“Are you sure you got everything?”

  Yumio paused and turned to look at Emi, who was standing by the front steps with that familiar mix of concern and pride on her face. Yumio glanced down at her bags, then back at her mother, and nodded.

  “I’m sure,” Yumio said gently. “I’ll be fine, Mom. Ria and Nee-san will be with me. You don’t need to worry too much.”

  Emi smiled, though her eyes were a little soft. She stepped forward and pulled Yumio into a warm hug, holding her just a second longer than usual. “Still… take care of yourself, alright? Eat properly. Rest when you need to. And don’t push yourself too hard.”

  Yumio hugged her back just as tightly. “I will. I promise.”

  From the van, Ariana leaned out the door and called, “Mio, let’s go! We’ll be late if we don’t leave now!”

  Yumio pulled away and laughed lightly. She gave Emi one last smile, lifting a hand in a small wave before walking toward the van.

  “I’ll message you when we arrive,” she said.

  “I’ll be waiting,” Emi replied.

  Yumio climbed inside, settling into her seat as the van pulled away from the mansion gates. As the scenery shifted from familiar streets to long roads, she couldn’t stop the smile on her face. Her foot bounced slightly, her excitement impossible to hide.

  Ariana noticed immediately and nudged her. “Someone seems very eager.”

  Yumio chuckled, trying—and failing—to suppress her grin. “I can’t help it. I’m just… really happy. And excited.”

  Akari, sitting across from them, smiled knowingly. “Save some of that excitement for orientation. You’re going to need the energy.”

  “I’ll try,” Yumio said, though her eyes sparkled.

  The ride felt shorter than it actually was. Soon enough, the familiar gates of Ainsworth came into view. Instead of heading toward the main campus buildings, the van turned toward the dorms and apartments. The boys’ dorm building stood across the street from the apartment complex, tall and orderly.

  The van stopped in front of the apartment building.

  Yumio stepped out and froze for a moment, taking it all in—the structure, the atmosphere, the quiet hum of student life beginning to stir. This wasn’t just a visit anymore. This was where she would live.

  “You can admire the school and buildings after you’ve arranged your things,” Yukio said dryly from behind her.

  Yumio laughed and nodded. “Alright, alright.”

  She joined the others in unloading bags, but made sure to carefully pick up the pet carrier. As soon as she did, Deia let out a soft meow from inside.

  Yumio smiled down at the carrier. “Look, Deia,” she said softly. “This will be our house for the meantime.”

  Deia meowed again, louder this time, as if answering her.

  Still smiling, Yumio carried her inside—heart full, steps light, ready to begin this new chapter at Ainsworth.

  Liam smiled as he absentmindedly ran his hand through Sam’s fur. The labrador had his head pressed against the open window, tongue slightly out as the breeze rushed in, ears flapping happily with every turn of the road.

  “He’s very excited, huh?” Nathan said from the driver’s seat, glancing at the dog through the rearview mirror.

  Liam chuckled softly. “Yeah. He’s even more excited than me.”

  Sam let out a small bark as if agreeing, tail thumping against the seat.

  Nathan slowed the car and pointed ahead. “Oh, here we are!”

  The apartment buildings of Ainsworth came into view—clean, modern, and surrounded by greenery. Nathan parked near one of the buildings, and the two of them stepped out, stretching after the long ride. Sam hopped out right after Liam, sniffing the air eagerly.

  “Easy, boy,” Liam said, clipping the leash on him. “Stay close, alright?”

  Sam wagged his tail, clearly too thrilled to care where they were, as long as he was outside.

  They opened the trunk and started unloading boxes. Liam stacked a few near the entrance before glancing around, curiosity tugging at him. His eyes landed on a familiar sight—a van parked a few spaces away, with two boys unloading luggage from the back.

  …Yukio and Yurio.

  He paused for a second, recognition settling in.

  “Are the Kishimotos staying at the apartment buildings as well?” Liam asked casually.

  Nathan followed his gaze and nodded. “Yeah. From what I heard, it’s only the girls staying here. The boys are across the street in the dorms.”

  Liam hummed in acknowledgment, but his thoughts had already drifted elsewhere.

  Mio…

  He pulled out his phone and typed quickly.

  Liam: Hey.

  Mio: Hi!

  A small smile curved on his lips.

  Liam: We just got here in Ainsworth. We’re unloading our things right now.

  Mio: Really? Same! I’m staying at the apartment with my sister and cousin. Mom wanted someone to keep a close watch on me.

  Liam chuckled under his breath.

  Liam: I’m sure she just wanted to make sure you settle in well.

  Mio: Well, I am settling quite well. Especially since pets are allowed—I brought my cats!

  Liam glanced down at Sam, who was now sniffing a nearby bush.

  Liam: Good for you. I also brought my dog.

  Mio: Oh! Where are you staying?

  Liam: I’m also at the apartment.

  There was a brief pause before her reply came in.

  Mio: Really?! What building?

  Liam looked up at the large letter mounted on the side of the building and typed it in.

  Liam: Apartment C.

  Mio: Oh! I’m in Apartment A. Our apartments are only one building apart.

  Liam smiled wider at that.

  From behind him, Nathan cleared his throat—not subtly at all. “Who are you texting?”

  Liam flinched slightly and locked his phone. “No one.”

  Nathan smirked, clearly unconvinced. “Sure. Anyway, can you help me with these boxes?”

  Liam laughed lightly. “Yeah, yeah. I got it.”

  Before putting his phone away, he sent one last message.

  Liam: I’ll talk to you later. I need to help my brother with unpacking and arranging.

  Mio: Alright. I’m about to do the same.

  Liam slipped his phone into his pocket, still smiling, and lifted one of the boxes. With Sam trotting beside him and Nathan already heading toward the entrance, Liam followed—feeling strangely at ease now that he knew Mio was close by, even if just one building away.

  Yumio smiled and let out a long, satisfied sigh as she plopped down on her bed the moment the arranging was finally done. The sheets were smooth, the boxes were stacked neatly by the wall, and the room no longer looked like it had survived a small storm.

  “Finally!” she exclaimed, stretching her arms out wide like she had just completed a great quest.

  Ariana laughed from across the room, leaning against her desk. “You look like you just ran a marathon,” she teased.

  “It felt like one,” Yumio replied, turning her head to stare at the ceiling. “I didn’t know I owned this much stuff.”

  Akari zipped up her bag and glanced between the two of them. “Well, since we’re done settling in,” she said casually, “do you girls want to go out and explore the campus more?”

  Yumio immediately sat straight up, her tiredness evaporating in an instant. “I want to!” she said brightly. “Can I bring the cats?”

  Ariana raised an eyebrow, already amused, while Akari chuckled and shook her head. “Only one,” she said firmly. “And make sure she’s on a leash. I don’t want to be chasing a runaway cat on our first week.”

  “Deal!” Yumio said without hesitation. She hopped off the bed and hurried out of the room, already calling out softly, “Come on, baby, adventure time!”

  Ariana laughed as the door swung shut behind her. “She hasn’t even been here a full day, and she’s already planning campus tours with her cat.”

  Akari smiled, watching the doorway fondly. “She’ll clearly have fun here,” Ariana added, her tone warm.

  “Definitely,” Akari agreed. “Something tells me college life is going to suit her just fine.”

  A moment later, Yumio’s excited voice echoed faintly from the hallway, and the two girls exchanged another amused look, already certain that life in the dorm was never going to be boring.

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  Yumio smiled brightly as she slowly turned in a small circle, taking in the wide pathways, tall trees, and elegant buildings of the campus. The afternoon light filtered through the leaves, casting soft shadows on the ground.

  “It’s even prettier than I remember,” she murmured.

  Akari walked beside her, hands casually clasped behind her back as she continued explaining. “The architecture here is a mix of modern and classical design. The older buildings are on the east side, while the newly constructed ones are near the engineering wing.”

  Meanwhile, Ariana was a few steps behind them, snapping photos. “Hold on, Mio—stand there!” she called. “The light looks good.”

  Yumio laughed but posed anyway, holding Neira’s leash gently. She had decided to bring the smallest of her cats since Neira was calm and much easier to manage in a new place.

  Neira trotted obediently beside her, occasionally glancing around with curious eyes.

  “And then there’s the library,” Akari continued, pointing toward a grand building with tall glass windows. “I’m sure you’ve already seen it.”

  Yumio’s eyes sparkled. “I can’t wait to go there!”

  Akari smiled fondly. “You’ll love it. There are so many genres—fiction, historical archives, research journals. They even have private study pods and discussion rooms.”

  “You can enter using your ID,” Ariana added while lowering her camera.

  Yumio let out a small squeal of excitement, clutching Neira’s leash closer. “I really can’t wait!”

  Akari and Ariana chuckled at her enthusiasm.

  “You say that now,” Akari teased lightly, “but wait until midterms.”

  They toured a bit more—passing by the cafeteria, the student lounge, and the art building—before deciding to head back to the apartment to rest.

  As Yumio was about to step inside the building, her phone buzzed in her hand.

  She glanced down.

  Liam: Let’s meet up. Go to this place.

  (Location shared.)

  Yumio’s lips curved into a soft smile.

  Without saying much, she turned around and headed toward the bike rack.

  Ariana noticed immediately. “Where are you going?”

  Yumio adjusted Neira gently into the small basket at the front of her bike. “I’ll just explore a bit longer,” she said casually. “I want to look for some routes I can use with my bike.”

  Ariana narrowed her eyes playfully but nodded. “Just be back before dark.”

  “I will,” Yumio promised.

  She hopped onto her bike, opened the location Liam sent, and began pedaling through the campus. The breeze brushed against her cheeks as she followed the directions—turning past two buildings, then down a quieter road.

  Soon, she found herself biking along a path lined with tall grass swaying gently in the wind. It felt secluded, almost hidden. There were no security cameras visible along the route, and the path seemed rarely used.

  She continued forward until the view suddenly opened up.

  Her breath caught.

  Before her was a breathtaking scene of the city skyline blending into the horizon, with the ocean stretching endlessly beyond it. The golden light of the late afternoon shimmered across the water.

  “How did Liam even find this place?” she whispered to herself.

  She got off her bike and placed it beside another one lying nearby.

  Liam’s.

  Her heart skipped slightly.

  She walked up the small hill ahead. At the top stood a small wooden hut, simple but charming. Beside it was a large tree with thick branches spreading wide. A swing hung from one of its sturdy limbs, swaying gently in the breeze.

  “Wow… how did he manage to find this?” she breathed.

  “Through my brother.”

  Yumio turned toward the voice and saw Liam standing by the front door of the hut, hands tucked casually into his pockets.

  He smiled.

  “My brother told me about this place,” he explained as he stepped closer. “It’s been here for about ten years. He and his secret girlfriend used to come here when they were students at Ainsworth five years ago.”

  Yumio’s eyes widened. “Secret girlfriend?”

  Liam chuckled. “Yeah. No one knows about them. My brother wants to keep it a secret from our Dad.”

  She looked around again. “So… do they not use it anymore?”

  “They’re both busy this year,” Liam replied. “He said they barely have time to come here now. So he told me I could use it.”

  Yumio smiled softly. “That’s really nice of him.”

  “He said it’s better to share it than let it sit empty.”

  She tilted her head slightly. “Does he know about me?”

  Liam hesitated for a brief second, then smiled. “He just knows I have a close friend I see every afternoon.”

  Yumio felt warmth rise to her cheeks but smiled anyway.

  Before either of them could say more, a soft, adorable meow sounded from behind her.

  Liam looked down and noticed Neira peeking out of the basket. His expression softened instantly. “Another different cat, huh?”

  Yumio laughed lightly. “I had to bring her. She was with me when you texted.”

  Liam carefully picked Neira up, cradling her gently. “What’s her name?”

  “Neira.”

  “Nice to meet you, Neira,” Liam said softly.

  Neira purred loudly in his arms, nuzzling against his hand.

  Yumio watched them with a small smile, her heart feeling unexpectedly full. The breeze, the quiet view, the gentle sound of the ocean in the distance—it all felt peaceful.

  And somehow, standing there beside Liam, it felt even better.

  “Good, you’re back,” Akari said with a relieved smile as Yumio stepped into their apartment room, carefully taking off her shoes by the door.

  Yumio grinned, slightly out of breath from biking. “I told you I’d be back before dark.”

  Before she could say anything else, a rich, savory aroma drifted toward her from the kitchen. She paused mid-step and inhaled deeply.

  “Something smells wonderful,” Yumio said, her eyes widening as she followed the scent toward the dining area.

  Ariana was already seated at the table, swinging her legs lightly. “Nee-san cooked pasta for dinner,” she announced proudly, as if she had personally supervised the entire process.

  Yumio immediately sat down, placing Neira’s carrier gently on the floor beside her chair. “That’s amazing,” she said with a soft smile. “You didn’t have to cook after unpacking all day.”

  Akari emerged from the kitchen carrying a steaming pot, smiling warmly. “I wanted our first night here to feel special. It’s our first dinner in the apartment together.”

  Yumio’s expression softened. “That’s really sweet, Nee-san.”

  They began setting the table together—Ariana handing out forks while Yumio poured water into glasses.

  Once they were seated, Ariana leaned her chin on her hand and studied Yumio closely. “So,” she began, a teasing tone creeping into her voice, “how was your bike ride around the campus?”

  Yumio tried to keep her expression neutral but couldn’t stop the small smile tugging at her lips. “It was nice. I was able to explore routes we didn’t pass by earlier. There are some really quiet paths.”

  “Quiet paths?” Ariana repeated suspiciously.

  Akari shot Ariana a warning glance but smiled at Yumio. “I’m glad you’re enjoying your time here. Mom will be delighted to hear that you’re adjusting well on your first day.”

  Yumio nodded. “I think I will. It already feels… comfortable.”

  Akari placed a serving of pasta on Yumio’s plate. “That’s good to hear.”

  After a small pause, Yumio added casually, “I also met with my friend.”

  Ariana’s eyes immediately lit up. “Oh? He’s also studying here?”

  Yumio nodded. “Yeah.”

  Akari raised a brow slightly. “The one you used to meet every afternoon?”

  Yumio blinked. “You knew?”

  Akari chuckled softly. “Mio, you’re not exactly subtle.”

  Ariana gasped dramatically and patted Yumio on the back. “That’s great! Having friends and building connections is one of the best parts of college life.”

  Yumio laughed, feeling her cheeks warm. “It’s not like that,” she said quickly.

  “Uh-huh,” Ariana replied, unconvinced.

  Akari shook her head fondly. “Whatever it is, I’m just happy you’re not alone here.”

  Yumio looked down at her plate for a moment, then smiled. “I really can’t wait for everything to start.”

  “For classes?” Ariana asked.

  “For everything,” Yumio answered honestly. “Classes, campus events, meeting new people… and just living here.”

  They all smiled at that.

  “Just don’t forget to actually study,” Akari reminded gently.

  “I won’t!” Yumio said quickly.

  The three of them began eating, laughter filling the apartment as they talked about clubs they might join, cafés they wanted to try near campus, and small goals they hoped to achieve this semester.

  It was simple. Warm. Comfortable.

  And as Yumio listened to her sister and cousin talk, she felt a quiet certainty settle in her heart.

  This was going to be a good chapter of her life.

  “You’re back a little late.”

  Liam looked up from untying his shoes and saw Nathan leaning casually against the kitchen counter, arms crossed but expression relaxed.

  “Sorry about that,” Liam said, scratching the back of his neck. “We got a little caught up talking. Didn’t realize how late it was.”

  Nathan gave him a knowing look but smiled anyway. “It happens.”

  Sam trotted into the apartment like he owned the place, sniffing around before settling near the couch.

  “Dinner’s ready,” Nathan added, pushing himself off the counter. “Have a seat before it gets cold.”

  Liam smiled faintly and washed his hands before sitting at the small dining table. The apartment felt cozy despite the boxes still stacked near the walls.

  Nathan brought out the dishes one by one, the scent filling the room. “So,” he began casually, placing a plate in front of Liam, “how did your friend react to the hut?”

  Liam’s lips curved into a small smile as he remembered Yumio’s expression. “She was surprised,” he admitted. “She kept looking around like she couldn’t believe it was real.”

  Nathan chuckled. “That’s usually the reaction.”

  “She said it was beautiful,” Liam continued. “And she thanked you for letting us use it.”

  Nathan waved a hand dismissively. “It’s no big deal. My girlfriend and I barely have time to go there this year anyway. Third year is no joke.” He sighed lightly. “Between projects and internships, it’s chaos.”

  Liam nodded. “Still, thanks. It means a lot.”

  Nathan gave him a softer look. “Someone has to take care of the hut. Might as well be you.”

  Liam leaned back slightly. “How did you find that place in the first place?”

  Nathan pulled out a chair and sat down across from him. “A senior friend of mine showed it to me during my first year. Apparently, he and a few of his buddies stumbled upon the area by chance while exploring.”

  “They built the hut?” Liam asked.

  “Yeah,” Nathan confirmed. “It used to be just the tree and the swing. They fixed up the small structure and made it more stable. The swing, though—that’s been there since before they found it.”

  Liam raised an eyebrow. “Seriously?”

  “They think it’s been there for more than ten years,” Nathan said. “Maybe even longer. No one really knows who put it there.”

  Liam glanced toward the window, picturing the large tree. “That’s one sturdy tree.”

  Nathan laughed. “Yeah. That thing’s probably older than both of us combined.”

  There was a brief comfortable silence before Nathan nudged a bowl toward Liam. “Eat before you start daydreaming again.”

  Liam blinked. “I’m not daydreaming.”

  “Uh-huh,” Nathan said with a teasing smirk. “Sure you’re not.”

  Liam rolled his eyes but smiled. “Can we not start?”

  Nathan chuckled and finally placed the last dish at the center of the table. “Alright, alright. I’ll behave.”

  He leaned back slightly and gestured toward the food. “Let’s eat.”

  Liam nodded, picking up his utensils. As they began eating, the apartment felt warm and calm—boxes, responsibilities, and a new semester waiting ahead.

  And somewhere in the back of Liam’s mind, the image of a girl smiling beneath an old, sturdy tree lingered quietly.

  Yumio lay flat on her bed, hands resting on her stomach as she stared up at the ceiling. The room was dim, lit only by the soft glow of the bedside lamp Ariana had left on. The faint hum of the air conditioner and the distant city sounds outside made the apartment feel calm and peaceful.

  She let out a slow breath.

  Today had been long—unpacking, exploring the campus, biking through unfamiliar paths, discovering that hidden place on the hill.

  Her lips curved into a soft smile as she replayed the moments in her head.

  The way the breeze felt on her face while biking.

  The look on Liam’s face when he stepped out of the hut.

  The way Neira purred so comfortably in his arms.

  Her smile widened without her realizing it, and a faint blush dusted her cheeks.

  “Why am I like this…” she murmured quietly to herself, turning slightly onto her side.

  She pulled her blanket up a little higher, closing her eyes firmly as if that would somehow push the thoughts away.

  Stop thinking about him. You need to sleep, she told herself.

  But the more she tried not to think about it, the clearer everything replayed in her mind—the golden light by the ocean, the gentle sway of the swing, the softness in his voice when he spoke to her.

  Her fingers lightly curled around the edge of her pillow.

  I hope to create more memorable moments and memories with you…

  The thought lingered warmly in her chest as she slowly drifted into sleep, her expression still gentle and content.

  Across the campus, Liam stood by his window, the cool night air brushing against his face. The sky above Ainsworth was unusually clear, scattered with bright stars that shimmered quietly against the darkness.

  He rested his arms on the windowsill and looked up, letting out a quiet breath.

  “Not bad,” he murmured, half to himself.

  Sam lay on the floor behind him, already asleep, rising and falling with steady breaths.

  Liam’s thoughts slowly wandered back to the afternoon.

  The way Yumio’s eyes lit up when she saw the view.

  The way she whispered in awe at the hut and the tree.

  The way she smiled at him—genuine, bright, unguarded.

  He felt a small smile tug at his lips.

  “She looked really happy,” he said softly.

  He closed his eyes for a moment, leaning his forehead lightly against the cool glass.

  For some reason, everything felt lighter today.

  New school. New apartment. New routines.

  And yet, something felt familiar—like no matter how much things changed, there was someone he would still meet at the end of the day.

  He let out a quiet chuckle.

  Can’t wait to see more of you… and that smile of yours.

  With that thought, Liam finally stepped away from the window, turning off the lights before lying down on his bed.

  Outside, the stars continued to shine over Ainsworth.

  And in two different rooms, in two different buildings only a short distance apart, both of them fell asleep with quiet smiles on their faces—already looking forward to tomorrow.

  We're finally on the college arc! Many things will escalate from here on out as the plot will officially start.