Chapter 6 - Chapter 6 — Nova Crest College

"Haruto… hey, Haruto."Then—"HARUTOOOO!! Open your door, will you?!"I sighed and opened the door.I stood straight, face serious, eyes sharp—trying to look cool."Yes, commander," I said."I'm fully prepared."Grandma stared at me."…Why do you always act like this in the morning?"Then she smiled."Alright, soldier. Sit down. Prepare yourself for the ultimate—Grandma's cooking."I immediately sat at the table.While cooking, Grandma started talking—slowly, gently.She talked about my mom."She loved flowers," Grandma said."She could stand for minutes just staring at them."I nodded quietly."I suppose that's why I opened the flower shop," she added.The food was placed in front of me.A perfect mix of sausage, chicken, mayonnaise, and French fries.I stared at it.Saliva betrayed me."…This is art."I ate like a starving man.After finishing, I wiped my mouth and stood up.While wearing my shoes, I walked back to Grandma and kissed her forehead."Bye, Grandma," I said cheerfully."See you later!"Her eyes widened.Flashback"Mom," my mother asked softly,"why do flowers bloom only in certain seasons?"Grandma smiled while sewing cloth."Flowers need time," she said."First, they try to understand themselves."She paused."Sometimes they're misunderstood.""And sometimes… they fall into darkness."Her voice softened—thinking of her husband, long gone.My mom leaned forward and kissed her forehead.Grandma blinked."Is something wrong?"Mom smiled."No. I just felt like it.""If I kiss your forehead, it makes you feel better.""Hehehe."PresentTears slipped down Grandma's cheeks.She smiled."Your son really is like you."AirportI arrived at the airport by taxi.The moment I stepped inside—"…This place is huge."My head spun.In my mind:I know nothing about airports, so last night I watched a YouTube video about visas and procedures.Thank you, random YouTuber.I followed the steps and reached the counter.My ticket was handed to me.Destination: USAI stared at it.My hands started shaking.Sweat formed on my palms.Faces flashed in my mind—my father, my stepmother, my stepsister.Laughing.Someone bumped into me.Then another."Hey—watch it!"I snapped back to reality."…Calm down."I shouldn't always think negatively.It's been over a decade.They won't recognize me.…Probably.On the PlaneSeat 046.I walked down the aisle."046… 046…""There."I rushed—And stopped.A blue-haired girl sat beside my seat.And worse—She took the window seat.I bit my lip, holding back a dramatic cry."…Why.""H-hello," I said awkwardly.She ignored me.She stared outside calmly, like the world didn't concern her.In my mind:Man… what kind of day is this.The pilot made an announcement as the plane began to move.I checked my documents.Suddenly—I felt eyes on me.The blue-haired girl was staring at my papers.I froze.Oh hell no.Is she a spy sent by my family?No.No.No way.Even if my stepsister showed up at college, it wouldn't be a problem.…Right?But that night—What did she say again…?"Hey.""…Hey.""…Hey.""HUH?!"I jumped."You scared me!"She blinked."I've been calling you for five minutes.""O-oh… sorry," I said."I zoned out."She looked at me."You're a student of Nova Crest College?""Y-yeah. I just got admitted.""Oh. I see."I hesitated."Did you also get—"She ignored me.Pulled out a sleeping eye patch.Put it on.And fell asleep."…That fast?"I sighed."Well… I'm sleepy too."17 Hours LaterThe plane landed.I opened my eyes.The seat beside me—Empty.Almost everyone was gone."Sir?""…Sir?""SIR!!"I jumped."S-sorry!"I rushed out, took a bus, and finally arrived."…This college is massive."I dragged myself to the dorm, threw my bag on the bed, and collapsed.As sleep pulled me under, one thought crossed my mind.I wonder…Did Kenji and Hana arrive yet?