The School Life of Our Dreams, Part 1

(Dazai Crowley's POV)

Cerulean Academy, Present Day

Ding dong, dong ding.

The school bell rang.

With this, school was over for the day.

One by one, students began to leave.

I assumed most of them were perhaps returning back to the school dorms. Others were most likely intending to stay out late and hang out.

As for the latter, they formed small groups with each other before heading out.

—As for me, I started to wonder.

What would it be like to hang out with a group of friends? I'm sure it would be fun, right?

Sigh.

I shouldn't worry about stuff like that right now.

"Hey, Ester. Do you have a phone?"

"Yeah, but I don't use it often. Why?"

"Since we're going to be classmates from now on, you want to exchange contacts?"

"Uh, sure, why not."

We pull out our phones and exchange numbers.

"Like that?"

"...I think so?"

I'm not exactly used to exchanging contacts with other people. And so was Ester from the looks of it. Either way though, it all worked out in the end.

"Cool, I'll text you later or something."

"Okay."

And with that, Ester nonchalantly returned back to her book.

As for me, I had other business to attend to.

* * * * * * * * * *

Leaving the school building, I went out for a walk.

My destination was about half a kilometer away, which should be a little within walking distance.

However, I'm in no rush to get to it right now.

Instead, I decided to take my time and look around. A few minutes passed since then.

And then, I stopped.

Breathe.

Do you smell that?

That's the smell of fresh mountain air.

—Such a nostalgic scent.

As expected of a famous boarding school, Cerulean Academy was located deep inside a privately owned mountain range.

It was here we students were expected to spend the next two to four years of our lives living at.

Of course, to accommodate being isolated so far away from society, there were hundreds of public facilities meant solely for our entertainment.

Stores, theaters, parks, cafes, hair salons, they had the whole nine yards to themselves.

(I hope I'm saying that correctly.)

Suddenly, a thought occurred to me. I take out my student ID and glanced at the screen.

The words "500 CP" flashed on.

Hmm…

"Hey, can we stop over here for a second? I've been meaning to buy some shampoo lately~"

"Fine, but you're paying, okay?"

"Ugh, why do you always gotta be so stingy…."

As I was lost in thought, I noticed a certain older couple walking into a nearby convenience store.

—I'm totally not jealous of them or anything.

Putting that aside though, there was something else that I was curious about, so I followed them inside.

Local produce, cosmetics, toiletries—yep, as expected they had nearly everything in here.

Well, since I'm already here, I might as well look around and probably buy something huh.

In that case, I browse the produce section.

From what I could tell, nothing in particular seemed to be unreasonably priced.

As I continued looking around, I eventually stopped by what seemed to be the bakery aisle.

A particular loaf of bread caught my attention.

—Well, I guess I know what's for breakfast.

I reach for it.

Suddenly though, my hand touches another.

"Oh, sorry."

Apologizing, I look to the person on my right.

It was Class D's elf herself, Ryoku Varja.

….I didn't expect to run into her of all people.

"Ah, I didn't mean to take that one from you."

She immediately apologizes.

"It's okay. I'll just grab the one behind it."

Atleast, that's what I intended.

However—

"—That was the last one…."

You gotta be kidding me.

"This brand must be pretty popular."

Ryoku stares at the label for a moment.

"I guess."

"I see. Well, in that case, you can have it."

She hands me the loaf of bread.

Should I take it?

Wait, no. This is the perfect opportunity. If I remember correctly, girls like it when a guy acts cool and selfless right? In that case...

"—No, it's fine. I wasn't planning on buying it or anything", I replied, trying to sound cool.

Ryoku tilts her head.

"Oh? Then why were you reaching for it?"

She suddenly asked me.

"....Good question."

Well, that failed miserably.

"...Pft."

Oi, are you mocking me?

I rub the back of my neck, unsure of what to do.

"Dazai, right?"

"You remembered."

"Of course. I make sure to remember every face and name I come across. Especially if they're my classmates."

As she said that, she takes up a dignified posture.

"Huh, I wish I could do that too."

"I'm sure you can if you put your mind to it."

"I guess."

Considering how boring my self introduction, I was sure she would have instantly forgotten about me after class.

But apparently that didn't appear to be the case.

After putting away the loaf of bread in her basket, Ryoku then returns her gaze back to the shelves.

With that, our conversation grinds to a halt.

….Ah, I probably shouldn't let it end so prematurely like this, right? C'mon Dazai, this is your chance to finally talk to someone.

Uh…

Desperately looking for something to talk about, I glanced at the small basket Ryoku was carrying.

Lots of food stuff and utensils were stuffed inside.

"So Ryoku….—Do you know how to cook?"

"Yes, actually. What about you?"

"My mom taught me a little when I was younger…"

"Aww, that's cute."

"It is?"

"Yes. A boy and his mother alone together in the kitchen, cooking up dinner for the whole family. I can't think of anything more beautiful than that."

"I see. I never really looked at it like that."

"I'm glad I managed to change your outlook then."

"And how about you? Did anybody in your family teach you how to cook?"

She sighs.

Her expression turns a little grim.

"Unfortunately not. My family wasn't around much, so I pretty much had to teach myself."

"Oh…"

Great, now I feel bad for asking.

It's times like this you apologize, right?

"Um, sorr—"

"—However, I am pretty confident in my abilities!"

As if to show off, she flexes her arm with a bright smile. Oh, I guess that means she's doing fine?

I chuckle anyways.

"I don't doubt it. I hear elves are excellent chefs."

"Oh? Have you ever had our cooking before?"

"No, but I've always wanted to try."

"Heh."

Hmm?

Suddenly, she glances back at me.

Her citrus colored eyes focused solely on me, (my imagination).

"—In that case, perhaps I'll invite you over to my place one day, so you can try some of mine."

"...Yeah, that would be nice."

"Then it's a promise."

With that, she turned around and walked away.

….Wait a second.

What did I just agree to?