Chapter 1

**At a hotpot restaurant in city Osama of country z**.

Aki was sitting at a table placed near a glass window. It was past noon, ,the spring blossom had just started to bloom, and the weather was just like the day she came to country z.

**Five years ago**.

It was just another normal day in March. And Aki had just graduated high school .

Spring had always been Aki's favorite season. And this time was extra special.

she was starting college leaving her past ready to have a fresh start in her life.

"My dorm must be located here, according to the location sent by the university," she whispered as she gazed at the lovely  road covered with fallen cherry blossom.

"I was told that I would have to share a dorm with  another  student; I wonder who she would be."she thought.

She stepped out of her thoughts and began strolling  down the  pink lane, looking at her phone for directions.

After a short walk, she arrived at her apartment.

It was a modest flat with three bedrooms and was located just two blocks from the university where she had been accepted. She started looking around.

Suddenly, the door to one of those rooms cracked open, revealing a  tall man with dark brown hair and alluring hazel eyes.  "You are?" he said in a deep yet soothing  voice.

"I'll be living here starting today, but who are you?" she asked anxiously. "Wait, are you my flatmate? Wasn't it supposed to be a girl?" she wondered.

"Well, I don't think I'm a girl," he said awkwardly .

" I live here".

"And since you are here, I think we will be living together for some time".

"You can take the room next to the kitchen".

And he went inside his room.

"My name is Aki...".

"I guess he doesn't like to socialize"

PRESENT DAY

Aki was staring endlessly at the scenic view of outside while being lost in her thoughts until She was interrupted by her best friend Himeko.

"I placed our orders! " Himeko said while pulling one chair out in order to sit.

"Thanks, Himeko. " Aki replied with a blank face.

Placing her hands on Aki's cheeks ,Himeko What's up with you today? You should be happy . . it's such a special day.

"I know right! I should be happy ... But.. " she said as her voice became a little heavy.

"You know.. I always thought I would have you, Kai and.......Dion together to celebrate my first job. Its crazy right.. how you go from being so close to nearly strangers" she continued with a lowered gaze and sighed.

Himeko looked at Aki with a gentle gaze

 "Aki ... I know you still miss him. But... it is better being strangers than getting hurt trying to make a broken relationship work.And why are being all sad when you have worked so hard for the past 5 years to get this job. Seeing you like this is making my heart ache".

"Actually! you are right. I am sorry for making you worry.. "

The server brought the order to the table.

"Let's eat until our stomachs explode today".Himeko screamed out of excitement.

" Aki has finally gotten a job today ".

"Don't try to be stingy ". Everything's on you today!"she said while raising the glass of beer to raise a toast, stretching her arm to its maximum limit.

Aki replied, having her mood cheered up by Himeko's excitement.

"sure! let's do that! . Let's get drunk tonight".

AT AKI'S PLACE:

Himeko dragged Aki to her apartment and gently made her sit on the couch.

"Why did you drink so much even after knowing you have bad alcohol tolerance? " Himeko said while patting on Aki's head who had fallen asleep because of the beer she drank." But it's your day today after all...maybe I shouldn't nag too much".

Himeko brought a blanket from Aki's room and put it over Aki. "She is too heavy for me to lift her into her room"Himeko sighed." This blanket should keep her warm.I should also go to sleep now"she thought.

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