Chapter 1: The Sketch
The first snow of the season fell softly over the university campus. Kenji Tanaka sat at the back of the lecture hall, his sketchbook open on the desk. As Professor Mori droned on about aesthetics in modern art, Kenji’s pencil moved almost instinctively.
Unintentionally, his hand traced the familiar sharp jawline and tousled dark hair of Riku Saito, the university’s rising music star. Kenji froze when he realized what he had done. Why did I draw him? he thought, slamming the sketchbook shut.
After class, his friend Akira caught a glimpse of the sketch before Kenji could stop him.
“Whoa, is that Riku? This is insane!” Akira grinned, holding it up.
“Akira, stop!” Kenji whispered harshly, trying to snatch it back.
But it was too late. Riku himself had walked over, curious about the commotion.
“What’s this?” Riku asked, taking the sketch from Akira. Kenji’s face turned beet red as Riku examined the drawing.
“You drew this?” Riku asked, his voice softer now.
Kenji nodded, unable to meet his gaze. “It was an accident. I wasn’t… I didn’t mean to—”
“It’s incredible,” Riku interrupted, a small smile tugging at his lips. “You made me look… like I actually have my life together.”
Kenji blinked, surprised by the humility in Riku’s tone.
“Maybe you could show me more of your work sometime,” Riku said, handing back the sketch. “I’d like to see how you see the world.”
Chapter 2: Midnight Collaborations
The following week, Riku unexpectedly showed up at the campus art studio where Kenji spent most of his evenings.
“Hey,” Riku said, leaning against the doorframe, his guitar slung over one shoulder. “Got a minute?”
Kenji looked up from his canvas, startled. “Uh, yeah. What’s up?”
Riku walked in, setting his guitar down carefully. “I’ve been trying to write this new song, but it’s missing something. I thought maybe you could help.”
“Me?” Kenji asked, confused. “I don’t write music.”
“No, but you see things differently,” Riku said. “Like in that sketch you did of me. You saw something most people don’t. I want that in my music.”
Kenji hesitated but eventually nodded. They started meeting late at night, combining Riku’s melodies with Kenji’s visual ideas. Their collaboration sparked something neither of them had felt before—a connection that went beyond art.
Chapter 3: Snowstorm Secrets
One evening, as they walked back to the dorms, a sudden snowstorm hit. They sought shelter in an old gazebo on campus. Riku wrapped his jacket around Kenji, who was shivering.
“You didn’t have to do that,” Kenji murmured.
“You’ll freeze,” Riku replied. “Besides, I’ve got layers.”
For a moment, the world felt still.
“Can I ask you something?” Riku said, breaking the silence.
“Sure,” Kenji replied.
“Why do you keep to yourself so much? You’re ridiculously talented, but it’s like you don’t want anyone to see you.”
Kenji hesitated, then answered quietly, “I guess I’m afraid of being misunderstood. It’s easier to keep my distance.”
Riku’s expression softened. “I get that. People think I have it all together because I’m always performing, but it’s just… exhausting. Sometimes I wish I could disappear.”
Kenji looked at him, surprised. For the first time, he saw the cracks in Riku’s confident facade.
“You don’t have to be perfect all the time,” Kenji said. “Not with me.”
Chapter 4: Confessions Under the Stars
On Christmas Eve, Riku invited Kenji to a small holiday gathering at his dorm. As the night wound down, they stepped outside to watch the snow.
“I need to tell you something,” Riku said, his breath visible in the cold air.
Kenji turned to him, his heart pounding. “What is it?”
Riku hesitated before finally saying, “I think I’ve been falling for you. And I don’t just mean as a friend. You’ve made me see things in a way I never thought possible.”
Kenji’s eyes widened. “Riku…”
“I know it’s sudden,” Riku continued, “but I couldn’t keep it to myself anymore.”
Kenji felt a wave of emotions—fear, excitement, and relief. Taking a step closer, he whispered, “You’re not the only one.”
Riku’s face lit up, and without thinking, he pulled Kenji into a gentle embrace. As the snow fell around them, it felt like the rest of the world had disappeared.
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