- I'm okay.
Memories of the past flash through his mind.
A young boy in high school gets food all over him from another student.Yet, he laughs it off, saying
- I'm okay.
The young boy stands in the kitchen.
- So, how's school been going?
He forces a smile.
- It's going fine. Exams are tough... but I'm okay.
The memories stop.His mind remains blank."I'm okay" echoes throughout.
[Present Day]
Luca opens his eyes.He stares at the mirror.
- I'm okay, right, Luca? You're okay.
After washing his face, he brews a cup of coffee and steps out onto the balcony.
- It's been two months now since I started university here in Japan...And it's been a month since that day.
[Flashback]
A bar.People chatting, glasses clinking.Eight new undergraduates, one month into their school year.
A bulky young man, tipsy, leans toward his classmate holding a glass of water.
- Hey, come on, man. We came all the way here and you're just sitting on your ass drinking water?
The one with water chuckles.
- I can't hold my alcohol well, so I'd just be a bother for everyone.
The bulky friend frowns.
- You're no freaking fun. Every single time, bro. No wonder Alice cheated on your dumbass.
Silence.
Luca looks at Alice beside him in disbelief.Back at the bulky one who keeps going.
- Not like I blame her. All you ever do is follow her around like some leech.We only invited you into this group because of her anyway.You really piss me off. Just get out of here, Luca.
He looks to the others.No one meets his eyes.Even Alice looks away.
With a heavy heart, he swallows his pride, stands, and leaves.
He walks along the sidewalk toward home, mumbling
- It's fine. I'm fine. It'll be okay... it might just be the alcohol talking.
Bzzt.
A message from Alice:
- Let's end things here. It's better for the both of us.
He doesn't cry.He walks to a bridge, the world turning silent and empty.Cold rails in his hands.Water far below.
He leans forward hesitating.
Footsteps.
A can of coffee is handed to him.
- The rails are cold at this hour, you know.
She stands a few feet away.Messy bun, strands of green catching the lamplight.Loose pieces framing her face.Long cardigan, casual clothes.Glasses sliding down her nose.
She offers the coffee without a word.He takes it.
- Whenever I'm sad, coffee always seems to cheer me up.Coffee, the moon, the cool night breeze...Would be a waste to jump on a night like this, don't you think?
Luca glances at her.Looks at the sky.
- So, mister stranger, are you okay?
- ...I don't know. Time will tell.
[Present Day]
- After all that time... after meeting her...I went back to my bad habits again, didn't I?Wait what was her name?
Sip.
- I didn't ask for her name or her number... DAMN IT.
Sulking.PC boots up.Notifications flood in.
- Hmm... I haven't really spent much time with these guys since I started hanging out with Alice and the others.Three or four months maybe.Should I leave there too...?Maybe I was a bother there as well.
Click.
Accidentally joins a voice call.
Klaus profile lights up
- Huh? Who joined? Wait is that you, Luca? How've you been, dude?
- Hi, guys... it's been a while, haha.
Nero profile lights up
- It's been ages, bro. Where've you been?
Rina profile lights up
- LUCAAAA! HELLOOOOOO! Oh my goodness, how are you, little man? I missed you so much! —Rina.
Jane stays muted but types in the chat:
Welcome back. Want to run a few bosses with me like before? I'll carry, don't worry.
Astra profile lights up
- Last we heard, you were preparing to go to university in Japan, right?
Something bursts inside Luca.Tears spill.
- I missed the hell out of you guys! I'm sorry I've been gone so long... I messed up big time. I'm sorry don't kick me out!
Panic on the other end.
Rina profile lights up
- The heck made you think we'd kick you out, silly? We're like family here, aren't we?
Agreement all around.Luca smiles through tears.
- Thank you, guys. Seriously... thank you.
[Weekend Time Skip]
They play games, talk, laugh.By nightfall, Luca's mind drifts back to the classes he's been skipping.
- Say, guys... I need some advice. I only took this course because of my ex which, yeah, was stupid.I don't enjoy it, and now it's awkward. What should I do?
Klaus profile lights up
- Either drop out or switch to something you actually want to do. Simple, right?
Others agree.Astra adds
- Don't forget it's your decision, your life, your future. Do what you want over there. Not for a girl, but for yourself.Out of curiosity... have you thought of any other classes?
Flash of memories.Decision made.
By Wednesday, he's with the graphic design students.Class flows easily.He leaves smiling.
A young man in a cap watches him go.
[After Class]
He wanders.No friends waiting.Coffee shop appears.Steps inside.
- This place is nice... I like it here.
Footsteps.A poke on the cheek.
He turns
Her.
The girl from the bridge.Hair flowing past her shoulders now.Dark circles around her eyes.Makeup... or exhaustion?
Can't look away.
- So then, bridge boy... what can I get you?
- Coffee.