A Path Unbound(Updates Monthly) (On Hiatus)

Chapter 3

Akira Kaneda adjusted his fake glasses in front of the mirror, trying to ensure they looked natural. The lenses were slightly thicker than normal, designed to be a simple but effective disguise. They were a subtle attempt to alter his appearance just enough to avoid immediate recognition. It was a small measure, but he hoped it would be enough to keep his past hidden.

Suzune Horikita eyed him with a skeptical glance as he entered the living room. "Those glasses look... unusual," she commented, her tone laced with curiosity. "Is there a reason for the disguise?"

Akira met her gaze with a calm expression. "Just trying to blend in. It's a new beginning, after all."

Horikita didn't press further, though her eyes lingered on him for a moment longer than necessary. "Alright. But don't expect me to be fooled easily."

With that, they parted ways for the day, each heading to their respective classes. Akira navigated the busy campus with a mix of excitement and apprehension, eager to dive into his studies while remaining cautious of his surroundings. The morning passed in a blur of lectures and interactions, and by mid-afternoon, he found himself heading toward the university library.

The library was a haven of quietude, a stark contrast to the lively chaos of the campus. The expansive room was filled with rows of bookshelves, and the scent of old paper and leather-bound volumes filled the air. Akira made his way to a secluded corner, where he could read and study without interruption.

He settled into a comfortable chair, his fake glasses resting on the bridge of his nose, and began to immerse himself in his textbooks. Hours passed in relative peace, punctuated only by the occasional rustle of pages and the faint hum of the library's air conditioning.

Just as he was deeply engrossed in a psychology text, he heard a familiar voice. "Ayanokoji Kiyotaka, is that you?"

The voice was calm yet unmistakably resonant. Akira looked up, and his heart skipped a beat. Standing a few feet away was Yuki, a face he had not expected to see again. Yuki had been a fellow participant in the White Room, someone whose presence had been both a source of camaraderie and silent competition.

Yuki's expression was a mix of surprise and recognition. "I didn't think I'd run into you here. You've changed your appearance, haven't you?"

Akira's mind raced, but he kept his demeanor composed. "Yuki. It's been a while. I see you're here at Tokyo University too."

Yuki nodded, taking a seat across from Akira. "Yes, I'm studying here as well. It's strange how our paths have crossed again. I didn't expect to see anyone from the White Room."

Akira studied Yuki's face. He appeared as composed and confident as ever, his presence as commanding as it had been during their time together. "What brings you here? Are you trying to start over too?"

Yuki's gaze softened slightly. "In a way. I needed a change of scenery, just like you. I didn't expect to run into anyone I knew, but I suppose fate has its own plans."

Akira glanced around to ensure no one was listening. "I'm trying to leave my past behind. I thought it would be best if my old identity remained a secret."

Yuki raised an eyebrow. "I see. And you've chosen to do so with... unconventional methods?"

Akira shrugged. "It's a small measure. I wanted to avoid unnecessary attention. Also call me Akira Kaneda in public."

Yuki leaned back in his chair, studying Akira with a thoughtful expression. "I understand. But you should be cautious. The past has a way of catching up, and it might be more difficult to hide in the long run."

Akira nodded. "I'm aware. I just need to stay focused on the present. What about you? How are you adjusting to university life?"

Yuki smiled. "It's been an interesting transition. Different challenges, different people. But I suppose that's part of the journey. It seems we're both seeking something new."

As they continued their conversation, Akira felt a mix of relief and unease. Yuki's presence was a reminder of his past, but it also offered a sense of familiarity. They spoke of their current lives, their studies, and the changes they were both undergoing. It was an odd but comforting reunion, a moment of connection amidst the sea of new faces and experiences.

Eventually, the conversation wound down, and Yuki stood to leave. "It was good to see you, Akira. If you need anything, don't hesitate to reach out. We might be able to help each other navigate this new chapter."

"Thank you, Yuki. I'll keep that in mind."

As Yuki walked away, Akira returned to his studies, his mind a whirl of thoughts. The encounter had been unexpected but not unwelcome. It had reminded him that while he was trying to start anew, the past was never too far behind.

With a renewed sense of determination, Akira refocused on his work, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead. The library, with its serene ambiance, provided a temporary escape, but the real world awaited him outside these walls. As he closed his book and gathered his things, he was acutely aware that each step forward was both a departure from his past and a preparation for the future.