ROOMMATES

After the other students left, we first-years were grouped into teams of four, each group assigned to share a room for the entire school year. I felt a mix of excitement and apprehension as I learned who my roommates were. Some faces were familiar from earlier classes, while others were complete strangers. We were quickly ushered to the dorms, the sound of footsteps and hushed conversations filling the hallways as we walked.

The dormitory buildings loomed ahead of us—two massive structures that stood side by side, one designated for boys and the other for girls. Each building was a towering five stories high, its walls lined with evenly spaced windows that seemed to glow faintly in the afternoon light. As we drew closer, I noticed the intricate stonework that framed the entrances, giving the dorms a grand yet intimidating appearance, like ancient fortresses meant to house young warriors.

We entered the boys' building, and the noise level dropped to a quiet murmur. The inside was just as impressive, with wide hallways and polished wooden floors that creaked softly under our feet. Each floor contained ten rooms, neatly numbered in metallic plaques beside the doors. The air was filled with the faint scent of varnish and fresh linens, mingling with the excited whispers of new students exploring their home for the year. My assigned room was 3-7, located on the third floor.

As we climbed the stairs, I tried to keep my nerves in check. My group consisted of Raiden, a guy I had briefly interacted with earlier, and two others I hadn't met before. The thought of sharing a space with people I barely knew for an entire year was daunting, but I reminded myself that everyone here was in the same boat.

We reached room 3-7, and the brown-haired guy—one of my new roommates—pushed the door open. The room was compact but comfortable, with soft lighting and a simple layout. There were two sets of bunk beds on opposite sides of the room, a small window letting in a sliver of daylight, and a few wooden wardrobes lined against the walls. Each bed had a small chest at the foot, presumably for personal belongings, and a small desk and chair tucked into the corner. It was cozy in a practical way, and despite its simplicity, it already felt more inviting than I had expected.

As soon as we entered, the green-haired guy—another one of our roommates—bolted toward one of the bunk beds. He moved with a speed that caught me off guard, almost like a child racing to claim the best seat in the house.

"I'll take this spot!" he announced cheerfully, pointing to the upper bunk as he leapt up, his voice bubbling with enthusiasm. He had a wide grin plastered on his face, his bright green hair bouncing slightly as he settled onto the mattress. It was hard not to smile at his excitement; he radiated a carefree energy that was infectious.

Raiden, who was just a step behind, eyed the top bunk with a competitive glint. "Wait, I also want the top spot," he said, his tone both playful and determined. Without waiting for anyone's response, he scrambled up the ladder of the other bunk bed, claiming it as if it were a throne.

I couldn't help but chuckle at the sight. Seeing Raiden's name on the room assignment list had been a surprise. We weren't exactly friends, but having someone I recognized, even slightly, eased the anxiety of sharing this space. I watched him settle in, his movements quick and assertive, like someone who didn't want to miss out on any opportunity.

As the two of them playfully jostled for position, the brown-haired guy looked between them and then at me. He seemed calmer than the other two, his expression thoughtful as he assessed the situation. "Wait, let's calm down first," he said, raising a hand as if to mediate. His voice was measured, with a hint of maturity that suggested he was used to handling chaos. "I personally don't mind wherever I sleep, but maybe he wants the top part too," he added, gesturing toward me.

I shook my head, appreciating his consideration. "No, don't worry about me," I said, trying to sound casual. "I can take the bottom part." It was true; I wasn't picky about where I slept, and I was already relieved to see that my roommates seemed friendly enough.

The brown-haired guy nodded, accepting my response without hesitation. "Is that so? Okay then," he said with a slight smile as he moved toward the bottom bunk below Raiden. There was something reassuring about his demeanor—calm, approachable, and easygoing. He seemed like the kind of person who could keep a level head in any situation.

I made my way to my bed, the lower bunk beneath the green-haired guy. I dropped my bag onto the floor beside the small chest and sat down, feeling the soft mattress give slightly under my weight. The room was filled with the sounds of my new roommates unpacking their things—bags being pulled open, clothes being tossed into chests, and the occasional clatter of belongings being hastily arranged. It was strangely comforting, the normalcy of it all settling my nerves.

Just as I was beginning to relax, I heard the brown-haired guy's voice break the relative silence. "Uh, can I have a bit of your time?" he asked, his tone polite but firm. There was a slight hesitation in his voice, as if he was choosing his words carefully.

The three of us looked over at him, curious. The brown-haired guy stood near his bed, his hands clasped together as he glanced around at us. His expression was earnest, almost hesitant, like someone who was about to make an important speech.

"Well, you see," he began, his voice softening slightly as he spoke, "we'll be sharing this room for one whole year, so I thought it wouldn't hurt to try to get to know each other a bit. That way, we can avoid any misunderstandings or problems in the future and make our lives here at the academy more peaceful." His words were sincere, and I could tell that he genuinely wanted us all to get along. There was something admirable about his approach—taking the initiative to set a positive tone from the start.

The green-haired guy's eyes lit up at the suggestion. "I'm in!" he exclaimed, his excitement palpable. He didn't hesitate for even a second, his enthusiasm for making friends evident in his bright smile and eager tone.

Raiden, never one to be outdone, grinned and echoed the sentiment. "I'm in!" he said, playfully copying the green-haired guy's enthusiastic delivery. There was a lightness to his voice, a shared sense of camaraderie that made the room feel a little bit warmer.

I found myself smiling at their reactions, feeling a sense of relief wash over me.

After their approval to introduce themselves, their gazes turned toward me, expectant and curious. I felt a slight twinge of pressure under their collective attention. There was an unspoken rule that when your roommates all shared something about themselves, you had to participate. My hesitation was brief—I didn't want to be the odd one out or seem uninterested in getting along.

"I'm also in," I said, trying to sound as natural as possible. My voice came out steady, and I was relieved to see the three of them smile in response, the tension in the room easing into a friendly atmosphere.

"Since I'm the one who initiated it, I'll be the first to introduce myself," said the brown-haired guy, who seemed more at ease now that we were all on board. He stood up a little straighter, his posture confident but relaxed, as if he had done this sort of thing before.

"My name is Tork, and I'm from Cram Village near the border of the Crescent Kingdom and the Great Labyrinth Kingdom," he began, his voice even and clear. There was a slight accent in his speech, a reminder of the rural village he hailed from. "I have an affinity for fire magic," he continued, and his eyes lit up with a hint of pride. "And what I hate the most are dirty and unorganized rooms, so please don't dirty this place too much. In exchange, I'll be the one taking charge of cleaning the whole place." Tork's tone was light, but there was a firmness behind his words. It was clear he meant what he said.

As he finished, he gave us a sincere smile, the kind that made you feel instantly comfortable. It wasn't hard to imagine Tork as the kind of person who took his responsibilities seriously. His offer to handle the cleaning didn't just seem like a chore—he genuinely seemed to enjoy it, almost as if keeping the space tidy gave him a sense of control and order in this new, unfamiliar environment.

"Are you sure about leaving the cleaning to you?" I asked, unable to hide my curiosity. I didn't want to seem like I was doubting him, but the thought of someone willingly taking on all the cleaning duties was surprising.

"Yeah, don't worry about it," Tork said with a grin, his expression brightening even more. "I like cleaning, after all." He gave us a thumbs up, a gesture full of confidence that practically screamed, "Leave it to me." His easygoing attitude was reassuring, and I found myself nodding, appreciating his willingness to take on the task.

Before I could dwell too much on Tork's offer, Raiden jumped in, his enthusiasm bubbling over as usual. He bounced slightly on his top bunk, his voice brimming with excitement. "Then let me introduce myself now!" he said, the words coming out in a rush.

"My name is Raiden, and I'm from a small village called Rondol." He paused for a moment, his eyes scanning the room as if he were mentally replaying the journey that had brought him here. "It took only three days for me and my father to reach the capital, so I can really say that we're near the capital city." There was a slight hint of pride in his voice, as if being close to the capital made his village a little more significant.

As Raiden spoke, the green-haired boy perked up, his eyes widening in recognition. "Ah, I know that village," he said, his voice rising with excitement. "It's near my village." The way his expression lit up was almost comical, like he had just discovered a long-lost friend.

Raiden turned to him, his curiosity piqued. "Then you must be from Latti Village?" he asked, his eyebrows raised in a mixture of surprise and delight.

"Yes! That's my village!" the green-haired boy replied with a wide smile, his enthusiasm contagious. He seemed genuinely pleased to have something in common with Raiden, as if the shared proximity of their homes created an instant bond between them. There was an ease between the two of them that was refreshing, making the room feel a little smaller and cozier.

Raiden, still basking in the unexpected connection, refocused on his introduction. "Ah, let me finish my introduction first," he said with a sheepish laugh, rubbing the back of his head. "I have an affinity for fire magic and a talent for swordsmanship," he continued, his voice gaining a note of confidence. "I don't really have anything that I hate, and all I wish is for all of us to get along."

His straightforwardness was disarming. Raiden's earnest desire for camaraderie was something I appreciated; it was a simple wish, but one that resonated. We were all in a strange new environment, and getting along was the least we could hope for.

The green-haired boy, not wanting to be left out, jumped in next, practically bouncing with energy. "I'll introduce myself next!" he declared, leaning forward as if ready to leap off his bed.

"My name is Tyiyn, and I've come from Latti Village near Raiden's village!" he said with a cheerful nod. "I have a talent for swordsmanship, and I hate loud sleepers, so please refrain from doing it." His voice was bright, but there was a hint of seriousness at the end of his introduction, as if he'd had bad experiences with noisy roommates before. His eyes darted around, as if gauging whether any of us were the snoring type.

I took a moment to observe him more closely. Tyiyn had a lively demeanor, and his green hair, an unusual but fitting shade, seemed to mirror his energetic personality. He was someone who spoke his mind, unafraid to set boundaries even in this new setting.

After Tyiyn finished, the room fell silent again, and I realized all eyes were on me. They were waiting, their expressions open and expectant, and I knew it was my turn. I cleared my throat, feeling the weight of their attention. There was no escaping it now.

"My name is Will," I began, my voice calm as I looked around at my new roommates. "I'm from Cartel Village; it's so far from here that it would take two to three weeks to travel from Cartel to the capital." I paused, letting the distance sink in. The mention of my village always felt like a reminder of how far I'd come, not just in terms of miles but also in stepping out of my comfort zone.

"I have an affinity for water magic and also a talent for swordsmanship," I continued, keeping my tone steady. "I don't have anything I particularly dislike; just don't touch my things without permission, and we're fine. That's all." I finished, feeling a mix of relief and vulnerability. It wasn't easy to open up, even with something as simple as an introduction, but I figured it was better to be upfront.

"I see, then Raiden, Tyiyn, and Will, I'm glad to make your acquaintances," Tork said with a warm smile, his eyes sparkling with genuine excitement. There was something comforting about his demeanor, like he was already settling into his role as the unofficial caretaker of the group.

"Yeah, please be nice to me," I said, trying to keep my tone light. A small smile tugged at my lips, but beneath it, I couldn't shake the lingering guilt.

"Starting today, all of you are my friends now!" Tyiyn declared enthusiastically, pumping his fist into the air as if he had just won a grand battle. His green hair, messy and wild, bobbed with his movements, reflecting his vibrant personality. He had a way of filling the room with his energy, making everything feel less daunting.

"Yeah, let's all be friends!" Raiden added with a grin. His confidence seemed to shine through every word he spoke, and I couldn't help but be drawn to his positivity. Raiden had this way of making you feel like you belonged, even when you didn't fully believe it yourself.

They trusted me, and they told me their talents and affinities for magic, without a hint of reservation. But I… I lied to them. The thought nagged at me, pulling me into a whirlwind of guilt that I struggled to push aside. They had been so open, so honest, and yet I hadn't told them the full truth. How could I? The risk felt too great.

I have an affinity for all types of magic—a rarity, an abnormality even in a world where magic was common. If word got out, my peaceful life at the academy would crumble. People would look at me differently. I could already imagine the expectations that would suddenly be thrust upon me. I didn't want that kind of attention. I just wanted to blend in. So, for now, I kept my secret hidden, tucked away behind a smile that I hoped didn't look too forced.

Sorry, my friends.

Lost in my thoughts, I was suddenly brought back to reality by the loud chime of a bell resonating through the walls. It was a clear, bright sound that echoed in the quiet corridors, signaling a change in the day's rhythm.

"Oh, it's lunch already," Tyiyn said, jumping down from the top bunk of the double bed with surprising agility. He landed with a soft thud, his light green eyes sparkling with eagerness. He stretched his arms above his head, looking like he was ready to conquer the day—or at least the lunch menu.

Instructor Gord had explained to us earlier that the bell signaled mealtimes—breakfast, lunch, or dinner—and given the way my stomach growled in response, I realized it must be lunch.

"Do you know where the cafeteria is?" Raiden asked, looking around as if the answer would somehow materialize out of thin air.

"Didn't you hear Instructor Gord earlier? He said it was behind the third-year dormitory," Tork replied confidently, brushing a hand through his brown hair. For a moment, he looked every bit the responsible leader, but the smugness was short-lived.

"Oh, is that so? Then... where is the third-year dormitory?" Raiden asked, scratching his head with a sheepish grin. His question hung in the air, and Tork's expression faltered, the earlier confidence evaporating as fast as it had come.

"I'm sorry, I... don't know either," Tork admitted, his voice dipping with embarrassment. He chuckled awkwardly, rubbing the back of his neck as his gaze darted away.

After that, all four of us broke into laughter at the same time, the sound filling the small room. It was a shared moment of camaraderie, the kind that comes when you realize you're all just as lost as each other. I couldn't remember the last time I had laughed like that, so freely and without a care in the world.

"Then why don't we explore the whole school? We have so much free time, and we can't do it anymore tomorrow because classes start," I suggested, the idea suddenly lighting up in my mind. It felt like the perfect excuse to not only find the cafeteria but also familiarize ourselves with the academy grounds. Besides, this place was vast—so many buildings, courtyards, and pathways that twisted and turned in confusing patterns.

"I'm in!" Tyiyn said, his excitement palpable. He bounced on his feet, clearly eager for a new adventure.

"Me too!" Raiden chimed in, his enthusiasm just as infectious. He looked like he was ready to race out the door right that second.

"Then I'll also tag along," Tork agreed, though his tone was calmer. There was a sense of relief in his voice, as if he was glad not to have to navigate this strange new environment alone.

"Then it's decided; let's go," I said, feeling a surge of anticipation. This was exactly what I needed—a distraction from the weight of my secret and a chance to just enjoy the moment.

We stepped out of the dormitory and into the bustling academy grounds. The sun hung high in the sky, casting a warm glow over the stone pathways and the sprawling green lawns that stretched before us. As we walked, the four of us continued to chat and joke around, the conversation flowing easily. I learned a lot about them during our stroll.

Tyiyn's family was renowned for their swordsmanship, and he had been trained rigorously from a young age, much like I had. His tales of grueling practice sessions and sparring matches resonated with me, reminding me of my own upbringing. Despite the tough training, Tyiyn's outlook remained positive, and his passion for swordplay was infectious.

Tork, on the other hand, came from a humble background. His family was ordinary, and his affinity for fire magic had been a complete surprise. He admitted with a shy smile that when his powers first manifested, he nearly set his family's barn on fire. Coming to the academy was a big step for him, and the fear of being out of place lingered just beneath the surface of his calm demeanor.

When it was Raiden's turn to share, he spoke of his small village near the capital. He was just beginning to tell us about his father, who had taught him the basics of swordsmanship, when he suddenly stopped mid-sentence. His gaze fixed on someone ahead, and his expression shifted to one of surprise.

"Wait for me, guys. I need to talk to him for a minute," Raiden said abruptly before dashing off toward the figure he had spotted in the distance.

I squinted, trying to make out who had caught his attention. As Raiden approached the man, recognition flickered in my mind. That's Byen, isn't it? The one who ranks among the best in swordsmanship. What could Raiden possibly want with him?

After five minutes, Raiden finally returns, his expression slightly flushed with excitement. "Sorry for the wait, guys. I just wanted to greet someone I know," he said, his voice carrying a mix of joy and embarrassment. His enthusiasm was contagious, and I couldn't help but feel curious about the person who had caught his attention.

"That's Byen, right? The Jack?" Tyiyn asked, tilting his head in curiosity. His eyes sparkled with recognition, and he bounced on his feet, clearly eager for more information.

Raiden chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly. "Ah, you recognize him? Hahaha. Yes, he's Byen, and we live in the same village. We used to play together when we were kids, so seeing him here is kind of a big deal for me," he explained, his voice brimming with nostalgia. There was a warmth in his tone, a hint of a shared past that seemed almost magical. "Sorry if I left you like that. I just got too excited."

Tork waved off Raiden's apology with a casual smile. "No, don't worry about it; it's reassuring that you know someone strong, so if ever something happens to us here, we can ask for his help," he said, half-joking but with a note of genuine relief. Tork had a knack for thinking ahead, and while it was sometimes comical, his cautious nature felt like a protective blanket over our small group.

Raiden laughed, his hearty voice echoing off the nearby walls. "You're overthinking too much; why would anything happen to us? HAHAHAHA." The lightness in his voice was comforting, and the laughter that followed felt like a shared sigh of relief among friends. For a moment, it was easy to forget the pressures and expectations that loomed over all of us.

As Raiden's laughter subsided, his eyes lit up with a sudden realization. "Ah, Byen also told me where the cafeteria is, so let's go," he announced, sounding almost proud to be the bearer of such crucial information.

"Yeah, let's go! I'm so hungry now," Tyiyn said, his stomach growling in agreement as if to underscore his words. His small frame belied his enormous appetite, a contrast that made us all chuckle.

After walking for a bit more, navigating through winding paths and grand archways, we finally reached the cafeteria. It was a vast hall filled with long wooden tables, bustling with students from all years. The delicious aroma of freshly cooked meals filled the air, making my mouth water instantly. The walls were adorned with banners of the academy's crest, giving the place a warm yet prestigious feel. I was having such a great time with my new friends that, for a moment, I completely forgot about Chris.

Did she know how to find the cafeteria? I wondered, a flicker of worry passing through me. She wasn't exactly the best with directions, and the academy grounds were a maze.

"Sorry, I need to go somewhere. You guys can eat first," I said, excusing myself, my eyes scanning the crowded room for any sign of her.

"Huh? Where?" Tyiyn asked, tilting his head in confusion, his brow furrowing as he glanced around, trying to figure out where I might be heading.

"To his girlfriend," Raiden teased with a mischievous grin, nudging Tyiyn playfully.

I felt my face heat up immediately. "Y-you have a girlfriend?" Tork asked, his eyes widening in surprise as if this were the most shocking revelation he had heard all day. Tork's dramatic reaction made me laugh inwardly; he always managed to turn the simplest things into something grandiose.

"No, I don't have a girlfriend," I clarified quickly, trying to shake off the embarrassment. "Raiden is just exaggerating. She's just a friend of mine, and we're from the same village, that's all." I hoped my explanation would settle the matter, but Tork's skeptical look told me he wasn't entirely convinced.

"Well, if you say so," Tork replied, finally easing up but still eyeing me with a playful suspicion. His tendency to overreact was both endearing and exhausting, but I wouldn't have him any other way.

Raiden's eyes scanned the room before he pointed toward a table near the window. "Oh, Will, don't worry about her; she's over there," he said, his voice filled with casual reassurance.

I followed his gaze and spotted Chris sitting with a group of other students. She was laughing, her eyes crinkled with genuine happiness as she chatted animatedly with her new acquaintances. Relief washed over me. I was glad she had found her way here on her own and even happier to see her smiling so freely. Chris had a knack for making friends quickly, and seeing her surrounded by others put my mind at ease.

Satisfied, I turned back to my friends, grateful that I didn't have to leave. We approached the counter and ordered our meals, a mix of hearty stews, fresh bread, and an assortment of fruits that looked like they were plucked straight from a fairytale. The food smelled incredible, and we wasted no time finding a spot to sit.

As we dug into our meals, the conversation flowed easily. Tyiyn marveled at how much he could eat, especially given his small build. He tore through his second plate of food with an almost childlike glee, his cheeks puffed out like a squirrel hoarding nuts. "Seriously, Tyiyn, where does it all go?" I joked, watching him shovel another spoonful of stew into his mouth.

Tyiyn shrugged, his eyes gleaming with mischief. "I guess I just have a hollow leg or something," he said, and we all laughed, enjoying the lightheartedness of the moment.

Meanwhile, Tork's habit of overreacting came up again, with Raiden recounting a moment from earlier when Tork had freaked out over something trivial. "You should have seen his face," Raiden laughed, mimicking Tork's exaggerated expressions, and we all burst into laughter once more. The camaraderie between us felt natural, as if we'd been friends for far longer than a single day.

After we finished our lunch, we decided to continue exploring the academy, eager to make the most of our free time before classes began. The academy grounds were vast and beautiful, with towering spires and lush gardens. We wandered through the training grounds, where upperclassmen were practicing their combat skills, and peeked into the library, a massive room filled with towering bookshelves and students deeply engrossed in their studies.

By the time the sun began to set, painting the sky in shades of orange and pink, the bell chimed again, signaling that it was time for dinner. We headed back to the cafeteria, still talking and laughing, our bonds growing stronger with each passing moment.

After dinner, we returned to our dorm, tired but satisfied. We took turns showering, and as we settled into our beds, I couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement. Tomorrow marked the beginning of our classes and the start of our new lives at the academy. As I lay there, staring at the ceiling, I couldn't wait to see what the future held for us.