ALL NOVEL Chapter 17 - Akiba's Dream - Part 2
Among Akiha’s high school friends, not a single one went on to the same university.
So Akiha entered college with a bit of anxiety about making new friends, but of course, also filled with anticipation for college life.
Walking into the campus and taking in the view of cherry blossom trees starting to shed their petals, Akiha completed the admission process and headed towards the auditorium for the entrance ceremony.
The morning air was slightly cold, and while there was a mild buzz from all the new students, it was quieter than Akiha had imagined.
Everyone was probably nervous about starting their new lives.
“Here we are.”
As Akiha entered the large hall that was the venue for the entrance ceremony, the hubbub from outside got louder.
The hall was designed to amplify sounds.
Finding a suitable empty seat, Akiha sat down and waited for the entrance ceremony to start.
To the right and left were quiet-looking female students, none of them starting any conversations.
Time simply flowed on as the noise from the hall echoed around.
“Everyone, congratulations on your enrollment at our university. The staff and seniors welcome you from the bottom of our hearts.”
A few distinguished professors and a number of seniors spoke, and the entrance ceremony proceeded solemnly.
And about two hours later, all the proceedings were completed and dismissed.
As Akiha left the venue, swallowed up by the wave of students, they were taken aback by the completely changed scene outside.
“It’s so lively…!”
“We’re the men’s basketball team! We’re recruiting anyone who wants to play basketball!”
“We’re the light music club! Would you like to spend some leisurely time with us?”
“We’re the photography club, a place for gentlemen!”
“We’re the service club… Do we really need to recruit for this club?”
“Just continue, senior! Our budget is in jeopardy!”
“Carry on, Hikitani-kun.”
“Isn’t that person not a member?”
“My drinking money is on the line!”
With the entrance ceremony over, every club and circle was energetically recruiting new members.
Akiha, too, accepted several recruitment flyers while moving through the crowd.
Suddenly, someone tapped on Akiha’s right shoulder.
Turning around, Akiha saw a male student.
“It’s him…!”
Akiha immediately recognized him as the hero who had saved them from the flirty guy.
Yet Haruya didn’t seem to recognize Akiha at all and offered a handkerchief.
“You dropped this.”
“Oh, sorry. Thank you.”
In Haruya’s hand was indeed Akiha’s handkerchief.
Akiha took it with a thank you and looked into Haruya’s face again.
Haruya still didn’t seem to recognize Akiha.
Akiha had their hair up in a bun when they were rescued, but now it was down straight.
That change in impression might be why Haruya didn’t notice.
“I wonder if I should tell him that I’m the one he helped that time. But if I’m mistaken… No, I’m sure he’s the person from that time…”
While Akiha was deliberating, Haruya said, “Well then,” and passed by.
Akiha just stood there alone.
“I couldn’t talk to him again… I didn’t get to ask his name…”
Of course, Akiha couldn’t have known that Haruya had fallen for Akiha at first sight.
From that day on, their frustrating days began where they wanted to talk to each other but couldn’t, unable to notice that the other wanted to talk too.
“Ahh…”
Akiha woke up slowly on the couch.
It seemed that no one had come home yet, and the house was quiet.
“I dreamed of Haruya… so vividly… I remembered the day he saved me so clearly.”
Akiha picked up their smartphone and opened Lavin.
Then Akiha opened the chat screen with Haruya.
But Akiha didn’t send anything and stopped.
The time was 6 in the afternoon.
At this time, Haruya would be on a date.
As a rental boyfriend, with someone unknown.
“It’s just a job. I understand that. But…”
“I don’t want you to date other girls…”
Akiha murmured and caught themselves.
“This is more than just liking him…”
He saved Akiha gently from the fear of being flirted with.
They met again by chance at the university.
Akiha watched as Haruya gently reassured a lost girl.
They shared a sweet time at a dessert buffet.
He protected Akiha by holding them tight when the seaside house collapsed.
They looked at the beautiful sea together.
Akiha clearly admitted it.
Haruya was no longer just someone Akiha liked.
He was a much bigger presence.
Until recently, Akiha was somewhat content with the relationship of being good friends.
But now, that wasn’t enough.
“Maybe this summer… No, definitely this summer.”
As Akiha clenched their smartphone, a message came from Haruya, who was at work while his client was in the bathroom.
[Can you go out after school the day after tomorrow?]
Of course, Akiha immediately responded with an OK.