Haruto POV
I was finally ready for class.
Uniform on. Bag packed. Brain… half-awake.
"Damn," I muttered as I stepped out of the dorm.
"This place is huge."
Nova Crest College wasn't just big—it was ridiculous.
Wide stone paths stretched endlessly, lined with tall trees that looked older than my entire family history. Glass buildings reflected the morning sun, fountains hummed softly, and students crossed the campus like it was their personal kingdom. Parks, sports fields, cafés—everything screamed elite.
I walked deeper inside, still staring like a lost tourist.
Then I looked down from one of the upper walkways.
And froze.
Kenji.
Hana.
"…Wait," I thought.
"Did they arrive last night too?"
A grin spread across my face. I rushed back toward the lobby, heart weirdly light.
But when I got there—
They were gone.
"Huh?"
Vanished. Like smoke.
Before I could think more, a voice echoed across the hall.
"Attention students. Please proceed to your respective classrooms."
Well. So much for reunions.
Classroom
The classroom was already buzzing.
Students from Japan.
Students from the U.S.
Different accents. Different styles.
I took a seat near the window—my safe spot—and leaned back.
In my mind:
Still no sign of Kenji or Hana… guess different classes.
The door slid open.
Two figures walked in.
The moment Kenji stepped inside—
"Kyaaaaa!"
The room exploded.
"He's handsome!"
"Is he a model?!"
"Is he real?!"
Girls crowded instantly.
I closed my eyes, mentally preparing for class, completely ignoring the chaos.
Some guy named Kenji entered, I thought lazily.
Not my problem.
Then—
Flick.
"AHHH—!"
I grabbed my forehead.
"What the hec—?!"
Hana stood there, smiling sweetly.
"Why are you screaming?" she said.
"This is our class, idiot~!"
"…Huh?"
Kenji waved. "Morning, Haruto."
My brain rebooted.
"Wait—YOU TWO?! But you disappeared earlier!"
Hana crossed her arms.
"We searched the whole campus for you."
In my mind, rubbing my head:
Ohhh. That's why they vanished.
Suddenly—
"HELP ME!" Kenji yelled.
We turned.
He was completely surrounded by girls.
Trapped.
Cornered.
Miserable.
"…Serves you right," I muttered.
The teacher walked in, saving him.
Hana sat in front of me.
Kenji took the seat to my right.
Class was about to start—
When the door opened again.
Her Arrival
Tap. Tap.
The room fell silent.
She entered with two girls behind her.
Blonde hair, smooth and straight, flowing past her shoulders like it didn't belong to this world. Sharp honey-gold eyes scanned the room calmly. Her posture was confident—too confident.
She didn't look lost.
She looked like she owned the place.
Aria Kanazaki.
My stepsister.
My chest tightened.
My mind screamed don't look.
My body betrayed me.
Our eyes met.
For half a second—
Everything stopped.
Then she looked away.
Like I was nothing.
The teacher cleared his throat.
"Kanazaki. Take the seat behind him."
Behind… me?
My face stiffened.
Eyes wide.
Sweat instantly forming.
Ha… ha… breathe…
She sat down.
Right behind me.
The class continued.
But my brain didn't.
She didn't recognize me, right?
It's been years. I changed. I'm safe.
Kenji leaned over.
"Hey, Haruto. You okay?"
I nodded too fast.
Then—
I felt it.
A presence.
Aria leaned forward slightly.
I didn't turn.
Didn't dare.
After Class
The bell rang.
I stood up immediately.
Leave. Now.
I rushed toward the door before Hana or Kenji could stop me.
If I avoid her, everything's fine.
"HEY."
The voice cut through me.
I froze.
Slowly, I turned around.
Aria stood there—with a small grin.
Sharp. Knowing.
Her eyes locked onto mine.
"Didn't you hear me?" she said calmly.
"I called you."
My throat tightened.
"D-did you… call me?"
She smiled wider.
And for the first time—
I knew.
She recognized me.