Rendered in Code and Color

Chapter 1: Worlds Apart

"No, today is my first day. Maybe I should go for something a little more professional."

Next up was a pair of black pressed pants, a white button-down shirt, a black blazer and high heels. Still not fitting what she was going for, she quickly changed again. It took several attempts, but eventually she settled on a loose, black skirt; a loose, peach blouse; a short navy blue blazer; and to top it off casual beige pumps for the shoes.

Satisfied, she packed her small leather backpack with a tablet, a couple notebooks, and an assortment of drawing pencils and other supplies. Right about then, her doorbell rang. A quick check of her phone reveled the time was 7:30 am.

"Right on time, as always." She chuckled to herself, before heading downstairs.

At the door was a long-time attendant to the Shimizu family, particularly Miyuki. She was a woman in her early 50s, with neatly coifed auburn hair and a pair of sharp, observant hazel eyes that carried an extreme kindness whenever holding Miyuki's reflection. She dressed in a smart, tailored uniform- black shirt, white blouse and a simple brooch to add a touch of elegance- a great representation of her impeccable professionalism.

"Mrs. Suzuki! Your're right on time, as always." Miyuki said with a fond smile.

"Yes, malady. It wouldn't do for you to recieve breakfast late, now would it?" She replied, her professional demeanor breaking into a soft expression.

"What's on the menu today?" Miyuki asked casually.

"Well, since it's your first day, I thought to go with a celebratory meal." She stepped in with a courteous bow, and placed a plate on the dining room table. "Blueberry pancakes, served with whipped cream and maple syrup. A bowl of mixed fruits. Crispy bacon and scrambled eggs. And a cup of traditional green tea."

Miyuki sat at the table with a bright sparkle in her eyes. "Oh! A western meal today? I don't remember the last time I had blueberry pancakes!"

She then quickly set about eating her meal with a few excited squeals here and there.

Mrs. Suzuki's expression turned serious. "Excuse me for intruding on personal matters, miss. But are you sure you want to do this? Your parents were quite furious when they heard you enrolled in an art college."

A sad expression flashed across Miyuki. "I'm sure they mean well but... what I do for my future is not their choice to make."

"I see." Suzuki replied with a worried smile.

"In that case, I have your itinerary here." She placed a paper in front of Miyuki to read. "Please make sure to familiarize yourself. It wouldn't do to miss a class on your first day."

After breakfast, the ladies departed via private car towards the college campus.

As the campus gate of the Tokyo Art College loomed in front of him, Kazuki plugged in his earphones, nodding along to the rhythmic beats of his favorite J-rock band. He was hardly conscious of the flurry of activity around him as he lazily strolled through the crowd, head down and lost in his music.

Simultaneously, the rumbling of a black SUV disrupted the serene morning. It stopped right at the entrance, drawing curious glances from the nearby students. A stern-looking man in a sharp suit and an earpiece stepped out of the driver's seat, moving to open the back door. As Shimizu Miyuki elegantly descended from the vehicle, an awestruck silence fell over the crowd.

"Oh my god, is that Shimizu Miyuki?" A girl gasped, eyes wide with astonishment.

"She's even prettier in person!" Another one chimed in.