Rendered in Code and Color

Chapter 1: Worlds Apart

Throughout the animated exchange, Kazuki remained a silent observer. However, their passion was infectious, and he found himself drawn in. He was somewhat out of his element, but he couldn't deny the thrill of participating in their passionate discussions. It was Ayaka's fervent description of the latest game that gave him the opportunity to contribute.

"What about you, Kazuki?" Ayaka suddenly turned her attention towards him, eyes gleaming with anticipation. "You're into design, right? What do you think of the characters in this game?"

Kazuki, caught off guard, blinked in surprise. He was used to being the observer, comfortably blending into the background. Now, the spotlight was turned on him. "Uh, yeah," he began, fumbling for words. "I mean, it's good but..."

"But?" Ayaka prompted, leaning forward in anticipation.

Taking a deep breath, Kazuki decided to just voice his thoughts. "Well, I think they could have done more with the characters. They're visually appealing, but the design doesn't always match their backstories. For example, the rogue character... he's supposed to be stealthy, right? But his flashy clothes would make him stand out, not blend in. It's a small detail, but these things matter in creating a believable universe."

He paused for a moment, uncertain of their reaction. But Ayaka and Hiroshi were both listening intently, their expressions encouraging. Inspired, he continued, "And character development isn't just about how a character grows in the narrative. It's also about how they visually evolve. As they gain experience, their design should reflect their journey. It's not just about changing outfits, it's about showing growth and progression. That... that can really help a player connect with the character."

A silence followed his monologue. Kazuki could feel a blush creeping up his neck, embarrassed by his outburst. But then, Ayaka broke into a grin. "That's amazing, Kazuki!" She said enthusiastically. "You've really thought about this."

Hiroshi nodded in agreement. "You've got a point. These things do add depth. I guess we sometimes overlook these details while we're focused on the gameplay."

Relieved by their responses, Kazuki found himself returning their smiles. It was a small moment, but for the first time, he felt truly engaged, a part of something bigger. And that felt surprisingly good.

As they finally parted ways for their afternoon classes, Kazuki couldn't help but feel a spark of excitement for what the rest of his college life might bring. He had started his day as an observer, but Ayaka and Hiroshi had turned him into an active participant.

This unexpected camaraderie, born out of shared interests, seemed like a promising start to his college journey. As he headed to his next class, he couldn't help but hope that this was just the beginning of many such meaningful interactions.

While Kazuki was experiencing an unexpectedly pleasant morning, Miyuki was relishing the tranquility of her morning class. Unlike the usual fanfare that typically accompanied her, the class offered a serene respite that she deeply appreciated.

The first day of classes was always more of a brief introduction rather than actual learning. That meant Miyuki had some time to herself, a luxury she didn't often get to enjoy. She was early to class, and as the students trickled in, they cast curious glances her way. Some had already recognized her, their whispered conversations filled with awe and excitement. However, the formal setting of the class seemed to create a boundary between her and the rest of the students, leaving her in a comfortable bubble of isolation.

She cherished these moments. It wasn't that she didn't enjoy the company of others - it was just that she also longed for some peace and solitude. In these fleeting moments, she could let down her guard, set aside the persona she was expected to maintain, and just be herself.