Mystic Tales: Crimson Mage (Ongoing)

11: Ship

(Aria's Room, Grand Senpaku Ship)
Wednesday - January 5, 550
8:15 PM

Aria settles onto her bed in the ship's room, finding tranquility in the ample space. The room, designed for shared occupancy, features three beds neatly arranged in a singular expanse. As Aria scrutinizes her ticket, a realization dawns upon her—she inadvertently opted for a shared-room class B ticket, driven solely by the pursuit of the most economical option.

Mild frustration flickers across Aria's countenance, swiftly replaced by a pragmatic acceptance of the inevitable room-sharing situation. Unfazed, she acknowledges the necessity of sharing her space. With her roommates yet to appear, Aria seizes the moment to explore the room. She strolls through the room, meticulously inspecting the decorations, furniture, and various accouterments adorning the space.

The room's window offers a limited view, allowing only one person at a time to glimpse outside. Aria, engrossed in examining the window, finds her solitude interrupted as the door swings open, revealing a new presence.

A girl enters cautiously, seeking confirmation. "Am I in the right room? Hello, is this room SR-B05?"

Aria, still holding her ticket, assures her, "Let me check... Yes, this is SR-B05."

Relieved, The girl introduces herself. "Thank goodness... I've been searching for my room for minutes. I'm Naomi Lee."

The girl is short-haired and appears to be around the same age as Aria.

Aria warmly responds, "Hi, I'm Aria. Nice to meet you! Looks like we'll be sharing this room for a while."

Strapped for funds, Naomi confesses, "Yeah, I'm low on budget, and I had to get to Wind Island as soon as possible."

Aria, intrigued, questions, "Wait, your end destination is Wind Island too?"

Naomi confirms, "Yeah, are you going there too?"

Aria, revealing her purpose, shares, "Yes! I'm traveling to search for something, and I have to find it in Wind Island."

Naomi expresses enthusiasm, "That's nice! Looks like we're going to spend a lot of time together here!"

Aria chuckles, "Haha! Looks like it."

Someone else enters the room. This time, it's a guy who wears a white polo and hat with yellow palette.

The guy asks, "This is room SR-B05, right?"

Naomi affirms, "Yes."

The guy introduces himself, "I'm Max Gakuhari. I'll be sharing the room with you."

The guy appears to be also the same age as Aria and Naomi.

Naomi warmly responds, "That's great! I'm Naomi Lee!"

Max heads to his bed, appearing engrossed in his preparations, suggesting a hectic schedule.

Aria introduces herself, saying, "Hello, my name is Aria. Aria Corleone."

Max, struck by recognition, exclaims, "Wait... Aria Corleone?"

Aria, puzzled, asks, "Uhh, do we know each other?"

Max reveals, "Oh my god... Girl, it really is you! I am your big fan from five years ago!"

Naomi incredulously reacts, "Wait, seriously? You're that Aria?! The famous superstar?!"