In my mind:
As I stepped out of my apartment, something felt… off.
Everything around me seemed slower, like the universe was trying to tell me something important.
Eh, whatever.
My brain clearly wasn't working properly this morning.
Ah shit— if I don't hurry, I'm gonna be late for college.
I spotted the bus just as it was about to leave.
"Hey! Stop—wait for me!"
The conductor leaned out.
"Oh—sorry! Didn't notice you there, pal."
I jumped inside, slightly out of breath.
Most seats were already taken. An uncle was sitting alone near the window.
"Um, excuse me," I said. "Could I sit here with you… if you don't mind?"
He smiled lightly.
"Sure. Come, sit comfortably."
As I sat down, more and more people kept piling into the bus.
The air grew warm.
Loud.
Crowded.
In my mind:
Dang… why are there so many people today?
People were standing shoulder to shoulder. One guy near the back was literally holding onto the ceiling rail like his life depended on it.
I leaned toward the uncle.
"Hey… is it just me, or is this bus insanely packed today?"
He chuckled.
"Why so nervous, kid? It's a normal day."
Then he added,
"Especially since today's the college opening ceremony. Of course the bus will be full."
"Oh… yeah. That makes sense."
In my mind:
I bet the bus driver's mad happy today. So many passengers—easy money.
Scene Shift
The bus finally stopped.
I stepped out and stretched my arms, letting out a long breath.
"Ugh… my back hurts. Sitting that long was brutal."
I looked up.
Right in front of me stood the massive gate.
NOVA CREST COLLEGE
"…So this is it."
One of USA's top ten colleges.
one of their branch is situated in japan
My heart beat a little faster.
A new place.
A new life.
A new journey.
I clenched my fist without realizing it.
"Alright," I whispered to myself.
"Here we go."
Scene Shift
A black car pulled up beside the entrance gate.
The door opened.
For a split second, I felt it—
That strange feeling.
Like someone was looking straight at me.
A boy stepped out of the car.
Tall. Clean-cut. Confident.
His name was—
Kenji.