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youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7pW2TRJlD4kme5VGyn3doRReeAPRNcEn
Yukiri stood up abruptly as the red dragon began apologizing. The girl's horns glowed in the sun, and her tail gave sharp twitch in embarrassment.
"I'm so sorry! I wasn't looking, and I was in a rush! My name is Lorelei, nice to meet you. Would love for us to be friends!"
Lorelei's tail flicked once more before she bolted, her movements blurred by a blinding red mana. Yukiri didn't even manage to draw a breath to reply before Lorelei was gone.
Kiori took a deep breath, her wolf ears pinning back against her head as she prepped for another signature rant. "That's the band leader! She's a super junior and really cool once you get to know her, even if she has the attention span of a firefly." Kiori's tail gave a rhythmic wag. "I heard they're looking for a guitarist.I saw your guitar in that weird box. My eyes never lies! You should try out after we unpack and settle in, of course!"
Yukiri nodded, as she dragged her heavy luggage along the carpeted floor. Sensing the strain in her muscles, she let her mana pool surface. A soft, pale glow began to emanate around the suitcases. She lifted the bags with ease as Kiori started in confusion.
"I'll carry these," Yukiri said. "My mana has a bit more Serean density than yours. It makes the lifting easier."
Kiori pouted, a small huff of breath escaping her as her ears flicked upward in annoyance. "Fine! You can find your own way to the dorms then, Miss Strong!"
Before Yukiri could respond, Kiori stomped off, her tail wagging with annoyance. Yukiri quickly hurried after her. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean it like that. I'll make it up to you by... buying you desserts? I saw a cafe there."
Kiori stopped in her tracks, her ears pointing up in excitement, rushing to Yukiri instantly, her eyes glinting hungrily. "Forgiven! Now, buy me a strawberry shortcake with extra cream."
Yukiri giggled. "You give in so quickly when food is involved."
Kiori walked up to Yukiri patting her head. "Cute, Shortie." Yukiri's cheeks flushed at her sudden touch, her ears drooping. Kiori giggled "Your like cute kitten! your ears are soft too!"
The Dorms (Yukiris prespective)
The dorms were massive, constructed with high ceilings that felt almost cathedral like. Kiori claimed the first room with a joyful howl. and I took the other one. I really didn't mind; it's just nice to have someone to talk to. I expected the rooms to be small, but they're actually quite spacious, with enough room for 1 more person to stay.
The uniforms haven't been handed out yet, so we have to wait a week. For now, we can wear our own clothes, which counts as a free clothes day. Classes start tomorrow, at 8....? I forgot...
Kiori went to the cafeteria to get food. Even from our dorm, I could smell it the scent of roasted meats and bread drifted through the vents, making me more hungry. Apparently, it's like a buffet, and Kiori promised to bring something back for me. I really need to figure out how to make some money soon, though. The cash that weird person gave me went entirely toward tuition, leaving my pockets painfully light.
The Next Day
The hallways were quiet as I ran, my heart hammering against my ribs. I was late for class because I overslept. When I reached the classroom, the air was deathly silent filled with mint like mana of a disgruntled teacher.
Apparently, Mrs. Busient has quite the temper. She scolded me for ten minutes straight the moment I walked in, her voice echoing. I stood there with my head bowed, and my tail dropped.
Now, I have detention after class. I'm stuck here with a guy named Souki, who apparently got in trouble for rage baiting a teacher. Strangely, he looks exactly like Lorelei the same sharp features and the same dragon tail, occasionally twitching at the tip.
Third Person Perspective
Souki's chair hit the floor with a dull thud. He didn't look at Yukiri, but his voice cut through the air, low and dry, vibrating with a rasp.
"So, you're the one who got the 'ten minute special' from Busient," he grinned, finally glancing her way. His eyes held a reptilian glint, the pupils slightly slitted. "Impressive. Usually, she runs out of breath by minute seven. You must have really ticked her off."
Yukiri felt her face heat up in embarrassment. "I just... I overslept."
"So you're a bad student now," Souki said, pushing off his desk and walking over to her. "Welcome to the 'bad students club,' Shortie."
Yukiri rolled her eyes at the nickname. First Kiori, now him? Was she really that small compared to everyone else? Souki laughed, a deep sound that rumbled in his chest. "Bro, you look like a literal elf with those ears. Hahaha!"
Yukiri let out a quiet sigh, the tension in her shoulders finally giving way to a small laugh. "So... I guess you're Souki?"
He slumped into the chair beside her, his movements heavy and relaxed, like a predator at rest. His hair was a mess, falling in tangled strands that almost completely covered his face. As he reached up to brush the bangs out of his eyes, he flicked a tiny spark of fire-mana from his fingertips to light a small hovering orb, illuminating his face for just a second.
He gave his hair one last frustrated tug before letting it fall back into a slightly more organized mess. "Stupid hair," he muttered, his tail giving a rhythmic thwack against the leg of the desk.
The classroom fell quiet, the two of them staring at each other.
Souki broke the silence, slumping onto the desk and tiredly mumbling, "So, wanna be friends?" Yukiri blinked, surprised by the bluntness. "Sure. By the way, my n—"
"I know, you're Yukiri," he cut in, waving a hand dismissively. "Anyway, you coming to the sleepover?" She paused, her ears twitching in confusion. "What?"
Souki sat back up, his tail lashing once in excitement. "The sleepover? It's an annual event hosted by the School Council. It's today in the sports wing at 8:00 PM. I... almost forgot until someone mentioned it."
Before she could reply, the bells rang, a loud, metallic chime that made Yukiri's sensitive ears wince. It was time for lunch. Yukiri looked back to see Souki already gone, his speed carrying him toward the cafeteria before the sound of the bell had even faded.
At the Cafeteria
As she walked into the bustling hall, the overwhelming scent of a hundred different people hit her nose. Kiori ran over, her tail wagging so hard it practically shook her whole body. She hugged Yukiri, chatting cheerfully.
"Yukiii! I brought Lori! She wants you as their guitarist! You're so lucky!"
Lori walked behind Kiori, looking tired but still wearing a wide, toothy smile. Her red scales caught the light. "So... You wanna join? Practice tomorrow at 4:00 PM, okay?"
Before Yukiri could even get a "yes" out, Lorelei vanished into the crowd. Yukiri grumbled, her ears drooping. "What's with people not letting me talk? Is it thing here?" Kiori giggled, her tongue lolling out in a happy canine grin. "Maybe! Come on, let's eat."
Yukiri's Perspective
I have been here for just two days, and it's already a thousand times better than the Estate. As I eat, Kiori rambles on about her day, her voice a comforting background noise to the clatter of the cafeteria. I just noticed her hairstyle todayit's braided in a way that shows off her hair. She's such a sunshine. The food is incredible, too really delicious.
Back at the Dorms
As I pack my sleeping bag and a change of clothes for the sleepover, my phone begins to vibrate on the nightstand. I pick it up, and my blood runs cold. The caller ID displays a name I never wanted to see again.
It was... Father
"Hello, Yukiri. So, you ran away. I found you anyway. I was going to send you to Sekule, but I suppose this little school works too."
As he spoke, my heart rate spiked, my instincts screaming at me to flee or fight. My mana began to leak out involuntarily, frost like energy coating the edges of my hand, it felt my hand was freezing.
He continued, his voice smooth and terrifyingly calm. "I sent you money; check your balance. And don't worry about tuition either. I've handled it. So—"
I hung up on him. My hand was shaking so hard I almost dropped it.
I plopped onto the bed, my heart pounding against my ribs, as I tried to calm down. I hate this game he is playing. He thinks he can buy my loyalty back with a few zeros in a bank account.
A sudden, sharp knock at the door interrupted my spiraling thoughts. Of course, it was Kiori. She pushed the door open, her eyes sparkling with an intensity that made it better?
"Yukii! Let's go to the sleepover! You got your bag, yeah?"
Her eyes are... beautiful, I thought to myself as she grabbed my wrist and began dragging me toward the door. Her excitement was a physical force, her mana feeling warm and bright like a summer afternoon. I let her pull me along, feeling the weight on my chest lift just a little bit.
I guess this is what true friendship feels like...