Before parting ways after their previous lecture, the new group of friends compared class itineraries. Kaori, Ayaka, and Miyuki all shared the next two classes. Their shared schedule was no surprise; they were all artists, after all. On top of that, Kazuki and Hiroshi both shared their next two classes.

For Kazuki and Hiroshi, this came as a pleasant social break. They’d hit it off with the girls, but the bubbly attitudes, especially Ayaka’s, could sometimes be overwhelming. This was particularly true for Kazuki, who wasn’t accustomed to such a lively social setting. It wasn’t that Ayaka was annoying—on the contrary—but occasionally, a calm moment provided a welcome contrast.

This arrangement suited Kazuki and Hiroshi well. As the only two guys in the group, they cherished the chance to chat privately.

Kazuki wasn’t a stranger to friendships. While he was a quiet, nerdy gamer type, he had a group where he belonged in his hometown. Unfortunately, he had to relocate across the country shortly after starting his second year of high school.

He kept in touch with his old friends through a popular voice chat app for gamers called Datcord. Their virtual hangouts on the chat server kept his connection with them alive, and they would even play games together.

In his new city, though, Kazuki hadn’t quite settled. Perhaps he had built walls around himself, not by intention but by inaction. He didn’t want to come off as standoffish, but he didn’t make efforts to make friends either. Over time, this solitude transformed into a comforting routine. While his peers willingly interacted or collaborated with him, he remained on the outskirts of their intimate circles.

At times, he caught Miyuki — Tokyo’s princess — casting gentle glances in his direction or appearing as though she wished to bridge the gap between them. Her kindness was evident in every gesture. He surmised that perhaps she sympathized with his solitary nature. It wasn’t that he felt inferior to her; he simply couldn’t fathom any other reason for her to notice him. To avoid putting her in a position where she might feel compelled to approach out of sheer courtesy, he’d sometimes depart school early or discreetly excuse himself, appreciating her goodwill from a respectful distance.

Kazuki hummed in thought. “Maybe that wasn’t the case after all.” He thought back to how Miyuki casually interacted with them in the previous class.

“What’s not the case?” Hiroshi asked.

Kazuki glanced up, slightly caught off guard. “Oh, sorry. I just zoned out there for a moment.”

Hiroshi chuckled. “Yeah, I get you. With how energetic Ayaka can be, spending some time alone feels like coming down from a sugar rush. But hey, don’t tell her I said that.”

Kazuki smiled wryly. “Said what? I didn’t hear anything.”

“Thanks, man. She’d roast me alive,” Hiroshi said with a laugh. “On a different note, it’s cool that we have the next couple of classes together. I didn’t expect you to take a programming class, though.”

Kazuki raised an eyebrow. “I didn’t expect you to take a writing class either. But if my goal is to be the guy that can bring everyone’s talents together to create a great story, I want to be able to help everyone on the team.”

Hiroshi nodded thoughtfully. “That makes sense. You want to be as useful as possible. As for me, I don’t want to just code the games; I want to help create their stories too. I mean, coding is already just a more technical version of writing anyway. Maybe with that expertise, I’d be able to bring a unique perspective to the creative side too.”

Kazuki smiled, appreciating Hiroshi’s perspective. “That’s a good goal. The best video games are the ones that were a collaborative effort from all departments, like with Mihom Falcon’s games. I think you’d have a lot of valuable input.”

Kazuki took a moment, then inquired, “So, you, Ayaka, and Kaori... tight-knit trio since childhood?”

Hiroshi grinned, “Pretty much. We lived near each other and chaos... I mean, fun, just naturally followed. We even chose the same high school. Didn’t want to split the dynamic trio.”

Kazuki smirked, “Now it makes sense. Though, handling Ayaka’s energy since childhood? You deserve a medal.”

Hiroshi laughed heartily, “Man, it’s all in good fun. Ayaka’s a hurricane for sure, but we love her for it. She keeps things... lively. But, if she ever does give you a headache,” Hiroshi winked, pulling out a pair of earplugs from his bag exaggeratedly, “I got your back.”

Kazuki chuckled, “I’ll remember that, but for now, I think I can manage. The vibrant energy is a bit new to me, though.”

Hiroshi leaned back, observing Kazuki for a moment. “You seem to be the quiet type. Don’t mind me saying, but it’s like you’ve got layers, man. You’ve got that quiet strength vibe going on.”

Kazuki raised an eyebrow, amused. “Layers, huh? Like an onion?”

“Or a cake. Everyone loves cake,” Hiroshi replied with a grin. “But seriously, what’s your story? You came here from...?”

“I moved from my hometown during my second year of high school. Kept in touch with my old gaming buddies, but never really made an effort to form new friendships here. Just had other priorities, you know?” Kazuki responded, his voice a bit distant.

Hiroshi nodded. “Got it. But hey, looks like that’s changing now, isn’t it? With this little group we’ve got going.”

Kazuki glanced at Hiroshi, a small smile forming on his lips. “Yeah, it’s been a while since I’ve felt a connection like this. It’s refreshing.”

“You know, man, sometimes the universe throws people our way when we least expect it but need it the most. Maybe this is one of those times for you,” Hiroshi mused.

Kazuki pondered this for a moment. “Maybe it is. Regardless, I’m looking forward to what the future holds with this group.”

Hiroshi clapped Kazuki on the back. “That’s the spirit! And hey, if you ever need to talk or just game away the stress, you know where to find me.”

“Appreciate that, Hiroshi,” Kazuki said.

As the class continued, the two found themselves engaged in a lively discussion about game design, storytelling, and the potential for blending their respective fields. Despite their different backgrounds, they shared a passion for creativity and saw the value in their unique contributions to the team.

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As Ayaka and Kaori giggled, discussing the vibrant colors and techniques of their projects for the semester, Miyuki’s gaze wandered towards the window. Leaves rustled in the gentle embrace of the wind, their dance echoing the subtle turbulence in her heart.

Miyuki had always been set apart, her life framed in the gilded cage of society’s expectations. Friendships, genuine ones, were rare gems. Past betrayals, combined with the reverence others held her in, often created a chasm difficult for others to bridge. It was an odd paradox: the very pedestal that set her apart also offered a refuge from deeper connections she both yearned for and was wary of.

The one person who seemed impervious to her aura was Tanaka Kazuki. Amidst the bustle of school life, he stood as a quiet presence, an enigma that neither shunned her advances nor actively sought her company. His indifference gave Miyuki pause, making her reconsider the wall she was steadily erecting around her heart. Was it possible there were others who’d see her for who she truly was, beyond the title, beyond the legacy?

With Kaori and Ayaka, the experience was starkly different. Their genuine warmth and unabashed friendship didn’t recognize any walls or barriers. To them, she was simply Miyuki, a friend to cherish, to share laughter and life with. Their kindness reached out to her, pulling her away from the shadows of the wall she had started building and into the light of genuine connection.

This brought her thoughts back to Kazuki. Despite the vast distance between their worlds, their spirited new friends had forged an unexpected bridge. Today marked the beginning of a journey they would embark on together, a narrative imbued with hope, driven by curiosity, and holding the promise of a genuine bond.

Hiroshi, ever the joker, would surely chime in, lamenting his ‘tragic’ fate of being overshadowed in her thoughts. “Woe is me,” he’d jest, “pushed aside for the sake of romance, such is the life of a secondary character!”

Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.

A crumpled paper ball landing in her lap interrupted Miyuki’s reflections. She looked up with playfully narrowed eyes to find Ayaka, trying to stifle her laughter but failing as her mischievous grin broke through.

“Thought that might bring you back from dreamland,” Ayaka teased.

Miyuki’s playful retort came with a smile, “Oh, planning to start a paper war, Ayaka?”

Kaori, ever the mediator, waved her hands between the two, “No paper wars! Besides, it’s much more fun to figure out what Mii-chan was daydreaming about.”

Ayaka’s eyes danced with impish delight, “Oh! Like a… secret boyfriend, perhaps?”

Miyuki chuckled, but her cheeks had a hint of red. “You have quite the imagination, Ayaka. No secrets here. I was just... reminiscing about the nice moments of today.”

Kaori tilted her head slightly, her sharp perception catching the fleeting glances Miyuki had shared with Kazuki earlier. “Speaking of nice moments, I couldn’t help but notice you and Kazuki. Old schoolmates?”

Miyuki looked slightly taken aback, clearly underestimating Kaori’s keen observations. “Yes, we went to the same high school. But we didn’t really... talk much.”

Ayaka leaned in conspiratorially, “Ah, the silent, brooding type? Classic. But you seemed... I don’t know, a tad bit too interested in him today. Spill the beans!”

Miyuki hesitated, clearly caught off guard. “It’s not what you think. He’s just... different. He’s always stood out in a way, even in his silence.”

Kaori commented thoughtfully, “Sometimes those who seem distant have the most captivating stories. Perhaps it’s about finding the right moment to understand them.”

Miyuki, realizing that the two girls wouldn’t let this go, gave a resigned sigh. “Alright, alright. I admit, I’ve been curious about him for a while now. But it’s not romantic! I just... I want to know his story. There’s something about him that draws me in.”

Ayaka smirked, “A princess with an insatiable curiosity. Sounds like the makings of a bestselling novel — no, even better, an anime series!”

Miyuki laughed, “Oh, I’d definitely watch that. But only if you two are my sidekicks.”

Kaori grinned, “Deal. Just remember, if you ever need backup, whether it’s for detective work or a coffee run, we’re game.”

Around them, whispers centered on Miyuki fluttered. To many, she was a campus celebrity. Some wanted to connect with her out of a curiosity mirroring Miyuki’s own interest in Kazuki, albeit more fleeting. For others, the allure lay in her influential lineage; being seen with her meant a leap up the social ladder.

Watching the scene, both Kaori and Ayaka felt a mixture of anxiety and sadness for Miyuki. Yet, when they looked at her, her face reflected a calm gratitude, as if she appreciated even the shallowest of attentions. Still, Kaori, with her acute sense of observation, detected a touch of underlying loneliness.

As for Miyuki, the weight of the stares pushed her, perhaps unknowingly, further behind her internal barrier. A memory from her past rushed in, vivid and painful.

Miyuki’s mind was transported back to when she was just twelve. The schoolyard was bathed in the orange glow of the setting sun, a stark contrast to the cold, haunting memory. She could almost feel the rough texture of the brick wall she had leaned against that fateful day. Her best friend, a girl with raven-black hair that shimmered like silk, had stood a few feet away, eyes flooded with tears.

The silence between them was palpable, broken only by the distant sounds of children playing. And then, her voice, thick with emotion, broke through, “You know... I really hate you, Miyuki.” The words landed like a knife, sharp and deep.

Before Miyuki could utter a word, find an explanation, or even reach out, her friend turned on her heels, running away with every step further etching the pain into Miyuki’s heart. Miyuki remained frozen, her own tears held hostage by shock. The school building cast long shadows as night approached, but Miyuki was lost in a darkness of her own, where time lost meaning and she was just a girl grappling with an inexplicable heartbreak.

Kaori, sensing the shift in Miyuki’s mood, gently nudged her. “Hey, you seemed lost in thought there. Everything okay?”

Miyuki looked up, and with a small smile, she said, “Just some old memories, you know how it is. Past has a funny way of sneaking up on you.”

Ayaka, trying to lighten the mood, remarked, “Oh, you mean like that one time I wore mismatched shoes to school? The horror still haunts me.” She shuddered dramatically, causing both girls to chuckle.

“Not exactly, but thanks for the imagery, Ayaka.” There was a brief pause, as Miyuki seemed to weigh something in her mind. She felt a soft touch on each of her hands. Both Kaori and Ayaka had concerned expression on their faces as they gripped each of her hands encouragingly.

“Out with it already” Ayaka said

“Just tell us what’s bugging you, Mii-chan. Getting it off your chest can help,” Kaori added. “Heh, you guys.” Miyuki replied with a smile, watery eyes showed just how much the gesture meant to her. “You know, sometimes I wonder if it’s easier to be invisible than to always be in the limelight.”

Kaori responded gently, “Everyone has their challenges, Miyuki. Whether you’re in the limelight or in the shadows. The important thing is finding those who see the real you, and not just the image.”

Ayaka nodded in agreement, “And hey, we’re just getting to know each other, but from what I’ve seen, the real Miyuki is pretty awesome.”

Kaori added, “Couldn’t agree more. And remember, college is a fresh start. A place to create new memories.”

Miyuki smiled, feeling a warmth spread through her. She didn’t need to delve into her past just yet, but it was comforting to know she was surrounded by understanding friends. “Thanks, both of you. Here’s to creating beautiful memories together.”

The three of them shared a moment of silent understanding, the bonds of their budding friendship already starting to form.

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For Kaori, Hiroshi, and Ayaka, the morning had started like any other, albeit tinged with a palpable sense of excitement for their first day in college.

The morning sun filtered through Hiroshi’s curtains, casting a muted golden hue across his cluttered room. Action figures, manga volumes, and some college textbooks were strewn about, a testament to his diverse interests.

His alarm clock, perched precariously on a stack of papers, blared its urgent call. Once, twice, thrice... Each time, Hiroshi’s hand would emerge from beneath the comforter to hit the snooze button, only to retreat back to warmth. On the fourth time, however, his fingers, fumbling in their sleep-induced haze, bumped against the cool metal frame of his glasses. Squinting one eye open, he grabbed the glasses and silenced the alarm for good.

Realizing he’d dozed longer than intended, Hiroshi groggily sat up, running a hand through his unruly mop of dark hair, which seemed to defy gravity each morning. He swung his legs over the bed, hurriedly putting on his glasses to bring the world into sharper focus.

The reflection in his mirror showed a mess of dark locks, standing rebelliously in all directions. He made a mental note: A shower might help. Maybe.

Rushing into the bathroom, Hiroshi took a hasty shower, hoping the warm water would both awaken him and subdue his hair. Emerging minutes later, steam in his wake, he noticed his glasses had fogged up. Wiping them clean, he dressed in a rush, his hair still protesting any form of styling.

Back in his room, despite a comb and some water’s best efforts, his hair maintained its wild demeanor. “Every single day,” Hiroshi grumbled, adjusting his glasses.

Descending the stairs, the aroma of breakfast greeted him. His little sister handed him a sandwich, her smirk evident. “Another battle with the alarm clock, Hiro-nii?”

Hiroshi chuckled, “And my hair. But mostly the alarm clock. Thanks for this.”

As Hiroshi stepped outside, the brisk morning air greeted him, causing him to pull his jacket tighter around him. His glasses momentarily fogged up from the temperature change. He squinted, then wiped them with his sleeve, revealing the familiar faces of his two childhood friends waiting for him.

“About time!” Kaori teased, her eyes glancing pointedly at an imaginary watch on her wrist.

Kaori sighed in defeat as she dropped a couple bucks into the smirking Ayaka’s waiting hand.

“Thanks, Kiki!” Ayaka chirped.

“Wait… did you two bet on how late I’d be or something?” Hiroshi asked, feigning indignation but secretly amused.

Ayaka’s smile turned mischievous. “Not exactly... We bet on why you’d be late. I had my money on the ‘snooze button’ scenario.”

“And I lost, thanks to you.” Kaori pouted. “Aya-chan knows you way too well.”

Ayaka, not one to let Hiroshi off easily, approached him, her fingers reaching up to tidy his disheveled hair. “Honestly, Hiroshi,” she chided. “You can’t even make time for a proper breakfast.”

Kaori, finding the entire scene comical, tried to stifle her laughter but failed miserably. Hiroshi shot her a questioning look, though he was too drowsy to be genuinely curious. “What’s so funny, Kaori?”

She smirked, “Oh, nothing. Just thought you two might want some privacy, given how... close you’ve become.”

The hint wasn’t lost on Hiroshi and Ayaka, who both turned various shades of red. They hastily retreated from their intimate proximity, both flustered.

“Wh-what are you implying, Kiki?” Ayaka’s voice wavered slightly.

“Come on,” Hiroshi chimed in, adjusting his glasses, a clear sign of his nervousness. “She was just trying to help with this mess on my head.” He pointed to his untamed hair.

Kaori, still amused, decided to change the topic, “Hehe, well, if we don’t get a move on, we’re really going to be late.”

With that, the trio made their way, their camaraderie evident in their playful banter. As they approached the college grounds, they fell into comfortable conversation, each contributing stories from their day, weekend plans, and classes they were excited for. Little did they know that this day would introduce two new characters into their tight-knit group, weaving a new thread into their already colorful tapestry of friendship.