A New Beginning

[Day: Tuesday]

[Time: Morning]

[Location: Home - Sanctuary City]

The morning sun rose and painted the sky with colors of orange and yellow, signalling the start of a new day. The share house was relatively calm despite the number of people who were living inside.

I made my way downstairs, letting out a soft yawn. I swung my bag over my shoulder and noticed Jessica, Baylee, Melissa, and Faith waiting for me at the front. A gentle smile tugged at the corners of my lips as I went to greet them.

"Good morning, ladies," I greeted, looking at each of them. "You all look beautiful today."

The girls smiled at me, softly giggling at my casual flirtatious remark.

"Thank you, Shiro~ You look dazzling as always," Melissa said, returning my flirtatious comment with her own.

"Thank you, Mel," I chuckled softly, stroking her chin. "Naomi, Chloe, Dante, and Mariana must already be at the campus."

Jessica nodded her head. "Yeah, they left an hour earlier. Since you're ready, I was thinking we could walk to school together."

"Sounds good to me. Let's head out, don't wanna be late for my first big day," I said, making my way to the front door.

They all gave me a nod then we were out the door. We began our walk to the campus, the girls making small talk with me along the way. Since it was my first day, the four were telling me about all of the teachers and how tough some of them were compared to the others.

"Oh yeah, and Professor Ui is hella tough! She wants nothing more than Perfection on her tests. Apparently she's the sister to Akira Okabe from Matsugaya University. I don't know anything about her, so can you shed some light on her?" Jessica said, looking at me as she wanted to know more about Akira.

"You want to know more about Akira huh? Well, I can say for certain that she hates her job, but it pays well. She's very care-free and has a pretty dark humor at times. Can't forget that she's also a massive gambler," I said, resting my hands behind my head.

"Also, she and Shiro smashed and they are hella close!" Lustie giggled, hovering behind us.

Faith gasped softly, looking back at Lustie with a hand over her mouth. "R-Really? They used to have sex?"

"Shiro's a dog! He literally had Destiny Central in the palm of his hand and still does~" Lustie said proudly, puffing her chest out with a smirk.

Passion nodded her head in agreement. "And his legacy continues here in Sanctuary City~"

Jessica chuckled softly at Lustie and Passion. "Wow, didn't know you were around there slaying every chick you came across. But I'm not surprised, it does seem like something Shiro would do."

Baylee, Faith, and Melissa nodded in agreement.

"I wouldn't say I'm a dog, but I just know how to use my words~ I mean, it worked for the four of you right?" I teased, giving Jessica a playful smirk.

Jessica blushed madly, turning away with her arms crossed. "I have no idea what you're talking about. I let you hit because we were high," Jessica said, her voice laced with sarcasm but she couldn't deny that my presence still did affect her in a good way.

Baylee giggled softly, nudging Jessica gently. "Stop lying to yourself Jess~ You know you were head over heels for him~"

"Whatever," Jessica said, barely able to contain a smile on her face.

We all shared a laugh and continued our short journey to the campus. I already knew that I was going to have a great time here and make a name for myself in this new territory.

[Day: Tuesday]

[Time: Morning]

[Location: Sanctuary University]

We made it to the campus and our presences commanded the attention of everyone around us. All eyes landed on us as we walked to the courtyard, a few students murmuring and gossiping about my return to the university.

Making our way to a table in the courtyard and sitting down, I noticed someone approaching our table from the corner of my eye. As I turned to see who it was, I noticed it was Naomi.

"Well, well~ The new guy on the block actually shows up~" Naomi chuckled softly, sitting down with us.

I chuckled softly at Naomi. "Yeah, yeah. I'm just ready to see what all this school has to offer. You all have a pretty high bar to reach now that I'm here..~"

"Yeah, I know about your track record. A genius academically, but I wouldn't underestimate the smart ones here. They could give you a run for your money, specifically Joy Flower. She's literally the smartest one of this academy, besides Chloe." Naomi said, smiling at me.

"Joy? Who's that?" Lustie asked, gently landing on Naomi's shoulder.

"She's over there," Naomi said, pointing over at a table that had a girl sitting alone, reading a book.

I looked at the table Naomi pointed to, seeing the young woman Naomi was talking about. She was a very attractive woman with a fair complexion that glowed in the sunlight. She had short, white hair that she often keeps in a neat bob, pale pink eyes that stand out against her fair complexion, and wore glasses that added to her scholarly appearance.

[*BEEP BEEP BEEP*]

At that moment, I knew I had to take my chances and leave my mark by wooing the smartest girl at Sanctuary City. I looked back at Naomi, and it was like she could read my mind.

"You can try, but she doesn't really interact with many people here. Not anymore. I have no idea what goes on in her head," Naomi shrugged.

I chuckled softly then stood up, giving Naomi my signature smile. "Well I'm not one to walk off from a challenge..~ Besides, she looks lonely and you know me...I gotta help someone in need."

"Yeah, gotta help women in need," Jessica teased, her voice a playful sarcasm.

I rolled my eyes and gently flicked Jessica's forehead. "Get ready to have a new friend in the group..~"

"Good luck, Shiro!~" Baylee said, cheering for me.

I nodded at Baylee then made my way over to Joy's table then sat down, gently tapping on the table to get her attention. Joy looked at me, a shy look on her face.

"Uh...Hi," Joy said softly, slightly covering her face with her book.

I offered Joy a gentle and warm smile. "Hi, my name's Shiro. I'm new here and trying to find my bearings here."

Joy stared at me then lowered her book, her initial tenseness becoming more lax. "I think I've heard of you before... Shiro Moji right..?"

I nodded. "Mhm, that's right."

"My name is Joy Flower, it's nice to meet you," She said softly, lowering her book more until it was once again set down on the table.

"Flower is a beautiful last name. It really fits a blooming girl like yourself.." I said, giving her a playful flirt.

[Joy seemed to like that...]

[Joy's Attraction Meter slightly rose to 15%]

"Th-Thank you. That was really nice of you..." She said softly, lowering her head a her cheeks became slightly rosy.

Jessica watched as I managed to get into the first stage of talking with Joy, a soft chuckle escaping her lips. "Look how effortlessly he makes it look... She's actually blushing and engaging in a conversation with him.."

"I can't say I'm surprised, but I wouldn't have guessed he makes it look that easy," Naomi said, letting out a soft chuckle as she watched me and Joy.

"Ahh, so your dad is the dean of Sanctuary University? That's pretty cool in my book. Is it hard, y'know being the daughter of someone with such a high position?" I asked, genuinely curious.

"I mean...it has its downsides, but it's not that hard. He was actually hired by Destiny's Board of Directors and Destiny ISD. It's nothing too serious, honestly," Joy said, running her fingers through her hair. "What about you? Do your parents do anything cool?"

"Well as you know I'm Hawaiian so my mom is the current leader of my tribe back at Hawaii. My dad passed away when I was younger," I answered.

Joy stared at me for a bit before her gaze lowered to her book. "I see. I understand how it feels to lose a parent. I lost my mom in a car accident when I was younger... I still haven't really gotten over it.."

"Well there's no time limit on grieving, y'know. Everyone takes a different amount of time to grief over their loved ones," I said, my tone a mix of sympathy and understanding.

[Joy's Attraction Meter rose to 30%]

[Joy's walls have slightly lowered.]

Joy gave me a soft smile, her gaze returning to mine. "Thank you, Shiro... You're really kind you know. I haven't met a guy with such gentleness like yours. It's... refreshing.."

"A little understanding can go a long way. That's what my guardian always said to me. Respect and kindness goes both ways so I do my best to give everyone an equal chance," I said, smiling back at her.

[Joy's Attraction Meter rose to 50%]

Before Joy could answer, the bell rang for those who had classes to head to class. Joy looked around, noticing everyone was packing up so she did the same.

She stood up and looked at me, a gentle expression playing on her face. "It was nice meeting you, Shiro. Hopefully our paths cross again.."

I nodded in agreement. "It was nice meeting you as well. I hope our paths cross again as well..~"

Joy waved at me before walking off to go inside the building. I stood up and made my way to my group, giving then a prideful chuckle.

"Well well, Casanova strikes again..~" Naomi chuckled softly as she stood up.

"What can I say, my effect is still running strong. I haven't lost my touch at all~" I said, adjusting my bag. "How about we all head inside, don't wanna be late to class on my first day~"

"We're coming," Jessica smiled as she gathered her bag and jacket.

The six of us made our way inside the building and I walked each girl to their classes before venturing off on my own down the bustling halls of the university. As I made my way to my first class, I had Joy on my mind, wanting to get to know her more.

------------------------------------------------

[Day: Tuesday]

[Time: Noon]

[Location: Sanctuary University]

The day was going by smoothly and was heading to my next class, excited to meet my second to last professor for the day. As I walked into the classroom, I noticed I was the first to enter and the professor was in class setting up her desk and projector for the class.

The professor looked at me, stopping what she was doing. "Ahh, if it isn't Shiro. My sister has told me a lot about you."

[*BEEP BEEP BEEP*]

"Oh hell yeah! Not only did you smash Akira, but you also have a chance to smash her sister, Ui? Man Sanctuary City is already looking great!" Lustie chuckled softly, gazing upon Ui with an excited expression.

Ui Okabe was the younger sister to Akira by one year and she was just as beautiful as Akira was. Ui had medium-length black hair, worn in a low ponytail, adding a sense of professionalism to her appearance. Her light brown eyes conveyed a combination of warmth and intensity, reflecting her dedication to her work and her students. Small eye bags under her eyes hinted at her tireless commitment to her responsibilities.

I walked toward Ui's desk and gave her a friendly smile. "I've heard a bit about you as well. Seems like you're a no bullshit professor unlike Akira."

Ui laughed softly then let out a soft sigh. Even her laugh was similar to Akira's. "Well that is true. I am a no-nonsense professor. It's either you get it or you don't in my class. Everything in my class is also open note so if you fail anything that's solely on you."

"I can respect that. It seems you both took the science route huh? Must've watched a lot of Bill Nye growing up huh?" I teased, softly chuckling.

[Ui liked that.]

[Ui's Attraction Meter rose to 20%]

Ui let out another soft laugh and crossed her arms, her gaze never leaving mine. "You must be a comedian huh? You seem to know how to tickle me, but yes. We both took the science route, although Akira didn't want to but it was either this or become a doctor and Akira and I both know we would suck at doctors."

I chuckled softly, placing my hands in my pockets. "Yeah, I already know about Akira and certain people.."

Soon, the other students entered the class so Ui and I cut our conversation short and I took my seat on the top row. As I watched the students take their seats, I noticed Joy was a part of this class and watched as she walked up the stairs to take her seat. We locked eyes for a moment and exchanged smiled and waves.

The bell rang for classes to start, and once Ui noticed everyone was settled into their seats, she began her lecture. As Ui began the lecture, Joy and I were both highly focused, answering questions and participating actively. Ui noticed our engagement and decided to use it to challenge the class.

"Let's have a little competition. Shiro, Joy, why don't you both solve this problem on the board? Let's see who gets it first," Ui said, holding out two markers for us to come down and grab.

Both Joy and I got up and stepped up to the board, grabbing a marker from Ui's hand. We began to work quickly, the room silent with anticipation. Soon, I finished my answer swiftly, putting the top back on the marker.

The class was in awe at the swiftness of my work, everyone exchanging glances at one another. Joy looked over at my side of the board, her eyes wide in surprise and awe. She looked back at her answer, her mind racing with how fast I answered the question. She finished her answer, placing the top back on her marker.

Ui looked at our answers and smiled, nodding her head. "Excellent work, both of you. It seems that Shiro really knows his material, but simply just knowing the answer isn't enough for me. Care to explain how you got your answer?"

I closed my eyes, a confident smile playing on my lips. "Well, it's simple really. Elements are really tricky to mix together as it requires a certain amount of energy from both sides or else things go awry. To make natural lightning, you'll need more Fire as it does contains plasma if it's hot enough than you need wind which comes down to basic oxygen. Mixing the two together can create something called pyrocumulonimbus clouds aka fire storm clouds."

Ui looked at me with an impressed looked, smiling at me. "Well I'll be. I guess your title as Smartest in Matsugaya wasn't just a self proclaimed title. You do have the brains to back it up."

I smiled at Ui then nodded. "It didn't come without its hardships honestly. I had to study hard to get where I am now."

Joy's eyes narrowed slightly, but she kept her composure. She looked back at me with a soft smile. "Good job, Shiro. You caught me off guard with your swiftness, but next time I'll definitely win the challenge."

I smiled at Joy, seeing a competitive flare awaken inside her. "I'll be counting on it."

The two of us returned to our seats and the lesson continued. As I listened, a felt a tap on my shoulder and looked over to see who wanted my attention. I noticed it was a girl with a devilish smirk on her face.

"The way you embarrassed that chick was so funny..~ Like seriously, no one has been able to check her until now..~ It was really nice to see," The girl chuckled softly, resting her hands behind her head.

I rose an eyebrow, Lust-E and I subtly giving each other a side eye. "Well I wasn't really embarrassing her and I wasn't trying to check her. I just happened to know the answer faster. Besides, she's just as smart as I am.."

[Joy heard you and liked your answer...]

[Joy's Attraction Meter rose to 80%]

"Yeah no need to be modest, handsome..~ My name is Hazel by the way," She said, smirking at me.

I looked at Hazel for a moment then turned back forward with a smile. "The name's Shiro."

"Ooo~ Mysterious guy, I like it..~" Hazel giggled softly.

Joy smiled to herself, looking down at her notebook as she doodled on the corner of the page. 'He...stood up for me...'

The rest of the class went by smoothly and before I knew it, the bell rang for the class to end. The class gathered their things and got up to exit the classroom. Before Joy and I could leave the class, Ui called us to her desk.

"You...wanted to see us?" Joy asked, holding a book against her chest firmly.

"Yeah. I believe you two can make good partners after seeing both of your performances. I can see you two pushing each other to new academic heights and working together to become a strong team. This is exactly what I need from my class," Ui said, smiling at the both of us.

Joy and I exchanged glances, a flicker of connection sparking between us. Before I could answer, Joy stepped forward and gave Ui a determined look.

"I accept!" Joy exclaimed, nodding her head.

"Whoa. Not even 100% yet and she's already into you. I can tell. It looks like this is a job for the Passion Trait~" Passion said, a smile on her face as she hovered beside me.

"Yeah I'll let you take over this Volume as Lead Guide. I did my job in Volume 1 and a girl needs a break~" Lustie giggled, resting comfortably upon my shoulder.

"And you, Mr. Moji?" Ui asked, her gaze shifting to me.

"I accept. I mean, it is the first someone has matched me academically, so this would be a fun experience," I said, accepting to be Joy's partner for Ui's class.

[Ui's Attraction Meter rose to 30%]

[Joy's Attraction Meter rose to 100%]

[Joy can be registered.]

"Then it's settled, you and Joy shall be new partners," Ui said, subtly winking at Joy.

Joy smiled then shyly turned toward me, but her eyes still flashed with competitiveness. "I hope you're ready because I will show you why I'm top of the academy here..~"

"I'm looking forward to see it, Miss Flower~" I chuckled as I made my way out of the classroom.

Joy watched me, a soft blush settling on her face then she looked at Ui. She bowed toward her. "Thank you, Miss Okabe.."

"No problem, now I hope my plan works to get those girls from bothering you in class. With Shiro at your side, I'm sure you'll be fine now. Also, I can sense an immediate click between the two of you. You two aren't too different after all," Ui said softly, standing up from her seat.

"Eh? What...do you mean?" Joy asked, watching Ui gather her things.

Ui smiled to herself as she got everything she needed. "I'll let you figure that out..~ Now go on, I'm gonna go on my lunch break unless you wanna join me for lunch again."

Joy nodded at Ui and smiled happily. "I'll be delighted to join you! Can we stop by that hibachi place you took me to last time?"

"Of course, I was already planning to head there anyway. Everything is half off due to happy hour and I'm trying to get my paws on that fried rice special again," Ui said as she made her way to the door.

Joy followed behind Ui, a content smile on her face. As she walked down the halls with Ui, she passed by me, noticing me walking with Jessica, Baylee, Melissa, and Faith. She waved at me and smiled as I waved back at her.

"Man you work fast. I haven't seen that girl smile this much since she first came here," Jessica said, watching Joy walk with Ui.

"What can I say, the Shiro Effect is powerful," I chuckled softly. "Let's hurry to the food court, I'm starving."

"Oooh!~ I heard they opened up a new sushi spot! I wanna get that," Baylee said, her excitement to try the new sushi spot bubbling up inside.

"I could go for some sushi, just don't speak your broken japanese to the workers like you did at Tanuki Express. That was so embarrassing..." Jessica said, sighing softly as she remembered the embarrassing memory.

"I won't, Jess~ I promise this time," Baylee giggled as she hugged Jessica's arm.

I chuckled and the five of us made our way to the food court. I was already loving the university on my first official day here. I couldn't wait to see what else this academy had in store for me down the road both good and bad.

[New Woman Registered!]

[Information Acquired.]

Name: Joy Flower

Age: 20

Birthday: December 7th

Height: 5 Feet 5 Inches

Weight: 117 lbs

Nationality: English

Status: Friend

Bond: 20%

Title: The Blooming Genius

Occupation: College Student

Most Desirable Trait(s): Talent, Charm, Passion, Empathy, Romance

Least Desirable Trait(s): Mean, Nasty, Rude, literally all of the traits of a bully

Libido: Very Conservative

Favorite Gifts: Flowers (Lilies and Roses specifically), Novels and Graphic Novels, Stuffed Animals, Jewelry, Quality Time