Today was just like any other.
I woke up early, wrapped in the warmth of my blanket, savoring the morning breeze. The sun peeked through the curtains, casting a soft glow over my cluttered desk. Another morning, another day in the same routine. I thought to myself wondering if there will be anything new that this life can offer.
With a book in hand, I opened City Spies, reading just a few pages to start the day.
Books are my escape. When the world gets too loud, I open a page, put my headphones on, and suddenly, I'm in a different world. It's where I can finally breathe and enjoy the peace that only a good book can offer.
Being on time is one of my strengths. I've always had everything calculated, every minute of my day planned. From the moment I wake up, I know exactly what comes next.
As I flipped through a few more pages, I got immersed in the story. But time was ticking, and I couldn't afford to be late. Being late? That just wasn't in my vocabulary. With a reluctant sigh, I closed the book, stuffed it into my bag, and began getting ready for my first day of college.
The blanket was warm and cozy, but I had to leave it behind for now. I forced myself out of bed and into the cold bathroom and took my morning bath.
After my cold morning shower, I stared at my reflection in the mirror, I couldn't help but feel self-conscious. I was so small, so delicate, like I could be swept away by the wind if it blew too hard. The thought made me uncomfortable. To hide that feeling, I grabbed an oversized hoodie, hoping it would shield me from the world and from my own insecurities. I didn't care about how others saw me, but I did care about how I saw myself.
Satisfied with my appearance, I finally left the apartment, heading straight for the university. The first day was about to begin, I hope I could arrive a little early so I can read my book once more before the lecture starts.
Now that I'm a college student, nothing really feels different. Unlike other students who are new to this place, this city has been my home for as long as I can remember. Every road, every alley, every hidden corner is as familiar to me as the back of my hand.
Not that I have any problem with it. It's the people I can't stand.
The noise, the endless chatter, it overwhelms me. I can't handle the constant energy, the crowds. It's too much for an introverted person like me. That's why I turn to books.
The campus loomed ahead, the familiar sight of the university filling me with a strange sense of deja vu. I recognized most of the faces passing by, many of them had been classmates back in high school. Some of them waved or nodded in my direction, their expressions mixed with recognition and curiosity. It wasn't that I had many friends here, though. More like acquaintances. People I'd met here and there, shared brief conversations with, but never really connected with.
I had visited this place before, during the university's cultural festivals. Three times, to be exact. It always looked like so much fun, with lively events and a buzz of excitement in the air. But for me, it had always been just a temporary distraction, a way to kill time. That was how I ended up choosing this university, not because of some grand ambition or dream, but because I liked how the festivals made me feel. It wasn't exactly a solid reason, but it was the one that stuck. I sure want to join a club soon.
I never really had any grand aspirations. No burning desire to pursue a specific field or make a lasting impact on the world. My passion? Books. Sure, I liked reading them, but as much as I enjoyed reading, I never once entertained the idea of writing one myself. That was for people with real dreams, with real talent. Not for someone like me.
So, here I was, starting university with no clear sense of direction, just floating along with the current like a leaf drifting in the wind. All I had was the major degree suggested by my mother which I don't actually hate. Psychology.
I arrived 10 minutes before the lecture, the professor already seated at the front comfortably just waiting for the official time to start.
I watched as Anika Sato waved enthusiastically in my direction, her bright smile lighting up her face. Without thinking, I raised my hand, offering a small wave in return, my lips curving into a hesitant smile.
Anika, she was always the center of attention, even back in high school. There wasn't a single person at school who didn't know her name. Her energy was infectious, and she could charm anyone with just a few words. The way she carried herself with such confidence, her every move radiating warmth and charm made her the perfect example of what it meant to be outgoing and extroverted.
And then there was me. The quiet, reserved one. The one who preferred the comfort of solitude over the bustling crowds. In so many ways, Anika and I couldn't have been more different.
I knew exactly what Anika would do. The moment she saw me, that smile of hers would widen even more, and she'd wave me over to join her group. It wasn't that I disliked her, far from it, really. She was just too much for me to handle. Her boundless energy, it was overwhelming for someone like me.
So, after forcing that smile and returning her wave, I quickly averted my gaze and made my way toward the back of the lecture hall. There was always peace in the quiet corners, away from the buzz of the crowd.
I wasn't antisocial, I just needed my space. It's too early in the morning for me to socialize.
The lecture hadn't started yet, so I pulled out the book I'd been reading and fell into it. Within seconds, the world around me faded away. That was until someone distracted me. A familiar face yet someone I don't recognize. I wonder who he is.
"Is this seat taken?" A boy's voice cut through my concentration, his smile looking awkward, almost forced. At least, that's how it seemed to me. I couldn't help but think back to earlier, when I had smiled at Anika the same way. I must've looked the same.
Lost in my own little world, I didn't fully process what was happening. I glanced up briefly, shook my head, and muttered, "Do as you like with it."
It wasn't until after he sat down beside me that the weight of my words hit me. Do as you like with it? What kind of response was that? It wasn't like he could do anything else with the seat except sit in it!
A sharp, embarrassed groan echoed in my mind. AAA, I ruined it. Now he probably thinks I'm some kind of snob, or worse, a total weirdo. Great first impression, Yui. Just great.
The entire lecture dragged on like an endless stretch of time. My mind, however, was far from the content being discussed. It was consumed by one thought, looping on repeat: "This guy beside me probably thinks I'm a total weirdo".
It wasn't that the lecture wasn't interesting, it was actually really good. But when something like this is racing through your mind, like a sprinter on a track, it's hard to focus on anything else.
By the time the lecture finally ended, I was resolved. I had to explain myself to him. I wasn't a weirdo! No way! Or… maybe I am? No! I am not!
Caught in this mental dilemma, I found myself staring at the guy for a few seconds, trying to work up the courage to say something, anything, to break the awkward silence. But the words wouldn't come. How was I supposed to start a conversation with someone I didn't even know?
And just as I was about to give up, I noticed him looking back at me. He'd caught me staring.
It's over. Now he's definitely going to think I'm a weirdo for sure.
"Do you need something?" he asked, his voice a little tense, like he was forcing himself to stay busy. It was almost as if he was just as nervous as I was.
I shook my head slightly, offering a sincere smile. "Not really. I just wanted to apologize for earlier. I can be a bit aloof when I'm reading. I hope you didn't misunderstand."
Would he believe me? I wasn't sure, but I really hoped so. If he didn't, I'd be stuck feeling awkward for the rest of the semester, and that thought alone made me uneasy.
"Oh, no problem," he said with a casual wave, brushing it off like it was nothing. "As long as we're good." He smiled at me and extended his right hand for a handshake.
"I'm Sora. Tanaka Sora," he introduced himself.
"I'm Yui. Aiko Yui," I replied, reaching out to shake his hand.
I guess I'd misjudged him. He didn't seem like the type to make baseless judgments. Maybe I'd been worried for nothing. At least, for now, I was relieved to clear the air. We were good.