The Air Between Them
The week that followed the announcement of their university acceptance passed like a dream. Aoi and Ren, once just partners in code, now found themselves tangled in something far more complex — emotions they couldn't quite debug.
Their walks home had grown quieter, but not awkward. It was the kind of silence where words weren't needed. Where glances spoke volumes and every brush of the hand sent static through their veins.
One afternoon, as they sat on the rooftop eating bentos, Aoi leaned closer than usual. Her shoulder grazed his, and she didn't pull away. Ren, always the shy one, didn't move either. He simply stared ahead, his thoughts louder than the wind.
"Ren," Aoi said, poking a chopstick at her rice, "do you think things will change once we go to Meiyo?"
Ren considered. "Probably. But some things don't need to."
She smiled faintly. "Like us?"
His ears turned red. "Yeah. Like us."
The Decision
It was Friday when the formal invitation letter came from Meiyo Institute of Technology — a beautiful, high-tech brochure included. It showed off clean, glass-walled labs, green courtyards, and ambitious students with bright smiles.
They were both invited to the upcoming campus tour. Without even asking, they decided to go together.
On the train ride, Aoi sat beside Ren, their shoulders close. Her makeup was subtle, her hair tied in a loose ponytail. Ren wore his cleanest hoodie — the one Aoi had helped him choose during a shopping trip.
Aoi looked outside the window. "You nervous?"
Ren shook his head. "Not about the university."
"Then?"
He hesitated. "About us."
She turned to him, surprised. "Ren… what do you mean?"
He didn't answer. But the way his fingers brushed against hers on the seat between them said everything.
First Steps Into Tomorrow
The Meiyo campus was even more beautiful than in the brochure. They explored advanced AI labs, walked past holographic displays, and saw a greenhouse entirely maintained by student-designed bots.
But Ren's attention drifted to Aoi more often than to the tech. She looked genuinely happy — eyes sparkling, hair swaying as she turned with excitement. Every time she caught him staring, she didn't tease. She smiled.
During the tour, they were introduced to two other invitees.
First was Yuna Tachibana, a popular idol and computer vision prodigy. She had lavender-tinted hair, wore sleek glasses, and despite having fans wave to her even here, she was approachable and kind.
Second was Hayato Kisaragi, the kind of guy who could model in a luxury fashion magazine. Tall, charming, and easygoing, he was already dating someone older — a famous businesswoman, apparently. But he was surprisingly friendly.
"You two dating?" Yuna asked casually as they sat beneath a sakura tree in the courtyard.
Ren choked on his tea.
Aoi laughed. "Not officially."
Yuna smirked. "Not officially, huh? Got it."