Kazuki Yamada stood at the threshold of his new life, gazing out at the sprawling metropolis of Tokyo with a mixture of nervous excitement and hopeful anticipation. Today marked the beginning of his journey at one of the city's most prestigious universities, a fresh start he desperately needed after years of suffering and hardship. The towering skyscrapers and bustling streets seemed like a world away from the gloomy confines of his past.
He adjusted the strap of his backpack, which felt heavier than it should for just a few textbooks and notebooks. The weight of the bag was nothing compared to the emotional baggage he carried, the painful memories of bullying and mistreatment by his uncle and aunt. Since his parents' tragic death in a car accident three years ago, Kazuki had been thrust into a world of neglect and scorn, forced to live with relatives who made his life a living hell. The harshness of his new guardians' treatment—endless chores, belittling comments, and a constant reminder of his "uselessness"—had left deep scars on his psyche.
As Kazuki walked briskly through the bustling streets of Tokyo, he tried to focus on the positive aspects of his new beginning. His parents' inheritance had given him the chance to attend this prestigious university, a rare opportunity that could change his life. He wanted to leave the shadows of his past behind, hoping that this new environment would offer him a chance to reinvent himself. Despite his introverted and shy nature, he felt a glimmer of hope that university life would be different, that he might finally be able to carve out a space for himself.
The city's energy contrasted sharply with his nervousness. The distant hum of traffic, the chatter of pedestrians, and the occasional blare of car horns created a vibrant, chaotic atmosphere. Kazuki looked up at the towering buildings, their glass facades shimmering under the bright sunlight. The grandeur of it all was overwhelming but exhilarating. For the first time in a long while, Kazuki felt a sense of optimism.
As he neared the university, Kazuki noticed an elderly woman struggling to cross the road. Her steps were slow and unsteady, and she seemed hesitant, unsure of when it was safe to proceed. Despite his own anxiety about being late to his first day of classes, Kazuki's kind nature compelled him to stop and offer his assistance. He approached her with a gentle smile, offering his help.
"Excuse me, ma'am," Kazuki said softly, "Would you like some help crossing the street?"
The old lady looked up at him with gratitude, her wrinkled face breaking into a smile. "Oh, thank you, young man. I would greatly appreciate that."
Kazuki carefully guided her across the street, keeping a vigilant eye on the traffic. His heart raced as he glanced at his watch, noting that he was running behind schedule. He hoped that this small act of kindness wouldn't lead to a major delay in his plans.
As they reached the other side of the road, Kazuki suddenly heard the screech of tires. His blood ran cold as he saw a car speeding towards them, its driver seemingly oblivious to the danger. Without thinking, Kazuki pushed the old lady out of harm's way, the force of his action sending her stumbling to safety. In that split second, Kazuki felt a sharp, jarring pain as the car collided with him. The impact was violent and disorienting. Everything around him spun into chaos. He heard the frantic screams of bystanders, the blaring sirens of an approaching ambulance, and the fading echoes of the old lady's panicked voice. Darkness engulfed him, and he lost consciousness, his dreams of a new beginning slipping away with the fading light.
Kazuki awoke in a hospital bed, his body aching and his vision blurred. The sterile white walls and the beeping of medical equipment were a stark contrast to the vibrant city he had envisioned just days before. He turned his head gingerly, finding a nurse adjusting an IV drip nearby. Her expression was one of professional concern, but Kazuki could barely process her presence.
"Mr. Yamada, you're awake," the nurse said gently. "You've been unconscious for a few days. You were brought in after a car accident."
Kazuki tried to speak but only managed a weak groan. His throat felt dry, and his body was sore from head to toe. As the nurse continued to check his vitals, a doctor entered the room, reviewing Kazuki's chart with a serious expression.
"Mr. Yamada, you've suffered a mild concussion along with some bruises and fractures," the doctor explained. "Fortunately, your injuries aren't life-threatening, but you'll need to rest and recover for at least another week before you can return to your regular activities."
Kazuki's heart sank. The realization that his already difficult start at the university had been further delayed was crushing. He had been so close to starting anew, only to be dragged back into the clutches of misfortune. The prospect of starting university late, of facing his peers with an even worse impression, filled him with a sense of dread.
Lying in the hospital bed, Kazuki couldn't shake the feeling of bitterness. He stared at the ceiling, his mind replaying the sequence of events that had led him here. He cursed his fate, feeling betrayed by the universe. The thought of returning to the university and facing the inevitable judgment of his classmates seemed unbearable. He worried about how he would be perceived, whether his late arrival would make him a target for ridicule or disdain.
His reflection on the past few years only deepened his sense of frustration. The bullying he endured in school and the cruel treatment from his relatives had left him emotionally scarred. The inheritance from his parents had been a double-edged sword—providing him with the means to attend this prestigious university but also serving as a constant reminder of their absence and the harsh circumstances he had faced.
Kazuki closed his eyes, trying to shut out the thoughts swirling in his mind. He wished for nothing more than a chance to start over, to prove himself and build a new life free from the shadows of his past. But as he lay in the hospital bed, feeling trapped and helpless, it seemed like his dreams were slipping further out of reach.
The chapter ended with Kazuki staring out of the hospital window, the view of Tokyo's skyline a stark reminder of the life he was so desperate to embrace. He clung to the hope that, despite the setbacks and the pain, he would eventually find his place in this vast, bustling city. For now, though, he had to focus on recovering and trying to make the best of the situation, no matter how daunting it seemed.