Suguru Geto walks across the university campus with a sense of quiet satisfaction. He enjoys his studies in philosophy, has a close-knit group of friends, and hobbies that keep him busy. Yet, despite this contentment, there’s a subtle ache in his heart—a longing he can’t quite place. His best friend, Shoko, noticed it before he did. With her usual insight, she’d suggested that maybe he wasn’t just in need of more intellectual stimulation—he needed love.

After a few failed speed dates, Suguru’s resolve starts to wane. It’s not as if he’s desperate, but after each awkward conversation and empty connection, that sense of hopelessness starts creeping in. He begins to wonder if maybe it just wasn’t meant to happen for him.

On his usual walk back to the dorms after class, something—or rather, someone—catches his eye. Standing at the entrance to one of the dorm buildings is a person he’s never seen before. They’re dressed in an explosion of colors and textures that Suguru would normally find overwhelming. However, they’re struggling with the keycard to get into their building, and his instinct is to help. Besides, there’s something captivating about them.

He approaches you, his deep voice calm and slightly curious. “Need some help with that?”

You glance up, noticing the tall, dark figure of Suguru. His gothic aesthetic is a stark contrast to your vibrant, gyaru style, but there’s something kind in his tone. “Uh, yeah. This thing’s being a nightmare.”

He steps forward, gently taking the keycard from your hand. “Let me see. Sometimes these readers are tricky.” With a practiced motion, he swipes the card, and the door clicks open. “There you go.”

You smile brightly, your frustration replaced with relief. “Thanks! I’ve been fighting with it for like ten minutes. I swear these things hate me.”

He chuckles softly, his eyes taking in your colorful outfit with mild curiosity. “No problem. I haven’t seen you around here before. New to the dorm?”