DaiShun (The Boyfriend)

Chapter 2: Shun

Shun preferred the solace of solitude. He found comfort in the quiet moments spent alone, far from the prying eyes of others. It wasn't that he disliked people, but he had learned long ago that keeping a distance was easier, safer. His world was small, cozy, and exactly how he liked it.

This morning was no different from any other. Shun woke up in his small apartment, the early light filtering through the thin curtains casting a soft glow across the room. His apartment, though modest, was a reflection of him: warm and inviting, filled with personal touches that made it feel like home. Every piece of furniture, every decoration, had been chosen with care, creating a space where he could retreat from the world and lose himself in his music.

The apartment had a certain charm, with its neatly organized bookshelves, a small but well-used kitchen, and a living area that doubled as a music studio. Instruments were scattered about, each one ready to be picked up and played. A guitar rested against the sofa, a keyboard stood by the window, and a collection of recording equipment occupied a corner of the room. Despite living alone, Shun's apartment radiated warmth, a testament to his ability to create a cozy haven for himself.

Yawning, he stretched and reluctantly left the comfort of his bed. His morning routine was simple but important, a grounding start to each day. He padded to the bathroom, splashed water on his face, and brushed his teeth. The bathroom was small but immaculate, with everything in its place.

After freshening up, Shun moved to the kitchen to prepare breakfast. He enjoyed cooking, even if it was just for himself. Today, he opted for a simple yet satisfying meal: a bowl of miso soup, a small portion of grilled fish, and a bowl of rice. He carefully arranged the food on a tray and sat down at the small dining table by the window. The morning sun bathed the room in a warm glow as he ate, savoring each bite.

Breakfast was a quiet, almost meditative experience for Shun. It was a time for him to collect his thoughts and prepare for the day ahead. Today was a significant day at the University of Tokyo, where he was a second-year student majoring in Music Technology. His major combined his passion for music with the technical skills needed to produce and manipulate sound. It was the perfect blend for someone like him, who loved not only creating music but also understanding the intricate details of sound production.

Shun's music had gained quite a following online. Despite his reserved nature, he had found a way to share his talent with the world without exposing too much of himself. He uploaded his compositions under a pseudonym, keeping his real identity hidden. His fans knew him as a gifted musician, but few knew his face or his story. This anonymity suited Shun perfectly, allowing him to maintain a low profile while still reaching people with his music.

Today, however, wasn't just about attending classes. As the vice president of the Music Club, Shun had responsibilities. With the new semester starting, it was the day when all the freshers would join clubs, and it was his task to stay at the club's booth and help recruit new members. The Music Club was one of the most active and popular clubs on campus, known for its diverse group of musicians and its numerous events and performances throughout the year.

After finishing his breakfast, Shun washed the dishes and got ready to leave. He dressed simply but neatly, choosing clothes that were comfortable yet presentable. He grabbed his bag, which contained his notebooks and a few music sheets, and took a final look around his apartment to make sure everything was in order.

Walking to the university, Shun enjoyed the crisp morning air. The streets were starting to fill with other students heading to their classes. He kept to himself, as he always did, moving through the crowd like a ghost. Upon reaching the campus, he headed straight to the courtyard where the club booths were set up.

The Music Club's booth was already bustling with activity. Instruments were displayed prominently, and a banner above the booth proudly announced the club's name. As he approached, Shun could see some of the other club members setting up and preparing for the influx of new students.

"Hey, Shun," greeted Mei, the club president, with a bright smile. Mei was a third-year student with a charismatic personality, the perfect leader for the club. She was always full of energy and enthusiasm, traits that Shun admired but could never quite emulate.

"Morning, Mei," Shun replied with a nod, his tone polite but reserved.

"We're almost ready. Can you help set up the sound system?" Mei asked, knowing that Shun's technical skills were unparalleled.

"Sure," he said, getting to work. Setting up the sound system was second nature to him, and he quickly had everything connected and running smoothly.

As the morning progressed, the courtyard filled with freshers eager to explore the various clubs. Shun stood by the booth, answering questions and providing information about the club's activities. His quiet demeanor contrasted with Mei's vibrant presence, but together they made an effective team. Mei drew the students in with her enthusiasm, while Shun impressed them with his deep knowledge and passion for music.

Many students were already familiar with his work, recognizing his pseudonym from online platforms. They were excited to learn that the musician they admired was part of the Music Club. Despite the attention, Shun maintained his composure, focusing on the task at hand.