The soft wind of spring was still blowing, carrying the scent of cherry blossoms across the campus of Meiji-Koyama University. Haruki and Aimi were standing in a quiet moment after he returned her hat. Aimi was looking at him with curious eyes, and Haruki felt his heart beat a little faster.
But suddenly, the quiet moment was broken by a loud, energetic shout.
"Haruki! I knew it! I knew it was you!"
A girl with short, brown hair and a bright, sunny smile came running through the crowd. She was wearing the official blue sports jacket of the university. This was Hana Suzuki. She and Haruki had been neighbors and best friends since they were six years old. They used to climb trees and play games together every single day, but her family moved away during middle school.
Before Haruki could even react, Hana threw her arms around him in a huge hug.
"I can't believe it!" Hana laughed, her voice full of excitement. "When I saw the name 'Haruki Sato' on the new student list for Meiji-Koyama University, I thought it was just a coincidence. But look at you! You've grown so tall!"
Haruki's face turned bright red as other students started to look at them. "H-Hana? Calm down! Everyone is watching."
Hana finally let go, but she kept a hand on his shoulder, looking him up and down like a proud big sister. "I haven't changed a bit, have I? Still the same old Hana! But you... you look like a proper college student now."
Then, Hana noticed Aimi standing nearby. Aimi was watching them with a confused expression. Hana's smile didn't fade, but her eyes scanned Aimi quickly.
"Oh! Am I interrupting something?" Hana asked, tilting her head.
"No, no," Haruki said quickly, waving his hands. "This is Aimi. I just helped her with her hat. Aimi, this is Hana. We... we grew up together."
"It's very nice to meet you," Aimi said, bowing her head slightly. She felt a bit overwhelmed by Hana's loud energy.
"Nice to meet you too, Aimi-chan!" Hana said cheerfully. "You're very cute! No wonder Haruki was talking to you. He always had a soft spot for pretty girls."
"Hana! Stop saying weird things!" Haruki protested, feeling even more embarrassed.
Hana laughed and grabbed Haruki's arm, pulling him toward the gym. "Anyway, no time to waste! I'm the manager of the Athletics club here at Meiji-Koyama University, and I've already decided—you're joining us! Come on, let's go to the registration desk before the line gets too long."
Haruki looked back at Aimi one last time. He wanted to talk to her more, but Hana was already dragging him away. Aimi stood there, watching them go, wondering what kind of life she was about to start at this university.
The peaceful morning was over. For Haruki, college life was already becoming a lot more complicated than he expected.
Next: Chapter 3 - The Cold Queen of the Campus