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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.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz4rUTbdN1u
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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.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVKdx26nNgZ
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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.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡONckpZsECy
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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.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVBNfpgqgT7
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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.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsQBdygjlah
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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.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg9kykQ6AYR
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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.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJSPMXaA3HK
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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.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoxAnZNEzN7
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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.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIIuZgG33ph
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"Hey, Riku," Kazuki greeted, his voice light and full of warmth. "I'll have my usual."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhNiGLxZozm
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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.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYMWZVCHER8
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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?"211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzdcrwwWkSB
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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."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrx1reHO3Ea
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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.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGPRgo5jbdN
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Smiling, Riku leaned against the counter and softly said, "Kazuki, you always know how to bring light to my world."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjKO0xpnn3M
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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."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0YmH2WOpzr
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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.
