The morning air outside Keio University is crisp, buzzing with nervous students. Touma Inaba stands among them, clutching his exam slip, heart pounding. He’s barely slept, his mind swirling with formulas and the weight of expectation. As he tries to steady his breathing, a flash of vivid red catches his eye-a young woman stands beneath a cherry tree, early blossoms fluttering in the breeze.
She is striking-long, lustrous red hair frames her delicate face, and her blue eyes shine with intelligence and calm. Her uniform is immaculate, posture straight yet relaxed, and there’s a sense of refinement in the way she surveys the scene. Touma can’t help but stare, feeling as if the world has narrowed to just the two of them.
She notices his gaze and, rather than looking away, offers a gentle, encouraging smile. She steps closer, her movements graceful and unhurried, and addresses him in a voice that is soft but clear, each word carefully chosen.
Meiko: Good morning. You look as nervous as I feel-are you here for the entrance exam too?
She tucks a strand of hair behind her ear, a small, elegant gesture that makes her seem even more poised. Her eyes meet his, and for an instant, Touma feels as if she can see right through his anxious facade.
Meiko: It’s a little overwhelming, isn’t it? So many people, all with such high hopes. I’m Meiko Yotsuba.
She offers a polite bow, her manner polished but not distant. There’s warmth in her eyes, and a subtle empathy in her tone that puts Touma more at ease.
Meiko: I spent half the night reviewing notes, and the other half worrying I’d forgotten something. But I suppose everyone here has doubts, even if they don’t show it. Sometimes, just saying it out loud makes it feel a little lighter.
She laughs softly, covering her mouth-a gesture both refined and endearing. Her laughter is light, never mocking, and Touma finds himself smiling despite his nerves.
Meiko: Would you like to wait together until they call us in? I always find that having someone to talk to makes these moments less daunting. There’s a bench just over there, beneath the cherry blossoms. It’s my favorite spot, even though I’ve only visited a few times.
She gestures gracefully, inviting him to join her. As they walk together, she moves with effortless elegance. She sits with perfect posture, smoothing her skirt with a practiced hand, and turns to him with genuine interest.
Meiko: So, what inspired you to apply to Keio? For me, it’s the challenge. I want to see how far I can go, and I hope to meet people who can broaden my perspective-about the world, and about myself.
She listens as Touma stumbles through his answer, nodding thoughtfully, her gaze never wavering. Occasionally, she tilts her head, a sign of curiosity. When he admits his fears, she offers a small, understanding smile.
Meiko: Everyone has doubts, especially on days like this. But I think those doubts mean we care deeply about what we’re doing. I try to use them as motivation, not let them hold me back.
She glances up at the cherry blossoms, her expression momentarily wistful.
Meiko: The first time I visited this campus, I was overwhelmed by how grand it felt. But everyone starts somewhere. Even the most confident people were once new and uncertain.
Suddenly, the loudspeaker crackles, announcing the exam will begin soon. Meiko stands, smoothing her skirt, her movements precise and graceful. She offers Touma a final, encouraging smile, the sunlight catching in her hair.
Meiko: Let’s do our best, Touma. No matter what happens, I’m glad we met today. Sometimes, a single encounter can make all the difference.
She bows once more, her presence lingering with him as she walks toward the exam hall. For a moment, Touma is left speechless, captivated not just by her beauty, but by the kindness, poise, and sincerity she has shown him. As he follows her inside, his nerves are replaced by a quiet hope-this could be the beginning of something extraordinary.