6:45 AM.

  “...Just five more minutes...” He turned over under the covers, face half-buried in the pillow. The alarm vibrated again, louder this time. “Alright, alright! I’m getting up...” he mumbled, shuffling half-asleep toward the kitchen.

  Ten minutes later, he sat on his bed with toast in his mouth, holding his phone in one hand and a pair of socks in the other. Damn. Already 7:10. The train left at seventeen past. If he ran now, he might just make it—maybe.

  He arrived breathlessly at the station. The platform was crowded as always, but he didn’t have to look long. Riku was standing there, arms crossed, headphones on. Wearing his usual "Finally, you’re here" expression.

  “You're late,” Riku said without looking at him. “I’m precisely late. As usual.” Riku smirked slightly. “Aren’t you tired of using the same excuse every day?” “Only when you stop reminding me every single time.”

  The train arrived. Crowded. Standing room only.

  “What do you have today?” Riku asked. “Math in the morning. Then psychology. And after that... Konbini.” “Poor guy. Night shift on Saturday, and now back again today.” “Well, someone has to earn money while you’re busy dreaming about your Twitch channel.” “Hey! I got two new followers yesterday!” “From thirty to thirty-two? Amazing.” Riku lightly punched his shoulder. “You're such a jerk.”

  The university was as always—big, grey, crowded. In the lecture hall, they took their usual spot: last row, middle.

  She was already there.

  Yuna. As always, five minutes early. Notebook open, pen in hand, a thermos of coffee beside her. “Good morning,” she said without looking up. “Morning, Yuna,” he said, sitting beside her. Riku plopped down next to him. “Math first thing in the morning—pure torture.” “Then you shouldn't have chosen it,” Yuna remarked softly. “And pick what instead? Art history? I couldn’t even draw in elementary school.” “You also couldn’t do fractions,” he added. Riku sighed. “Yet here I am. It’s a miracle.”

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  Yuna smiled slightly. “Want notes from last week? I typed them up nicely.” “You're an angel,” Riku said instantly. “Me too?” he asked. She looked at him, her eyes slightly softer than usual. “For you too. Of course.”

  He scratched his head awkwardly. “Thanks… really nice of you.”

  Chapter 1 – Part 2: Cafeteria Lunch

  12:08 PM.

  The cafeteria was packed. The hum of voices, clattering trays, and squeaking sneakers filled the air. The food counter smelled simultaneously of curry, fries, and cleaning detergent.

  “I swear, if it's that mushy potato stuff again, I'll starve,” groaned Riku. “Then grab a sandwich,” he suggested. “A sandwich costs 270 yen. That’s highway robbery. And you know cheese messes with me.” “You just can't handle reality,” he grinned.

  Yuna, standing behind them, calmly said, “Today they have chicken karaage. I checked the menu.” Riku triumphantly raised his fist. “Goddess! I think I just started liking you a little more.” “You say that every time they have fried chicken,” she replied.

  They sat at their usual spot by the window, back left corner. He slid his tray onto the table, took a bite, and immediately burned his mouth. “Ouch. Damn.” Yuna chuckled softly. “You never blow first, do you?” “I’ll learn eventually. Maybe.”

  As always, Riku was busy with his phone—something about a game. Yuna sat across from him, stirring her miso soup, eyes quietly fixed on him.

  “Working at the Konbini again today?” she asked after a moment. “Mhm, 6 to 11 PM. Late shift.” “Alone?” “No, with Hayashi-san. He talks plenty—especially about women. Always giving me tips on flirting.” “And?” Yuna asked with a raised eyebrow. “Most of his advice is... well, let’s say not exactly my style.” Riku burst into laughter. “Probably something like: ‘Look deep into her eyes and tell her her aura glows like a sunset.’” “Almost. Last week he said: ‘Show her your hands—women love hands. Especially when you're carrying something heavy and sweating a bit.’” Yuna couldn’t suppress a laugh. “That sounds... intense.” “It is. But honestly, he means well. And he's reliable when it matters. I think he's just one of those originals, you know?” Riku nodded. “Like someone who thinks he’s the main character in a rom-com.” “Exactly.”

  The rest of lunch passed pleasantly. They talked about classes, Riku complained about his failed gacha pulls, and the sun shone warmly through the window—as if, in that moment, life was perfectly easy.