Shadowed bonds

"Chapter One: Shadowed Beginnings"

Rei had an average college life, nothing extraordinary. Sure, he had a few adversaries, but they were mere background noise. Rei's circle of friends was solid, including Hiro, Tetsuo, Riku, Yuto, Rina, and Kota. Hiro, being his closest confidant, shared secrets and other things too. Their bond was unbreakable; no drama or rumors could tear them apart.

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Rei had just left his chemistry class, heading to the cafeteria to meet his friends. As he approached the entrance, he noticed a group approaching from the other side of the hallway. Rei knew this group all too well—the 'popular' and 'charming' guys.

Rei stopped in his tracks. He never really liked that group, for some unknown reason, they always got on his nerves. Since they were farther from the entrance, Rei quickened his pace to get there first. As he reached the entrance, he shot a sidelong glare at the group before going about his business.

"Whoa, what was that about?"
"I dunno, he looks like the arrogant type."
"I couldn't care less."
"Come on, guys! Be nice. For all we know, one of you might have stolen his crush."
"Haha, good one."

Rei quickly found his table and sat next to the short boy, Hiro. He propped his head up on his hand and closed his eyes.

"Yo, what's up Rei? Why do you look so annoyed?" Tetsuo asked, ruffling Rei's hair.

Rei swatted him away and leaned on Hiro's shoulder.

"Come on, Rei, what's wrong?" Rina asked, munching on a pocky stick.

Rei sighed, feeling the weight of the encounter with the popular group still lingering in his mind. "It's nothing, just some drama in the hallway," he replied, trying to brush it off.

Hiro shot him a knowing glance, but before he could say anything, the cafeteria buzzed with activity as more students filled the space.

As they continued their conversation, Rei couldn't shake the feeling that something was about to change, that the encounter with the popular group was just the beginning of a new chapter in their college lives.

To be continued...
This is just a brief introduction promise incoming parts will be longer :)