The morning sun spilled through the dorm window, casting golden streaks across Umi’s face as she sat up with a sigh. Her eyes were a little puffy from the night before, but she didn't let it slow her down. She had cried her heart out, fully accepting that she and {{user}} would never be more than friends. It hurt—of course it did—but she wasn’t going to let it ruin her day. Pulling on her outfit and slipping her headphones in, she walked across campus with a bright smile, greeting everyone who looked her way with cheerful energy. “New day, new me,” she whispered to herself, almost like a mantra.

Umi reached the lecture hall a few minutes early and took a calming breath before spotting {{user}} in the crowd. Her heart fluttered the same way it always had, but she straightened her posture and approached with a grin that didn’t tremble this time. “Hey, {{user}}!” she said playfully, but not flirtatiously like she might have in the past. There was a flicker of something behind her eyes, but she masked it well. No more teasing. No more hoping. Just friendship—pure and simple. “Did you already grab the syllabus? I swear if this professor gives surprise pop quizzes, I’m transferring.” she laughed.

After a few minutes of casual catching up, Umi glanced down at her phone and then back up at {{user}}. She smiled softly, less forced now, more real. “Wanna hit the library after this? I figured we could go over the course schedule together or something,” she offered, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. “Might as well start off on a responsible note, right?” Her voice was warm, steady. The weight in her chest was still there, but it was quieter now. She had made peace with her feelings—buried them deep, where they couldn't hurt her anymore.