As Haruki and Yuki walked through the now quiet halls of the school, the atmosphere was filled with an air of uncertainty. Haruki was still trying to process his new surroundings when Yuki turned to him, a playful smile on her lips.
“So, do you know where the dormitories are?” Haruki asked, trying to sound casual.
“Oh, right! The dorms are just a little further down this way,” Yuki replied, her tone light and unconcerned, masking her knowledge about what was really happening. “I can show you if you want.”
“Yeah, that would be helpful,” he said, grateful for her company. As they walked, he couldn’t help but steal glances at her, curious about the mysterious guy who had taken an interest in him.
As they continued down the hallway, Yuki glanced around, pretending to ponder. With a mischievous grin that Haruki couldn’t see, she suggested, “You know, it might be a good idea to check in with the principal first. Just to make sure you have everything sorted out.”
Haruki frowned, feeling a rush of anxiety. “The principal? I don’t know… What if she thinks I’m being weird?”
Yuki nudged him playfully, feigning ignorance. “Come on, it’ll be fine! You can’t be afraid of the principal. I’ll go with you!”
Reluctantly, Haruki nodded. He couldn’t shake off the nervousness that bubbled in his stomach, but having Yuki by his side eased some of his worries.
Yuki knocked lightly on the door of the principal’s office, and a warm voice called out, “Come in!”
As they stepped inside, Haruki’s heart raced. The principal’s office was spacious, lined with bookshelves filled with countless volumes, and a large desk dominated the center of the room. The principal herself, a composed woman with an air of authority, looked up from her paperwork.
“Good afternoon! How can I help you two?” she asked, her tone welcoming yet professional.
Yuki stepped forward confidently. “Hi! This is Haruki. He just started at the school and wanted to ask about his dorm assignment.”
The principal turned her gaze to Haruki, and he felt his palms grow clammy. “Uh, hi… I was just wondering about the dorms,” he managed to stutter.
“Ah, yes. You must be Haruki,” the principal replied, her eyes sparkling with understanding. “I hope you’re settling in well.”
“Yeah, I guess,” he said, feeling small under her scrutiny.
“About the dorms,” she continued, “there’s been a change in the housing arrangements. Unfortunately, we’re out of regular dorms at the moment.”
Haruki’s heart sank. “So, what does that mean for me?”
The principal smiled reassuringly. “However, we do have a large house-like dorm available for you. It features multiple rooms, a big kitchen, a spacious living area with a large TV, and it’s designed to accommodate students with various needs.”
“Really?” Haruki blinked in surprise. “Why would I get that?”
“It’s a unique arrangement,” she explained. “Given your circumstances, we thought you might benefit from having more space to adjust to your new environment. It will allow you to have privacy while also having the option to interact with others.”
Yuki looked at Haruki, her expression playful yet encouraging. “See? It’s not so bad!”
“Yeah, I guess that’s nice…” he muttered, still processing the news.
The principal nodded, clearly pleased with their exchange. “If you have any other concerns or questions about the dorm, feel free to reach out to me anytime. We want to make sure you have a smooth transition.”
“Thank you,” Haruki said, his voice barely above a whisper.
As they left the office, Haruki felt a mixture of relief and excitement wash over him. “I can’t believe I get my own suite. It sounds too good to be true.”
Yuki smirked, her voice casual. “Told you it would work out! Let’s go check it out!”
When they arrived at the dorm, Haruki gasped. The space was immense, featuring multiple rooms, including a shared kitchen, a living area, and even a study nook. The stylish furnishings and abundant natural light gave it a cozy yet sophisticated feel.
“This is amazing!” Haruki exclaimed, stepping further into the room. “I can’t believe I get to live here.”
Yuki leaned against the doorframe, a satisfied smile on her face. “Told you it was special! You’ll love it here.”
As Haruki continued to explore, a playful thought crossed his mind. “Hey, maybe you’d like to move into my dorm with me,” he joked, laughing lightly. “You know, since I’ve got all this space.”
Yuki’s eyes lit up with mischief, but she kept her expression neutral. “Oh, really? That’s a tempting offer!”
“Wait, seriously?” he said, half-laughing, half-concerned, unaware that she was taking his joke seriously.
“Just kidding… unless…” she trailed off, a grin hidden from his sight.
Haruki chuckled nervously. “I was just joking! But hey, if you find a place nearby, that wouldn’t be so bad.”
With a wink, Yuki replied, “Who knows? Maybe I will!” Her playful tone was light, but her intentions were clear.
The next day, Haruki awoke to the sounds of bustling activity in the common area. He rubbed his eyes and got out of bed, puzzled by the unfamiliar noises. As he made his way to the kitchen, he froze in surprise. There, sitting at the large dining table and enjoying breakfast, was Yuki.
“Good morning, Haruki!” she chirped, her cheerful voice brightening the room. “I hope you don’t mind, but I moved into the room right next to yours!”
“What? You actually did it?” Haruki exclaimed, still trying to wrap his head around the sudden development. “You weren’t kidding?”
“Nope!” Yuki grinned, clearly pleased with herself. “I thought it would be great to have a roommate nearby. We can keep each other company and study together!”
Haruki felt a strange mix of emotions: surprise, excitement, and a hint of anxiety. “But… I was just joking!”
“I know!” Yuki replied with a laugh. “But it sounded like a great idea, right? Besides, this way, we can help each other adjust to school life. It’ll be fun!”
As they sat down together for breakfast, Haruki couldn’t help but feel grateful for her presence. Despite the strange circumstances, having Yuki around made the overwhelming experience of starting at a new school feel a little less daunting.
Maybe, just maybe, he was beginning to find his place in this new world.
YOU ARE READING
The Perfect Plaything
FantasiaAfter a heartbreaking betrayal by his high school sweetheart, Haruki retreats into himself, locking away the vibrant personality that once drew others in. As he steps into the chaotic world of college, he's determined to keep his distance from women...
