hearing about what you’re up to.”
“Thank you for joining us, Kaeya. It’s been fantastic seeing you again,” Haari said.
“The pleasure was mine. I hope we can all keep in touch and maybe even collaborate again in the future,” Kaeya said with a smile.
As Kaeya made her way out of the cafeteria, the team felt a renewed sense of motivation and connection. The day had started with tension and nerves, but it ended with a sense of camaraderie and hope for the future. The stories of the past had bridged the gap between the present and the future, leaving them with a feeling of accomplishment and anticipation.
As they left the cafeteria, Oki turned to the team. “Today was a rollercoaster, but seeing Kaeya again was a real highlight. It’s amazing how old connections can reignite.”
Rafta nodded. “Absolutely. It’s like we’ve come full circle. Here’s to more reunions and successful projects!”
Ashi smiled. “Agreed. Let’s make sure we keep this momentum going. We’ve got a lot to look forward to.”
Haari looked around at his friends, feeling a renewed sense of purpose. “Here’s to moving forward, together.”
With that, the team left the cafeteria, ready to face whatever came next with a sense of unity and renewed enthusiasm.
To be continue..............