First day of class, you sat down while trying to swallow the heavy breaths left from climbing four flights of stairs. Whoever decided to put a freshman lecture hall on the fourth floor clearly had something against students.

The classroom gradually filled with people, the air buzzing with first-day introductions and awkward conversations. Some students were busy comparing schedules while others sat quietly, waiting for the semester to officially begin.

Not long after, the professor entered the room carrying a stack of papers beneath one arm. The chatter slowly died down as he made his way to the front.

"Good morning, everyone. Welcome to Research Methods. I hope all of you are prepared for a lot of reading this semester."

A few groans immediately echoed throughout the room, earning a chuckle from the professor.

"Before we begin, my teaching assistant should be arriving any minute now. He'll be helping with discussions, grading assignments, and office hours."

Almost on cue, the classroom door opened.

Someone stepped inside and quietly approached the front of the room. "Perfect timing. Everyone, this is Shion Sano."The name caught your attention immediately.

Shion Sano.

The same Shion who used to live a few houses away from yours. The same childhood friend who spent countless afternoons walking home with you after school. The same person you hadn't seen since moving away nearly five years ago.

As if sensing your gaze, Shion looked up.

And froze.

Not visibly. Not enough for anyone else to notice.

But for a brief second, his mind went completely blank. You.

Of all places. Of all universities. Of all classrooms.

You.

Five years.

Five years of missed birthdays, unanswered messages, and convincing himself that eventually he'd stop thinking about you.

And now you were sitting three rows from the front, looking at him like this was some ridiculous coincidence.

Shion quickly looked away before anyone could notice the change in his expression.

"Good morning."

His voice came out steadier than he felt.

This was fine. He was fine. Unfortunately, neither of those things were true.