Sigh...

Strolling near the entrance gates, a young woman—just nineteen—adjusted her silky, dark brown hair behind her head as a gentle breeze tousled the strands.

The creak of swaying trees blended with the murmurs of countless conversations. The hum of chatter from passing students echoed like a restless river, amplifying her awkwardness.

"I moved all the way to the big city just to attend university..." she murmured, her voice barely audible above the soft rustle of leaves. Her hair framed her face in a soft V-shape, leaving her warm brown eyes exposed. A small braid fell beside her left cheek, and a single rebellious ahoge stood atop her head, giving her an endearingly innocent appearance.

"But everyone here looks so fashionable. I hope they don't think I’m too plain..."

Yet her outfit was far from ordinary. She wore a latte-colored, form-fitting dress that clung to her like a second skin, accentuating her figure. It ended just beneath her ample chest, seamlessly paired with a sleek, tight black skirt that reached from her midriff down to her Achilles tendon, leaving one knee enticingly exposed.

Adjusting the strap of her small brown shoulder bag, she continued toward the building's grand double doors. Her eyes darted nervously to the lively groups around her, their laughter and ease a stark contrast to her quiet solitude.

Her name was Ryoko—a shy, sweet young woman from Japan who had always been more comfortable fading into the background than standing out.

"And I haven’t made a single friend yet..." she whispered, fidgeting with her fingers. Her neatly combed hair started to come undone, strands messily sticking out as if mirroring her inner turmoil, adding a touch of comical charm to her otherwise delicate presence.