Sukasa's Thoughts:
The day after the entrance ceremony, we received a message informing us that classes would begin the following day. We were asked to bring all our belongings to our assigned rooms, as our stay at Arkanum Academy officially began. Although it seemed too early to move in, the rooms were fully equipped, and we would be provided with three meals a day, so I only packed the essentials: clothes and a few personal items.
Sukasa walked through the academy hallways alongside Hino, both excited to discover their new rooms. The buzz of students filled the air, and the sound of laughter and conversations echoed through the corridors.
—It's amazing that we're room neighbors, don't you think? —Sukasa commented with a smile as they explored the place.
Hino nodded, relieved.
—It really is. That way, we can go to classes together and not get lost in this huge place —she said, observing the corridors filled with students.
Sukasa looked around, noticing that many had already arrived early to settle in.
—It seems like several students came early to get settled. —Her eyes lit up as they reached their destination—. Look, we're here!
Hino pointed to the door.
—I got room 19, and you got room 21, right?
Sukasa nodded enthusiastically.
—Yes, that's right. Well, let me know when you're ready to go to our first class together.
Hino smiled.
—Don't worry, it'll be fun. See you in a bit. —Both entered their respective rooms.
Sukasa's Room
Sukasa opened the door to her new room and looked around curiously. It was quite cozy, more than she had imagined. Apparently, her roommate hadn't arrived yet.
—Looks like I have the room to myself... for now. —She set her things down on one of the beds and began exploring the place.
The room had everything they needed: bunk beds, a private bathroom, and even a small kitchen. However, she found the kitchen a bit odd, since they were supposed to have three meals a day at the academy.
—This is, without a doubt, one of the best academies in the country... —she thought, amazed by the luxury of the place.
Sukasa opened one of the closets and found clothes that weren't hers. It seemed her roommate had already left some belongings.
—Hmm... these clothes are different from mine... —she said as she examined a black coat hanging in the closet—. Wait! This... this is a coat, like the one Kaiyō mentioned... Only Sentinels, Jotas, the King, or the Queen can wear these. —Her excitement grew—. That means my roommate is someone of high rank! —she exclaimed, imagining the possibility of sharing a room with someone like Remy.
Her imagination led her to fantasize for a moment.
—That would be amazing... what if it's Remy? —she thought as she flopped onto the bed, excited about what might happen.
In her enthusiasm, she accidentally bumped the bunk bed, and suddenly, something fell from above with a loud noise.
—Ow ow ow ow ow! My head! —a voice complained.
Sukasa jumped off the bed to see a boy with messy black hair getting up from the floor, rubbing his head. The surprise on his face was evident.
—Who are you? —the boy asked, looking at her confused.
Sukasa, completely shocked, reacted instinctively. She grabbed everything she could find around her and started throwing it at the boy.
—Who are you, and what are you doing in my room?! —she shouted, hurling pillows and small objects in fury.
The boy, dodging as best he could, raised his hands in surrender.
—Hey, calm down! I'm the one who should be asking that! This is my room! —he exclaimed, trying to avoid the projectiles.
Sukasa stopped abruptly, confused.
—What do you mean, your room? —she asked, suspicious.
The boy quickly pulled out his phone and showed it to her.
—Look, it clearly says this is my assigned room. —He showed her the message on the screen.
Sukasa leaned in, and to her surprise, the number matched. Upon taking a closer look at the boy, she recognized him.
—Wait a second! You're... the pervert from yesterday! —she exclaimed, remembering he was the same guy she had tripped over and thrown out the fourth-floor window.
Kuro also recognized her, his expression quickly changing.
—Aaaaah! You're the girl who threw me out the window yesterday! —he said, incredulous, staring at her.
Both fell silent for a moment, exchanging challenging looks.
Sukasa was the first to react.
—This can't be! I refuse to let you be my roommate! —she shouted, her anger evident.
Kuro, somewhat confused, looked at her with a raised eyebrow.
—And why not? —he asked with a mocking tone.
Sukasa, red with anger, replied:
—Because you're a pervert!
Kuro rolled his eyes, sighing.
—Hey, hey, watch your tone. I'm not a pervert... well, maybe a little —he added with a mischievous smile.
Annoyed, Sukasa grabbed his arm and began dragging him toward the door.
—We're going to talk to the director right now! It's impossible that they'd put a boy and a girl in the same room!
Kuro, caught off guard, tried to resist.
—Wait! At least let me change! I can't go see the director in my pajamas! —he complained, but Sukasa didn't let go.
—It doesn't matter, let's go right now! —she replied, ignoring Kuro's pleas as she dragged him through the academy hallways, under the incredulous gaze of other students.
In the Director's Office
The atmosphere in the director's office was tense. Kuro shrugged while Director Tenioenai Osuushi looked at him with disapproval.
—Seriously, Kuro... —the director said with a sigh—. It's your first day, and you're already causing trouble.
Kuro raised his hands in innocence, putting on a defensive expression.
—I swear it wasn't me this time, Director Osuushi. This time it's different!
The director raised an eyebrow, looking at Sukasa curiously.
—So, what's the reason for your visit?
Sukasa, still frowning, stepped forward.
—We want an explanation for why we're roommates!
Osuushi furrowed his brow, confused.
—Why?
Sukasa rolled her eyes, clearly irritated.
—What do you mean, why?! Isn't it obvious? A boy and a girl can't share the same room! Don't you realize how inappropriate this is?
The director leaned back in his chair, folding his hands on his desk.
—I understand your frustration, miss, but you should know that, although Kuro may be many things... —he glanced briefly at Kuro—, he would never force a woman to do anything against her will.
Kuro, who had been looking at the floor, raised his gaze upon hearing this. "I don't know whether to feel flattered or embarrassed by that comment..." he thought, unsure how to react.
Sukasa, however, wasn't satisfied.
—So, you're not going to do anything? —she asked, crossing her arms.
The director shook his head slowly.
—Unfortunately, no. The rooms have been assigned, and it's very difficult to make changes now. No one will want to switch rooms with you.
Sukasa looked at him, surprised.
—And why not? —she asked, somewhat offended.
Kuro responded nervously.
—Well... being one of the Kings of Arkanum... most students are a bit scared of me. —He laughed awkwardly, rubbing the back of his neck.
Osuushi nodded seriously.
—Exactly. Many students prefer not to be near Kuro because of his reputation... So, even though the assignment was random, there's no other option but to accept it.
Sukasa, resigned, let out a sigh.
—Alright... I understand nothing can be done. —She clenched her fists, looking at Kuro with a threatening expression—. But if this guy dares to touch a single hair on my head without my consent, I'll kill him. —She turned on her heel and left, slamming the door behind her.
Kuro watched her go, blinking slowly.
—Wow... what a woman —he murmured, still somewhat stunned by the threat.
Director Osuushi looked at him with a slight smile.
—Kuro, I just hope you don't get into trouble with that young lady.
Kuro made a face, quickly denying.
—What do you think, Director? I'm a gentleman. —He straightened up, trying to appear confident.
Osuushi leaned back in his chair, smiling with some skepticism.
—I say that because I know you well. You've been at the academy for two years, and while you haven't caused any serious trouble... I know you're always in curious situations.
Kuro nodded vigorously.
—See, sir? You get me! —he said with exaggeration—. That girl's crazy. Seriously, isn't there anything you can do?
Osuushi shook his head.
—Unfortunately, no. Even as one of the Kings, I can't show favoritism.
Kuro let out a long sigh of resignation.
—Well... looks like I'll have to resign myself to sharing a room with her for two years.
Osuushi looked at him with confidence.
—I'm sure you'll manage. And by the way... shouldn't you be in class right now?
Kuro's eyes widened like saucers.
—Oh, right! I'm going to be late! —he shouted, turning toward the door.
—And you're still in your pajamas —the director added with a contained smile.
Kuro looked down at his outfit.
—Oh, crap! Kaishin will kill me if I'm late on the first day! —He rushed toward the exit—. Thanks for seeing us, Director Osuushi.
Osuushi nodded as Kuro bolted out of the office.
—Take care, Kuro. —He watched him leave and then leaned back in his chair—. Should I be worried? —he wondered aloud—. Nah, he'll be fine.
Back with Kuro
Kuro hurriedly ran through the hallways, his mind focused on not being late for class.
—I hope I'm not late, or Kaishin will kill me! —he muttered to himself.
When he opened the door to his room, he saw Sukasa about to leave. He stopped abruptly.
—Uh... hey, I... —he tried to speak to her, but Sukasa didn't even look at him.
—Don't even think about touching any of my stuff if you value your life. —she said coldly as she walked past him, heading to her first class of the day.
Kuro stood frozen for a moment, watching her go.
—Wow... she really hates me. —He sighed, realizing the situation he was in—. Well, I'd better hurry! —he said, rushing to get dressed quickly.
—Maybe if I hurry... I'll make it on time, he thought as he dashed out of the room, ready to face the day... and Kaishin.