The Crazy Four

Chapter 3: East Wing

The main hall of Seraphim Academy was even more impressive in person than it was in all the photos and videos Sakura had devoured online. Sunlight streamed through the massive arched windows, illuminating the polished floors and the sleek, futuristic architecture. Everywhere Sakura looked, girls in matching Seraphim tracksuits were chatting excitedly, their voices echoing off the high ceilings. 

The orientation ceremony had just wrapped up—a blur of speeches from important-looking officials and enthusiastic cheers from upperclassmen—and now everyone was milling around, trying to find their dorm groups. Sakura had just managed to text Yena the devastating news—"EAST WING. I KNOW, RIGHT?! SO NOT RABID TERRITORY!"—when a voice boomed over the loudspeaker.

"Attention all first years! Please make your way to your designated dorm wings for orientation and welcome activities. East Wing, that's you over here! Don't be shy, now, let's go!"

Sakura shoved her phone back in her pocket and joined the throng of girls heading towards a set of big automatic sliding doors emblazoned with logo of a silver swan. The East Wing. Home of the "Black Swan" herself, Nakamura Kazuha. Sakura had heard whispers about Kazuha's legendary intensity, her almost supernatural ability to command the flightskate. She'd also heard rumors about the East Wing's reputation for discipline and rigorous training schedules. 

Sakura took a deep breath, trying to quell the butterflies in her stomach. This was it. Time to officially become a part of Seraphim Academy. No pressure or anything. 

The East Wing common room was buzzing with activity. Sakura navigated her way through a sea of unfamiliar faces, trying to avoid getting trampled in the rush for the snack table (apparently, even future hoverblitz stars still loved their candy). She'd just managed to snag a juice box when a girl with short black hair and a friendly grin plopped down next to her. 

"Hey, new recruit! You look a little lost. I'm Hanni Pham, by the way. Just call me Hanni is fine. You?"

"Miyawaki Sakura. Call me Sakura," she replied, bowed her head after taking a sip of her juice. 

"Yeah, this place is kind of overwhelming."

Hanni laughed. "Tell me about it. I'm pretty sure I spent my entire first week here wandering around in a sugar-induced daze. Don't worry, you'll get used to the chaos. Eventually."

Sakura smiled. She already liked Hanni. "So, what's the deal with the dorm assignments?" she asked. "Do they just, like, throw your name in a talking hat and see where you land?"

"Pretty much," Hanni said with a shrug. "Although I'm pretty sure the dorm heads have some say in who they pick. Especially Zuha-sunbaenim. She likes things a certain way."

"Zuha-sunbaenim?"

"Nakamura Kazuha," Hanni clarified. "The Black Swan herself. She's the leader of the East Wing, remember? And before you ask, yes, she's even more intimidating in person. But also super cool. In a scary, 'don't-mess-with-me' kind of way." 

"So, she's like, a senior?" Sakura asked, trying to picture this intimidating-but-cool Kazuha person.

"Actually, she's a fourth year," Hanni corrected, popping a gummy bear into her mouth. "See, that's the thing about Seraphim. You're here for five years, but the dorm leaders, the Four Wings, they're not always seniors. They're just the top four players in the entire academy, regardless of what year they're in."

"Whoa, seriously?" Sakura's eyebrows shot up. "That's intense."

"Intense is an understatement," Hanni said with a grin. "It's basically a constant battle for supremacy. Right now, Chaewon-sunbaenim, the 'Smart Ass,' she's a fifth year, so that makes sense. But Kazuha-sunbaenim and Jennifer-sunbaenim, the 'Maestro,' they're both fourth years. They've been going head-to-head for the top spot since they got here."