The next morning, sunlight poured through the sheer curtains like golden threads, warming the little room in a quiet embrace.
Alina stood in front of the mirror, tying the soft ribbon at the back of her favorite sky-blue dress. The fabric fluttered gently as she moved...simple, soft, and full of memories. Her hair was left open, cascading down her back like a gentle waterfall.
She didn't wear any makeup today.
She didn't need to.
Her skin was glowing...not from anything she applied, but from something inside. A soft kind of happiness she hadn't felt in a long time.
Whenever she was anxious, her face turned pale and dull like wilted petals. But when her heart felt light, her skin would glow like a full moon in spring.
Today, her cheeks had a natural blush. Her pink lips were full and warm, and her deep hazel eyes shining under the sunlight like melted honey.
She looked... peaceful.
She looked like someone who was slowly, quietly healing.
••••••
Soon, she found herself standing inside the principal's office again.
Dante Nightshade stood near his desk, his long black coat trailing behind him like smoke.
He didn't say good morning.
He didn't look pleased.
In fact, he looked slightly impatient, as if he hated paperwork and mornings equally.
Alina stood straighter.
They signed a few documents together, mostly formalities.
She skimmed the words but caught the keywords:
employment. Contracted trial. Restricted boundaries.
Totally normal.
After the last signature, he spoke without looking at her.
"You might know where the staff room is. Your desk is ready. You may go."
Alina flinched slightly at his cold tone. "A-alright..." she replied, clutching her folder and hurrying toward the exit.
He really takes this cosplay thing seriously... she thought as she closed the door behind her.
••••••
The staff room was nearby principal office.
When she stepped inside, she was greeted by cool silence and three other staff members already seated.
The first was a middle-aged man with dark, greasy hair and narrow black eyes.
He glanced up as she entered and immediately turned his face away, the corners of his mouth curling downward in open disgust.
Alina blinked, trying not to let it sting.
His nameplate read:
"Professor Hobb."
"So rude..." she muttered under her breath, sitting up straighter.
The second teacher, a stern woman with sharp features and cold black eyes...didn't even bother to look at her. She simply sat silently with a cup of tea, flipping through a floating schedule scroll.
Her nameplate said:
"Miss Kelly"
Alina offered a soft nod, but the woman didn't acknowledge it.
'Wow. No welcome speech, huh?' She thought.
And then—
"Hi."
A soft, friendly voice to her right.
Alina turned and found herself looking at a young man with golden-blonde hair, neatly tied back, and gentle blue eyes that crinkled slightly when he smiled.
His nameplate read:
"Gabriel."
Finally...a kind face.
"Hi!" she said back, her smile growing brighter.
She moved toward the empty desk beside him and set her things down.
Maybe this wouldn't be so bad.
"I have a hard copy of your schedule," Gabriel said kindly, his voice so soft and smooth it felt like sunlight falling through lace.
Alina looked up and smiled—really smiled, the kind that reached her eyes.
"Thank you."
He passed her the paper, and for a second, their fingers brushed.
She looked down at the neatly printed schedule.
Class D.
From 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
The page was color-coded and full of small, hand-drawn doodles next to each subject—playful illustrations of a sun, a crayon, even a grumpy-looking nap pillow.
She couldn't help but grin.
"Math… art… storytime… nap time… literature?" she whispered to herself.
She took a deep breath as she tucked the schedule safely into her folder, picked up her bag, and rose to her feet.
Her first real day was about to begin.
Gabriel turned slightly in his seat and whispered,
"Best of luck."
His blue eyes were warm. Sincere.
Alina paused and gave him one more smile...calm but excited.
"Thank you," she whispered back, her heart fluttering as she stepped out into the hallway toward Classroom D.
She had no idea that within the next five minutes…
•••
Class D.
Alina reached the door, heart pounding with nerves. She adjusted her sky-blue dress, gave herself a silent pep talk, and turned the handle.
The moment the door opened, she paused...blinking in surprise.
Wide windows lined the wall, letting warm sunlight bathe the room in a soft golden hue. The floors were smooth, cream-colored tiles that gleamed under the light.
The walls were painted in soft pastel colors, with hand-drawn artwork neatly pinned on corkboards.
Every student had their own mini desk, perfectly carved to fit their personality...some were simple, others were themed.
There was a cozy reading corner with soft pillows and shelves full of colorful books.
Even the air smelled like lavender and fresh muffins.
Alina smiled.
"Wow… this place is beautiful."
She took one step in—
And something blazing hot whooshed past her cheek.
"AHH!" Alina shrieked and ducked, nearly dropping her bag.
A streak of flame scorched the air, zipping inches from her face before slamming into the far wall with a crackle.
Her heart jumped into her throat.
She spun around. "Who—Who just—"
But her words cut off when she saw it.
Hovering near the reading rug was a tiny dragon..no bigger than a house cat.
His golden-red scales shinning like rubies in sunlight, his little wings flapping rapidly with a soft buzzing sound. Tiny horns curled above his brow, and his glowing amber eyes sparkled with smug satisfaction.
He hovered proudly in the air, smoke puffing from his nostrils.
On the floor beneath him, a tiny bat rolled like a deflated ball before bouncing back to its feet, letting out a grumpy squeak.
Alina's jaw dropped.
"That's… a dragon."
The dragon flapped its wings faster, turned mid-air, and let out a tiny cough...followed by a weak burst of sparkly flame.
The bat squeaked again in protest and flew up to land on the dragon's head, shaking slightly as if dizzy.