Chapter 18: Early Morning Exploration
Aurora woke up at 7:00 am, feeling refreshed and eager to start her day. She decided to freshen up before exploring the female dormitory and the grounds. She hopped into the bathroom, which was small but functional, with a shower, sink, and toilet. The walls were painted a soft pink, and the floors were made of white tile.
She began by brushing her teeth with a fluoride toothpaste, then washed her face with soap and water. Next, she stepped into the shower, feeling the warm water cascade down her body. She shampooed her hair with a sweet-smelling shampoo, then conditioned it with a moisturizing conditioner. After rinsing off, she towel-dried her hair and got dressed.
Aurora chose a simple outfit - a white tank top and a pair of comfortable jeans. She pulled her hair back into a ponytail, securing it with a small elastic band. Her hair was still damp, but she didn't bother to dry it further.
With her bathroom routine complete, Aurora headed out to explore the dormitory. She walked out of her room and into the long, carpeted hallway. The walls were painted a soft yellow, and the floors were made of dark wood. She noticed that the hallway was lined with doors, each leading to a different room.
As she walked, she noticed a sign that read "Dormitory A". She wondered if there was a Dormitory B, and decided to investigate. She walked down the hallway, passing several rooms, until she reached the end of the hall. There, she found a staircase leading down to the ground floor. She descended the stairs and found herself in a large common room.
The room was furnished with comfortable couches and chairs, and there was a large TV mounted on the wall. Aurora noticed a door on the opposite side of the room, and decided to investigate. She walked through the door and found herself in a long, carpeted hallway. The walls were painted a soft blue, and the floors were made of dark wood.
As she walked, she noticed a sign that read "Dormitory B". She had found the second girls' dormitory! She wondered why there were two separate dormitories, and decided to explore further. She walked down the hallway, passing several rooms, until she reached the end of the hall. There, she found a staircase leading up to the next floor and continued walking around and exploring to her heart's content.
Aurora finished exploring the girls' dormitories and decided to venture into the boys' dormitory. She hesitated at the entrance, knowing that girls were allowed in until curfew, but she was a little frightened since she didn't know many boys. Just as she was about to turn around, she bumped into Ethan Blackwood.
"Sorry!" Aurora exclaimed, her heart racing.
Ethan's expression was unreadable. "Aurora Michaels," he said in a cold, indifferent tone. "What are you doing here so early?"
Aurora stuttered, taken aback by his demeanor. "I-I was just exploring..."
Ethan raised an eyebrow. "Exploring?"
Aurora felt a surge of nervousness. "Y-yes, just getting to know the place."
Ethan turned to leave, then stopped and beckoned her to follow him. Aurora hesitated for a moment, then trailed behind him, her heart pounding in her chest.
As they walked, Aurora tried to break the silence. "So, Ethan, what brings you out here so early?"
Ethan shrugged, his eyes fixed on some point ahead. "Couldn't sleep."
Aurora tried again. "Do you like it here at Ashwood?"
He replied in a flat tone, "It's a school."
Aurora persisted, her curiosity getting the better of her. "Do you have any favorite subjects or teachers?"
Ethan's response was curt. "No."
Despite his aloofness, Aurora found herself feeling more at ease. She asked more questions, trying to pierce through his reserve. "What do you like to do in your free time?"
He shrugged again. "Nothing."
Aurora smiled, trying to lighten the mood. "That's not very exciting."
Ethan's gaze flickered towards her, his eyes cold. "Excitement is overrated."
As they turned a corner, Aurora spotted a beautiful fountain in the distance. "Oh, look! A fountain!"
Ethan didn't even glance at it. "Yes, it's a fountain."
Aurora's courage grew with each step. She asked more questions, probing for some hint of warmth beneath Ethan's icy exterior. But he remained distant, his answers brief and unengaging.
As they continued their exploration, Aurora pointed out the library, a grand building with tall windows and a sweeping staircase. "Wow, look at that! I can't wait to get lost in those shelves."
Ethan raised an eyebrow. "You like reading?"
Aurora nodded enthusiastically. "Yes, I love it! What about you?"
He shrugged. "I read when I have to."
Aurora smiled. "Well, maybe I can recommend some books that'll change your mind."
Ethan's expression softened ever so slightly, and he almost smiled.
Next, they strolled through the courtyard, admiring the fountain and the surrounding gardens. Aurora asked Ethan about his favorite flowers, and to her surprise, he replied that he liked sunflowers. "They're resilient," he said, his voice a little softer.
As they walked, Aurora asked more personal questions, like where he was from and what his family was like. Ethan's answers were still brief, but he seemed to be loosening up, his responses less curt.
They entered the student union building, where Aurora marveled at the pool tables and game rooms. "This is amazing! I can't wait to hang out here with friends."
Ethan leaned against a wall, watching her with a hint of amusement. "You're very enthusiastic, Aurora."
Aurora grinned. "Guilty as charged! Life's too short to be boring, right?"
Ethan's gaze lingered on hers, and for a moment, Aurora thought she saw a flicker of warmth in his eyes.
As Ethan looked away from her eyes, Aurora felt a strange tingling sensation in her gut. It was as if their gazes had connected on a deeper level, and she couldn't explain why.
But before she could process the feeling, Ethan suddenly asked, "Do you know how to play pool, Aurora?"
She shook her head, "No, I've never played before."
Ethan's expression turned slightly interested, "Well, let me teach you then."
Aurora's heart skipped a beat as he walked towards her, his eyes sparkling with a hint of amusement. "It's almost time for breakfast, but we can have a small game before we go."
He handed her a cue stick, and their fingers touched briefly, sending a shiver down her spine. Aurora felt a flutter in her chest as Ethan showed her how to hold the stick, his hands guiding hers into position.
As they began to play, Aurora found herself laughing and relaxing in Ethan's presence. He was patient and encouraging, his cold exterior thawing slightly as they engaged in a friendly competition.
The game was intense but short, and Aurora was surprised by how much fun she had. When they finally headed towards the cafeteria for breakfast, she felt a sense of disappointment that their time together was ending.
But as they walked side by side, Ethan turned to her and said, "You know, Aurora, you're not as annoying as I thought you'd be."
Aurora's heart skipped a beat at his words, and she smiled up at him, "Thanks, Ethan. I think."
As they entered the cafeteria, the aroma of freshly cooked food filled Aurora's senses. Her stomach growled with hunger, and she couldn't wait to dig in.
Ethan gestured for her to go ahead, and she walked up to the counter with him. "What's your favorite breakfast food?" he asked, his voice low and smooth.
Aurora thought for a moment. "Pancakes, I love pancakes!"
The server smiled and handed her a fluffy stack, along with a glass of orange juice. Ethan, on the other hand, requested a can of blood, which raised Aurora's eyebrows but she didn't comment.
As they collected their food, Aurora turned to Ethan. "Thanks for showing me around, Ethan. I had fun."
Ethan nodded, his expression softening slightly. "It was...tolerable."
Aurora chuckled and said goodbye, watching as Ethan walked away with his can of blood. She shook her head, still trying to wrap her mind around the strange encounter.
She made her way to the table where Mia was sitting, looking intrigued. "Well, well, well. Look who's made a new friend," Mia said, raising an eyebrow.
Aurora smiled mischievously. "You have no idea."
Mia's eyes sparkled with curiosity, but she just shook her head. "I'm too hungry to talk right now. You'll explain everything later, I'm sure."