Yoshirata and his roommates were lounging around, chatting and laughing out loud, the room filled with the kind of noise that only comes from friends joking around. Kazuma had just cracked another silly joke, and even Richard couldn't hold back his laughter this time. It was a rare, warm moment, where Yoshirata felt he was truly becoming part of the group.
Suddenly, the cheerful vibe was cut short by the sound of an announcement echoing through the room. The headmaster's deep voice filled the air, stern but not without a hint of amusement.
"Good afternoon, students. Everyone should gather at the school auditorium for an ability check. It's compulsory for all students. Failure to attend will result in credits being dropped from your academic performance, and worst of all, possible expulsion. So, make sure you come," the headmaster declared before the announcement ended abruptly.
The room fell silent for a moment, the sudden shift catching everyone off guard.
"I guess that ends our conversation," Kazuma said with a shrug. He turned toward Yoshirata, grinning as if nothing could bring his mood down. "Hey Yoshirata, I forgot to tell you,Gaby's a first year like you. So, it's better if you guys head there together."
Yoshirata's eyes widened in shock, his mouth dropping open as he pointed at Gaby. "What? Gaby is a first year like me?" he exclaimed, unable to hide his surprise.
"Yep," Kazuma replied with a chuckle. "I know, it's kinda hard to believe. He gives off this mature vibe, doesn't he?"
Yoshirata blinked, trying to process this new information. He realized then that he didn't even know which grades the other three were in. His curiosity got the better of him, and he asked, "Sorry to ask this, but what grade are you in?"
Kazuma laughed heartily, slapping his own knee. "Oh, me? I'm in grade three, just like Richard!" he declared, his laughter filling the room once more.
"Funny, right?" Richmond leaned in and whispered to Yoshirata. "His behavior doesn't match someone in grade three at all. I was just as shocked when I got assigned to this room."
Yoshirata looked at Richmond in disbelief. In his mind, a third-year senior would be reserved, someone who radiated a noble aura. But Kazuma and Richard were the complete opposite,they were lively and casual, not what he had expected at all.
"Way to kill my dreams and hopes," Yoshirata muttered under his breath, feeling a bit let down.
"Hey, what did you just say?" Kazuma asked, tilting his head with a puzzled look.
"Nothing!" Yoshirata replied quickly as he darted toward the door, eager to escape before they asked more questions. He grabbed the doorknob, but then suddenly paused, turning back to the others with an awkward smile. Sweat formed on his forehead as he admitted, "Oops, I almost forgot... I don't know where the auditorium is."
There was a moment of silence before Kazuma, Richmond, and Richard burst into laughter. Even Gaby, who rarely showed any emotion, let out a quiet snicker, muttering a soft, "Dummy."
Gaby stood up from his desk, tucking away the gadget he had been working on into the drawer. Without a word, he walked past Yoshirata and headed for the door. Yoshirata just watched him, unsure of what to do. Gaby paused at the doorway, glancing back with an annoyed expression.
"Aren't you coming?" Gaby asked, his tone sharp as if Yoshirata was wasting his precious time.
Yoshirata blinked, staring at him in disbelief. This was unexpected. From the way Gaby had acted before, Yoshirata had figured he didn't want anything to do with him. But now, he was actually waiting for him? It didn't fit the impression he'd gotten earlier. He was lost in thought when Gaby's voice snapped him back to reality.
"You're wasting my time," Gaby said, his voice more impatient now. "Are you coming or not?"
"Sorry, sorry! I'm coming!" Yoshirata said quickly, hurrying to Gaby's side. He slowed his pace to match Gaby's as they walked together.
"So... we're friends now, right?" Yoshirata asked, flashing a hopeful smile.
"Dummy, I'm not your friend," Gaby retorted, rolling his eyes. "If you ask me that one more time, I'll just leave you behind."
"Sorry, sorry," Yoshirata laughed nervously, but there was a soft, relieved look in his eyes. He felt like maybe, just maybe, he was starting to break through Gaby's cold exterior.
Meanwhile, the other three roommates stood by the doorway, watching Yoshirata and Gaby leave together. Kazuma shook his head with a grin, nudging Richard with his elbow.
"Look at those two," Kazuma said with a chuckle. "It's like watching a puppy follow around a grumpy old cat."
Richmond folded his arms and smirked. "Yeah, but it's kinda cute, isn't it? Yoshirata's definitely not afraid to get on Gaby's nerves."
Richard nodded, a small smile forming on his lips. "I think it's good for both of them," he said quietly. "Maybe they'll end up being good friends after all."
The three of them watched until Yoshirata and Gaby's figures disappeared down the hallway.
____________
As Yoshirata and Gaby approached the auditorium, Yoshirata's eyes widened, his jaw dropping in awe. The massive doors loomed before them, crafted from dark oak and adorned with intricate carvings of mystical beasts, arcane symbols, and vines that seemed almost alive, glowing faintly under the shimmering light of floating lanterns. Each lantern pulsed gently, casting an ethereal glow throughout the entrance, as if to welcome every student to the heart of magical prowess.
Inside, the ceiling stretched impossibly high, arching like the sky itself, painted with scenes of epic battles and legendary creatures soaring among the clouds. The walls were lined with ancient stone, but each slab seemed to shimmer with spells embedded within, faintly glowing in blues, greens, and golds. Yoshirata felt as though he'd stepped into a grand temple of magic, not just a school auditorium. He couldn't help but gasp, his eyes darting around to soak up every detail.
"Whoa…" Yoshirata murmured, still taking it all in. His amazement was practically written all over his face, and he wasn't even trying to hide it.