This is tiring. Why do I have a 7:30 A.M. class? I don't have the fucking energy to get up and be ready.
It's been a week since the start of classes but it's great that I already have a friend. I am glad that I met Hanae. My head was still vividly daydreaming when I heard my phone beep and vibrated under my pillow, I grabbed my phone and saw 1 notification from Hanae.
The chat says "Are you awake?"
I am awake but too sleepy to answer.
I left the chat on read, got up and took a bath. I decided to reply to Hanae and said yes. She didn't respond. I just grinned cause I think she is doing the same thing I did earlier, leaving me on read too. Classic move. I changed clothes and left the dorm at 7:00 A.M. I got lazy going to school after a week but at least I am not late.
I have a different class today, this class is in the other building. I don't know anyone in that class because it was my first time attending, my old schedule got dissolved so the registrar's needs to put me in another class. I just hope they skip introductions.
The room is the same as the other rooms I had before, it's just located on the building across from the building I used to go to. This building is called A-building and the other one is called H-building. A-building consists of students who are taking HRM and Dentistry, I think. H-Building is for us students taking Psychology, Education and Mass Communication.
I walked into the crowded classroom, scanning the room for an available chair. Everyone was settling into their chosen seats. As I moved further into the room, my eyes landed on a vacant chair beside a young man who had been observing me intently.
Feeling a bit self-conscious and creeped out under his gaze, I hesitated for a moment, searching for another empty seat. However, the classroom was nearly full, and my options were limited. I knew I had no choice but to approach the young man's desk.
With a polite smile and a slight nod of acknowledgment, he reached down and removed his bag from the chair beside him, silently offering it to me. It was a small but meaningful gesture, one that conveyed his willingness to share the space.
"Are you new?" The guy said.
"Are you?" I answered sarcastically..
"No, are you in the right room?" He stated.
Am I in the right room?
I am not good with directions but I think I am sure that I am in the right room but the question of him makes me wonder if am I really in the right room.
Am I in the right room?
Am I in the right room?
Am I in the right room?
I panicked a bit and I checked my new schedule slip and asked the creepy guy,
"Is this room A501?"
PLEASE SAY YES, PLEASE SAY YES. This would be so embarrassing if it's not
"I guess you are in the right room, it's been 1 week since the class started, you just attended the class now?" He exclaimed.
I cannot believe that this guy is talkative
"It's not my fault that my first class schedule got dissolved."
"Oh, we have an assignment, how is that?" He questioned and looked a bit worried.
"Huh? We already have an assignment? Did you already start a lesson or something?"
"Yes." He answered.
This is the registrar's fault. WTF. Now, I am freaking behind the lessons. I don't know if I can keep up with it. Fuck this life!
I was panicking because first of all, I am a dumb bitch according to my old classmates in high school but it's true. I cannot keep up with classes and I am not doing great when it comes to quizzes and other activities. I also don't know where I can ask for the previous lessons they had because I don't want to have some kind of debt to this weird creepy dude and how can I tell the teacher that I am only attending the class today since my previous schedule for the same subject got dissolved.
WHAT AM I GOING TO DO?
"Good morning class! How are you?" The teacher shouted.
Please don't ask for the assignments, please do not look at me. PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE.
"Since this is the first day of this class, why don't you introduce yourselves first? I would like to know your names and remember your faces." The teacher said,
I was so confused and I looked at the creepy guy. He is giggling and smirking and said
"What? I was just messing with you. You are gullible AF."
"WTF is wrong with you?" I replied.
He just continuously laughed at me and said "I'm sorry."
"You are so cute, what is your name?" He asked.
"Mizaki." I answered and rolled my eyes.
"I know you are not interested in my name after what I have done but I am Daiki." He stated.
I didn't answer but I remembered his name. After the introduction, the first lesson for this class started. Daiki was laughing and whispered to me.
"Look at that girl." He was secretly pointing at a girl with a ponytail sitting on the front right corner of the room.
She was observing every corner of the room and I can tell she is a bit dazed, more like on auto-pilot.
Who would not get zoned-out at this time, it's just 8 A.M.
"What?" I replied to Daiki.
"Wait for her to look here."
We waited for that girl to look in our direction, Daiki smirked and said.
"How the fuck can she do that?"
"Do what?"
"Look at her index finger."
The girl is seemed completely absorbed in to the unknown. However, something peculiar caught my eyes. The girl's index finger was making a beeline for her nose.
Daiki glanced at me, and he stifled giggles behind his hands.
The girl seemed oblivious to our scrutiny, her finger now fully engaged in a delicate excavation mission. Daiki and I exchanged amused glances, our shoulders shaking with suppressed laughter.
As we continued to watch the girl, her nose-picking venture took an unexpected turn. She retrieved her finger and, instead of discreetly wiping it away, examined her findings with intense curiosity. Her expression morphed from focused glaring into the void to a perplexed mixture of fascination and surprise.
This motherfucker is crazy, I don't know what got into his mind telling me to look at her. I am just trying to finish this subject in peace.
The teacher will notice.
I'm dead.
I'm dead.
I'm dead.
I'm dead.
Daiki and I couldn't contain ourselves any longer. Our laughter erupted, drawing the attention of our teacher and other classmates who gave them disapproving glances.
The nose-picker finally looked directly at us, her eyes locking onto us, who were still giggling uncontrollably. Realizing that her clandestine operation had been discovered, she blushed furiously and hastily wiped her finger clean.
"Ms. Mizaki and Mr. Daiki. What's happening? Do you mind sharing to the class what is funny?" The teacher asked.
"Nothing." Daiki replied while he stood up and was clenching his mouth and forcing it to close.
We tried to compose ourselves, but our laughter continued to bubble up in sporadic bursts. The girl, now red-faced and embarrassed, quickly turn away.
"Ms. Mizaki and Mr. Daiki. Please leave the class." The teacher angrily said.
We didn't say anything and Daiki grabbed my bag and his stuff,
"Let's go!" He said while excusing himself from the row we belong in.
WHY THE FUCK DID I STOOD UP AND JOIN HIM? THIS FIRST DAY IS NOT DOING OKAY.
We went out to the hallway of the building and we still feel embarrassed but we are still laughing about what happened.
Eventually, our laughter subsided, leaving us with a sense of camaraderie and a shared memory that would become a cherished inside joke between us.
"So what now?" Daiki asked.
What the hell? He is asking me shit when he is the reason why we got in this situation.
"I don't know. My next class will start at 11:30, I still have more or less 4 hours?" I replied.
"This is my only class today. Want to go to a cafe?"
"Huh? Cafe? I don't like coffee."
"Not a coffee shop but an internet cafe. You look like you like playing online games."
Is this guy stalking me or something? How the fuck did he know that I am playing online games. He is really starting to creep me out.
"Huh?" I exclaimed.
"I mean you have this Poro keychain." He said while grabbing the keychain that's attached to the zipper of my sling bag.
I guess it's pretty obvious.
"Do you play League too?" I asked.
"Yes, so do you want to go with me?" He muttered.
Is it a good idea to come with this weirdo?
I gazed at him, observing if he looked trustworthy. This guy has a striking figure, a blend of contrasting elements that came together to form a captivating presence. At first glance, his most distinctive feature was his layered black hair, which cascaded in artful disarray. It framed his face in a way that suggested a casual elegance, a touch of rebellion beneath the surface. His hair had a midnight sheen that caught the light in intriguing ways, revealing hidden depths within its dark strands. He possessed a masculine build that conveyed both strength and athleticism. His broad shoulders and well-defined muscles hinted at his dedication to a sport.
His eyes, however, were perhaps the most mesmerizing aspect of his appearance. They were a captivating shade of hazel, a color that shifted with the lighting, ranging from a deep, earthy brown to a light, almost golden hue. His eyes held a depth of emotion, a hint of mystery, and a warmth that made those who looked into them feel instantly at ease. It feels like they were windows to his soul, revealing a blend of determination, kindness, and a touch of mischief.
Together, Daiki's layered black hair, masculine build, and hazel eyes created a compelling and magnetic presence.
It seems like he looks like a con-artist with a nice face to lure people to follow him plus he is holding a vintage skateboard to add some extra dazzle to his personality. I didn't even notice the freaking skateboard when we left the room.
Is it safe to join him?
While thoughts on whether to join him or not running through my mind, he cupped my cheeks and asked,
"Are you okay?"
I was shaken and woken back to reality.
"WTF are you doing?" I exclaimed.
"You're acting weird. Are you malfunctioning?" He said.
Malfunctioning? HUH?
"No. What do you mean?" I answered with confusion.
"Alright! Then, let's go." He replied.
He completely ignored my question and he started pushing me on the way out of the building.
I am not sure where are we going but he said that its a one-ride away via public transportation or we can walk by foot for 10 minutes.
If I knew that we had to walk or spend something just to reach the destination, I should have gone to the library.
"So do you want to walk or ride?" He asked while flicking his fingers at the nose of his skateboard.
Is he tapping his skateboard because he wants us both to ride it or he is just being annoying.
I don't have enough money so, I will just suggest walking.
"Look man, don't get me wrong but I don't have enough to ride the public transportation." I said.
"Nice! I was expecting you to suggest to walk because I don't want to ride too." He exclaimed.
As we walk, I can feel tiredness in my feet and I cannot stop sweating. Haruki has a cold climate but walking makes me sweat a lot and I don't know why. I'm not even holding or carrying anything since Daiki was carrying my sling bag the entire time.
That's right! I am tired and now I understand why it's because I am not used to walking into hill-type roads wherein there are a lot of ups and downs route. In Momoka, we only have flat roads and surfaces.
Daiki stopped in his tracks and turned to me.
"Hey, Mizaki," he said, "I can see you're getting tired. How about you ride my skateboard for a while?"
My eyes widened in surprise and gratitude.
"Are you sure?" I asked, my exhaustion momentarily forgotten.
Daiki chuckled, his hazel eyes reflecting sincerity.
"Absolutely. It's a lot more fun than walking, and I'll push you so you don't have to do any work."
That shit sounds dangerous but I will do it.
He laid down his skateboard in the flat surface and ask me to put my left foot at the center of the deck and my right foot near the tail of the board.
I can do this!
I can do this!
This shit freaking scary but looks fucking easy on TV
I stood there, a mix of excitement and nervousness in my eyes as I gazed at the skateboard beneath my feet. I had never ridden one before, and the idea of balancing on the narrow board seemed daunting. Daiki, gave me a reassuring smile.
"Okay, Mizaki, here's the plan," Daiki began.
"First, we'll work on your balance. I'll push you gently while you get the hang of standing on the board."
I nodded, my eyes still fixed on my feet. I positioned myself on the skateboard, my toes hanging slightly over the edge. Daiki stood behind me, his hands on my waist, ready to provide support.
"Alright, Mizaki," Daiki said, his voice calm and steady.
"Just relax and bend your knees slightly. Feel the board beneath you."
I took a deep breath and tried to relax. I wobbled a bit at first, but with Daiki's firm but gentle grip, I managed to find my balance.
"Good job," Daiki praised.
"Now, when you're ready, I'll give you a little push. Don't worry; I won't let you fall."
With a push, my heart raced as the skateboard rolled forward, but I kept my focus on my balance. I was wobbly at first, but with each passing second, I grew more confident. I could feel the wind against my face and the exhilaration of gliding down the slope.
"Whoa, this is amazing!" I exclaimed, a radiant smile spreading across my face.
Daiki chuckled. "I knew you'd love it, Mizaki! You're a natural."
As we reached the bottom of the slope, Daiki guided me to a stop. I hopped off the skateboard, my legs still trembling from the excitement. I turned to Daiki, my eyes shining with newfound enthusiasm.
We reached our destination after a couple of minutes. As you walked into the internet cafe, you'd be greeted by rows of standard computer terminals, soft fluorescent lighting, and the faint hum of ventilation. It was the kind of place where people came to quickly check their emails or engage in a few hours of online gaming.
Daiki tapped at the counter and gave the person inside a dap. After that, Daiki pointed at me and said,
"New recruit."
What the fuck do you mean by new recruit
To avoid being called rude, I smiled at the person inside the counter and said hello.
While Daiki is talking to his friend or whoever the fuck that is, I roam around the internet cafe. It is really small like our dorm, it only has 10 PCs and after that, no more, it's all concrete and a faded brown door. I am guessing that it's the door for the restroom.
"Let's go Mizaki. We're logged in" Daiki shouted from behind.
I was so confused because there's clearly no vacant PCs.
He came forward to me and gave me like a white blank card and he is holding one too. Daiki moved forward again heading to the faded brown door.
Huh?
"Let's go in." Daiki said.
Where? Huh?
As Daiki gesturing me to come, he tapped the card he was holding near somewhere near the old faded door and started typing numbers in a security pad.
To the uninitiated, the door was merely a door, blending seamlessly with the cafe's decor. But those in the know would approach it, their fingers dancing across the keypad beside it to enter the secret code, and with a faint click, the door would swing open, revealing a hidden passageway.
My eyes was surprised by what I saw. This is the first time I have seen something like this, I only see this type of doors in movies or TV shows.
Daiki was gesturing me to come and enter. I was excited but at the same time and scared what is behind that door.
Stepping inside, you'd be enveloped in darkness, the soft electronic hum of servers growing louder with each step.
"Come on! Faster!" Daiki demanded.
As you emerged from the other side, the transformation was nothing short of magical. The cafe was a sprawling labyrinth of sleek, modern computer stations bathed in the soft glow of ambient LED lighting. The air was infused with a soothing blend of coffee and subtle fragrances, and the soundscape was a symphony of hushed conversations, soft music, and the click-clack of keyboards.
The ambiance was a stark contrast to the plainness of the first cafe. Here, patrons lounged in comfortable leather chairs, sipping artisanal coffee from ceramic mugs. Potted plants added a touch of greenery, and large windows offered a mesmerizing view of the cityscape below, making you feel like you were perched in a tranquil oasis above the urban chaos.
This cafe was more than just an internet cafe; it was a sanctuary for those seeking a respite from the outside world. It was a place where creatives found their muse, gamers their sanctuary, and remote workers their office away from home. It was a haven for digital nomads and tech enthusiasts who reveled in the seamless blend of technology and comfort.
This secret internet cafe, hidden away within the confines of its unassuming counterpart, was a testament to the idea that appearances could be deceiving. It was a place where the mundane transformed into the extraordinary, and where those who dared to explore its hidden depths found a slice of digital paradise hidden in plain sight.
Deep within the dimly lit confines of the hidden cafe, we found ourselves huddled in front of our respective gaming stations, our faces illuminated by the glow of computer screens. It was a place where the digital realm merged seamlessly with the serene ambiance, and we were about to embark on a gaming adventure like no other.
Daiki and I had embarked on a gaming adventure, called League of Legends. As we settled into the comfortable gaming chairs, the air around us was charged with anticipation.
Daiki, taking on the role of the Attack Damage Carry (ADR), had chosen a formidable marksman, while me, as a support, selected a champion known for her healing and crowd control abilities.
Our opponents were formidable, a obviously a skilled team that had won several matches in a row. We knew that we are in for a tough fight, but we are undeterred.
The game began, and Daiki's ADR champion unleashed a barrage of projectiles, landing critical hits and dealing significant damage. My support champion stood by his side, healing him and disabling the enemy champions with precision. Our teamwork was impeccable, each anticipating the other's moves and reacting with split-second coordination.
The game's momentum swung back and forth, with both teams securing objectives and trading kills. Daiki's sharp reflexes and expert positioning allowed him to rack up kills while avoiding death, and my support ensured he stayed healthy and effective throughout the skirmishes.
As the game reached its critical moments, with the Nexus towers teetering on the brink of destruction, Daiki and I knew we had to make a final push. With a signal from Daiki, we charged into the enemy base, our champion's abilities synchronizing perfectly.
The enemy team put up a valiant defense, but they were no match for the relentless onslaught of Daiki's ADR and the strategic support provided by me. In a climactic clash near the enemy Nexus, we secured the final kills we needed and demolished the Nexus with a resounding explosion.
Victory was ours.
Our cheers echoed through the virtual battlefield, and we exchanged triumphant smiles. The hidden cafe seemed to come alive with our excitement as we celebrated our hard-fought win.
As we exited the game, still grinning from ear to ear, I knew that our friendship would continue to strengthen, whether we are conquering digital realms or facing the challenges of the real world.