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The sweet aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air as Riku Hinata, a young man with pitch black hair and even darker eyes to match, stepped behind the counter of the bustling coffee shop. The chattering voices and the clinking of cups created the vibrant background noise that Riku had grown accustomed to over the years.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡExQ8AJxHXJ
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Riku loved his job at the coffee shop. It provided him solace and a place to escape from the chaos of the outside world. The coffee shop was a safe haven, where he could immerse himself in his passion for brewing the perfect cup of coffee and interacting with the diverse clientele that walked through the door. It was the one place where he felt that he truly belonged.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrsFfjHzBIN
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As he meticulously arranged the coffee beans in the grinder, a thought crossed Riku's mind. The Great Universal Collision. It had been four millennia since the collision had occurred, merging two vastly different worlds into one. The collision had brought about both wonder and devastation, forever changing the lives of each and every inhabitant of this newfound world.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg1dAwMks3V
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Riku had always been fascinated by those events, devouring every book and article he could find on the subject. He was captivated by the idea that two disparate universes had clashed, causing a rupture in time and space. It had reshaped the very fabric of existence, introducing new diseases, creatures, and even humans with extraordinary abilities.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9JQlmXmmc2
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Though the memories of the chaos and pain that followed the collision were still fresh in the minds of many, society had managed to adapt and rebuild. The new norms that emerged brought both progress and challenges. New species had evolved, flourishing within the diverse landscapes. Cuisine had become a fusion of flavors, combining the traditional tastes of both worlds. Friendships and alliances had formed, leading to the creation of families that spanned countless backgrounds.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsTqjrqIFI4
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Yet, even with the passage of time, scars from the past remained visible. War-torn kingdoms and cities served as constant reminders of the conflicts that once raged. The cannibal crisis, a dark period when survival instincts overtook reason, had only recently been overcome. And amidst the reconstruction, racism had reared its ugly head, threatening to undermine the unity that had been painstakingly achieved.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe3IbrHRGAx
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However, Riku chose to focus on the progress made. Humanity's ability to evolve, to learn from their mistakes, was something that inspired him. Despite the darkness that had clouded their past, the inhabitants of this new world had managed to find a semblance of peace, a renewed sense of normalcy after two millennia of rebuilding.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd2l5OZRRIw
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A gentle ding from the entrance disrupted Riku's thoughts, drawing his attention to the door. A man in his late twenties, with long white hair and sparkling blue eyes, stepped into the coffee shop. Riku's breath hitched, it was Kazuki Toru, a regular customer who never ceased to make his heart race.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn3pGQfGPzn
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As Kazuki approached the counter, a shy smile played on Riku's lips. The two had struck up a friendship of sorts, drawn together by their shared love for coffee and their desire to embrace the newfound harmony in their world. Yet, Riku couldn't help but feel a deeper connection with Kazuki—one that extended beyond friendship.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTR1EZkR35c
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"Hey, Riku," Kazuki greeted, his voice light and full of warmth. "I'll have my usual."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO2vpOHiTAy
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With practiced ease, Riku prepared Kazuki's favorite drink, all the while stealing glances at the man before him. He admired Kazuki's confidence and unwavering support for the changes that had taken place. They had both faced their fair share of prejudices, as Riku was openly gay and Kazuki had blue markings on his skin, a consequence of the collision's aftermath.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡScdqzGyCJN
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Handing Kazuki his coffee, Riku mustered the courage to ask, "You know, it's been two thousand years since the Great Universal Collision. Sometimes, I can't help but wonder if there are more instances of this happening, of other worlds colliding. What do you think?"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVy2Zpct7Bk
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Kazuki took a moment to ponder the question, his eyes gentle and thoughtful. "I believe that the universe holds infinite possibilities, Riku. Who's to say that we won't witness another collision in our lifetime? As long as we stay open-minded and embrace the differences amongst us, we can handle whatever comes our way."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4vJht3YCVb
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His words resonated with Riku, igniting a spark of hope within him. The collision of worlds had shaped him, made him who he was today, and he was determined to face the future head-on.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1lbIk3kIyz
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Smiling, Riku leaned against the counter and softly said, "Kazuki, you always know how to bring light to my world."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡByw9ak97Pp
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Kazuki's blue eyes sparkled, and a mischievous grin tugged at the corner of his lips. "Well, maybe it's because you're my guiding star in this chaotic universe."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb8xj4oNUlq
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As their laughter filled the coffee shop, Riku couldn't help but feel that maybe, just maybe, their collision of worlds was the most beautiful thing that had ever happened to him.
