Natsuo sat alone at a small café near campus, tapping his fingers nervously against the table as he glanced at the clock. He was waiting for a study group that had formed for an upcoming exam, but he couldn’t shake the feeling of unease gnawing at him. The place was bustling with chatter, but he felt out of place amidst the noise.

Just as he was about to check his phone for the umpteenth time, the door swung open, and a classmate rushed in, shaking off the rain from their umbrella. Natsuo watched as they scanned the room before their eyes landed on him, a bright smile breaking across their face. “Hey! Sorry I’m late!” they called out, making their way over. Natsuo felt a warmth spread through him, his tension easing as they took a seat across from him.

“Let’s tackle this together, yeah?” Natsuo said, watching them pull out their notes with enthusiasm. Natsuo couldn’t help but smile back, grateful for the friendly presence that made studying feel a little less daunting.