The sun hung bright in the azure sky, casting its warm glow over the bustling campus of Osaka's top university. It was early September, and the air was alive with the vibrant energy of new beginnings. The orange and pink hues of the setting sun bathed the buildings in a soft, golden light, making the brick facades of the university shine like polished gems. Students filled the walkways, their excited chatter mingling with the rustle of suitcases on the pavement as they embarked on their university journeys, some accompanied by their families, others venturing into this new chapter alone.
Among the throngs of students, a chubby figure stood out. Kaito, with his tousled brown hair catching the light, gazed up at the imposing architecture with a mix of awe and disbelief. His light brown eyes sparkled with excitement, reflecting the dreams he had nurtured for so long. Clad in a crisp white T-shirt and loose brown cargo pants, he shifted the weight of his oversized backpack, feeling the reassuring heft of his belongings. Beside him, a large suitcase sat, emblazoned with stickers from his hometown and the journey he had taken to reach this moment.
Kaito's heart raced as he took in the scene around him. This was the university he had desired for years, a place where he could pursue his passion for culinary arts and learn to create dishes that could warm the hearts of those around him. The air was fragrant with the faint scent of food wafting from a nearby café, igniting his hunger for both knowledge and the flavors he longed to explore.
With every passing student, he felt a flicker of nervousness mixed with exhilaration. Some were laughing with friends, while others were deep in conversation, mapping out their plans for the semester. Kaito took a deep breath, reminding himself that he was finally here, standing on the threshold of his dreams.
He allowed himself a moment to admire the campus—the vibrant colors of flowers lining the pathways, the intricate designs of the buildings, and the towering trees that shaded the walkways. As he stepped forward, a sense of belonging washed over him, like a warm embrace. This place felt like home, a sanctuary where he could grow and thrive.
His gaze drifted to a group of students gathered nearby, their laughter echoing like music in the air. He watched as they shared stories and exchanged tips about their classes, the camaraderie evident in their easy smiles. Kaito felt a pang of longing to be part of that joy, to forge connections and friendships that would last a lifetime.
Gathering his resolve, he adjusted his backpack and wheeled his suitcase closer. With each step toward the heart of the university, he whispered a silent promise to himself: he would embrace every opportunity, learn as much as he could, and savor every experience that came his way. After all, this was just the beginning of his adventure.
As he entered the main courtyard, the sun dipped lower in the sky, casting long shadows that danced on the pavement. Kaito smiled, feeling the warmth of the day seep into his soul, fueling his excitement. This was it—his new life was about to unfold
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As Kaito made his way to the dorm reception, the papers in his hands felt slightly crumpled, a mix of anticipation and nerves coursing through him. The bustling sounds of the university faded into the background as he focused on finding the right place. Approaching the reception desk, he cleared his throat, feeling a bit self-conscious.
"Excuse me," he asked, his voice wavering slightly.
"Yes?" replied to the woman behind the counter, her expression warm and inviting.
"I'm… I'm Kaito Tanaka. I'm a freshman in the Culinary Arts department. I had applied for a dorm," he stammered, his heart racing.
"Oh, wait a moment. Let me check for you," she said, her smile widening as she tapped away at the computer. "Okay, come with me. I'll show you to your room."
Kaito followed her, trying to calm his nerves as they walked down the brightly lit corridor.
"How old are you?" she asked, glancing over her shoulder.
"Ha, me?" Kaito replied, caught off guard by the sudden question.
"Is there anyone else?" she teased playfully.
"Umm, no. I'm 18 years old," he replied, a little embarrassed.
"Oh, are you from Tokyo or Osaka?" she continued, maintaining the friendly conversation.
"I'm from Hokkaido," Kaito said, his pride shining through.
"Oh, cool! Here's your room," she said as they reached the fourth floor. She pointed to a door. "You'll be sharing it with three other people, okay?"
"Okay," Kaito responded, his excitement mingling with apprehension.
"Great! Enjoy your stay!" With that, she waved goodbye and left him standing in front of the door.
Taking a deep breath, Kaito pushed the door open and stepped inside. The room was spacious, with four beds arranged neatly, and the walls adorned with posters and personal touches from previous occupants. He was immediately greeted by a lively atmosphere.
A boy was seated on the edge of one bed, intently focused on his phone screen, fingers flying over the buttons as he played a game. Another guy was unpacking boxes, sorting through clothes and personal items.
Kaito cleared his throat, trying to get their attention. Both boys looked up, surprised but curious.
"Hi!" Kaito said, offering a shy smile.
"Hi!" they both replied cheerfully, their voices harmonizing in the small room.
"Come on, introduce yourself," the guy who was unpacking encouraged with a friendly grin.
Kaito hesitated for a moment but then moved closer, deciding to choose the lower bunk. He placed his backpack on the bed, his heart pounding with a mixture of excitement and nervousness.
"Hello! I'm Kaito Tanaka. I'm 18 years old from the Culinary Arts department, a freshman from Hokkaido. Nice to meet you!" he said in one breath, bowing slightly.
They both chuckled and returned the gesture, bowing their heads in response.
"Hi! I'm Riku Sato, 18 years old from Chiba, majoring in Mass Communication," said the boy who had been playing games, his smile bright and infectious.
Kaito looked to the other guy, who was still busy organizing his things. "Oh yes, hi! I'm Hiroshi Tanaka, 19 from the Science major," he replied, offering a friendly nod.
"You're cute!" both Riku and Hiroshi exclaimed in unison, their playful tone making Kaito blush.
"Ahh, hehe," he replied, his cheeks turning a deep shade of crimson. The compliment caught him off guard, but it felt nice to be welcomed so warmly.
"Don't worry, you'll fit right in!" Riku said, playfully nudging Kaito's shoulder. "We're all friends here, and we're going to have a great time together."
Kaito felt a wave of relief wash over him. The nervousness that had gripped him just moments ago began to dissolve, replaced by a sense of belonging. He smiled back, realizing that this new chapter of his life was starting off on a promising note.
"So, what's your favorite dish?" Riku asked, leaning forward with interest.
Kaito's eyes lit up as he launched into a passionate description of his favorite foods, and just like that, the three of them began to bond over shared interests and the excitement of their new university lives.
As the trio were in the middle of unpacking their belongings, a sudden knock at the door interrupted their lively conversation. The knock was followed by the sound of the door creaking open, drawing their attention.
A tall figure stepped into the room, carrying two bags slung over his shoulders. He had a confident, cheerful smile that instantly filled the space with an upbeat energy. His black hair fell in soft waves around his face, and his dark eyes sparkled with a friendly glint.
"Hi everyone!" he greeted, his voice warm and inviting.
The trio responded in unison, "Hi!"
Setting his bags down beside an empty bed, he placed his hands on his hips and took in the room with an approving nod.
"I'm the fourth and final roommate," he announced, flashing another bright smile. "Name's Ren Nakamura, 18, from the Culinary Arts department."
At the mention of "Culinary Arts," Kaito's face lit up with excitement, a smile spreading across his face.
"Hey, that's my department too!" Kaito chimed in, his enthusiasm bubbling over. "I'm Kaito Tanaka, also 18. I came here all the way from Hokkaido!"
Ren's smile widened as he gave Kaito a friendly pat on the shoulder. "Looks like we'll be kitchen buddies then, huh?"
As they exchanged introductions, Riku and Hiroshi stepped forward to introduce themselves as well, each shaking Ren's hand and welcoming him warmly. They quickly fell into easy conversation, and soon enough, laughter filled the room.
Ren settled onto his bed, stretching his arms behind him and looking around with satisfaction. "You know, I had no idea who I'd be rooming with, but I already feel at home here."
Riku, ever the jokester, nudged him playfully. "Well, with us around, you're in for a good time. Just make sure you're ready for our late-night snack sessions."
Ren laughed, raising his hands in mock surrender. "If that's the case, I'll be sure to bring my culinary skills to the table!"
The others chuckled, already picturing the delicious treats they'd share.
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The university buzzed with energy as a crowd gathered around the indoor pool, holding up vibrant sign boards and cheering for their favorite swimmers. The atmosphere was electric, the excitement rippling through the audience like waves across water. Among the athletes on deck, Haruki Tsukishima stood tall and poised, his confident gaze focused on the glistening surface of the pool. His short black hair clung slightly to his forehead, damp from a warm-up, and his deep black eyes, almost like polished obsidian, held a steely determination. A small mole on his right cheek added a unique touch to his otherwise flawless, sharp features—an imperfection that only seemed to enhance his handsomeness.
Beside him was his close friend, Kento Nakashima, another competitor from a wealthy background, known for his easy-going charm. The two shared a bond that was visible in their unspoken glances and confident smiles. At the sound of the starting whistle, the swimmers sprang forward, diving into the water with precision. Haruki moved in perfect rhythm, his muscles propelling him through the pool in powerful butterfly strokes that captivated the crowd. The cheers intensified as he surged ahead, his form cutting smoothly through the water. After an intense, graceful display of skill, Haruki touched the wall first, with Kento finishing just a second behind him.
As they emerged from the pool, drenched but victorious, the crowd erupted, shouting his name in admiration. "You did it again, Haruki!" Kento grinned, shaking his head with mock disbelief. "Of course, bro," Haruki replied, his cool expression softening as he let out a quiet chuckle.
They changed out of their swimsuits and into casual clothes—Haruki opting for a fitted black shirt that complemented his lean but muscular build and a pair of dark jeans. As the two friends exited the auditorium, they were suddenly tackled by an overjoyed figure.
"Ah! My stars! You two were amazing! I'm so proud of my little champions!" exclaimed Rika Sakamoto, a spirited 21-year-old from the Business department who had been friends with Haruki and Kento since their freshman year and girlfriend of Haruki. She wore a broad grin, her arms flung around their shoulders in a playful, exaggerated embrace.
"Rika, come on," Haruki said, giving her a gentle nudge as he tried to pry himself from her enthusiastic hold. "It was just a friendly game," he added, his usual composed tone edging toward embarrassment.
"Oh, don't be so humble, Mr. Tsukishima!" she teased, rolling her eyes. "You and Kento stole the show out there!" She linked arms with them, dragging both toward the campus café, her energy contagious. "We need to celebrate this victory with some drinks tonight!"
Haruki sighed, allowing himself to be led along. Despite his reserved nature, he couldn't deny that moments like these—surrounded by friends who cheered him on—brought a sense of warmth he rarely acknowledged. And tonight, he decided he would let himself enjoy the moment, appreciating the companionship that made his victories truly memorable.
The trio settled into a cozy corner booth at the bustling campus café, the lively chatter of students around them creating a warm background hum. As they sipped their coffee, Rika's expression softened, and she looked at her friends with a hint of nostalgia.
"Can you believe it's the start of our third year?" she asked, her voice tinged with a mix of excitement and disbelief. Her fingers played absentmindedly with her coffee cup, swirling the foam that had formed at the top.
Haruki took a slow sip, his gaze steady as he looked over the rim of his cup. "Feels… normal," he replied with a shrug, his tone as cool and collected as ever. Despite his reserved demeanor, a small smile tugged at the corners of his mouth, hinting at the satisfaction he felt being back.
Kento, on the other hand, leaned back with a mischievous glint in his eye, his arm draped casually over the back of the booth. "Maybe normal for you, Haruki," he said, nudging him playfully, "but have you noticed? The campus is packed with beautiful freshers this year." He gave a quick wink, flashing a grin that was both charming and sly.
Rika laughed, rolling her eyes. "As if you missed that, Kento. You had an eye on them the second we walked through the door!" she teased, reaching over to give him a light, playful smack on the arm.
Kento laughed, not bothering to deny it. "Hey, I'm just saying, a little friendly interest never hurt anyone. Besides," he said, leaning in as if sharing a secret, "it's nice to have some new faces around. Keeps things… interesting and you both have eachother I'm still single."
Haruki shook his head, smirking as he glanced out the window at the busy campus grounds. "You're hopeless, Kento."
Rika grinned, watching her two friends banter. She couldn't help but feel a wave of affection for them—Kento with his endless enthusiasm, always ready with a joke or a flirtatious comment, and Haruki, steady as ever, his calmness a grounding force in their group.
"Let's make this year memorable," Rika said, lifting her cup as if proposing a toast. "No matter what comes our way." Her eyes sparkled with determination, the playful glint in them hinting at a sense of adventure.
Haruki and Kento exchanged a glance, both of them lifting their cups to join in her unspoken vow.
"To our third year," Haruki said, his voice quiet but sincere.
"To new faces, old friends, and whatever comes next," Kento added with a grin.
The clink of their coffee cups echoed through the café, sealing their promise. In that moment, surrounded by laughter and friendship, they knew they were ready to take on whatever the year would bring.
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