A Path Unbound(Updates Monthly)

Chapter 5: A New Encounter

The next morning, Akira Kaneda felt a sense of routine settling in. The previous evening with Horikita had been unexpectedly pleasant, offering a break from the usual isolation he imposed on himself. As he made his way through the busy corridors of Tokyo University, he mentally prepared for another day of lectures and assignments.

After a few hours of intense classes, Akira decided to head to the library during his lunch break. It had become his sanctuary—a place where he could focus and escape the noise of campus life. He found a quiet corner, away from the bustling main area, and settled down with a stack of textbooks.

As he immersed himself in his studies, the sound of footsteps approached. A soft voice interrupted his concentration. "Excuse me, is this seat taken?"

Akira looked up to see a young woman standing beside the table, holding a couple of thick books. She had an air of quiet confidence about her, and her eyes sparkled with curiosity. "No, it's not. Feel free to sit," he replied.

"Thank you," she said, taking the seat across from him. She began to unpack her things, and Akira couldn't help but notice the assortment of psychology and philosophy books she had brought with her.

After a few minutes of silence, the woman spoke again. "You're quite focused. What are you studying?"

Akira glanced at the open book in front of him. "Psychology. It's a subject that interests me."

She smiled. "Me too. I'm majoring in psychology. I'm Miyu Tanaka, by the way. What's your name?"

"Akira Kaneda," he replied, shaking her outstretched hand. "Nice to meet you, Miyu."

"Likewise," Miyu said, her smile widening. "It's always nice to meet someone who shares the same interests. What specifically drew you to psychology?"

Akira considered her question. "I'm fascinated by the human mind and behavior. Understanding what drives people, how they think and make decisions—it's all very intriguing to me."

Miyu nodded enthusiastically. "Exactly! It's such a broad field with so many applications. Do you have a particular area of interest?"

"I'm still exploring, but I'm leaning towards cognitive psychology. How about you?"

"I'm interested in clinical psychology," Miyu said. "I want to help people with mental health issues, to understand their struggles and provide support."

Their conversation flowed easily as they discussed their academic interests, favorite books, and theories. Akira found Miyu's passion for the subject infectious, and her insights added depth to their discussion. She was not only knowledgeable but also had a genuine desire to make a difference in people's lives.

As they talked, Akira felt a sense of familiarity with Miyu, similar to the one he felt with Yuki. However, this connection was different—it was new and unburdened by the complexities of his past. It was refreshing to engage with someone who knew nothing about his former identity or the White Room.

Time passed quickly, and soon they realized that they had been talking for over an hour. Miyu glanced at her watch and sighed. "I didn't realize it was so late. I have a class soon."

"Same here," Akira said, gathering his books. "It was nice talking to you, Miyu. Maybe we can continue our discussion another time."

"I'd like that," Miyu replied, standing up. "We should definitely study together again. Here, let me give you my number."

They exchanged contact information, and they parted ways. As Akira walked to his next class, he felt a sense of optimism. Meeting Miyu had been a pleasant surprise, adding a new layer to his university experience.

For the rest of the day, Akira found himself thinking about their conversation. Miyu's enthusiasm and sincerity had made a lasting impression on him. It was a reminder that his new life at Tokyo University was full of potential connections and opportunities.

As the sun set and the day drew to a close, Akira returned to his dormitory with a sense of anticipation for what lay ahead. Suzune's invitation, Yuki's unexpected presence, and now Miyu's new acquaintance were all pieces of his evolving journey. Each encounter was shaping his path, guiding him toward a future that was becoming increasingly distinct from his past.

Akira knew that he still had many challenges to face, but he also recognized the value of the connections he was making. With each step, he was building a new identity, one that was defined by his choices and experiences in the present. And for the first time in a long while, he felt a genuine sense of hope for the future.