Hanada Takumi stood at the gates of Elysium University, his heart pounding with a mixture of anticipation and anxiety. The sprawling campus buzzed with activity as students hurried to their classes, their laughter echoing in the crisp morning air. For Hanada, however, the bustling atmosphere only served to heighten his sense of unease.
As he adjusted the strap of his bag nervously, Hanada couldn't help but feel like an outsider in this vibrant world of academia. Memories of his painful past loomed large in his mind, casting a shadow over his hopes for a fresh start.
Taking a deep breath, Hanada stepped forward, steeling himself for the challenges that lay ahead. He was determined to make the most of his college experience, to finally leave behind the ghosts of his middle and high school days.
But as he made his way through the throngs of students, Hanada couldn't shake the feeling of being watched. Whispers followed him like a shadow, fueled by the rumors that swirled around his enigmatic persona. Girls whispered excitedly to each other as he passed by, casting furtive glances in his direction before quickly looking away.
Unaware of the attention he garnered, Hanada kept his gaze fixed firmly on the ground, his steps measured and deliberate. He had grown accustomed to the curious stares and hushed conversations that seemed to follow him wherever he went. But deep down, he longed for something more—a connection, a sense of belonging that had eluded him for so long.
Lost in his thoughts, Hanada almost didn't notice the figure that approached him with a bright smile.
"Hey there! You must be new here, right?"
Startled, Hanada looked up to find a girl standing before him, her eyes sparkling with warmth and curiosity. She was petite with short, tousled hair and a mischievous grin that seemed to light up her entire face.
"Yeah, I... I'm new," Hanada replied, his voice barely above a whisper.
The girl's smile widened as she extended her hand. "I'm Akari. It's nice to meet you!"
Reluctantly, Hanada reached out and shook her hand, his heart fluttering at the contact. He couldn't remember the last time someone had greeted him with such genuine warmth and enthusiasm.
"I'm... Hanada," he mumbled, feeling a flush creep up his cheeks.
Akari's eyes sparkled with curiosity as she studied him intently. "Hanada, huh? That's a nice name. Well, since you're new here, how about I show you around campus? It can be a bit overwhelming at first, but don't worry, I'll be your guide!"
Hanada hesitated, his mind racing with a thousand thoughts and doubts. But something in Akari's earnest expression gave him pause—a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness that threatened to engulf him.
With a tentative nod, Hanada found himself falling into step beside Akari, the weight of his past slowly lifting from his shoulders. Perhaps, he thought, college wouldn't be so uneventful after all.