A black car pulled up beside the college gate.
The door opened.
For a split second, my chest tightened—sharp and sudden.
A boy stepped out.
Tall. Calm. Confident.
The moment our eyes met, my head throbbed.
…Why do I feel like I've seen him before?
He smiled.
Not friendly.
Not warm.
Like he knew something about me that I didn't.
His name was Kenji.
I didn't know it yet—but meeting him would change everything.
People immediately gathered around the entrance, whispering excitedly.
It was like some celebrity had just pulled up.
In my mind:
Honestly… he's not less than one.
Kenji walked straight toward me.
Before I could even react—
He pulled me into a hug.
A tight one.
Like we'd known each other forever.
"Long time no see, my best friend," he said with a grin.
"Man, I missed you."
I froze.
"…Do I know you?" I asked, shocked.
He stepped back, tilting his head.
"Huh," he said casually.
"Looks like your memory's a bit… fuzzy."
Then he looked straight into my eyes.
"Now tell me," he said quietly.
"Do you remember me now?"
Scene Shift — Me
"…Kenji?"
My eyes widened.
"Kenji… KENJIII?!"
Scene Shift — Past (8 years ago)
"Kenji… Hana…"
My voice trembled.
"I wanted to tell you guys something."
My chest tightened.
Words wouldn't come out.
"…My family left me and—"
Tears fell before I could stop them.
Suddenly, arms wrapped tightly around me.
Hana hugged me without hesitation.
"Nothing bad will happen," she said softly.
"We're with you, Haruto."
She looked at Kenji.
"Me, Kenji, and our families. Right?"
Kenji's face was blank for a moment.
Then he smiled.
"Yeah," he said.
"Of course, Hana."
Scene Shift — Kenji (Past)
(smiling)
"Yeah… I'll help him," he said lightly.
"We're friends forever, right?"
He laughed.
Scene Shift — Present
"Ahhh—Kenji!" I laughed in disbelief.
"It really is you! Long time no see!"
Then I paused.
"…Wait. How did you even get into this college?"
Kenji sighed dramatically.
"Annoying," he said with a laugh.
"Did you seriously forget that I'm better at studies than you?"
"…Oops. Did I?"
He smirked.
"So—shall we go to our new college?"
We both looked up at the massive building.
In my mind:
The air feels fresh…
Kenji glanced at me and smiled.
We walked inside together.
On the way, we grabbed a lot—
No, a LOT—of attention.
All thanks to Kenji.
Damn… I wish I looked that good.
When we entered the hall—
Someone stood at the front.
A girl.
No… not just a girl.
Hana.
The moment our eyes met—
All three of us froze.