After spending the entire afternoon wandering around the campus—from that moment in the Miguel Library all the way to Martyn Hall—we had seen more than we expected. Every corner of Aurelius seemed to have something worth stopping for, something that caught our eyes or sparked our curiosity.
And Martyn Hall… it wasn't just any ordinary hall like I originally thought. Standing before it, I realized it was an entire building—tall, impressive, and structured with seven full floors. It gave off this grand, almost intimidating aura, like a place where serious things happened.
The first floor of Martyn Hall turned out to be the one and only Solace Hall—the place Kairi mentioned earlier. Remembering her words, we decided to stop by and take a look for ourselves. And honestly, it was worth it.
The entire area buzzed with life and chatter. Right now, several food stalls were set up, all run by our seniors as part of their coursework projects. The air was filled with the aroma of freshly cooked meals and sweet pastries, blending perfectly with the lively atmosphere of students laughing, chatting, and lining up to buy food. It didn't feel like a university hall—it felt like a small festival tucked inside the heart of the campus.
The second and third floors of Martyn Hall serve as the parking area, reserved exclusively for Aurelius students, faculty, and staff. Honestly, nothing about this university surprises me anymore—it just keeps showing off how advanced and well-designed everything is.
That is, until I found out the price of a parking slot. ₱1,000 a month.
My jaw practically dropped. Maybe for others, that's just pocket change. But for me? That's already a month's worth of food and transportation. I couldn't help but sigh. I guess this is what it means to study in a prestigious university—everything comes with a price. And as much as I'd love to have my own spot here, I'll proudly walk or commute any day. I'm a simple, conservative, and, well… undeniably poor student—no shame in that.
And from the fourth floor up to the seventh, the entire space of Martyn Hall transforms into something truly grand—the gymnasium of Aurelius Integrated University.
It's not just any ordinary gymnasium; it's massive, wide, and filled with energy even when empty. This is where our PE classes will take place, and honestly, I'm both excited and a little nervous. I can already imagine how lively it'll be once classes start—students running around, the sound of sneakers squeaking against the floor, and laughter echoing throughout the space.
But it's not only for classes. On special occasions, this gymnasium becomes the heart of Aurelius itself. It hosts school events, programs, and even major gatherings. With how big it is, it's easy to picture hundreds of students cheering, clapping, and filling the place with life. I can't help but feel thrilled to see it in its full glory someday.
From what we saw, Martyn Hall was truly impressive—a perfect blend of academics and leisure, all in one towering building. It felt alive, like a place that breathed the spirit of Aurelius Integrated University itself.
…
By the time the clock struck 5:30 in the afternoon, the sky had started dimming into shades of amber and violet. Evening crept in, and our next class was just around the corner.
"Hey, Kairi and Joshua…" Marc called out, sounding half-tired, half-annoyed.
"Nom nom… nom nom…" Kairi replied with her mouth full.
"Nom nom… nom noom…" I followed, mimicking her tone.
Marc's face twisted in pure frustration as he watched us continue our little food ritual. We were sitting by one of the food stalls at Solace Hall, munching on fish balls like carefree kids.
"Can you stop saying those 'nom noms' and just finish your food already!?" Marc finally snapped, his voice echoing slightly through the busy hall.
Kairi and I exchanged glances… then both said in sync, "Nom nom."
The reason Marc was acting this way was simple—he didn't want to be late for the next class. Meanwhile, I couldn't resist the temptation of all the fast-food stalls lined up inside Solace Hall. The aroma alone was enough to make my stomach growl like it hadn't eaten in years. Kairi, of course, felt the same way. She managed to convince me to stop by and eat with her, saying she didn't want to eat alone.
So, there we were—Kairi and I enjoying our food while Marc stood there, tapping his foot impatiently like a parent waiting for two mischievous kids.
"Come on, Marc. Just wait for a while. Joshua was craving, and it's his first time to experience these kinds of food from his past high school moments. Let's at least let him cherish it," Kairi said, trying to defend me.
That wasn't exactly true—but I let it slide. It was a funny excuse, and knowing Kairi, she probably just wanted to mess with Marc a little. Still, watching her say it so seriously made it even more hilarious.
"What are you guys doing? It's our major class. We have to at least be present at the class before our professor." Marc said.
Since when did Marc become this stressed about going to class? I've never seen him like this before. Normally, he's the loud, carefree, and annoying one in our group—the kind of guy who treats every situation like a joke. But now? He's acting like he's the most responsible student in the entire university. I don't really know him that well yet, but I guess this is just another part of his character—unexpected, unpredictable, and somehow… still annoying.
"Hey senior! These fish balls? They're so amazing—my tongue craves for such delightness, and this completely satisfies my taste. I love it!" Kairi said enthusiastically.
Our senior, who was in charge of the food stall, seemed genuinely touched by her words.
"Oh, miss, miss… Thank you for your kind words. I really appreciate it," the senior said, smiling warmly.
"Yeah! Now, can I dip some more sauce?" Kairi replied eagerly, holding her half-eaten fish ball like it was a trophy.
The senior's smile froze for a second. Without saying a word, they gently reached for the sauce container and quietly closed the lid.
Kairi's face immediately twisted into a pout.
"You're very rude…" she muttered, as Marc and I tried our best not to burst out laughing.
I don't know what went through Kairi's mind for her to do something like that. She could've just dipped more sauce before taking a bite—but no, she decided to ask for a dip of her half-eaten fish ball right back into the shared sauce container. At that moment, I knew it was over for her. She was about to commit one of the greatest sins in street food etiquette.
Now, she's officially banned from buying fish balls… at least for this afternoon. I can already imagine the vendor silently judging her every move, probably questioning all of humanity's hygiene choices. Who knows what kind of bacteria—or worse—might be lurking if that double dip really happened? Just the thought of Kairi's saliva mixing with the same sauce everyone else uses makes me shiver. It's like a silent biological disaster waiting to unfold in that tiny container of sauce.
Still, I couldn't help but laugh quietly to myself. Leave it to Kairi to unintentionally create chaos in the simplest of situations.
"Come on, Kairi. It's enough." I said to Kairi.
"But I wanna eat more!" Kairi said to me.
Marc then pulled Kairi away from the fish ball stall, practically dragging her by the wrist while she tried to resist, pouting the entire time. I followed along behind them, watching their small tug-of-war play out right in front of me.
2.1
The three of us eventually made our way out of Martyn Hall, left with no choice but to head toward our next major class on the sixth floor of Finstel Hall.
Major classes—these are the ones that truly matter, the core of our chosen course. For us, that's Computer Science. The subject we're about to attend is called Fundamentals of Programming. Just from the name alone, I can already tell it's going to be heavy on coding, logic, and maybe even a few sleepless nights. Still, part of me can't help but feel excited to see what it's all about.
The three of us headed to the elevator and pressed the button for the sixth floor. Kairi was still sulking over what happened earlier, mumbling about fish balls and that senior who closed the lid of the sauce container. Poor Kairi—she really couldn't move on. As for me, my cravings were satisfied, so I had no complaints. I got what I wanted, and that's what mattered most.
After a few moments of waiting, the elevator doors finally slid open, revealing the sixth floor of Finstel Hall. The hallway stretched ahead, quiet and clean, lined with identical classroom doors and small golden plaques showing each room number. Our next class was in Room F-609.
We walked along, scanning each sign until we finally found it. Peeking through the glass panel on the door, we saw that the professor hadn't arrived yet.
"I guess we're not late after all," I said with a small sigh of relief.
"See? I could've eaten some more fish balls there," Kairi said, crossing her arms.
"Really, Kairi?" Marc replied, clearly irritated..
The three of us entered the classroom, and the moment we stepped inside, a few heads turned in our direction. I could already feel the stares of our classmates, like silent whispers saying "Wow, they've gotten close already." Maybe that's just my imagination—but that's definitely the vibe I'm getting.
The room itself was impressive. Every seat had a computer setup, complete with sleek monitors and well-maintained peripherals. I suddenly remembered that the sixth floor was home to all computer-related courses. Now it made perfect sense—this place was filled with computer laboratories, one after another. The equipment looked brand-new, too. Aurelius Integrated University really didn't hold back on providing quality facilities. Not to mention, there's also that computer lab we saw in the Miguel Library earlier. Truly amazing.
As I scanned the room, I noticed the computers were arranged neatly in rows—ten per table. Then, something clicked in my mind: we were the last ones to arrive. Every seat was already taken except for three computers. Two were side by side in the middle row, and one was right behind them.
"It looks like one of us is going to split up," I said, scratching the back of my neck.
I tried to think of a way for us to still sit close together, but realistically, there wasn't much choice. Still, at least that one extra seat wasn't too far—it was just behind the middle row.
"I want to sit beside Joshua," Kairi said without hesitation. "Marc, you should take the one behind us."
Marc and I turned our heads toward her at the same time, both puzzled.
"Why though?" Marc asked.
"Well~ I mean… nothing in particular," Kairi replied, grinning mischievously. "There's no choice, and I prefer Joshua since he can be chill—and sometimes a moron."
Should I take that as a compliment or an insult?
"What do you mean? Marc's way more of a moron than I am," I said, then suddenly realized something. "Oh! Actually, that's a good idea, Kairi. Yeah, Marc, you should definitely take that one seat."
Kairi was definitely the better option as a seatmate. Knowing Marc, he'd probably pull some weird stunt while I'm trying to focus—just like that pork cutlet incident or his nonsense back at the Miguel Library. I wasn't taking any chances this time.
"So, is this really it?" Marc said dramatically, clutching his chest like some tragic hero. "After everything we've been through, you chose her over me? Betrayal! Fine then, I should've expected this cruel twist of fate. Farewell!"
Kairi and I just stared at him blankly, completely unfazed by his theatrics. I sighed, walked up to him, and placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Marc, stop," I said flatly.
And just like that, we finalized our seats. Sometimes, life really is unfair. You'd think something as simple as sitting together wouldn't be such a big deal—but no, fate decided otherwise. So, I took my seat beside Kairi, who sat to my left. Behind her sat Marc, flashing us a painfully forced smile. Poor guy.
But then I noticed who his seatmate was.
Behind me, sitting right beside Marc… was Elle.
For a brief moment, my world froze. Of all people—her? Sitting next to him? My disappointment was immeasurable, and my day was officially ruined. I stared blankly at the ceiling, questioning every life decision that led me to this very moment.
Without thinking, I raised my hand and brushed it lightly against Kairi's uniform sleeve, as if wiping something away.
"Hey! Joshua! What did you just wipe on my uniform!?" she said, startled.
I kept staring upward, my voice drained of emotion.
"My trust in fate," I replied.
…
God damn it all. It could've been me who should've taken that one particular seat. Sitting together, in my ass. It could've been my greatest opportunity as that seat would last for a semester with Elle being my seatmate.
Disappointment shatters me, but there's no turning back. Why be discouraged in this small concern. It's not a problem anyways. It's just… Elle.
As time went by, the noise inside my head slowly faded into silence. My thoughts scattered like dust as my eyes drifted toward the classroom door—which suddenly opened with a quiet creak.
The man who entered had an air of formality about him. His steps were calm, his gaze sharp, and his presence alone silenced the faint murmurs of the room. There was no doubt—this was our professor for today's major class.
"Good evening, students. Is this Computer Science 1-B?" he asked, his tone steady yet slightly commanding.
Kairi quickly responded, "Yes, sir."
For some reason, I felt a little tense. Maybe it was his composed demeanor or the way he carried himself with that professional aura. He didn't seem the type to make small talk—more of the "get things done" kind of person. Still, he didn't look particularly strict either.
"Alright," he said, placing his things on the desk. "First of all, welcome to Aurelius Integrated University, First Year Computer Science 1-B. But let's cut to the chase—I'm sure this isn't your first class for today, so I'll assume you've already introduced yourselves earlier."
His voice carried confidence and clarity, echoing slightly against the walls of the computer lab.
"So," he continued, "you've chosen the course of Computer Science. I don't mind the personal reasons behind your decision. All I can say is—I wish you the best of luck. And I'll do my best to teach you everything there is to know about this subject: Fundamentals of Programming."
He then grabbed a whiteboard marker and began to write his name in neat, sharp strokes across the board.
Sir Anthony Segrada
"I am Anthony Segrada," he said, turning back to us. "But you may address me as Sir Anthony. I'll be your professor for this course throughout the semester."
The class gave a light round of applause. I found myself clapping too, almost instinctively. Maybe I misjudged him. He wasn't cold—just professional. There was something cool about how straightforward he was.
"Now," Sir Anthony began again, resting the marker on the desk, "I suppose some of you already have prior experience in programming. However, I want to make something clear. I treat all of my students equally. So, we're going to start from zero—together. No shortcuts, no skipping ahead. Everyone will progress at the same pace."
He paused for a moment, scanning the room with a faint, knowing smile.
"Does anyone have questions? Or violent reactions, perhaps?"
No one said a word. The silence itself seemed to affirm our agreement. I nodded quietly to myself.
I liked that. Starting from zero meant no one would be left behind. I only had a little experience with programming, but deep down, I wanted to rebuild that foundation—to really learn it from the start.
"Now, students," Sir Anthony began, his voice calm yet commanding, "open the computers in front of you. I'm sure all of you know how to turn them on. That alone is the most basic thing a computer studies student should know."
His tone carried a faint hint of sarcasm, the kind teachers use when they expect everyone to breeze through the task. And honestly, who doesn't know how to turn on a computer?
Or so I thought.
"Uhm… Joshua?" Kairi's voice came from beside me. I turned my head to see her staring at her monitor, confused, like it was some kind of alien device. "How do you turn this thing on?"
Ah, right. There's always that one person.
Suppressing a chuckle, I sighed and leaned toward her computer. "You press this button, Kairi," I said, pointing to the power button hidden on the CPU.
"Oh…" she muttered, embarrassed but trying to play it off.
A few seconds later, her screen flickered to life—bright and humming softly as the system began to boot up. I returned to my seat, watching the loading screen appear on both our monitors. Just like that, the first step into the world of programming began—with the simple act of turning on a computer.
Sir Anthony began our lesson in programming.
"In programming," he started, "there are many languages that we could use. Some are made for developing software, some for building systems, managing databases, creating websites, and even designing video games. Examples of these are Python, HTML, JavaScript, and more."
He paused for a moment, glancing at us as if measuring our familiarity with what he just said.
"Some of you may already have experience with one or two of these languages—maybe HTML, maybe Python," he continued. "But here, in this very classroom, the language we'll be using is C."
Sir Anthony then turned to the whiteboard and wrote a bold letter C in the middle.
"C is a general-purpose programming language created back in 1972," he said, his voice calm yet full of certainty. "It's an old language, yes, but still one of the most important and widely used. The reason for its popularity is simple—it's the foundation of many modern programming languages. C, C++, and C# all belong to the same family, yet each has its own unique traits and applications."
As I listened, I couldn't help but feel a strange sense of awe. Maybe this was the start of something new for me—something that would shape my path as a computer science student.
The students were focused, their eyes glued to the whiteboard as Sir Anthony continued his lesson. His way of teaching was captivating—clear, confident, and full of energy. Even I couldn't help but be impressed by how he made something as intimidating as programming sound so interesting.
"So," Sir Anthony said, glancing at us with a slight smile, "why do we need to learn C programming? As computer science students, why not? If you don't want to, then I have to ask—why are you here?"
A few students chuckled, but he quickly followed with a more serious tone.
"If you know C, you'll understand how computer memory actually works. C is incredibly fast compared to other programming languages like Java or Python. And most importantly, it's versatile—it can be used to create applications, systems, and even embedded technologies."
Sir Anthony then turned toward the teacher's desk and clicked something on his laptop. The classroom lights dimmed slightly as the projector came to life, displaying a bright white screen that slowly transitioned into his computer desktop. The reflection of the projection danced faintly across the students' faces as everyone waited for what came next.
"What you see here on the screen," Sir Anthony began, pointing at the projected display, "is what we call a compiler."
He paused for a moment, scanning the class to make sure everyone was following.
"There are many types of compilers out there. One of the most popular ones is Visual Studio Code. It doesn't just compile C—it can handle different programming languages as well."
He then smirked slightly and added, "But we're not going to use that… because we're cool."
A few students laughed at his confident tone.
"Instead," he continued, clicking on the icon on his screen, "the compiler I'll be using for our lessons is Dev-C++. Unlike Visual Studio, Dev-C++ focuses mainly on C and C++ programming. It's lightweight, simple, and perfect for beginners who are still learning the fundamentals."
The software opened on the screen, its plain interface reflecting on the whiteboard. The room was filled with the quiet hum of computers, and everyone watched attentively as Sir Anthony prepared to type the first line of code.
"Okay," Sir Anthony said, adjusting his glasses as he faced the class, "so today, we're going to do our first exercise in coding using the C language."
The room suddenly felt more alive. The faint clacking of keyboards began echoing as students prepared their computers. Sir Anthony began typing on his own, his screen projected clearly on the whiteboard for everyone to follow.
I leaned slightly closer to my monitor, carefully observing each line of code he wrote. The blinking cursor on his screen moved with confident rhythm, as if the keyboard was an extension of his thoughts.
"This one's a classic," he said while typing. "Every programmer's very first program — the one that started it all."
I already knew what he meant before he even said it.
"Let's make our computers say hello."
Sir Anthony continued typing swiftly, the projector displaying every keystroke:
...
Sir Anthony's Code:
#include
int main (void){
printf("Hello World!");
return 0;
}
...
He paused and turned to the class. "This, students, is the legendary 'Hello, World!' program. It's the simplest program you can ever write, but it carries a great meaning. This is where every programmer starts. It's the very first time you'll make a computer speak to you."
He pressed Run, and just like that, the console displayed the words:
Hello World!
Some students smiled, some laughed quietly, and others stared in amazement at how a few lines of text could bring something to life. I couldn't help but feel the same.
I typed the exact same thing on my screen, careful not to miss a single character. When I pressed Run, my monitor displayed those same words — "Hello World!" — glowing softly in white letters on a black console.
It was simple, yet oddly satisfying. For a moment, it felt like a greeting — not just from the computer, but from the world of programming itself. I looked at the screen longer than I should have, a faint smile forming on my face. Somehow, those two words felt comforting — like a small spark that might grow into something greater.
Sir Anthony smiled slightly and said, "And that's how every programmer says their first hello."
Kairi stared at her screen with the same intensity she used when staring down a fish ball vendor. Her fingers hovered above the keyboard, frozen.
As I admired the glowing words on my screen, I glanced to my left — and there was Kairi, staring at her monitor with the most frustrated face I'd ever seen. Her eyebrows were furrowed, her mouth slightly open in disbelief.
...
Kairi's Code:
#include
int main (void){
printf("Hello Worl")
return 0;
}
...
She hit Run with confidence. A second later, a red error message popped up at the bottom of her screen.
error: implicit declaration of function 'print'
error: expected ';' before 'return'
Kairi groaned, slumping back on her chair. "Why is it mad at me again!? I literally typed exactly what you did!"
I glanced at her code and tried not to laugh. "You're missing two things."
She turned to me, pouting. "Two things? What two things? I did everything perfectly!"
"First," I said, pointing at the screen, "it's printf, not print. You forgot the letter 'f'."
She squinted at the line, tilting her head. "Wait—so it's not just 'print'? But that makes more sense!"
"Well, yeah," I said, chuckling, "but this isn't English class. Computers only understand exactly what you tell them."
She sighed and started correcting it.
Error: expected ';' before 'return'
I chuckled quietly. "Kairi, did you put a semicolon at the end of your printf statement?"
She looked at me, blinking twice. "A what?"
"A semicolon. You know, the thing that looks like this- " ; " I said, pointing at her keyboard.
"Oh! I thought that was just decoration!" she said, laughing awkwardly.
I couldn't help but laugh too. "It's not decoration, Kairi. In C, semicolons are like periods. You need them at the end of every sentence—or in this case, every command."
"Welcome to C programming," I replied with a grin.
She fixed both mistakes and ran the code again. This time, her screen displayed:
hello worl
Kairi threw her hands in the air triumphantly. "YES! I did it! I'm officially a hacker now!"
Marc, from behind us, groaned. "You literally spelt "world" wrong, Kairi. Calm down, hacker girl."
"Don't ruin my moment, Marc!" she snapped, sticking her tongue out.
I couldn't stop laughing. Seeing her go from panic to celebration in a minute made the whole moment even better. For the first time that day, the classroom didn't just feel like a place for learning — it felt alive.
Kairi froze for a second, then started laughing. "I can't even spell world right!"
Sir Anthony, who was walking around the room checking everyone's progress, stopped behind her and smiled.
"Miss Kairi," he said, looking at the screen, "it seems the world is missing a 'd' in your code."
Kairi hid her face in her hands. "Okay, okay! I get it!" she said between laughs.
I couldn't stop smiling. Seeing her get flustered over one missing letter somehow made the whole coding session lighter. And for a moment, all the weight in my chest from earlier just… vanished.
…
Time passes by as our class progresses. We did our best to cope with the coding lessons that Sir Anthony taught us. He patiently guided us through the very basics of the C language — starting with the simplest thing we could ever do in programming: printing a text.
The room that once felt quiet and tense was now filled with soft chatter and the rhythmic clicking of keyboards. The atmosphere became lighter as my classmates started to get along with one another. Some were asking questions, some were showing off their working codes, and others were laughing at their small mistakes. Just being beside each other was enough to start a conversation — whether it was about their missing semicolon, misplaced brackets, or the funny words that accidentally showed up on their screens.
Kairi, of course, became the center of it all.
"So apparently," she announced, waving her hand dramatically, "'Wolrd' is a new discovery. I invented it just now."
The entire row laughed.
Marc leaned over from his seat. "You should publish that in the next programming textbook."
I couldn't help but smile. Seeing Kairi laugh and joke about her earlier mistake made me forget how nervous I felt at the start of the class. It was strange, really — how a simple typo could bring everyone together, even just for a small moment.
Sir Anthony, hearing the noise, looked back at us with a grin. "Alright, looks like someone's having fun debugging over there. Remember, everyone — programming isn't about perfection. It's about patience."
"Yes, sir!" the class echoed in unison, still laughing.
For the first time that day, I felt something familiar — the warmth of belonging. Despite the confusion of new syntax, missing semicolons, and strange error messages, everything somehow felt right.
It was chaotic, but it was the kind of chaos that made me want to keep learning.
I wonder if this class will stay like this throughout the years.
2.2
The class finally concluded for the night. Students began reaching for their bags, naturally forming small groups or pairs as they prepared to leave. A few stayed rooted to their seats, still adjusting to the unfamiliar faces and atmosphere of this new classroom.
As chairs scraped and footsteps filled the room, I packed my things as well, ready to head home. Not bad for our first major class, I thought.
I swung my backpack over my shoulders and stood up. Kairi did the same, and Marc followed right after. The three of us made our way slowly toward the front door.
That's when I noticed Elle—still at her desk, quietly scrolling through her phone. She didn't seem in a rush to join the others. I found myself staring, wondering if she planned to stay a little longer or if she just preferred the silence after class.
I kept walking, my eyes lingering on her, until I suddenly bumped into Kairi, who had stopped in front of me.
"Hey, Joshua. Watch where you're going, would you?" she said, raising a brow.
I snapped back to reality and apologized, realizing the door was right in front of us. I'd been too caught up watching Elle.
But it's none of my business anyway.
It's just Elle.
…
The three of us stepped out of the classroom and into Finstel Hall. The hallway was alive with movement—students weaving past each other, fresh from their own classes. Some chatted excitedly, others looked exhausted, and a few walked with their eyes glued to their phones.
The lights overhead cast a soft glow on the polished floor, and the familiar hum of conversations filled the space. It felt like every corner of the hall carried its own little story.
Kairi shifted her bag on her shoulder. Marc let out a quiet yawn. I just kept walking beside them, blending into the steady flow of students passing through.
We kept walking until we reached one of the most surprising spots in the hallway—a terrace overlooking the city, it's the sixth floor of Finstel Hall's student lounge. From up here, the view was stunning: tall buildings glowing against the night sky, windows lit like scattered stars. Down below, headlights streamed along the roads like moving ribbons of light.
The three of us stepped closer to the railing, watching the traffic flow beneath us. As I scanned the road, something caught my eye right in the middle of the highway.
"In the middle of the highway… What is that? Why is there a festival happening over there?" I asked.
Kairi let out a laugh.
"Silly, that's not a festival. It's a night market—full of food stalls, thrift shops, all kinds of stuff."
A night market, huh?
Marc raised an eyebrow at me, genuinely surprised.
"You didn't know, Joshua? That's the Sora Street Night Market. They hold it every night."
"I told you already, Marc. I'm not familiar with anything in this city," I replied.
A night market on Sora Street—every night.
Coming from a place far quieter and simpler, this felt almost unreal. The city had already exceeded every expectation I had.
"It's a very nice sight to see. I'll definitely visit there sometime," I said.
Marc and Kairi exchanged a look, then smiled at me—almost like they were proud older siblings watching their younger brother discover something new.
"It's already 8:30 in the evening. Should we eat dinner together?" Kairi suggested.
She was right. It was late, and after all the coding and debugging, we'd completely forgotten that none of us had eaten yet.
Marc hesitated. He pulled out his phone, checked something, and his expression settled as if a decision clicked into place.
"I'm really sorry, Kairi, Joshua. I don't think I can join you for dinner tonight. I'm meeting my family," he said.
Kairi and I exchanged a glance—both of us disappointed, but understanding. It would've been nice to end the night with the three of us together, but Marc had his own life and responsibilities too.
"This is so sad. But I guess… This is goodbye, Marc," Kairi said dramatically.
Marc rolled his eyes. "Stop overreacting. We'll still see each other tomorrow."
The three of us laughed, and for a moment, the air felt warm with the comfort of new friendship. As the laughter faded, Marc reached into his pocket and pulled out a car key. Kairi and I stared.
"Wait—Marc? You have a car?" I asked.
"Yeah! I just got my driver's license, so… here I am," he said with a grin.
He checked his phone again, a bit more urgently this time.
"Hey, Joshua, Kairi—I have to go now. It was really great meeting you both today. I'll see you tomorrow, okay?"
Before we could say another word, he hurried off. Meeting his family, probably eating dinner with them—that was his night. And suddenly, it was just the two of us left: Kairi and me.
Marc may be stupid and hilarious from our perspective, but sometimes he really had it all. He had a car—a freaking car. A first-year student, already cruising around while the rest of us took jeepneys and tricycles. I envied him, honestly. But that was Marc. Annoying, funny, and somehow amazing.
"So, it's just the two of us then," Kairi said, her voice snapping me back. "Where do you want to eat, Joshua?"
Where do I want to eat? If it's just the two of us… and knowing it's Kairi… I didn't want anything fancy or expensive. Just something simple, something filling—something that didn't scream 'date.' I turned back toward the terrace and stared again at the night market glowing beneath the highway.
Kairi followed my gaze and immediately lit up.
"Oh! Do you want to eat at the night market, Joshua?"
The night market on Sora Street… not a bad idea at all. I planned to visit it someday when I got settled in the city, but maybe tonight was the night. I looked at her and nodded.
"Sure. Let's have dinner there."
And so, the two of us started toward the elevators and left the lounge on the sixth floor of Finstel Hall. We stepped inside the elevator, and as the doors slid closed, I caught myself glancing at Kairi again. She really was amazing—easy to talk to, fun, kind. Befriending her on my first day of college was something I hadn't expected, but I was grateful. With her around, the coming days wouldn't feel so lonely or awkward.
Then it hit me: it was just the two of us, going to dinner. As much as I disliked the implication, it kind of felt like… a date. And I didn't see her that way.
Almost as if she could hear my thoughts, Kairi suddenly gasped dramatically.
"If you think about it, Joshua… It's only me and you going to dinner. We might be a couple. Oh my God—do you like me? This is genuinely surprising!" She fanned her face and pretended to blush.
My entire soul crumpled in disgust. I stared at her with the most violated expression known to mankind. Of all the thoughts to say out loud, she said the exact one I was trying to avoid. And the worst part? Our timing was perfectly synchronized, like some cosmic joke.
Ding.
The elevator doors opened, revealing the ground floor bustling with noise—students chatting, laughing, rushing past us. The air was alive and loud, pulling us instantly back into reality.
The two of us walked toward the lobby of Finstel Hall, the faint hum of students and the soft echo of our footsteps fading behind us. Through the glass doors, the main gate stood quietly under the glow of the campus lights. Before stepping out, we both turned around and took one last look at Aurelius Integrated University.
The sight was… breathtaking.
The buildings stood proudly against the velvet night sky, their windows illuminated like constellations scattered across the ground. The courtyard was peaceful, alive only with the whisper of the wind and the distant murmur of late-night students. For the first time today, I felt it—this sense of belonging, like I was truly part of something greater. A student of this prestigious university. An elite, standing on the land of a dream.
I couldn't help but smile.
"Beautiful, isn't it?" Kairi asked, her voice soft beside me.
I closed my eyes for a second, absorbing everything, then nodded and looked at her.
"Yeah… it really is."
Kairi immediately punched my shoulder—light, playful, typical Kairi.
"Stop acting like a protagonist or something. Come on, let's go!"
Before I could react, she grabbed my arm and pulled me toward the gates. Her energy was contagious, and I found myself laughing as we rushed out of Aurelius and stepped onto Sora Street.
The moment we exited, we were greeted by a dazzling display of lights. The entire street shimmered as if autumn had come alive—warm orange bulbs hanging overhead, casting soft golden glows on the pavement. Cars passed by in steady streams, their headlights blending with the gentle lantern lights that lined the sidewalks.
Sora Street had two long roads. During the day, both were busy with traffic, but at night… everything changed. One lane would close, sealed off from vehicles, transforming into a bustling night market. Stalls, food carts, vendors, music—every night, like a ritual, this street came alive.
It felt like stepping into another world.
And tonight, it was just me and Kairi walking straight into it.
The two of us crossed the pedestrian lane, blending into the slow-moving crowd heading toward the entrance of the night market. The warm glow of lantern lights shimmered across the street, guiding us forward like we were stepping into another dimension entirely.
At the entrance, two guards stood beside a folding table. They politely checked our bags one by one—routine, quick, barely a second long.
Once cleared, we stepped through.
And just like that… we were inside.
The night market of Sora Street—right in front of our university—was alive. The air buzzed with sizzling grills, laughter, chatter, and the faint echo of upbeat music playing from a nearby stall. Colorful tarps stretched overhead, forming a tunnel of lights and shadows. The smell of grilled meat, spices, and something sweet drifted all around, making every step feel like a temptation.
Vendors called out to us as we passed:
"Boss! Try our takoyaki!"
"Miss, Our barbecue is very cheap!"
"Sir, buy here!"
With so many voices pulling our attention, and so many choices glowing in front of us, my mind spun.
"Kairi… I don't know which one to pick." I said, scratching the back of my head. "Can I give this one to you for now?"
Kairi tilted her head and smirked—confident, proud, acting like she was the commander of this mission.
"Don't worry, Joshua. I got this." she said.
And just like that, she led us deeper into the market.
We finally stopped in front of a stall with a bright red canopy and a long display filled with skewers—raw pork barbecue, chicken, intestines, isaw, gizzard, everything glistening under the fluorescent lights. A couple of foldable tables were set up at the side, with people already sitting, eating, and chatting.
Kairi pointed at the pork barbecue.
"Three barbecues and rice." she said with confidence.
I nodded and added, "Same for me."
The vendor smiled and immediately grabbed several skewers from the display. At the back of the stall, an open grill crackled with orange flames with the use of charcoal. The vendor placed the skewers over the heat, turning them slowly. The smell of roasting pork mixed with smoke drifted through the air—warm, mouthwatering, comforting.
Kairi and I sat at one of the tables, listening to the faint sizzle from the grill and the distant hum of the lively night market.
It felt simple.
It felt nice.
It felt… like a memory that would stay with me for a long time.
I looked around the night market, letting my eyes wander across the sea of lights and people. Despite the noise—vendors calling out, grills sizzling, crowds passing by—there was a strange sense of calm wrapping around me. Students from Aurelius walked in groups, laughing, teasing one another… but I also noticed uniforms from other schools too. Different colors, different logos, different faces.
Somehow, the mix of it all—the life, the movement, the energy—put a small smile on my face.
Then something caught my attention.
Even from a distance, its aroma managed to sneak its way to me. My eyes locked onto a stall with a bright yellow sign, selling a weird—but fascinating—snack. A long potato spiraled thinly around a stick, deep-fried until golden, dusted with flavor powder. It glistened under the lights like it was calling for me.
A tornado potato.
"What are you looking at, Joshua?" Kairi asked.
She followed my gaze, and when she realized what I was staring at, she gave a short laugh.
"Heh? You're like a child, Joshua."
I didn't care. The aroma… the shape… the crunch I could almost hear just by looking at it—it was tempting me. But I felt my wallet in my pocket, and reality pulled me back down.
I shouldn't waste money… not on something like that.
"Why don't you just buy it?" Kairi asked, tilting her head.
I shook mine aggressively. "It's because I don't want my money to reduce, okay?"
Kairi blinked at me like I just said the most nonsensical thing in the world.
"Joshua… it's just a snack." She leaned slightly forward, looking at me as if she could read my entire life story through my face. "If it's a craving, then maybe you deserve it. I mean, it's rare for you to look so tempted. And honestly…"
Her voice softened just a little.
"You did well today."
Her words slipped into me quietly, like a warm breeze
I wasn't ready for that. But it touched my heart. I exhaled deeply, admitting defeat—well, a good kind of defeat.
"Fine," I muttered. "But I'll buy it after we eat dinner."
Kairi grinned, proud of herself for winning yet another argument.
The smoky aroma of grilled pork finally reached our table. The vendor placed two plates in front of us—each with steaming rice and perfectly roasted pork barbecue skewers glistening with sauce. A simple meal, but right now it felt strangely comforting.
Kairi clapped her hands together.
"Finally! I'm starving."
"Yeah… same," I said.
The two of us began eating, the flavors hitting me harder than I expected. Sweet, smoky, savory—the kind of taste that feels like home even when you're miles away from your real one.
For a while, things were quiet, but not in a bad way. Just peaceful. The kind of quiet where you don't need to talk because the atmosphere is already warm enough.
Then Kairi suddenly spoke with her mouth full—
"Sho… you shaid… murch… you were shy earlier?"
I raised an eyebrow.
"Swallow! Swallow first, you barbarian."
She gulped down her food dramatically, almost choking on purpose just to mess with me.
"Ahem!" She wiped her mouth and pointed a skewer at me. "So. You were shy earlier. Why? You're not new to people."
I poked at my rice. "I don't know. Maybe… I just feel off today?"
"Off?" she asked.
"Yeah. Like something is holding me back. My mood, maybe."
Kairi's expression softened a little—but only for a moment.
"Well," she said, smiling again, "good thing you have me, right? The all-powerful, amazing, fantastic Kairi."
"There it is," I said. "Your delusions."
She kicked my foot under the table. "Shut up."
We both laughed quietly. And for the first time that day, the heaviness in my chest loosened just a bit.
By the time we finished our meal, most of the stalls were even busier. More lights. More music. More laughter. The night market seemed to bloom brighter as time passed.
Kairi stood up, wiped her hands on a tissue, and faced me with an exaggerated grin.
"Well? Are you ready?"
I raised an eyebrow. "For what?" She pointed dramatically behind me. I turned around.
There it was—the tornado potato stall, brighter and more inviting than ever. The aroma hit me again like a challenge.
Kairi crossed her arms proudly. "It's time for your destiny, Joshua."
"It's just a potato," I said.
"Not just any potato," she corrected. "This… is the potato."
I sighed, stood up, and finally accepted my fate.
"Fine." I began walking toward the stall. "Let's buy the stupid potato."
Kairi threw her arms up like she just won a jackpot.
"Yes! Victory!"
The vendor saw us approach and greeted us with a wide smile.
"One tornado potato? Flavored? Cheese? BBQ? Sour cream?"
Kairi nudged me. "Go on, pick."
I hesitated. Then pointed. "Cheese."
The vendor smiled and started preparing it—spiraling the potato, frying it until perfectly crisp, and dusting it with golden cheese powder. When he handed it to me, it was warm, fragrant, and beautifully crisp.
I held it like it was some sacred artifact. Kairi stared at me expectantly. "Well? Bite it, stupid."
I took a bite. Crunch. Warmth. Flavor.
My eyes widened. "Holy—this is actually amazing."
Kairi laughed loudly, too loud. "I knew it!"
But even as she teased me while I ate, I couldn't help noticing something else.
Her smile. Her genuine, stupidly bright smile.
Somehow… It made the tornado potato taste even better.
Stupid Kairi.
2.3
I was completely at a loss for words after everything that happened today. This morning, I was just an anxious student on his way to school, worried about being unfamiliar with the environment and feeling awkward on my first day. But instead of a lonely, overwhelming start, I ended up meeting two amazing people who turned my first day into something special.
Even now, I can't stop thinking about what tomorrow might bring. I'm not even home yet—I'm still here with Kairi, my classmate who somehow managed to brighten both my day and night. She's so outgoing, and it all started from a simple small talk that grew into something bigger. And now here we are, ending the day together even though it's already late.
I just finished my tornado potato, and my appetite is fully satisfied. Kairi and I headed toward the exit of the night market, walking back along the path that led to the entrance since that direction also leads to my home.
"By the way, Kairi. Where do you live? I'll make sure you get a ride home before I go." I said.
She replied, "Oh, don't worry about it. My home's not that far, so I don't need a jeepney. I'd rather walk."
What a coincidence—we're the same.
"Well, I also walk because my home is also near." I said.
Kairi and I suddenly burst into laughter for no real reason. She gave me this grateful look, as if she appreciated how caring I was when I offered to make sure she got home safe. Then she teased me, saying I was a gentleman—even if I was hilarious and dumb as her friend. I laughed and playfully grabbed her head for calling me dumb.
"Anyway, we should get going. It's getting late," I said.
Kairi nodded in agreement. It was already 9 p.m., and girls should definitely be home by now, so I started walking toward the direction of my house.
"My home is that way," I said, pointing ahead.
"My home is also that way," Kairi said, pointing in the exact same direction.
We both stared at the direction we were pointing to, then looked at each other in total silence before we broke into laughter once again.
What a coincidence—we're really the same.
I guess that meant Kairi and I would be spending even more time together on the way home. I told her we'd walk together for a while, and she agreed with a smile.
So we set off on our final journey for the night—a quiet walk back home. We crossed the pedestrian lane and headed down the side street that led to my place.
As we walked, we kept talking about everything that happened on our first day in Aurelius—the cafeteria, the Miguel Library, the Solace Hall. Every little moment replayed in my mind, making me smile. Honestly, the day became special because of those two idiots I met.
But it wasn't just the memories. Walking through the city at night, surrounded by tall buildings and bright lights, gave me this strange feeling—like I was stepping outside my comfort zone and into something bigger than myself.
The number of vehicles passing by had started to thin, and the streets were slowly becoming quieter. That was our cue to head home fast. Students shouldn't be out this late—especially Kairi.
"Kairi, it would be such a wild coincidence if we lived in the same building. I'd be seriously shocked," I joked.
Kairi laughed, smirking like she was proud of what she was about to say.
"Silly Joshua. That's impossible," she replied.
"Because! My home is literally right here! So that little delusion of yours won't be happening."
She said all that while standing confidently at the entrance of an apartment building she claimed was hers.
…
I stared at her in complete silence. She stared back, just as quiet. Both of us were processing what she had just declared. I slowly looked at the building—
And realized…
This is my apartment.
Kairi watched my reaction, her eyes slowly widening as she followed the logic in my head. She was just as speechless.
"You're saying that my apartment… is your home?" I asked.
Her expression went blank. She turned around to look at the building again, as if needing confirmation herself. It turns out Kairi and I are neighbors. In the same apartment. Living under the same roof.
What a coincidence… No—this is unexpectedly shocking… and unbelievably weird.
Kairi looked back at me like she had never seen me in her entire life—eyebrow raised, expression sharp, treating me like some suspicious stranger. Then she said,
"What are you? A stalker? Stop following me, creep."
I exploded instantly.
"Oh, shut up and stop acting like an idiot! I live in this apartment, all right!?"
What's with these ridiculous coincidences? As much as I don't want to believe it, it almost feels like fate is playing some kind of trick on me—and somehow, it keeps leading me back to Kairi.
"But really, if this is your home, then I guess we live pretty close. That's kind of unexpectedly amazing, right?" Kairi said.
She looked genuinely delighted by the discovery. And honestly, I could see the good in it too. Being neighbors and classmates meant we could help each other out, study together, and maybe make the struggles of university life a little easier. It wasn't a bad idea at all.
"We should get inside, Kairi," I said.
She nodded, and we stepped into the apartment building. The lobby greeted us with a calm, quiet atmosphere. We walked to the elevator side by side.
"Which floor are you going to, Kairi?" I asked.
"I live on the fourth floor, Joshua."
I stared at her, trying to process that. The fourth floor? There's no way she's on the same floor as me… right?
The elevator doors opened, and the moment we stepped out onto the fourth floor, Kairi turned to me with a startled expression.
"What a coincidence, Joshua. You really are following me. Creep," she teased.
I chuckled. "Imagine if we're even living in the same room."
Kairi burst out laughing as we walked down the hallway—until we stopped.
We were both standing in front of the same door.
I froze. She froze.
There was no way. Absolutely no way.
Kairi and I exchanged one last look, both of us equally stunned. This was getting ridiculous. I knew for a fact that the door in front of us led to my home. There was no way Kairi lived here either.
She pulled her keys from her pocket and tried inserting them into the doorknob, taking her time while I just stood there, watching. She fiddled with it, struggling to unlock the door. Eventually, I sighed.
"Move," I said.
I took out my own keys, slipped them into the lock, and with a simple twist—click.
Of course. This was my place.
I stepped inside and turned back toward Kairi. She stood frozen in disbelief.
"Impossible. Just… why," she muttered.
I let out a deep breath and pointed at the number on my door.
"This is Room 412. Check your key again."
Kairi glanced down at her keychain and quietly read aloud, almost embarrassed:
"Room 413…"
She looked to her right and then suddenly realized it—her room was literally next door. Without another word, she rushed toward it, disappearing from my sight.
Room 413.
I stepped back outside to confirm, and sure enough—her door was right beside mine.
Not only are we neighbors... but our homes are right next to each other.
Some people might call this fate or something amazing. But the more I thought about it, the more absurd it felt—so far beyond anything I ever expected.
"So who's the creep now, idiot?" I said to Kairi.
Her face immediately turned red from embarrassment. I couldn't help but smirk—she could swallow her own words now, even if she had only been joking earlier.
And at this moment, tonight of all nights, I realized something unbelievable. In this apartment where I thought I'd be living quietly on my own—enjoying the peaceful ambience and the solitude—there's actually someone else here. Someone I only met today. Someone who somehow turned my entire first day of college into something special.
Kairi.
The same person who laughed with me, annoyed me, motivated me, and teased me all in one day… now turns out to be living in the same apartment—and will be part of my days from here on, from this building all the way to the university.
"Joshua, thank you and good night." she said.
I looked at her and said…
"Yeah, good night. Kairi."
Kairi stepped into her room, giving me one last genuine smile before closing the door. I stood there for a moment, looking at the hallway, still stunned by how my first day had turned out. So much had happened—more than I ever expected on my first day of college.
I finally went inside my own unit, locking the door behind me. As the lights flickered on, the familiar spaciousness of my apartment greeted me. The quiet, peaceful ambience washed over me, almost erasing the chaos of today—the rush, the surprises, the laughter.
I set my bag on the chair, loosened my uniform, and slipped off my tie. The moment the fabric left my neck, I felt my breathing relax, like a weight had been lifted.
I collapsed onto the couch and exhaled deeply. With my eyes closed, it felt like I was drifting into a soft nap, letting every moment from earlier replay in my head. Somehow, thinking about it all—everything from the awkward introductions to the night market—made me smile.
I'm genuinely grateful I met Kairi and Marc. For people I only met this morning, they somehow managed to make my entire day unforgettable.
I glanced up at the clock on the ceiling. 9:30 p.m. Already this late? I needed to get ready for bed.
I stepped into the bathroom, letting the warm water wash away the fatigue. After taking my time, I went to the bedroom and opened my closet, pulling out clothes comfortable enough for sleep.
I caught my reflection in the mirror. What a day it has been.
A small smile tugged at my lips—not exaggerated, just quiet and genuine. The face staring back at me looked… happy. I'm really happy. And that simple expression was enough to remind me how special this day had been.
Memories drifted through my mind one by one—Marc's ridiculous jokes, Kairi's chaotic energy, and then… Elle.
Elle?
Why her?
Why did she appear in my thoughts when nothing really happened between us? The question bothered me more than it should. I don't want to think too deeply about her; I only want normal interactions, like how things are with Kairi and Marc. That's all.
But the more I thought about it, the more drained I felt.
I sighed, stepped away from the mirror, and headed toward my bed. Just as I was about to lie down, a sudden knocking echoed from my door.
…Someone's knocking? At this hour?
I don't really know anyone here—
Oh. Right. Kairi.
I pushed myself up from the bed and walked to the door. As I opened it, there she was—Kairi, standing in the hallway. And it hit me: if this becomes a routine, this might get annoying fast. Living right next to her… I'm going to have to endure things like this every day.
"Yeah, what is it, Kairi?" I asked, voice low and tired.
She looked at my face and immediately noticed I was already halfway into sleep mode.
"Oh, you were about to sleep," Kairi said.
"It's fine. What do you want?" I asked, rubbing my eyes.
She held up her phone to show me her profile on social media.
"Add me. Let's stay in touch through here. We're neighbors now, after all."
I sighed but took out my phone anyway, adding her. All this fuss just to exchange contact info? We could've easily done this tomorrow.
"Joshua Montaro—found you!" she said proudly.
Then her expression softened a little.
"Hey, Joshua… Can I have a minute? Can we talk before we end the night?"
I wasn't sure what she suddenly wanted, but a few more minutes wouldn't hurt. I just hoped it wouldn't turn into an hour-long conversation. Still, I nodded. We stepped out to the railings overlooking the city. The view was stunning—tall buildings shimmering with lights, cars drifting through the roads below like glowing trails.
Living here still feels unreal.
The night sky was clear, a single star shining brightly above the skyline. Kairi and I stared at it in silence, like we were watching a movie play out in the sky.
"Joshua," she said gently, "what can you say about today?"
"What do you mean? It was amazing. I honestly thought I'd end up a loner on my first day. Then Marc showed up, and then you." I said.
Kairi grinned.
"Of course there's me!" she said, laughing proudly.
"Let me guess—you just wanted to hear me praise you?" I teased.
"No, silly. That's just my humor. Don't take it seriously." She nudged me lightly.
…
Then the mood shifted. The noise of the city faded into the background.
"Joshua… thank you," she said quietly. "The truth is… back in high school, I wasn't like this. I wasn't cheerful or outgoing. I wasn't even friendly."
I turned to her, brows furrowed, hearing the change in her voice.
"I was quiet. Avoidant. Weird, even. I didn't know what was wrong with me. I was so withdrawn that no one approached me. Except for one person."
She looked down at her hands.
"Someone tried to befriend me. I didn't mind it at first. But over time… with how I was… that person eventually stopped talking to me. I still don't really know why."
She forced a tiny laugh, but it didn't hide the pain behind her eyes.
"That's why… Now that I'm in college, I want to change," she said, voice trembling softly. "I want something brighter—something that isn't just me hiding in my own shadows. And when I met you and Marc… something inside me shifted. Something I haven't felt in a long time."
Her smile was small, almost fragile, but she held it up like she was fighting to prove something.
"You went through all of that, Kairi?" I asked quietly. "And you still became… this?"
She nodded with a joy that didn't quite reach her eyes.
But her story didn't stir sympathy in me—no. It stirred something much deeper. My eyes felt locked on her, pupils widening, as if something in me recognized something in her. A truth buried beneath all that cheerfulness.
I looked at her closely—her bright expression, her forced purity—and suddenly, I understood.
"You're scared, Kairi."
Her smile shattered instantly. She froze, as though I had struck the exact place she tried so desperately to hide.
This wasn't random. This wasn't surface-level change. Something inside her was screaming—something she didn't want anyone to hear.
"Joshua…" she whispered, so softly it almost disappeared.
Her shoulders tensed. Her breath hitched. I saw her—not the cheerful college girl, but the broken high schooler beneath the mask.
"You're terrified of losing people," I said.
"You hate that they come into your life… only to walk out again."
Her head slowly rose, eyes wide, stunned—caught.
"You pretend you don't care, but you do. More than you'll ever admit."
"You changed because you're desperate to hold on to people. You'd rather transform yourself completely than feel that loneliness again."
She lowered her head, fists trembling at her sides.
I stepped toward her, gently placing a hand on her shoulder.
She flinched—just slightly—but didn't pull away
"And that fear?" I said softly.
"It doesn't make you weak. It makes you human."
"You changed into someone bright. Someone warm. Someone people actually want to stay with."
"You should be proud, Kairi. Because without you… my day wouldn't have been special at all. Everything happened because of your courage."
Her breath shook. Tears gathered at the corners of her eyes, glimmering like they were fighting to fall.
She lightly punched my shoulder—barely a touch. It wasn't anger. It was emotion overflowing.
"How are you… so good at this?" she said, voice cracking.
Then, almost breaking—
"I'm really going to try my best in college. So… please."
Her voice trembled.
"Don't leave me. Not like everyone else."
I reached out and gently rested my hand on her head—slow, comforting, steady. Like reassuring a younger sibling who had been strong for far too long.
"You're not alone, Kairi," I said.
"And I'm not going anywhere."
Her tears finally fell—but she smiled through them.
That moment… that fragile moment of honesty between us… it shouldn't have felt so intense. Not on the first day of college. But here we were.
"Well, look who's the younger sibling now," I said, teasing lightly.
She laughed—shaky but real.
"Oh—Joshua," she said suddenly. "I practiced programming before coming here. I want you to see it."
That spark in her eyes—the one from earlier in class—returned. It was warm. Familiar.
"Sure. Send it to me," I said.
She nodded, stepped back toward her door, and whispered—
"Goodnight."
I lifted my hand in a small wave, matching her tone.
After she went inside, I closed my door, walked to my desk, and opened my laptop. A notification appeared instantly:
Friend request: Kairi Garcia
I accepted it. She immediately sent me a file named:
goodnight.c
I downloaded it and opened the code.
And I froze. It was long. Longer than anything she's written before. And far more polished. For someone who struggled with coding earlier… This wasn't just improvement. It was a transformation.
...
Kairi's Code:
#include
int main (void){
printf("Today is a very special day!\n")
printf("I met Joshua Montaro.\n")
printf("I met Marc Alledo\n")
printf("These two made my day amazing\n")
return 0;
}
...
This made me smile. Genuine happiness that I don't need to run the code. At first, I pressed my lips together, trying to keep a straight face. Then I couldn't help it. A small laugh escaped.
"She forgot… the semicolons," I whispered to myself, leaning back in my chair.
The lines were full of heart—sweet, earnest, and so Kairi.
But those missing semicolons made the entire thing crash. And yet, somehow… I felt warm. Very warm. I stared at the words on my screen again.
I met Joshua Montaro.
The way she wrote it so plainly… It hit me in a strange way. Simple. Honest. Almost childlike in its sincerity. Even the errors made it feel more genuine—like she rushed to write something meaningful instead of worrying about perfection.
"She really sent this," I said, laughing quietly as I rubbed my forehead.
The exhaustion from the long day mixed with a feeling I couldn't name. Happiness? Gratitude? Something lighter than the heaviness from earlier. I fixed the code in my head automatically… but I didn't dare edit it yet.
There was something charming about seeing it exactly as she wrote it—raw and imperfect, just like her attempt to open up tonight. I closed my eyes for a moment, still smiling.
"Kairi… you're unbelievable," I murmured.
For the first time since I arrived at this city, I felt something sink in—
I'm not alone here.
And maybe… just maybe…
Today was special for me too.