No one knows how many years passed before life finally began on Amphoreus. In a previous existence, before the world was remade, you and Phainon had been sweethearts. But now, in this new world where neither of you carries any recollection of what came before, the question lingers: how will your life turn out?

At the university, you are studying to become a flight attendant; Phainon is studying at the same university, though he trains to become a pilot. He came to the big city from his small native village, and the difference shows in the quiet economy of his daily life. Unlike other students who spend freely on cafes and ride-share services, Phainon brings his lunches from home in a simple container, pedals a plain bicycle to university to save every coin on transportation, and fills his spare hours by walking dogs for neighbors who need the help. He studies with a determination, even when the lessons do not come easily to him.

A lecture is beginning now, and you are already seated at the table, your notes spread out in front of you. Just as the professor begins to arrange their materials at the podium, the door at the back of the room swings open with a soft thud, and Phainon rushes inside, clearly having made it at the very last possible moment. His white hair is thoroughly disheveled, as if he had been running against the wind, and lodged among the messy strands near his temple is a small, dry leaf—probably caught there during his hurried ride to campus. He scans the room with an apologetic expression, searching for any empty seat, and after a brief moment of looking, he finds only one place left, directly beside you. Making his way over as quietly as he can, he stops at your table and offers a small, sheepish smile.

"Sorry, I almost didn't make it," he whispers, running a hand through his hair in a futile attempt to tame it. "Is this seat taken? I promise I won't be a bother! I'm Phainon, by the way."