The morning sun peeked through the curtains, casting a warm glow across the small apartment that Haruto and Aiko now called home. The city of Tokyo was already buzzing with life, and the distant hum of traffic filtered into the quiet room. The gentle chirping of birds outside was barely audible over the sounds of the city waking up.
Haruto stirred, his eyes slowly blinking open as he adjusted to the light. For a moment, he forgot where he was. But as his gaze landed on the familiar sight of Aiko's neatly arranged art supplies on the small table near the window, a wave of realization washed over him.
"Today's the day…" he murmured softly, sitting up and stretching his arms.
Aiko was already awake, standing by the balcony with her sketchbook in hand. The breeze gently lifted her hair, and the soft morning light highlighted the delicate contours of her face. She was sketching again, capturing the view of the Tokyo skyline as the city came to life.
"Couldn't sleep?" Haruto asked, his voice still laced with sleep.
Aiko turned to him, her eyes reflecting a mix of excitement and nervousness. "I woke up early," she admitted with a small smile. "I guess… I'm just a little anxious."
Haruto swung his legs off the bed and walked over to her, wrapping his arms gently around her waist from behind. "Me too," he murmured, resting his chin lightly on her shoulder. "But we're in this together. First day of university… it's a big deal."
Aiko leaned into him, drawing comfort from his warmth. "Yeah… it feels like everything is starting for real now."
Getting Ready
They had spent the past week preparing for this day—double-checking class schedules, planning their routes, and even practicing the best train times to avoid the morning rush. But now that the moment had arrived, nerves had begun to creep in.
"I'll make breakfast," Haruto offered, trying to distract them both from the growing tension.
Aiko smiled gratefully. "I'll pack our things."
They moved around the apartment in sync, their routine already falling into place. Haruto whipped up a simple breakfast of scrambled eggs and toast while Aiko carefully packed their bags. She made sure Haruto had his astronomy notes and the map of the university campus, while she tucked her sketchbook and supplies neatly into her bag.
As they sat down to eat, Haruto noticed Aiko's fingers fidgeting with the edge of her napkin.
"Nervous?" he asked gently.
"A little," she admitted, biting her lower lip. "What if… I don't fit in? What if the other students are way more talented than me?"
Haruto reached across the table, taking her hand in his. "Aiko," he said softly, his eyes meeting hers with unwavering warmth. "You're incredibly talented. Your art speaks from your heart. Don't compare yourself to anyone else. You belong there."
Aiko's lips curved into a small, reassured smile. "Thank you, Haruto. I don't know what I'd do without you."
"Same here," he said with a chuckle, trying to lighten the mood. "Without you, I'd probably get lost on campus within five minutes."
The Journey to Campus
The train ride to the university was filled with quiet anticipation. Haruto and Aiko stood close together, holding onto the overhead handles as the train swayed gently. The station was crowded with other students, many of whom were also on their way to their first day.
"Do you think we'll have any classes together?" Aiko asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Maybe," Haruto replied. "We'll find out soon enough."
As the train pulled into the station near their campus, Haruto and Aiko stepped off, their eyes taking in the sight of the sprawling university grounds for the first time. The campus was alive with energy—students chatting excitedly, groups gathered around information boards, and faculty members offering directions to confused freshmen.
"Wow…" Aiko breathed, her eyes wide with awe. "It's huge."
Haruto nodded, feeling a similar sense of amazement. "Yeah… this is really happening."
They exchanged a glance, a silent understanding passing between them. Whatever lay ahead, they would face it together.
First Impressions
Navigating the campus was a challenge at first. Even though they had memorized the map, the sheer size of the university was overwhelming. Haruto's classes were in the science building, while Aiko's art studio was tucked away in a quieter part of the campus.
"I'll walk you to your building first," Haruto said, his protective nature kicking in.
Aiko smiled but shook her head gently. "No, Haruto. You'll be late for your orientation. I'll be fine."
"Are you sure?" he asked, concern evident in his tone.
Aiko stood on her tiptoes, pressing a soft kiss to his cheek. "Positive. We'll meet up after class, okay?"
Haruto's heart skipped a beat at her gesture, but he nodded. "Okay. Good luck, Aiko."
"Good luck to you too."
They parted ways, and for the first time in years, they were venturing into separate worlds.
Haruto's First Class
Haruto's first class was an introductory lecture on astrophysics. He found a seat near the middle of the lecture hall, surrounded by eager students who shared his passion for the stars. As the professor began explaining the syllabus and course expectations, Haruto's initial nervousness melted away, replaced by a sense of purpose.
"This… this is where I belong," he thought, his mind already envisioning the discoveries he would make in the years to come.
Aiko's First Class
Aiko's first class, on the other hand, was a foundation course in visual arts. The studio was spacious, filled with easels, canvases, and the scent of paint and charcoal. Her classmates were a diverse group—each one carrying their unique style and perspective.
As the instructor introduced herself and asked the students to share their reasons for pursuing art, Aiko's anxiety returned. When her turn came, she took a deep breath and spoke from her heart.
"I've always loved expressing emotions through art," she said softly. "I want to tell stories that touch people… stories that make them feel something real."
Her words resonated with her classmates, and Aiko felt a spark of confidence ignite within her.
Reuniting After Class
Hours passed in a blur, and by the time classes ended, Haruto and Aiko couldn't wait to see each other. They had agreed to meet at a small café near campus—a cozy spot they had discovered during their explorations.
Haruto spotted Aiko first, sitting by the window with her sketchbook open and a cup of tea beside her. He smiled, feeling a sense of warmth wash over him.
"Aiko," he called softly as he approached.
Her face lit up the moment she saw him. "Haruto!"
They sat together, sharing stories of their day—Haruto animatedly describing his professor's passion for astrophysics and Aiko excitedly recounting her classmates' unique artistic styles.
"I think… we're going to be okay here," Haruto said softly, his hand brushing gently against hers.
Aiko smiled, her eyes reflecting the same hope. "Yeah. We're just getting started."
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the city, Haruto and Aiko sat there, hearts full of hope for the new beginnings that awaited them. They had taken the first step toward their dreams, and with each other by their side, they knew they could conquer anything.