The university building was a storm of activity. Students streamed through the hallways, carrying books, papers, and sports equipment, their voices overlapping in a constant hum of energy. Reina stepped inside, her bag clutched tightly to her chest. The noise pressed against her ears, each shout and laughter twisting into something heavier in her mind. For a moment, she wondered if she should turn back.
But she didn't.
She walked into her classroom, which looked more chaotic than she expected. Desks were scattered in irregular rows, half of the students were already chatting in clusters, and others were scribbling furiously in their notebooks. The air smelled faintly of chalk, sweat, and determination — the unmistakable scent of students preparing for something important.
Reina's chest felt tight. Every sound, every movement, pressed down on her like weight she wasn't sure she could bear. She scanned the room, spotting a corner seat near the window. Slowly, she made her way over, careful to avoid bumping into anyone. She sank into the chair, letting the cool surface ground her. But even here, in the corner, she felt exposed.
Her hands trembled slightly as she adjusted her bag. Her mind drifted to the past, to nights spent crying alone, to memories she tried desperately to bury. Occasionally, her gaze wandered to the blank corner of her desk, staring at nothing — at zero — letting herself float in the silence her thoughts demanded.
After a few deep breaths, she summoned her courage. Leaning slightly toward the girl sitting next to her, she asked softly,"Excuse me… can you tell me about the sports preparations? I'm… new here."
The girl's eyes lit up, and she grinned. "Oh! That's easy. You just need to talk to Adrian. He's organizing the teams this year."
"Adrian?" Reina repeated quietly, letting the name sink in. Adrian… There was something about it — smooth, confident, mysterious — that lingered in her mind.
The girl nodded, still smiling. "Yep. Don't worry, he's nice. Just… be yourself."
Reina swallowed hard, feeling her palms grow damp. The thought of approaching a boy she didn't know made her stomach twist. But beneath the fear, a spark of hope flickered — maybe this was how she could belong here. Maybe this was her chance to start fresh, even if just a little.
She nodded, trying to steady her voice. "Okay… I'll try."
The girl chuckled softly. "Good. You'll do fine."
Reina returned to her desk, her mind spinning with anticipation and nerves. She glanced around the room, noticing unfamiliar faces — boys and girls she would have to navigate, learn names, and somehow fit in with. Every glance felt heavier than it should. Every sound made her pulse spike. She again found herself staring at nothing at all — more than once, with her eyes wide open letting the world blur as her mind struggled to process it.
The lecture began, but Reina's thoughts wandered repeatedly to the blank space before her, then drifted to Adrian's name, and back to the oppressive weight of the room. The energy around her — so vibrant and alive — felt almost suffocating. She could feel herself tensing, shrinking into her corner, trying to exist quietly without drawing attention.
By the time classes ended, her legs felt tired, her chest tight, and yet, a small thread of determination lingered. She had survived the first day.
On the way home, her gaze returned again and again to nothing, staring at zero, letting herself drift in thought — haunted, cautious, and strangely hopeful. Somewhere deep inside, she whispered: I can do this. I have to.