Chapter Text
The scent of freshly brewed coffee mingled with the sound of chatter as students buzzed around the cozy campus café. Izu leaned back in his chair, stretching out his legs beneath the small table, and glanced out the large windows that framed the quad. The sun was beginning to dip below the horizon, casting the brick buildings in a golden glow.
Across from him, Ochako flipped through her notebook absentmindedly. Her short, brown hair caught the light, reflecting warm tones that matched the glow of the café. She seemed relaxed, but that didn’t stop her from firing a curious glance at Izu.
“So,” she said, her voice full of curiosity, “how’s everything going with the dorm? Is Sero still as cool as he was the first week?”
Izu smiled, taking a sip of his latte. “Hanta? He’s honestly the most laid-back person I’ve ever met. It’s been a month, and I’m still shocked at how chill he is about everything. Yesterday, I came back to find him napping in a hammock he somehow managed to hang from the ceiling. He chuckled. He just shrugged and said, “‘Good vibes, man.’”
Ochako laughed, shaking her head. “Of course he did. I swear some people are just built for dorm life.”
“And what about Mina?” Izu asked, genuinely curious. “Still getting along with your roommate?”
Ochako’s face lit up at the mention of Mina. “Oh, Mina is great! We’ve been to so many museums and art galleries together. She’s like a walking encyclopedia of modern art—seriously, she knows everything about it.” She leaned in slightly, her eyes gleaming. “We’ve even started planning a trip to this super obscure gallery in the city. I think I’ve already learned more from her than in my actual art history classes.”
Izu raised his eyebrows. “Sounds like the perfect match. I’m glad it’s working out.”
Ochako took a sip of her tea before continuing. “Yeah, I got really lucky. But what about your classes? How’s that psychology course going now that we’re a month in?” She paused, noticing the brief flicker of discomfort that crossed Izu’s face.
Izu set down his cup, rubbing the back of his neck. “Honestly? Not great.” He hesitated, then sighed. “It’s been a month, and I’m still drowning. I didn’t think psychology would be this complicated. The professor goes through the material like we’ve all been studying Freud since we were kids.”
Ochako frowned, her brows furrowing with concern. “That bad, huh? I thought you’d enjoy it.”
“I thought I would too,” Izu admitted. “But it’s just… a lot. Way more than I expected. Everyone else in class seems to be keeping up, and I’m over here struggling to figure out how Freud’s theories apply to, well, anything.” He shook his head, frustration evident in his voice.
“Well, it’s only been the first month,” Ochako offered, trying to sound hopeful. “You’ll get used to the pace.”
Izu gave a weak smile. “I hope so. I don’t want to fall behind.”
Ochako leaned back in her chair, studying him for a moment before speaking. “You know,” she began, “there’s always the tutorium.”
Izu raised an eyebrow. “You mean those extra help sessions?”
“Yeah,” Ochako said, nodding enthusiastically. “It’s basically free help. They have student tutors who are really good at breaking down complicated topics. It’s super low-pressure, and you can ask them anything. Mina said she used it last semester, and it saved her from completely bombing her statistics class.”
Izu looked thoughtful for a moment. “I don’t know. I’ve never been great at asking for help.”
Ochako gave him a playful nudge with her foot under the table. “Oh, come on. It’s not like you’re going to lose points for admitting you don’t know everything. Besides, it’s still early enough that you can catch up if you start now.”
Izu laughed softly. “You’re right, as usual.”
“Aren’t I always?” Ochako quipped, smirking.
They sat in comfortable silence for a moment, the café bustling around them, as Izu mulled over the idea. He hated the thought of falling behind, especially since he had been so excited to start his journey toward becoming a teacher.
He drummed his fingers on the table. “Okay, fine. I’ll check it out. Maybe a tutor will help me understand what the hell is going on with all these theories.”
Ochako’s face brightened. “Good! I’m sure it’ll make a difference. And hey, if nothing else, you’ll meet more people. Maybe one of the tutors will be cute.”
Izu rolled his eyes, though a grin tugged at the corners of his mouth. “Is that your solution to everything? Just find a cute person to distract me?”
“Distraction isn’t always a bad thing,” Ochako teased, her eyes twinkling mischievously. “But seriously, give it a shot. You’re way too smart to let one class throw you off.”
“Thanks for the vote of confidence,” Izu said, feeling a little lighter. “I’ll let you know how it goes.”
Ochako smiled warmly. “You better. Oh, and speaking of which, you’re still coming to that art exhibit with me tomorrow, right? Mina’s practically bursting with excitement, and I told her I’d drag you along.”
Izu groaned dramatically. “An art exhibit? Really?”
“Yes, really,” Ochako shot back, crossing her arms in mock seriousness. “Consider it culture. Plus, it’s a good excuse to get out of the dorms for a while. I’ve seen enough of those cinderblock walls to last a lifetime.”
Izu chuckled. “Alright, alright, I’ll go. But only because you asked nicely.”
“Good.” Ochako beamed, clearly satisfied. She glanced at the time and sighed. “Speaking of the dorms, I should probably head back and get started on my reading for History 101. You’d think history would be easier, but nope—two chapters in, and I’m already swimming in dates and names.”
Izu stood up, gathering his things. “I feel your pain. Let’s hope we both survive this semester.”
They left the café together, stepping out into the cool evening air. The campus was quieter now, with fewer students milling about as the day wound down. Izu stuffed his hands into his jacket pockets, feeling a mix of nervousness and determination settle in his chest.
Ochako walked beside him, her usual confident stride keeping pace with his more measured steps. “Don’t worry too much,” she said, breaking the silence. “The first month’s always the hardest. We’ll find our groove.”
Izu nodded, appreciating her reassurance. “Yeah. You’re right. And thanks—for the advice and everything.”
“That’s what friends are for,” Ochako replied with a grin. “Now, go crush that psychology class.”