Campus

The introduction class had begun with a course outline and what is to be expected. There were no specific details, but it was enough to let them know what is coming. Ayame stayed focused the entire time, but she noticed out of the corner of her eye that Kasumi was on her phone.

"What are you doing?" Ayame whispered while lightly slapping Kasumi on the wrist.

"Sorry, just a little antsy about my father. I don't know if his bodyguards told him yet that I moved out." Kasumi was checking her phone constantly if anything came from her father as she was worried that one night she will get abducted back home.

"Don't stress too much. Like you said he was laying off and I can imagine losing you is something he doesn't want." Ayame believed that Sebath wouldn't abandon his daughter so easily. If anything, it presented a great opportunity to let Kasumi stay in the dorm as there was some emotional leverage.

"I hope so." Kasumi wanted to believe Ayame was right, but there were countless times Sebtah showed no remorse for people close to him. There were at least a few months of freedom if thinking optimistically, but as soon as he recovered, then Kasumi will find out if she will be taken away.

***

The class continued on, now opening up to any questions that the class may have.

Celeste instantly raised her hand before the teacher could even finish speaking.

"Yes, you in the middle row." The teacher pointed to her since she was so eager.

"How will the classes be selected?"

"As some of you may already know, the class allocation has opened today so if you want to be with someone make sure you chose the same time slot. Keep in mind that we can force you to change class if you are disruptive so please don't hinder your learning just to be with friends. Check your school email which should be provided by the end of the day, first in, first served." After answering Celeste's question she instantly turned to Ayame.

"Did you two want to choose the time slots together?" Her eyes were glowing which made it hard for Ayame to refuse, but it was kind of awkward.

"Uhhh, sure I guess? I don't know since Kasumi and I might be busy after this." Ayame didn't know what to say since she didn't know if Kasumi had anything planned.

"That's okay, how about I give you my chat ID so you can text me what you chose." Celeste presented her phone with the app already open. Ayame looked at Kasumi wanting some guidance, but even she was lost too.

"S-sure." Ayame fumbled for her phone and scanned the QR code on Celeste's phone.

"Alright if you don't have any questions, you are free to leave and explore the campus. Make sure you get familiar with the place and don't get lost on your first day." The teacher dismissed the class finishing the 2-hour long session.

Students began walking out of the auditorium, with some staying behind and asking more complicated questions to the teacher, but the majority already left.

Ayame and Kasumi waited for things to quiet down before getting up as it looked like a moshpit getting through the doors.

"I'll see you guys later, hope to see you in class." Celeste also waited with a few other girls and when things were clear, they all got up.

"Cya." Ayame waved and as soon as Celeste was out of view, Ayame deflated onto the desk.

"You okay?" Kasumi chuckled seeing Ayame in such a state.

"Socialising is definitely not for me." Ayame already felt drained and she had barely talked with Celeste during the class.

"Well she was very overbearing so I don't blame you for feeling exhausted. Even I feel tired after talking to her." Kasumi tried her best to find out if Celeste had any ill intentions, but everything was thwarted away.

"We should get going." Ayame realised they were the last ones in the room except for a few people talking to the teacher and it was getting a little awkward.

"Want to head to the cafe?" Kasumi figured they may as well spend the rest of their day outside and go on a little date.

"Sure, I could do with some coffee." Ayame didn't mind, so they both left for the university cafe which was ran by the students.

There was a small queue to order, but that didn't bother them.

"So what did you want to do after we get our coffee?" Kasumi wanted to know if Ayame wanted to do anything in particular before they explored the campus.

"There isn't much I want to do, so I guess we can just walk around and figure out where things are. I wouldn't mind finding the library to see what books they have." Having no idea where things were, she preferred to get straight into exploring than messing about.

"Fair enough." Kasumi would have liked to go have some fun, but who knows how long it will take to learn the layout of the place.

As they finished talking, it was now their turn to order.

"What would you like?" The male cashier smiled and waited for their answer.

"I'll take a black coffee. What did you want Ayame?"

"I'll have a cappuccino." Ayame was a little shocked to hear Kausmi's drink choice since she didn't expect her to like such a bitter coffee.

"Thank you, that will just be $7." Pushing a few buttons the card reader turned on waiting for payment.

Kasumi paid with it using her card which she half expected to decline but surprisingly it worked.

'Looks like he hasn't locked my account yet.' It was a relief to see she still had access to her funds and at least confirmed that her father hasn't made any moves yet.

"Alright, here is your number and we will call it once your drinks are ready." A receipt was printed out and he handed it over to them.

Taking a seat by one of the tables, Kasumi thought of an idea.

"Hey Ayame, since I still have access to my account, can I transfer the money to you? I figured that way I won't lose the money I have." Kasumi hoped Ayame wouldn't mind as it would be quite a lot of money.

"I don't mind, but are you sure? Won't it be kind of suspicious you are transferring all your money?" Ayame could care less, but she was more worried that it would either get rejected or her father will pull some strings if he noticed.

"Ah it should be fine, this is my personal account that my father shouldn't know about…. I think. He knows everything I do so I can see him keeping an eye on it." Kasumi was confident it would be okay, but knowing her father, he may get in the way. His authority allowed him to do anything so locking an account of his daughter was as easy as pushing a button.

"Number 64!" A woman yelled out holding 2 takeaway cups in her hand.

"Oh that's us, I'll get them." Ayame looked at the receipt and it was indeed their number. Grabbing the 2 coffees, Kasumi and Ayame left the cafe to go search around.

Luckily there was a map on their phone they could use, so it wasn't too bad.

It turns out this was only the front building and everything behind it was part of the campus. The campus buildings themselves were made in a square with the middle being a massive courtyard.

Different sections were for different courses, so it wasn't too hard to guess that their Psychology classes would be by the science wing.

Walking through the middle of the courtyard many students were sitting about with laptops or just enjoying lunch.

"At least we have a nice spot to eat." Kasumi really liked the atmosphere as it didn't feel fake, like a lot of the parks usually were.

"Too many people." Ayame didn't like how everywhere she looked was a person and felt like this was a hunting ground of some sort.

"Don't worry that much, not every person will bite." Kasumi wrapped her arm around Ayame trying to get her to loosen up.

"Still though, can't trust everyone." Ayame was applying her assassin skills to her normal life a little too much so she was rather distrusting of everyone. What if they were after her? Are they her enemy? Is there family associated? All these questions raced through her head especially knowing that there are people after her life.

It was hard to even talk to Celeste because of this very reason. She may be socially awkward, but she was more worried about her own safety.

"Don't be so wary." Kasumi poked Ayame in the cheek as she was being way too cautious for her own good. Kasumi could also take her own advice since she too was very distrusting of everyone, but she no longer saw the point after talking with Celeste.

This was their opportunity to enjoy life and not be cooped up in some room. If they were to waste their chance to make friends and have fun because they were too paranoid, it would have been worthless to come to university.

"Fiineeeee." Ayame caved in since there was no real reason to be so cautious and if there was trouble they wouldn't do it in broad daylight.