– Excuse me, are you new here?
Celine turned toward the voice and found herself looking up at a tall, pretty girl. Her hair was tied into a messy bun, and although she wore the standard uniform, her posture was relaxed and casual—very different from the other students Celine had seen so far.
Celine offered a small smile – I am. I got a bit lost in the hallways.
The girl blinked and asked without hesitation – Are you a new teacher?
Celine stared at her, wide-eyed – A teacher...?
"Do I look that old?" she thought, but still answered politely – No, I'm a new second-period student.
The girl let out a dramatic sigh of relief and grinned – Oh, thank goodness. I mean, there's a rule here, students can't flirt with teachers. So, when I thought you were one, I was genuinely heartbroken. A real tragedy.
Celine blinked again, confused by the boldness, before giving a small, awkward nod – I... see.
The girl laughed lightly, clearly amused by Celine's shifting expressions – You're adorable. Anyway, didn't you say you were lost? Let me help you – She stepped forward and gestured toward one of Celine's bags – May I?
Celine's eyes lit up – Thank you! I was looking for the principal's office.
– Oh – the girl said with a smirk – Good luck with that. The principal hasn't stepped foot in here since the first day of the term.
Celine froze mid-step. "...?"
– But don't worry – The girl added, already walking ahead – I can take you to the Student Council. The president's basically the boss around here anyway.
Celine followed quickly, grateful – Thank you so much. I hope I'm not keeping you from anything important.
The girl looked at her from the corner of her eye and smiled playfully – Not at all. I always make time for pretty girls.
Celine smiled back.
Then the girl gasped, tapping her forehead – Where are my manners? We didn't even introduce ourselves! I'm Aysel, fourth-period veteran and full-time chaos maker.
– I'm Celine – She said quietly – I'll be starting second-period this year.
Aysel stopped walking.
– Celine? – She studied the girl beside her. The northern style of clothing... Could it really be her?
– Yes – Celine said, pausing beside her. Aysel blinked, caught staring, and quickly smiled again before resuming their walk as if nothing had happened.
They walked in silence for a while. When they reached a turn in the corridor, Aysel pointed – Second door on the right, just past that corner. You'll see a lovely sign that says 'Student Council' in all its glittery glory.
Celine stepped forward and looked. Sure enough, the door had beautifully stylized lettering.
– I'd go with you – Aysel said with a sheepish laugh – but I've got some... appointments.
Celine turned to her with a warm smile – It's alright. You've helped me plenty already. Thank you, Aysel.
She headed toward the door. Aysel stood still for a moment, watching her go, a rare flicker of awkwardness on her face as she stared at the floor.
A soft thud broke her thoughts. An apple rolled to her feet. She bent down to pick it up and looked ahead, only to find a red-haired girl a few steps away, failing miserably to contain her laughter.
– Don't. You. Dare – Aysel warned, already knowing what was coming.
Elaxi burst into full laughter, holding her stomach – I can't—Aysel, you actually blushed. I saw it. Shame on your face. I never thought I'd live to see it.
– I panicked, okay? You would too if you just flirted with the daughter of the Greatest Sorcerer of the Nine Kingdoms!
Elaxi froze – Wait, that's Celine?!
Aysel raised her hand as if to speak, but Elaxi was already doubling over in laughter again, louder than before. Then, with wide eyes and a knowing smirk, she bolted.
– Elaxi, I swear—! – Aysel shouted, chasing after her.
They dashed through the corridor like a storm.
Just then, a door swung open ahead. A stern-looking woman stepped out and immediately had to pause as Elaxi and Aysel raced past.
– Girls! No running in the halls! – she snapped.
– Sorry, Professor! – Elaxi yelled over her shoulder – There's a wild animal on my tail!
Aysel picked up her pace.
The professor scowled as they disappeared around the corner – Unbelievable...
– Adorable, if you ask me – Said a voice beside her.
She turned to find a man leaning against the wall, sipping from a porcelain cup, grinning as if he had all the time in the world.
Her eyes narrowed – Stay away from me.
With that, she walked off without another word.
The man stayed put, unbothered, taking another sip of tea – So cold – he muttered with a pout – I missed you too, darling.