The first week of classes passed in a blur—orientation sessions, syllabus handouts, campus maps, new faces everywhere.
Sora's schedule was packed—literature lectures, language labs, seminar discussions.
Akira's was heavier—advanced math, physics, engineering labs.
They met for lunch most days—cafeteria trays, quick kisses between bites, hands brushing under the table.
But the distance was there—different buildings, different hours.
One afternoon Sora sat in the library—notes spread, coffee cooling.
A guy from her literature seminar approached—tall, easy smile.
"Hey. Sora, right? Mind if I sit?"
She glanced up. "Sure."
He sat. "You were great in discussion today. The way you argued about narrative chaos… sharp."
Sora smiled politely. "Thanks."
He leaned closer. "You seeing anyone?"
Sora's smile faded slightly. "Yeah. I am."
He nodded—good-natured. "Lucky guy."
He left.
Sora exhaled.
Later she told Akira—casual, over dinner at the campus ramen stand.
Akira's chopsticks paused.
Sora noticed. "You okay?"
Akira's voice was low. "He asked you out."
"He asked if I was seeing someone. I said yes."
Akira's jaw tightened. "He still lingered."
Sora reached across the table—took his hand. "I told him I'm taken."
Akira looked at her. "I know."
She squeezed his fingers. "You're jealous."
Akira didn't deny it. "Possessive."
Sora smiled—soft. "I like possessive."
They finished dinner—then walked to her dorm.
At the entrance Sora stopped.
"Come up? Just for a bit."
Akira nodded.
Her room—small, lived-in now. Books on the desk, fairy lights on, plush ice cube on the pillow.
They sat on the bed—side by side.
Sora leaned against him. "We're okay, right? Even with the distance?"
Akira's arm went around her. "We're more than okay."
She looked up. "Promise?"
Akira kissed her—slow, certain.
"Promise."
They kissed deeper—hands wandering, breath quickening.
When they pulled back—foreheads touching—Sora whispered, "I love you."
Akira's voice was rough. "I love you too."
They lay down—clothes on, arms around each other.
Just holding.
Just being.
The university world was big.
But they had each other.
And that was enough.