Chapter 6: Morning Encounters
The sun crept higher above the city of Nyser, its golden light spilling across rooftops and filtering down into the streets. The world was already alive with sound — the distant roar of cars, the laughter of students gathered in clusters, the faint hum of vendors setting up stalls near the University gates.
Leon adjusted the strap of his bag as he approached the familiar campus. His shoes tapped rhythmically against the stone walkway, each step echoing softly in the quiet of the morning. For once, he wasn't rushing. For once, he was early.
He let his gaze wander across the yard. Normally, the entrance would be packed with students hurrying in at the last minute, some clutching half-finished assignments, others cramming last pages of notes. But today, the place seemed almost empty. Only a handful of students were scattered here and there, standing in lazy groups or sitting on benches, chatting in hushed voices.
Leon sighed, a faint mist leaving his lips in the crisp morning air. "Hm… not many students came this early."
He slowed his pace, tilting his head back. Above him, the sky was painted in delicate blues and streaks of sunlight. It was calm, almost deceptively so, as if the whole world wanted to remind him that beginnings often came quietly.
But then—
"Leon!"
His head turned instantly at the familiar voice. The sound was bright, clear, and carried effortlessly across the courtyard.
Rina.
She walked toward him with unhurried steps, her silver hair shining like a halo under the morning sun. Each strand caught the light as if it were spun from threads of pure silk. Her uniform swayed gently with her stride, the pleated skirt brushing against her knees, her blazer buttoned neatly but casually enough to show her confidence. Her blue eyes — sharp, striking, almost playful — were fixed directly on him.
Leon blinked, momentarily caught off guard. Why is she coming here… toward me?
She stopped just a step away, her smile carrying that same effortless brightness she always showed on stream.
"Me?" he asked, raising an eyebrow, pointing at himself.
A soft chuckle escaped her lips as she tilted her head slightly, strands of hair slipping across her shoulder. "Of course you. You're the only Leon in our department."
Leon gave a faint nod. "I see… and what business do you have with me?"
Rina leaned forward just a little, her hands behind her back, her gaze glimmering with curiosity. "Hey, Leon. Do you… know anyone rich? Like, someone named Mr. K?"
His breath caught for the briefest second. His heartbeat thudded once, a heavy beat against his chest. Is she seriously asking about me… directly to me?
But his expression remained calm, neutral, unreadable. He shook his head slightly. "No. I'm always busy studying. Why?"
Her lips curved into a faint pout. "I thought so… you're always too focused on your books." She sighed, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "Well, it's just that… this Mr. K appeared on my stream yesterday and donated a million credits. A million! Can you imagine?"
Leon's eyes widened on purpose, letting out a low whistle. "A million? That's… insane."
She nodded firmly, as though reassuring herself. "And I'm sure of one thing — he's from our department."
Leon tilted his head, feigning surprise. "Really? From our department?"
Her pout deepened, though there was a sparkle in her eyes. "Yes. I know it."
"Well," Leon said with a small shrug, "I don't know who that is."
For a moment, her gaze lingered on him as if trying to pierce through his calm expression, but she quickly relented with a light chuckle. "I guess I shouldn't have expected you to know. Anyway—" She leaned closer, lowering her voice slightly. "Did you finish your assignment?"
Leon's lips tugged upward faintly. "Of course. Why wouldn't I?"
"Right, you're the topper. Silly me." She laughed awkwardly. "I shouldn't have asked such a stupid question."
Leon shook his head. "It's fine."
Rina's eyes darted around nervously for a moment before she asked, more seriously, "Then… can you lend me your assignment? Just for a bit."
Leon raised an eyebrow, but eventually nodded. "Yes. I can. Shall we move to class?"
She hesitated briefly, aware of the eyes of students who had started noticing their conversation. Rina wasn't just another student — she was Rina, the popular streamer everyone recognized. With a graceful flick of her hair, she stepped beside him. "Let's go."
The two walked side by side toward the department building. Their footsteps echoed together, though the silence between them carried a strange weight.
"You changed your hairstyle," Rina said suddenly, her voice softer. Her gaze flicked to his tied-back hair, the loose strands brushing across his eyes. "And without your glasses, you look… quite charming."
Leon blinked in genuine surprise. "…Huh?"
Her own words hit her like a shock. Heat rushed to her cheeks, her blue eyes widening slightly. W-what am I saying? Why did that come out? She bit her lip lightly. Why does his face look prettier than most girls'?
Leon cleared his throat, trying to deflect. "Lenora suggested I try lenses. So… I tried them."
Rina's eyes softened, a flicker of something unspoken in them. Ah. So Lenora was behind this. She nodded quickly, brushing it off. "I… I see."
They reached the classroom at last. Leon headed for his usual seat, placing his bag carefully on the desk. To his mild surprise, Rina followed him and slid gracefully into the chair beside his.
He blinked. "Why are you sitting here?"
She smirked playfully, leaning her chin into her palm. "Isn't it obvious? I'm going to copy your assignment."
Leon sighed but handed over the neat stack of papers from his bag. "Alright then."
Her eyes widened as she flipped through the pages. "Leon… are you serious? Who writes this much? It's almost word for word from the professor's lectures!"
A faint smirk curved his lips. "I'm not the topper for nothing."
She groaned dramatically, dropping her forehead against the desk. "Ugh… I'll just copy the necessities."
"You have twenty minutes," Leon said dryly, leaning back in his chair with his arms crossed.
Rina immediately pulled out her notebook, pen flying across the page. Her movements were swift, practiced — the kind of speed that came from years of multitasking between streaming and studying. Leon watched idly, amusement dancing in his eyes.
"You write pretty fast," he observed.
Without looking up, she muttered, "Well, I do write fast."
The sound of footsteps grew louder as more students began entering. The low buzz of chatter filled the classroom, the scrape of chairs echoing as others sat down. Leon scanned the room briefly. "Looks like everyone's arriving now."
Rina flipped another page with a sharp sigh. "Leon… why did you write so much? This is like a textbook. Even reading it feels exhausting."
He chuckled softly. "I got too into it. Ended up writing everything I knew about the Association."
Her eyes flicked toward him. "So you enjoy writing, huh? Which club did you join then? Literature?"
Leon shook his head. "No. Theater."
Rina nearly dropped her pen. "Theater?! You? I thought for sure it would be Literature!"
A small smile tugged his lips. "Nope. Theater, not Literature."
Before she could argue further, Lenora entered. Leon immediately raised a hand, waving casually.
Lenora walked over, pausing when she saw Rina in her usual seat. Her voice carried an edge of sharpness. "That's my seat."
Rina blinked, then gave a small apologetic smile. "Ah—sorry. I was just copying the assignment." She stood smoothly and moved one desk behind.
Lenora slid into the seat beside Leon, her gray eyes locking on him. Her lips curled into a sly smile. "You're looking amazing today."
Leon adjusted his lenses slightly. "Thanks to you."
Her smirk deepened. "Obviously." She leaned just a bit closer, her voice dropping to a whisper only he could hear. "So… how much did you make through that investment?"
Leon stiffened. Why is she asking that here?
"About twenty million," he muttered quickly. "And it's still going up."
Her eyes widened, sparkling in disbelief. "Are you serious?! Leon, you're a million—"
Before she could finish, his hand shot out, clamping gently but firmly over her mouth. "Please. Don't talk about private things here," he hissed. His thoughts churned. Why does this idiot always talk so loud?
Lenora bit his hand playfully before pulling back with a grin. "Okay, okay. Happy now?"
Leon shook his hand with a wince. "Ouch. Are you a dog or something?"
The room went silent as the professor walked in. His presence commanded instant attention.
"Alright," the professor said briskly, setting his notes down. "Everyone did their assignment, yes?"
A murmur of agreement spread across the class. Even those who hadn't completed theirs nodded nervously.
"Good. Submit everything to the class representative."
Papers shuffled across desks. The professor began the lecture, his deep voice filling the room. Hours passed with the scratching of pens, the dull rhythm of notes, and the occasional yawn of a student trying to stay awake.
Finally, the bell rang.
Leon stretched, rolling his shoulders. "Hey. Let's go eat before the next class."
Lenora nodded. "Yeah, let's go."
"Can I join too?" Rina's voice chimed in brightly.
Lenora's eyes narrowed slightly. Why is she tagging along? Doesn't she already have her own group? But she forced a smile. "You can."
Rina's eyes sparkled. "Great! Then I'll treat you both."
The trio made their way to the canteen. The warm, savory aroma of fried food and grilled meat wafted through the air, mingling with the constant chatter of hungry students.
"I want the special burgers," Lenora said immediately.
Leon nodded. "Same."
"Got it." Rina moved quickly to the counter, ordering three meals. She returned moments later, setting down trays loaded with burgers and drinks at a table tucked into the corner.
As they unwrapped their food, Rina asked casually, "So, are you two friends?"
Lenora answered bluntly. "No."
Rina tilted her head, her lips curving in a mischievous smile. "Then what? You're always together. Are you dating?"
Leon nearly choked, coughing as his hand shot to his chest. "O-Of course not!"
Lenora rolled her eyes, sipping her drink. "We're childhood friends."
"Isn't that the same?" Rina teased.
"No. It's different," Lenora shot back firmly.
Rina laughed lightly, giving up the argument. "I see. Childhood friends, huh?"
Leon sighed, shaking his head. "Yeah. That's all it is."
The three ate together, their voices mixing with the buzz of the canteen. For Leon, the moment felt strangely… normal. For the first time, surrounded by chatter, laughter, and food, he allowed himself to relax.
By the time the lunch period ended and classes wrapped up hours later, Leon leaned back in his chair, exhaustion mixing with quiet satisfaction.
Another day at University was done.
And perhaps, just perhaps, something new was beginning.