Back to square one

After a long...quiet summer, it was time for college. What would this new environment bring? I had yet to realise the true extent of it. What was this new world...without Akio going to bring?

"Hey Tatsu-ni! It's time to get up. Your're first class starts soon, you don't want to be late on your first day!"

Ryoko? Why did she sound so panicked? Its only 7:30-

Oh crap! It's 8!

I rushed out of bed, and once again, the golden rays from the sun welcomed in the new academic year. This time...It would be different.

We were assigned a summer assignment to complete - essentially a way to introduce ourselves.

We had to basically state our favourite hobbies and what we want to accomplish in the future.

"Hi, I'm Kyoshiro Tatsumi. Some of you may know that name from way back when, some of you may not. What do I want to accomplish while I'm here? I have yet to decide, but what I do know is that I want to find another purpose for my quiet life...one filled with less sorrow.

I'll be in your care for the foreseeable future, so I'll need your support!"

This was the foundation to create the "new" me in college. The one she so desperately wanted to see.

That morning, the world looked truly beautiful; the sky was as blue as the sea, and not a cloud was in the sky.

The cherry blossoms swayed with such nuance.

My voice softened,

"This was really a new chapter, huh, Akio?"

"Hello, class. Welcome to Seika Performing Arts College. We are so happy that you chose our college to aid you in your acting journey.

Some of you chose us for stardom, others to find purpose in your lives. Whatever the reason might be, we welcome you here at SPARC with open arms.

Without further ado, shall we move on to the summer assignments you all sent in?

I really hoped mine wasnt first.

"First up, let's see... Kyoshiro Tatsumi? Ok, everyone, be quiet! let's watch Kyoshiro-kun's Introduction video!"

The room, for a moment, drowned in silence.

As the video played, I could hear all sorts of things.

"Woah Isn't that - that famous child actor?

Was this gonna be the same as high-

"That's so cool!"

"Yeah, it is!"

...

What? Why weren't they judging me? All my life highschool life, I was judged. So why was it different now?

This was the second time I was around people who radiated that much kindness. Up until recently, kindness had been foreign to me. I still wasn't good at reciprocating such feelings.

"Hey kyoshiro-kun, why do you have such a sad expression in your eyes?" someone whispered.

The warm breath that pressed against me gave off a mysterious vibe.

Who was that?

My head turned to the desk next to me.

"Uh, who are you?"

I couldn't hide the puzzled look on my face.

The girl next to me shone. Her aura radiated confidence.

"You're more blunt than I imagined," She said while wiping the tears of laughter from her face.

"My name's Naomi - Naomi Sakura."

Naomi? What an odd name. She must've transferred here from somewhere.

"Naomi? What's up with that?"

"Oh, I'm half American, half Japanese!"Naomi said, grinning.

"So Kyoshiro-kun...why do you look so sad?"

I wasn't sad...right? Sure, I was lonely, but I wasn't sorry. What was this girl going on about?

My voice sharpened.

"I don't know what you're talking about!"

Her tone was soft. Comforting even.

"Eyes don't lie, Kyoshiro-kun. You've been through a lot, haven't you?"

I had. She didn't know the true extent of how much I had been hurting.

I mean, after all we had been through, and how it ended up, there had to be a hole in my heart. No matter how much I tried to cover it, it wouldn't close.

I missed Akio.

My hands started to tremble.

My eyes felt heavy.

"Guess so."

"I know it's bold of me to say this, and it's not my place to pry, but if you ever feel like you're alone, you can always talk to me, ok? It's not good to shoulder this burden by yourself."

Naomi Sakura, huh? What a nice girl.

Maybe my initial impression of her being mysterious was wrong.

The video ended, and our attention was back on the teacher.

"Alright, Kyoshiro-kun, thank you for submitting the work. Does anyone have any questions?

"Ooh, me!"

Who was it now?

"Are you that child actor, you know, the one who acted alongside Fujisawa Akio?"

My hand begins to tremble.

"Yes, I am...what about it?"

The guy's eyes lit up like stars.

"Really? I'm such a huge fan! Your guys' work on 'The one without you' was truly incredible! Your chemistry was real...you guys would've made the perfect couple!

It's nice to see you've recovered from your injury as well, and you're getting back into the acting scene. Let's be friends!

The names' Tsumigi Shinji!"

If only he knew.

"Yeah, thanks. I appreciate the support."

My fist clenched.

I guess Akio was right. Things were going to be different in college. For once, I was excited about what comes next.

The bell rang for lunch.

"Hey, Kyo-kun, a few of the guys in the class were going to look around campus if you wanted to come with us."

Tsumigi-kun? And why was he calling me Kyo-kun?

"Kyo-kun?"

"Oh, sorry, I just thought everyone would call you Kyoshiro-kun, so calling you Kyo-kun helps me stand out...or something"

I couldn't stop myself from smiling. This was the first time I was truly being accepted.

"Don't worry, dude It's fine! We're friends, aren't we?

"Oh, and I'll also tag along. I've been wanting to scope out campus a bit."

"Kyo-kun, thank you. I'm so grateful I get to act alongside you, starting today."

Just then, there was a knock at our classroom door.

Our teacher, maybe?

"Hey, Tatsu-kun..."

Sakura-san's voice was softer than before.