It was an average spring morning for most, but for a select few, it marked the beginning of an incredibly important phase of their lives. One such individual, Tanaka Kazuki, remained blissfully unaware of the profound changes that awaited him in this early April day.
His humble room, nestled in a dense corner of Tokyo, was swathed in darkness. Heavy curtains drawn tight, as if to stave off the morning, leaving the room under a makeshift nocturnal spell. His computer setup, boasting three monitors, was the only beacon in the darkness, casting spectral light onto the sea of scattered tech gadgets, comics, and sci-fi novels.
Without warning, the tranquil silence was fractured by the shrill alarm of his phone. He fumbled around in the dark, fingers brushing against familiar objects until they finally found the device. With a groan, he silenced the insistent noise, squinting against the sudden light of the screen.
Kazuki was not a morning person, yet the demands of the day couldn’t be ignored. Pushing off the tangled sheets, he climbed out of bed, stretching out the sleep from his muscles. A few moments later, he found himself under the warm stream of the shower, the drowsiness slowly washing away.
Emerging refreshed, he paused in front of the mirror. His black hair, falling just to the middle of his ears, only needed a couple of brushes with his fingers to fall into a naturally stylish disarray. He took a moment to trim the faint stubble that shadowed his jaw, his vibrant green eyes reflecting back at him in the mirror, sharp and alert.
Dressed in his regular attire of neatly pressed jeans, a dark grey t-shirt, and a casual, unbuttoned black long-sleeved shirt, he gave off an air of comfortable confidence. His geek-chic aesthetic was completed with an array of tech essentials meticulously packed into his backpack: a laptop, handheld console, and an assortment of cables and gadgets.
Giving his room a final glance and a quick spritz of cologne, he slung his backpack over one shoulder and headed out, leaving the stillness of his room behind.
The silence reclaimed his room, broken only by the soft hum of the computer and the faint scent of cologne that lingered in the air. Meanwhile, on the other side of the city, where skyscrapers soared high into the morning sky, a new day was awakening in a world entirely distinct from Kazuki’s.
In a penthouse suite perched atop one of Tokyo’s most luxurious high-rises, Shimizu Miyuki stirred from her sleep, greeted by the earliest golden rays of sunlight filtering through her expansive window. As an orchestral piece softly chimed from her high-end smartphone, signaling the start of the day, she blinked open her eyes, the weight of her responsibilities already pressing on her.
She slowly lifted herself out of bed. For a moment she blankly stared at her reflection in the mirror, but she soon tied her hair back loosely and began her morning routine. First she dressed in casual work-out clothes, and left her bedroom. The living space of her flat was large- perhaps too large for one person. She filled a bottle of water in the kitchen, and moved to the living room where she performed a few light stretches before a leisurely jog on her treadmill.
Her workout lasted about twenty minutes. Once completed she took a short rest before heading back upstairs. After about half an hour in a hot shower, she started an in-depth skin care routine which eventually led into doing her hair and makeup.
She let her long sunset orange hair cascade past her shoulders in waves that seemed to dance with every moment. She spend several minutes trying to tame a few loose strands that framed her face but, try as she did, the loose strands refused to be tamed.
“Really, again?” She said with a pout, as she pinched and twirled the loose strands. “I suppose that’ll have to do… it is kind of cute I guess.”
With a final unsuccessful attempt to pull back the loose hair, she began to get dressed. This was… a bit of an ordeal. She started with a casual look, but quickly discarded it.
“No, today is my first day. Maybe I should go for something a little more professional.”
Next up was a pair of black pressed pants, a white button down shirt, a black blazer and high heels. Still not fitting what she was going for, she quickly changed again. It took several attempts, but eventually she settled on a loose, black skirt; a loose, peach blouse; a short navy blue blazer; and to top it off casual beige pumps for the shoes.
Satisfied, she packed her small leather backpack with a tablet, a couple notebooks, and an assortment of drawing pencils and other supplies. Right about then, her doorbell rang. A quick check of her phone reveled the time was 7:30 am.
“Right on time, as always.” She chuckled to herself, before heading downstairs.
At the door was a long-time attendant to the Shimizu family, particularly Miyuki. She was a woman in her early 50s, with neatly coifed auburn hair and a pair of sharp, observant hazel eyes that carried an extreme kindness whenever holding Miyuki’s reflection. She dressed in a smart, tailored uniform- black shirt, white blouse and a simple brooch to add a touch of elegance- a great representation of her impeccable professionalism.
“Mrs. Suzuki! Your’re right on time, as always.” Miyuki said with a fond smile.
“Yes, malady. It wouldn’t do for you to recieve breakfast late, now would it?” She replied, her professional demeanor breaking into a soft expression.
“What’s on the menu today?” Miyuki asked casually.
“Well, since it’s your first day, I thought to go with a celebratory meal.” She stepped in with a courteous bow, and placed a plate on the dining room table. “Blueberry pancakes, served with whipped cream and maple syrup. A bowl of mixed fruits. Crispy bacon and scrambled eggs. And a cup of traditional green tea.”
Miyuki sat at the table with a bright sparkle in her eyes. “Oh! A western meal today? I don’t remember the last time I had blueberry pancakes!”
She then quickly set about eating her meal with a few excited squeals here and there.
Mrs. Suzuki’s expression turned serious. “Excuse me for intruding on personal matters, miss. But are you sure you want to do this? Your parents were quite furious when they heard you enrolled in an art college.”
A sad expression flashed across Miyuki. “I’m sure they mean well but… what I do for my future is not their choice to make.”
“I see.” Suzuki replied with a worried smile.
“In that case, I have your itinerary here.” She placed a paper in front of Miyuki to read. “Please make sure to familiarize yourself. It wouldn’t do to miss a class on your first day.”
After breakfast, the ladies departed via private car towards the college campus.
As the campus gate of the Tokyo Art College loomed in front of him, Kazuki plugged in his earphones, nodding along to the rhythmic beats of his favorite J-rock band. He was hardly conscious of the flurry of activity around him as he lazily strolled through the crowd, head down and lost in his music.
Simultaneously, the rumbling of a black SUV disrupted the serene morning. It stopped right at the entrance, drawing curious glances from the nearby students. A stern-looking man in a sharp suit and an earpiece stepped out of the driver’s seat, moving to open the back door. As Shimizu Miyuki elegantly descended from the vehicle, an awestruck silence fell over the crowd.
“Oh my god, is that Shimizu Miyuki?” A girl gasped, eyes wide with astonishment.
“She’s even prettier in person!” Another one chimed in.
As murmurs and whispers spread through the crowd, a flock of students swarmed around Miyuki, their faces lighting up with excitement and curiosity. With a charming smile, she greeted them, trying her best to accommodate their attention without feeling too overwhelmed.
In the sea of faces, Miyuki’s eyes landed on a familiar figure drifting against the flow, earphones plugged in and seemingly unfazed by the spectacle at the entrance. It was him. Tanaka Kazuki, the boy she knew from high school. The boy she had noticed from afar, but never managed to approach due to her constant entourage. To see him here, at the same college as hers, was unexpected.
A flicker of surprise crossed her face as she watched Kazuki slip away into the crowd, his presence fading as swiftly as it was noticed. As much as she yearned to call out to him, she was held back by the throng of students, their incessant chatter and inquiries filling the air.
Meanwhile, Kazuki, his music blaring, was blissfully unaware of the surprise unfolding behind him. As the students congregated around Miyuki, he managed to navigate through the campus gates with ease.
Their worlds, while so close, remained distinct - one graced with a celebrity-like attention, the other blending seamlessly with the background. Their paths, despite their previous lack of intersection, were now sharing a common ground. Little did they know how significant this new day, their first day at college, would be in shaping their intertwined journey.
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The morning classes were fairly unimportant today. Being the first day it was really just an introduction that laid out what the students could expect from the class and what the professor expected from the students. Kazuki kept his earphones in place, nodding to the rhythm of his music while jotting down key points in his notebook as he simultaneously played an RPG on his laptop. It’s not that he was inattentive or disinterested in the class- it’s just that there wasn’t currently much new knowledge being fed to him.
During a morning break, he found himself in the college’s bustling cafeteria. Having not eaten breakfast yet, he was about to settle down in an unoccupied corner with his laptop and a sandwich when a lively voice caught him by surprise.
“Hey, you’re in the computer science class, right? I recognize you!”
Turning around, he was met with the eager faces of two fellow freshmen. The first, a girl with short, vibrant red hair, wore a wide grin that seemed almost contagious. The other, a tall guy with an unruly mop of dark hair and glasses, appeared more reserved but equally friendly.
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“Uh... yeah, I am,” Kazuki responded, removing his earphones. He was curious, despite his typically reserved nature.
“I knew it!” the girl exclaimed, her grin widening. “I’m Ayaka, and this is Hiroshi. We share a couple of classes with you. Mind if we join you?”
Kazuki blinked, taken aback by their forwardness, but then he nodded. “Sure, go ahead.”
Without waiting for a reply, the lively duo quickly occupied the seats across from Kazuki and immediately launched into a spirited conversation about the latest trends in game development and animation.
“Did you hear about the new RPG that just came out?” Ayaka asked, her hands moving animatedly as she described the game’s unique mechanics. “It’s unreal! It takes active combat to a whole new level! I mean, you can’t just pop off a skill whenever you want. You have to time it right or you leave yourself open for a counter attack which deals extra damage AND cancels your attack. It’s brutal, but when you get a hang of it you feel unstoppable!”
Hiroshi, though more subdued, wasn’t any less enthusiastic. His eyes shone with an unmistakable spark when he discussed coding and its implications in the gaming industry. “The potential is just mind-blowing,” he remarked in an awestruck tone. “With a string of commands, you can create worlds, dictate narratives, shape experiences... When it’s all done, you give people the chance to see, no, experience the world you crafted. It’s just amazing.”
Throughout the animated exchange, Kazuki remained a silent observer. However, their passion was infectious, and he found himself drawn in. He was somewhat out of his element, but he couldn’t deny the thrill of participating in their passionate discussions. It was Ayaka’s fervent description of the latest game that gave him the opportunity to contribute.
“What about you, Kazuki?” Ayaka suddenly turned her attention towards him, eyes gleaming with anticipation. “You’re into design, right? What do you think of the characters in this game?”
Kazuki, caught off guard, blinked in surprise. He was used to being the observer, comfortably blending into the background. Now, the spotlight was turned on him. “Uh, yeah,” he began, fumbling for words. “I mean, it’s good but...”
“But?” Ayaka prompted, leaning forward in anticipation.
Taking a deep breath, Kazuki decided to just voice his thoughts. “Well, I think they could have done more with the characters. They’re visually appealing, but the design doesn’t always match their backstories. For example, the rogue character... he’s supposed to be stealthy, right? But his flashy clothes would make him stand out, not blend in. It’s a small detail, but these things matter in creating a believable universe.”
He paused for a moment, uncertain of their reaction. But Ayaka and Hiroshi were both listening intently, their expressions encouraging. Inspired, he continued, “And character development isn’t just about how a character grows in the narrative. It’s also about how they visually evolve. As they gain experience, their design should reflect their journey. It’s not just about changing outfits, it’s about showing growth and progression. That... that can really help a player connect with the character.”
A silence followed his monologue. Kazuki could feel a blush creeping up his neck, embarrassed by his outburst. But then, Ayaka broke into a grin. “That’s amazing, Kazuki!” She said enthusiastically. “You’ve really thought about this.”
Hiroshi nodded in agreement. “You’ve got a point. These things do add depth. I guess we sometimes overlook these details while we’re focused on the gameplay.”
Relieved by their responses, Kazuki found himself returning their smiles. It was a small moment, but for the first time, he felt truly engaged, a part of something bigger. And that felt surprisingly good.
As they finally parted ways for their afternoon classes, Kazuki couldn’t help but feel a spark of excitement for what the rest of his college life might bring. He had started his day as an observer, but Ayaka and Hiroshi had turned him into an active participant.
This unexpected camaraderie, born out of shared interests, seemed like a promising start to his college journey. As he headed to his next class, he couldn’t help but hope that this was just the beginning of many such meaningful interactions.
While Kazuki was experiencing an unexpectedly pleasant morning, Miyuki was relishing the tranquility of her morning class. Unlike the usual fanfare that typically accompanied her, the class offered a serene respite that she deeply appreciated.
The first day of classes was always more of a brief introduction rather than actual learning. That meant Miyuki had some time to herself, a luxury she didn’t often get to enjoy. She was early to class, and as the students trickled in, they cast curious glances her way. Some had already recognized her, their whispered conversations filled with awe and excitement. However, the formal setting of the class seemed to create a boundary between her and the rest of the students, leaving her in a comfortable bubble of isolation.
She cherished these moments. It wasn’t that she didn’t enjoy the company of others - it was just that she also longed for some peace and solitude. In these fleeting moments, she could let down her guard, set aside the persona she was expected to maintain, and just be herself.
Pulling out her sketchbook, Miyuki began to draw. Her pencil moved with a practiced ease, swiftly bringing her imagination to life. It was a scene she’d been wanting to capture for some time - a dark, vast cave with towering walls of stone. But in the heart of the cave, bathed in a single shaft of light from above, was a solitary sakura tree. Its delicate, pink blossoms were a stark contrast to the rough, shadowy surroundings, creating a vibrant oasis in an otherwise bleak setting.
As Miyuki added the finishing touches to the tree, she felt a strange sense of connection to it. Like the tree, she too was stuck in a world where she didn’t quite belong. She was seen as a figure of glamor and success, expected to constantly radiate brightness. But just like the sakura tree in her sketch, she longed for liberation. She yearned to break free from the expectations that chained her and just live her life the way she wanted to.
Lost in her thoughts and the rhythm of her sketching, Miyuki barely noticed when someone approached her desk. It was only when she heard a soft gasp that she looked up to find a girl with wide eyes looking down at her sketch. “That’s... that’s incredible,” the girl murmured, her gaze fixed on the sketchbook. “You’re really talented.”
Miyuki blinked in surprise. Usually, the first thing people noticed about her was her status, her family’s name. It was rare for someone to see past all that and recognize her for her art. This was a first, and it felt... refreshing.
“Thank you,” Miyuki found herself saying, a genuine smile spreading across her face. It was a small moment, but one that held more significance to Miyuki than any compliment she had received about her status. She wasn’t being recognized as the heiress of the Shimizu family, but as an artist - and that felt wonderfully liberating.
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to intrude,” the girl said, a blush coloring her cheeks as she took a step back, evidently realizing she’d been staring. She had a warm, inviting presence, her eyes reflecting an unfeigned interest in Miyuki’s art. Her hair was a cascade of wavy chestnut that framed her face beautifully, and she had a shy smile that gave her an approachable air.
“Oh no, not at all,” Miyuki reassured her, welcoming the unexpected interaction. “I’m glad you liked it.”
“I loved it,” the girl corrected, her smile growing wider. “I’m Kaori, by the way. I just transferred here from Kyushu. I love drawing too, though I’m nowhere near as good as you are.”
“Nice to meet you, Kaori,” Miyuki said warmly. “And don’t say that. Art isn’t about being good or bad, it’s about expressing yourself. Would you mind if I see your sketches sometime?”
Kaori seemed pleasantly surprised by the offer, her eyes lighting up. “Really? I’d love that!”
Their conversation naturally flowed from there, with Kaori asking about Miyuki’s inspirations and Miyuki inquiring about Kaori’s experiences in Kyushu. As they chatted, Miyuki realized how much she was enjoying this genuine interaction. There were no expectations here, no pretense. Just two art enthusiasts sharing their passion.
“Oh, by the way,” Kaori suddenly exclaimed, fumbling around in her bag before pulling out a folded piece of paper. “What’s your next class? I don’t really know anyone here yet...”
“Mm, let me see,” Miyuki responded, taking out her own class schedule. Their eyes widened in surprise as they compared their schedules. With the exception of a couple of electives, their classes were identical.
“That’s…” Miyuki Began.
“...kind of amazing?” Kaori laughed, her earlier nervousness dissipating entirely. “Looks like you’re stuck with me, Miyuki.”
Miyuki found herself laughing along, a sense of relief washing over her. “I think I can live with that,” she said, and she realized she meant it. It wasn’t just the prospect of having someone to share classes with, but the fact that the person was Kaori. Someone who saw her for her art, not her status.
As they moved from class to class, they found their seats next to each other, continuing their animated discussion about art. They even began sharing and critiquing each other’s sketches, their mutual interest creating a deep bond between them.
By the time morning break rolled around, Miyuki found herself in a state of happiness she hadn’t anticipated. For the first time, she was not alone in a sea of people. She had someone to talk to, someone who saw her for who she was, not what her family name represented.
As Miyuki and Kaori chatted animatedly in the cafeteria, Miyuki’s eyes idly scanned the bustling room. It was then that she spotted a familiar face among the crowd. It was Kazuki, sitting at a corner table, engrossed in his laptop. The sight of him, always so comfortable in his solitude, brought a small smile to her face.
But then, to her surprise, she saw two figures approaching him. A girl with fiery red hair and a tall guy with glasses. She watched as they engaged Kazuki in conversation, their gestures lively, their smiles sincere.
She felt a twinge of something. Longing? Perhaps. But more than that, it was happiness. For a fleeting moment, she wished she could be there, sharing in that camaraderie. But she also felt relieved. Relieved that he, too, seemed to have found friends. Friends who appeared genuinely interested in him, just as Kaori had been interested in her.
She watched as Kazuki spoke, his usually impassive face lighting up with passion as he made a point. The others listened attentively, reacting animatedly to his words. It was a scene Miyuki had never witnessed before. Kazuki, her quiet and introverted classmate, opening up and sharing his thoughts.
Tearing her gaze away, she returned her attention to Kaori, who was eagerly showing her a new sketch. But her thoughts lingered on Kazuki and the image of him, surrounded by friends, a faint smile on his face. It warmed her heart.
Their paths were different, and yet, they were on a similar journey. And Miyuki was content, knowing that they both were finding their own way, their own place in this new world. For now, that was enough. After all, tomorrow was another day, filled with more opportunities, more chances for their paths to cross. And Miyuki found herself looking forward to it.
With the end of the morning break, the bustling cafeteria began to empty as students dispersed to their next classes.
Kazuki watched the departing figures of Ayaka and Hiroshi, their enthusiastic conversation still ringing in his ears. His world had unexpectedly expanded today, the boundary of his solitude breached by two energetic intruders. Yet, surprisingly, he found himself not minding it at all. Glancing down at his laptop, he found that his game held little appeal now. The prospect of real-life connections seemed a far more intriguing challenge.
Across the room, Miyuki’s gaze landed on Kazuki, who was now once again absorbed in his own world. A wave of empathy washed over her. She, too, knew what it was like to crave solitude amidst a crowd. Yet, she was also familiar with the joy of genuine connections, a joy she had found in her interactions with Kaori.
As she gathered her things, preparing to head to the next class she caught Kazuki’s eyes. His brief nod of recognition and the return of her warm smile became an unspoken agreement of mutual respect, each of them acknowledging the other’s individuality.
The next class Miyuki was headed to was something she had eagerly looked forward to - a course that brought together students from different disciplines to foster creativity and innovation. As she walked away with Kaori, she couldn’t help but wonder what opportunities it would bring, what new friendships awaited her.
As for Kazuki, he was headed to the same class, an unexpected choice for someone of his major but one that he had found intriguing. With a deep breath, he packed away his laptop and rose, a subtle spark of anticipation lighting up his eyes.
For both of them, the day was far from over. It had brought new experiences, new friendships, and a newfound understanding of their own individualities. They had started the day in their separate worlds, each content in their solitude, but as the day progressed, their worlds had slowly started to expand.
Their paths had crossed in the briefest of moments, but that fleeting encounter held the promise of more intersections in the future. As they both stepped into the next phase of their day, the rest of their college life awaited, a beautifully unpredictable canvas, waiting to be painted with the colors of their intertwined stories. Unbeknownst to both of them, this was just the beginning of an epic tale of friendships, growth, and self-discovery. And as they moved towards their afternoon class, they were, unknowingly, stepping closer to each other’s world.