Yumio sat on her bed, hugging a pillow to her chest, her legs gently swinging as she stared at the glow of her phone screen. A soft smile refused to leave her face.

  They really let me go…

  The thought alone made her heart race. For so long, school had felt like a distant dream—something she only heard about through others’ stories. And now, it was real.

  Excitement bubbling inside her, she opened her laptop and began browsing through Ainsworth University’s website. Clubs, organizations, campus events—her eyes sparkled as she scrolled.

  “There’s so much…” she murmured, half in disbelief.

  Music clubs. Psychology societies. Volunteer groups. Student journals. She bookmarked several pages, already imagining herself walking through the campus, surrounded by people her age.

  Unable to contain herself, she opened their group chat and typed the news.

  Almost immediately, messages flooded in.

  Akie: That’s great!

  Evelyn: We are also going there, so we’re happy you’ll be going with us!

  Miyana: Me and the girls were planning on asking Uncle to let you go, but this is even better.

  Chasey: Did you really tell him that you wanted to go to school?

  Yumio smiled softly and replied.

  Yumio: Yeah. I was a bit scared at first… but I managed to muster up the courage. I want to explore more—outside my house, outside my comfort zone.

  As she sent the message, she realized how true it was. Saying it out loud—even through text—made it feel more real.

  Willow: I’m so happy you’ll be going to Ainsworth! Our family owns the university, and I’m excited to have my new best friend with me there!

  Yumio let out a small laugh, warmth spreading through her chest. She stared at the screen, feeling incredibly lucky.

  Naomi: By the way, when will we have another hangout? I’m missing our get-togethers.

  Yuina: We’ll try to slip something into our schedules. Summer break’s almost here, but requirements are piling up.

  Hailey: Yuina has a point.

  Sevan: We have class now. I’ll talk to you guys later.

  Ariana: Same here.

  Yumio: Talk to you all later. I still have to arrange some things here in my room.

  She set her phone down beside her and leaned back, exhaling softly.

  “I really do have the best friends,” she whispered to herself.

  Her gaze drifted upward—to the top shelf of her cabinet—where a small, old box sat quietly, half-hidden by books and folded linens.

  Kenshin’s gift… Bambi’s box.

  Curiosity stirred again, just like before.

  She stood up, reached for the box, and carefully brought it down, as if afraid it might crumble in her hands. Sitting back on the bed, she placed it in her lap and slowly lifted the lid.

  Inside were neatly arranged items—memories preserved in silence.

  She pulled out a small stack of photo albums first, then noticed several trinkets beneath them. One caught her eye immediately.

  A delicate golden bracelet.

  She picked it up gently, turning it so the light caught the engraved word:

  Forever.

  “Was this from Aunt’s lover?” Yumio murmured, her brows knitting together.

  She placed it back carefully and reached for another item—a necklace. A simple chain, but the pendant was unmistakable.

  The letter “L.”

  Her heart skipped.

  “L…?” she whispered. “Was that perhaps her lover’s initial?”

  A strange feeling settled in her chest.

  Then she noticed one particular photo album. Unlike the others, it had a title written neatly on the cover:

  With my love.

  Yumio hesitated before opening it.

  Inside were photos of Bambi—laughing, smiling, looking carefree in ways Yumio had never seen. Standing beside her in every picture was the same man.

  But something was wrong.

  In every single photograph, his face was scratched out.

  Not torn. Not blurred.

  Scratched out.

  Yumio’s fingers tightened around the album.

  “Hm…?” she whispered. “That’s weird…”

  She flipped through the pages slowly, unease growing with every turn. No matter the setting—parks, streets, quiet moments—his face was always deliberately erased.

  She closed the album and reached for the loose photograph she had seen before—the one of the man sitting beneath the small willow tree.

  Her breath hitched.

  His face was scratched out there, too.

  “Even this picture…” she murmured. “And this one isn’t even part of the album.”

  Her mind raced.

  Who exactly is this person?

  Why erase his face so completely?

  She stared down at the photos, her reflection faintly visible in their glossy surface.

  “Is he… Ariana’s father?” she whispered.

  The room felt suddenly quieter.

  And for the first time that morning, Yumio’s happiness was tinged with something else—an unfamiliar sense of mystery slowly pulling her deeper in.

  “You seem excited~”

  Liam looked up from his seat and met Luca’s teasing grin. He couldn’t help it—his own smile widened.

  “That’s because my father finally allowed me to take the course I want.”

  The group froze for half a second before the reaction exploded.

  “Wait—seriously?” Brent leaned over his desk. “That’s huge.”

  “Wow! Good for you, bro!” Brent added as he stood up and dabbed Liam enthusiastically. Liam laughed and returned it, the sound surprising even himself.

  “Didn’t think I’d ever see the day,” Blake said with a small grin. “Guess miracles really do happen.”

  “You earned it,” Luca said, nodding in approval. “You’ve been stressing about that for months.”

  “You’re going to Ainsworth, right?” Gumi asked, adjusting his bag strap.

  Liam nodded. “Yeah. It’s been my dream university for as long as I can remember.”

  “That makes six of us, then,” Blake said. “We’re all going too—just different courses.”

  “Which means we’ll barely see each other,” Brent added dramatically, placing a hand on his chest. “Tragic.”

  Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

  Liam chuckled and patted Blake’s back. “You’ll survive. We’ll still see each other around campus. Ainsworth’s big, but not that big.”

  Before anyone could reply, the bell rang sharply through the hallway.

  “Freedom,” Brent muttered.

  The boys grabbed their bags and filed out of the classroom, laughter echoing as they stepped into the crowded corridor.

  Outside, Liam made his way toward the bike racks, the late afternoon sun casting long shadows across the pavement. He unlocked his bike, the familiar routine calming him.

  “I’ve noticed something,” Nachi said slowly, arms crossed as he watched Liam swing a leg over the bike.

  Liam paused. “Noticed what?”

  “You’ve been leaving right after school lately,” Nachi continued. “Like, every day.”

  “Now that you mention it,” Luca added, squinting thoughtfully, “you’ve also been hanging out with us less.”

  “And always checking the time,” Blake said. “You’re never late, but you’re never staying either.”

  Brent’s eyes lit up. “Ohhh. I get it now.”

  Liam groaned internally.

  “Is there perhaps a girl you’re seeing?” Brent teased, grinning ear to ear.

  Liam shot him a sharp look. “Haha. Very funny, Solano.”

  Brent raised both hands. “Hey, I’m just asking the important questions.”

  “But seriously,” Brent said, lowering his voice just a bit. “What’s up with you?”

  Liam tightened his grip on the handlebars and shrugged, keeping his expression neutral.

  “Nothing big. I’m just… trying to find myself.”

  The answer was vague—but honest enough.

  He glanced at his watch and straightened. “I really have to go. See you guys on Monday.”

  With a small wave, he pushed off, pedaling down the street until the school faded behind him.

  The boys stood there for a moment, watching his figure disappear.

  Blake sighed and shook his head. “Even before all this, he really was full of mystery.”

  Gumi shrugged. “It’s his choice if he wants to tell us what’s going on.”

  Brent crossed his arms, smirking. “Still. I’ve got a feeling he’s seeing someone.”

  “Right with you, bro,” Nachi said. “That look on his face? That’s not just ‘finding yourself.’”

  The group exchanged knowing glances.

  Whatever Liam was hiding, they all sensed one thing—

  Something had changed.

  Liam pushed open the glass door of the local convenience store, the familiar chime ringing above his head. The cool air brushed against his skin, instantly easing the heat from the afternoon ride. He headed straight for the shelves, already knowing what he wanted.

  He paused in front of the snacks, eyes scanning the rows until he found the strawberry-flavored ones. Pocky, candies, a small carton of strawberry milk—he picked them up without hesitation. He even grabbed a small cake, carefully placing it in his basket. After that, he added a few snacks he actually liked, something savory to balance things out.

  As he approached the counter, the regular cashier glanced at the items and chuckled softly. He had seen Liam enough times to know his usual choices—and these definitely weren’t them.

  “Well, this isn’t really your taste,” the cashier said as he began punching in each item. “So… who’s it for?”

  Liam felt a slight warmth creep up his neck, but he smiled anyway.

  “Just someone,” he replied casually. “I’m planning on celebrating with her.”

  The cashier raised an eyebrow, then broke into a knowing grin. “Celebrating, huh? Must be someone special.”

  Liam didn’t deny it. He simply smiled, a quiet, genuine smile that said more than words ever could.

  “Yeah,” he said softly.

  He paid for the items, took the bag, and stepped back outside. The sunlight greeted him again as he unlocked his bike and placed the bag securely in the basket.

  As he pedaled away, the corners of his lips stayed lifted. The wind rushed past him, tugging at his hair, yet he barely noticed. His mind was already elsewhere—at the cliff, under that familiar tree, imagining Yumio’s reaction.

  He didn’t even realize when he started smiling wider.

  He wasn’t sure when it happened, or how, but the thought of sharing his good news with Yumio filled him with a lightness he hadn’t felt in a long time.

  And for once, that was more than enough.

  Yumio biked through the familiar streets of town, the late-morning sun filtering through the buildings and warming her skin. She slowed down as she reached her favorite café—Ivy Brew—a cozy corner shop wrapped in vines and soft green paint that always made her feel at ease. She parked her bike outside, the small bell above the door chiming as she stepped in.

  The scent of freshly ground coffee beans and baked pastries greeted her instantly. A few baristas glanced up and smiled in recognition. Being a regular had its perks.

  “Afternoon, Mio,” one of the baristas greeted warmly as she wiped down the counter. “The usual?”

  Yumio nodded, returning the smile. “Yes, please. And…” she hesitated for just a second before adding, “can you also add an iced vanilla macchiato and a lemon poppyseed scone?”

  The barista paused mid-input and looked at her with mild surprise. “Oh? You’re buying someone a drink today?”

  Yumio felt her cheeks warm slightly. “For someone,” she corrected gently, a soft smile tugging at her lips.

  The barista leaned in a little, clearly amused. “That’s a first. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you order for anyone else.”

  Yumio let out a small chuckle. “It’s his favorite.”

  That earned her a grin. “Then he must be someone special.”

  Yumio didn’t answer right away. Instead, she smiled—quiet, fond, and a little shy—before moving to her usual seat near the window. She rested her elbows on the table, watching people pass by outside as she waited.

  Her thoughts drifted almost immediately.

  I wonder how Liam will react, she thought, fingers tapping lightly against the table. Will he be surprised? Happy? Will he smile like he usually does?

  The idea of telling him that she had finally been allowed to go to Ainsworth University made her heart flutter. She imagined his eyes lighting up, the way his voice softened whenever he was genuinely happy for someone.

  So lost in her thoughts was she that she barely registered her name being called.

  “Mio!”

  She blinked, startled, then laughed softly at herself. “Oh—sorry!”

  She hurried to the counter, thanking the barista as she carefully took the drinks and pastry, making sure everything was secure before heading out.

  Back outside, she placed the items carefully in her bag and mounted her bike once more. As she pedaled away, her pace quickened, excitement bubbling in her chest.

  The cliff—and Liam—were waiting.

  Both of them slowed down as the path narrowed, their bikes side by side as they made their way up the familiar slope toward the cliff. For a brief moment, they glanced at each other—eyes meeting, surprised—and then both broke into laughter, the kind that came easily now, without awkwardness.

  “You’re racing me now?” Liam teased, pedaling a little faster.

  “Only because you’re slow,” Yumio shot back playfully, matching his pace.

  They reached the top almost at the same time and leaned their bikes against the rocks at their usual spot, just beneath the tree that overlooked the town. The breeze was gentle, carrying with it the distant sounds of the streets below. They turned to each other, still smiling, catching their breath.

  “You seem to be in a happy mood,” Yumio said, tilting her head slightly as she studied him.

  Liam chuckled. “I could say the same to you. You’ve been smiling since you got here.”

  Their eyes drifted down almost simultaneously to what the other was holding.

  Liam gestured toward the cup in her hand. “Is that for… us?” he asked, a hint of hope in his voice.

  Yumio nodded. “And I’m guessing that’s also for us?” she replied, pointing to the bag he was carrying.

  He nodded back, smiling wider.

  They climbed up and settled beneath the tree, sitting close but comfortable, legs stretched out as the town spread before them. Yumio carefully handed him the coffee and pastry.

  “I ordered your favorite,” she said softly.

  Liam looked at the cup, then at her, clearly touched. “You remembered,” he said, accepting it. He opened his bag and turned it toward her. “Then it’s a good thing I did too. I also bought your favorites.”

  Yumio’s eyes lit up when she saw the strawberry shortcake. “You really did,” she said, taking it with a small laugh. “You didn’t have to.”

  “I wanted to,” he replied simply.

  She took a bite, savoring it, then looked at him thoughtfully. “You know… I think there’s something we both want to say. We both brought each other our favorites, and we’re both smiling like this.”

  Liam smiled knowingly and took a sip of his coffee. “Then how about you go first?”

  Yumio inhaled softly, fingers tightening around the pastry box. “Alright,” she said. “My parents finally let me go to Ainsworth University. They approved of me going to school.”

  Liam froze for a second before his expression brightened. “Really?” he asked, genuine excitement in his voice. “That’s amazing, Yumio. I’m really happy for you.”

  She smiled, relieved—and proud. “Thank you.”

  “My news is almost the same,” Liam said, rubbing the back of his neck.

  Yumio’s eyes widened. “Your father finally let you take the course you want?”

  He nodded. “Yeah. Biology. He actually approved.”

  Yumio smiled warmly at him. “I’m happy for you too, Liam. You deserve that.”

  He laughed softly. “Well, then… this definitely calls for a celebration.”

  Yumio laughed along. “I guess we had the same thought, since we both bought each other our favorites.”

  They clinked their cups lightly together, sharing the moment. Beneath the tree, with the wind brushing past them and the town below, they ate, talked, and laughed—both unaware that this quiet celebration marked the beginning of something even more meaningful.

  “You alright, Mio?”

  Yumio blinked and lifted her head, realizing she’d been staring at the same spot on the table for far too long. Hailey was leaning toward her, brows slightly knit in concern.

  “Huh?” Yumio let out a small laugh, rubbing the back of her neck. “Yeah. I’m fine.”

  Willow stepped closer, folding her arms as she studied Yumio’s face. “You sure?” she asked gently. “You’ve been unusually quiet, and that’s saying something.”

  Shayne tilted her head, eyes narrowing playfully but with concern beneath it. “You’ve been spacing out for a while now. That’s not like you unless you’re buried in a book.”

  Yumio smiled sheepishly and glanced down at her hands. “I’m just… thinking,” she admitted. “About Ainsworth University. There are so many things I can finally do once I’m there.”

  At that, Willow’s face lit up. “Oh!” she exclaimed. “Then we should totally join a lot of activities together. Clubs, organizations, events—everything! It’ll be fun!”

  Yumio laughed softly, nodding. “I’ll try, Wyn.”

  Willow froze mid-smile. “Wyn?” she repeated, one brow arching.

  Yumio nodded, a little shy but amused. “Well… since Ria, Mia, and I all have shortened nicknames, I thought it’d be nice to give you one too. If that’s okay.”

  For a second, Willow just stared at her—then she broke into a wide grin. “I love it,” she said proudly. “Wyn it is.”

  Juliana clasped her hands together, smiling brightly. “That’s actually such a great idea. Why didn’t we think of that sooner?”

  Hailey chuckled. “Looks like Mio’s already fitting into university life—giving people nicknames and all.”

  Shayne nodded in agreement. “Yeah. And if this is how you are now, I can only imagine how you’ll be once classes start.”

  Yumio smiled as she listened to them talk, her chest warming at the sound of their laughter and easy conversation. She leaned back slightly, watching them tease and chatter, feeling a quiet sense of gratitude settle in her heart.

  She really was lucky—to have found friends like them.

  As their voices blended together, Yumio’s thoughts drifted ahead once more.

  I hope I can find more friends in Ainsworth, she thought, a soft smile forming on her lips.