The moment we pushed open the hall doors—
A familiar face came into view.
Dark black hair.
Eyes that shone brighter than the lights above.
It was—
Hana.
"…Hana."
The moment our eyes met, it felt like something long lost had finally returned.
Scene Shift — Kenji
"Han—"
Before either of us could finish—
Hana rushed forward and wrapped her arms around us both, hugging us tightly.
"Where have you guys been all these years?!" she cried.
"Do you have any idea how hard it was without you?!"
Her grip tightened.
"Do you?!"
I froze.
"I—" I tried to speak.
Kenji beat me to it.
"Yeah," he said softly.
"I missed you so much."
Kenji looked at Hana, his eyes slightly wet. He smiled and placed a hand on her shoulder.
"I'm not leaving anymore," he said.
"We'll be best friends… forever."
Scene Shift — Me
What are they… lovebirds or something?
Hana turned toward me.
Her eyes shimmered as she held her hands close to her chest.
"Haruto…" she said gently.
"How have you been?"
I forced a grin.
"I'm totally fire. What—were you worried about me or something?"
She laughed.
We started chatting, like old times.
Scene Shift — Kenji
Kenji watched us quietly, a smile on his face.
"So," he said,
"we're finally back together."
Scene Frame — The Three of Us
Kenji stood beside us, smiling.
Hana leaned closer to me—
And suddenly bit my hair.
"WHY are you biting me—?!"
"Huh…?!"
Then it hit me.
"…Wait."
"Oh no."
"I forgot her birthday."
TODAY WAS HANA'S BIRTHDAY.
Kenji immediately broke into a cold sweat—still smiling.
"Ooo… birthday?" he said awkwardly.
"What's that word? I don't think I've ever heard it before…"
Scene Shift
Hana stared at us.
Her smile vanished.
Her voice dropped—cold and dangerous.
"…Do you guys have a death wish or something?"
Scene Shift — Haruto & Kenji
"Ahahaha—hah—what are you talking about?" Kenji laughed nervously.
"Of course we remembered! Right, Haruto?"
"Yeah!" I said instantly.
"I don't know what Kenji's saying, but he's right!"
SCENE SHIFT — College Hall
The microphone crackled.
"Everyone, please put your conversations aside and give me your attention."
The college principal stepped forward.
"Welcome to Nova Crest College," he began.
"This institution has produced some of the finest minds across the world."
Murmurs filled the hall.
"Our main campus is located in the United States, and starting this year, all newly admitted students will be participating in programs there."
The hall erupted with excitement.
"Now," the principal said, smiling,
"please enjoy your orientation."
Scene Shift — Haruto
My face went blank.
USA…?
Flashbacks slammed into my mind—
My father.
My stepmother.
My stepsister.
No… no, no—
"Haruto!"
"Haruto!!"
Kenji and Hana shook me awake.
"Nooooooooo—!" I shouted, my hand shooting up.
Hana grabbed my arm.
"Haruto, is something wrong?"
Kenji frowned.
"Hey—are you okay?"
Nearby, girls whispered excitedly.
"Wow… that blond guy is so handsome…"
I forced a weak smile, sweat forming on my forehead.
"N-nothing," I said.
"Just… a headache from the principal's speech."
Hana laughed.
"Honestly, same."
She started chatting with Kenji again.
Kenji replied casually, like nothing happened.
In My Mind
I can't let them know.
My family lives in the US.
I exhaled slowly.
What are the chances of meeting them anyway… right?
…Right?
But still—
Something didn't feel right.