Roommate Issues
I continue moving at a jogging pace, ducking, shifting, and maneuvering through the crowds on the way to my dorm room. I was long overdue for a shower, so I'm looking forward to coming back. Plus, I was more than ready to see how Nowmi and Haruka were holding up. It is possible that they are still in the room, though it is equally likely that they rested up and are already off exploring. Knowing Haruka though, he'd probably value the alone time. Coming in through the door, I make my way through the door, but see a strange sight. There was another girl in the room? No wait, is that, Haruka!?! I can't help but be surprised,
"Ummmm, Haruka, did you want to be alone?"
As soon as Haruka hear Laika come in and talk… He realized something was seriously wrong with what he was wearing. Slowly looking down at himself, he started to realize he was quite clearly wearing a dress. Quickly grabbing another spare outfit from the closet, he was starting to panick
"O-oh! U-uh j-just g-give m-me a f-few minutes!" he said running into the bathroom for the time being to get changes… What rotten luck he was having today.
I blush,
"If it means anything, I totally support your hobby, and you looked really cute." I wish I was lying, but I really had a hard time telling Haruka apart in that dress. Plus, Haruka has a girl's name, so it seemed to fit all too well.
It took Haruka a few minutes or so, but he finally exited the bathroom wearing the clothes he was usually seen with. He was holding onto the dress that looked deceptively like his own clothes, it was quite clear he was blushing.
"I-I guess there was a mistake in packing…" Haruka said awkwardly, placing down the dress on his own bed. It wasn't very obvious, but he was blushing partly because of what Laika said earlier… The thing he had to wonder now is what he was supposed to do with that dress.
I feel a bit bad for Haruka, I knew that he was the type to enjoy alone time, but I'd never even have imagined he'd spend it like this. He is acting all ashamed now, trying to pass it off as a mistake, but it is a little hard for me to swallow that someone could accidentally pack and put on a dress, especially after all that fuss about not wanting to unpack while I was around. At the same time, I didn't want to shame him. In fact, I'd actually like to encourage him… However, there was one other big question that came to mind that would help divert the awkwardness.
"Ummmm, Haruka, what happened to the room while I was gone? Are you really ok with it this way? And is that my bed in the corner?"
Haruka was glad to have the subject change when Laika mentioned the changes in their room… He looked around and noticed this as well; it all must have taken place in his sleep, but then, something caught his eye.
"Over there.." He said quietly, pointing to a note that had been left behind along with a few expensive looking containers of sweets
Laika picks up the note, and after reading it, looks a bit disappointed.
"Haruka, this room is exceptionally girly. Are you ok with it being this way, especially considering our beds are basically connecting with them pushed in the corner like that?"
Haruka noticed that Laika was indeed correct, but he shouldn't mind too much…
"Y-yeah… I just need to get used to it, that's all." He said with a little smile attempting to show that he was alright with it, There were worse rooms that he'd been in so it wasn't too bad for him even if he wasn't used to the general "theme" it had taken on.
Laika pouts,
"To be honest, it probably would have been easier for me if you were upset by it. I'm kinda upset that she changed the room like this, and left to do other things because she thought it would upset us. It isn't that the changes are really so bad, but that she thought that she could make up for it with some expensive chocolate. Seeing my bed over to the side like that, makes me feel lesser, since Nowmi's bed is all by itself in the center of the room, surrounded by her belongings, and curtained off from the rest of us. I don't want to sleep here."
Considering Laika's feelings for a moment, Haruka didn't say anything for a moment before speaking.
"I-I guess we could try re-arranging the room a little more…" He said quietly, he wasn't sure if it was such a good idea, but, it was worth a shot. He could adjust himself to a room like this, however if it make a roommate unhappy, it's a different story… Truth to be told though, he wasn't sure Noémi would like this, however there should be a way to balance this out somehow… Right?
At that time, the door swung open, Noémi walking into the room. She only glances briefly at the two before throwing a large bag on her bed.
"I see you are up, and the other person is here. Did you enjoy your walk or whatever it was that you were doing?" Noémi sits at the edge of her bed, removing her shoes before sitting back a bit, looking at both of the two.
"I hope you don't mind I moved some things around, I simply could not sleep unless the room was the way I like it. Can you believe that the office did not have replacement carpets for myself? The nerve of this school".
I pause for a moment, wanting to explode on this princess out of water, but remembering that it wouldn't help anyone to needlessly fight. Calm down Laika, you just need to get the basic points across, don't lose the high ground and get emotional.
"I see. But did you think about either me or Haruka's thoughts on your redecoration, or was the bag you left a substitute for talking with us about the redecoration of our dorm?"
Noémi simply looked curiously at Laika.
"Well, even if you had said no, I'd have changed it anyway, after all don't you feel that your roommate being comfortable in their room is important?" She got up, stretching her arms out and giving a small yawn.
"Also, did you find anything to do on this campus? I'm dreadfully bored, and need something to entertain myself, if there are not going to be any classes for the remainder of the day".
I feel genuinely upset with Nowmi now. I knew there was a chance that she could have heard me from the other side of the door, but now that I knew she heard my thoughts and still was behaving in such a way, I felt completely uncomfortable continuing conversation with her.
"If you heard that much, you should know very well how this made me feel. You can have the room however you want, but don't expect me to stay if you are going to treat me like I don't matter." Laika pauses, realizing that she did the one thing that she didn't want to do in this argument.
"I'm sorry, but I'm not comfortable sleeping like this, and I don't feel like you even think it is up for negotiation since you just do what you want and expect us to go along with it. I'm glad that you feel at home, but I keep moving over to accommodate you, and it just leaves me feeling awful. I thought that if I were just a little more selfish then it would turn out ok… I just want you to hear me out, and actually talk about this. I don't want to feel irrelevant…"
Noémi looked at Laika a bit curiously, her face one of confusion, before shaking her head with a look of disgust.
"Ugh. This is why I have trouble dealing with the lower class. So many emotions that you just let out everywhere, how do you people get anything done this way?" She gets up, marching over to Laika, and stares at her right in her eyes.
"Listen little….. er, Laika. The world is going to do things to you that you don't like, and while you might wish everything was all sunshines and rainbows, and that everyone cares about everyone else, the truth is hardly anyone cares about your silly little feelings. If there's something that you don't like, then you can't cry your way out of it, you need to be a big girl and deal with it yourself. I did not cry when my family was ruined, I did not cry when I had to come to this low budget school, and I certainly did not cry when I had all of my requests denied and had to room with you silly people. If you're going to be upset now with something like this happening, you will never succeed." Noémi looked over at Haruka particularly for the next comment.
"That does not mean you have to be a little pushover like him. If there is something that you do not like, and you want it to be different, then be a big girl and change it yourself. Be strong, stand up for what you desire." She crosses her arms and adopts a more haughty tone.
"It is so simple, yet none of you people ever seem to do it. If you do not like the world, change it to one you can stand. If you do not like me changing your room, then do not cry about it, do something to fix it. I will not bother to hear the opinions and ideas of someone who lets the world walk all over them, and if you continue to act like this, I will more than gladly keep walking all over both of you for our entire stay at this school". She lets out a sigh, before finishing.
"If you don't want to be irrelevant, make yourselves relevant. If you don't like my redecoration, then I am right here, and we can figure out a solution."
Laika looks a bit sour, but thinks she understands what needs to be said.
"Maybe I wasn't direct enough for you, but I will make this very clear. I don't like you doing things that affect me without asking me first and I don't want to feel lesser and pushed off to the corner in my own room. The way you handled this made me feel like you didn't care for my feelings at all, and that was something that hurt because I wanted to get along well with you and Haruka, yet you act like it doesn't matter at all, and walk all over us whenever we extend a kindness. Maybe I'm going about it the wrong way, but I don't think that I can operate like you. I don't want to change the world just to make it suit my purpose. I don't want to walk over people who don't stand up for themselves. I don't resent coming here. Even if you don't want to consider my feelings, I can't help but consider yours, and that isn't something I know how or want to change about myself. But, since you probably think this is just me being weak and emotional, let me try it your way." Laika blushes bright red,
"If you want to keep the room this way, let me sleep next to you…"
Noémi shrugs.
"If that's what you want. But that is the path of success my family has taken. If you want something and you're too afraid to take it, you won't get it. Besides…" Noémi points to the inside of the room, with the beds all moved to the walls, there's a lot of free space in the room.
"I simply moved your beds out of the way, if you wish to move them somewhere else, there is plenty of space, even if for some strange reason you wish to move your bed next to mine." She doesn't understand any implications with Laika's request, and keeps talking.
"You might not want to change the world yourself Laika, but the world isn't going to ever do what you want it to do. So if you want things to ever go your way, maybe you should think about starting." Noémi stretches her arms out, getting a look of boredom on her face.
"All this lecturing is so boring, why do I have to be a teacher? I still am curious if you found anything to do in this blasted school, by the way".
I seem in far better spirits after Nowmi grants me what I ask for. Maybe this could be easier than I thought it was. Certainly she does things completely differently from me, but that is probably a good thing. After all, while I felt hurt, she didn't have any regrets at all, and everything still worked out in the end. Probably because despite the way she acts, Nowmi has a sweet side. Though, it wouldn't hurt to have some fun. After all, Haruka's needs haven't been addressed yet, I still need a shower, and that chocolate seems really good even if it was pity candy.
"Well actually, I found the coolest part of the school in record time. I'll tell you all about it after I'm done showering. I nearly forgot how sweaty and gross I was from running around the lake. In the mean time, I'm sure Haruka has some opinions about the room, why don't you two talk while I clean up." I pick out some sleepwear quickly, and go into the bathroom. In my haste, the door doesn't lock properly, remaining slightly ajar. I notice this, but figure nobody would come in unless it was important.
Haruka just stood there a little awkwardly for the time being, not entirely sure what to say… To tell the truth, he'd never really thought about how the room should be organized; he didn't exactly have much of an opinion on it. He was alright with how the room was set up, just as long as it didn't bother anyone too much.
"I guess I don't have a problem with the arrangement…" He said quietly. What Noémi had said about him bugged him a little, sure, but, it wasn't uncommon for someone to say that; even in other places such as this, people had a tendency to refer to him as a "pushover" sometimes.
Noémi looks at Haruka a bit awkwardly, being in the room alone with him.
"Well whatever. Honestly I can't see why they even put a male to room with females, but you're here, so I suppose I'll just have to put up with you. Now then, I'm getting hungry. When is dinner supposed to be in this place?"
Haruka shrugged
"Usually around… 5 or 6 in previous places…" he said, he realized in general they were both feeling a big awkward judging from the look Noémi had given him.
"I-I may be wrong…" He added, just incase he was giving off any false impressions already, he hadn't exactly been given a schedule or anything yet…
She sighs and flops back on her bed.
"Then I guess I'm stuck waiting in this room with both of you annoying people until dinner time. Unless you can do something to entertain me, otherwise I will simply lay here"
Haruka just nodded quietly, sitting down on his own bed… Upon doing so he remembered that dress that he had inadvertently packed with him mistaking it for one of his own robes. Thinking fast, he quickly hid it under his blankets to avoid Noémi noticing it too… It was already awkward enough to know that Laika thought he had a hobby that involved crossdressing.
I finish up my shower, drying off, and getting into comfty clothes. It is nothing special, just a pink tank top with matching sleep shorts. Coming out of the bathroom, I'm brushing my hair, now outside of its usual ponytail state.
"So, did you two have fun together?" I look out seeing both Nowmi and Haruka ignoring each other on separate beds. Awkwardly,
"Scratch that. Want to hear about the cool place I'd mentioned earlier?" As I'm talking, I grab ahold of the bag of chocolates, and start snacking on them.
"Go ahead, it can't be any more boring than this room could be" Noémi doesn't even bother looking up as she speaks.
Haruka looked up at Laika, clearly curious about what she has to say, however he doesn't say anything just yet.
I sit down next to Nowmi on our now shared bed,
"Well, there is this place at the school called the Venture department. At first I just went there thinking that it was where I needed to go to get permission to leave campus, but turns out they have a lot more than that. If you get a little mark there, you are allowed to go anywhere you want, even the wilderness. It is safe too, since they can just teleport you back to the school if there is ever any trouble. We are allowed to go anywhere we want, so we can basically go on adventures whenever we don't have class."
"I see, I suppose that would be better than being stuck in this room waiting for something to do. Although, I have to ask, why exactly are you on my bed? I didn't say you could sit next to me" Noémi glares at Laika all through her explanation and after, scooting a bit away from her.
Haruka looked towards Laika for a moment, realizing that perhaps her request had been misinterpreted… Thinking fast, he looked towards Laika, not directly making eye contact though
"Oh! Uh… If you'd like, we could move your bed right now…" he said quietly, he hoped that he'd gotten the point across.
Although I'm not usually so sharp-witted as to catch subtle hints, this one comes to me loud and clear as I declare an audible,
"Oh. So that is what you meant. I guess I should have known it wouldn't be this easy…" Looking back towards Nowmi somewhat ashamed,
"I thought you had agreed to let me sleep, next to you, as in, in your bed."
Noémi wasted no time in turning red, jumping up from the bed.
"Wait, wait, what? That's what you meant?" She gets a bit flustered.
"W-well, I thought you just wanted to move your bed near mine. I mean, I already said I was fine with it, if that's what you meant, I guess I…" Noémi isn't used to being so flustered around other people, normally trying to keep calm and collected, so she stumbles for words a bit, before trying to get her composure back.
"I'm er…. sorry I misinterpreted your request. If you want to sleep next to me, as in the same bed, I guess I will accept that… I do not mind, so much as I have no idea why you'd want to do something like that, but I won't say no after already saying yes." She sits back down next to Laika, a bit more nervously.
"I do not mind, really. Umm, what was this about a venture department?"
Although Nowmi wanted to change the subject, I still didn't know how to feel about taking advantage of her like this. It wasn't intentional, but I did mislead her, so I don't think it would be fair to hold her to this. Sometime later, I should give her a chance to back out of this.
"Basically, it will give us something to do after school. Right now, I was just planning on visiting the neighboring town, but we could go on a real adventure." I sit back down on Nowmi's bed, this time further away from her, trying not to upset her too much.
"Fine with me" Noémi notices Laika sitting farther away from her but doesn't comment on it.
"Will we be done in time for dinner though?" She asks Laika curiously, really wanting to just go and eat something already.
"Depends on how soon you like to eat. I'm accustomed to eating anytime from 7 to 8:30. I know that is on the late end though. I think it might be a bit late to end into town, but if you just wanted to see it, or get your marks before the place gets busy, then we have plenty of time for that. Though, it is only about 4:50, are you guys hungry already?"
Haruka just shrugged again
"I can go without eating… For another hour but…" he stopped for a moment
"I have no problem with eating sooner." he said quietly. he was uncertain what Laika and Noémi wanted to do first. He himself really didn't mind either, both were equally viable options in his eyes.
"I'm hungry already, but I had a small lunch." Noémi could feel her stomach growling.
"Although if the food selection is as limited as it was this afternoon, I'm afraid I'm going to be experiencing the feeling of hunger for quite some time".
I come up with an idea,
"Well, if what you want is better food, why don't we go out to eat on the town? They certainly have a lot of selection, so you could probably find something that suits your taste. I'll probably have to get changed, unless I'm to get away with going out in my pjs." I smile, seriously considering doing just that.
The idea interested Haruka and he nodded again if they were to stay here for a while, it would be for the best to get to know the area they're in. However, the fact that Laika was smiling a little at the mention of getting away with going out in her Pajamas concerned him, he didn't say anything just yet though.
"I suppose that's fair. Although if we are to eat out we will do so at an establishment that suits me, I'm afraid your pajamas would not work for such a place." Noémi herself gets up and stretches her arms a bit.
"If we are to do that then I'm going to go prepare, including a shower and a change of clothes, so please allow me to do that first." Noémi takes a spare change of clothes and a towel to the bathroom, shutting the door but not locking it, leaving Laika and Haruka in the room together.
"So, this might be a bit soon but I'm just too curious. Why did you put on a dress if you didn't want to?"
Haruka flushed red, looking a little embarassed
"O-oh uh… Th-this will sound silly but… I thought it was one of my robes…" He said awkwardly, he wasn't sure if he should go into any more detail than that so he said stayed silent for now.
I feel rather bad for Haruka. He must have a serious case of derp when he wakes up if he could find his way into a dress, even if it looked somewhat like the rest of his clothes.
"Well, that must have been quite the thing to be in when I came in. The timing must have been pretty perfect." Laika laughs a bit,
"Pretty rotten luck. But, I just want you to know that I'll still believe you, even though everything suggests otherwise. I'll keep it between us." Laika lays down on her new bed,
"You know, this chocolate is your's too. You can have some if you want."
"I guess so.. Heh." Haruka said, laughing a little nervously and rubbing the back of his neck. Despite this though, he seemed to have calmed down a little, not to mention for once, he was starting to get used to the company of his new roommates. He looked towards the chocolates that Laika was motioning to, remembering that Noémi had left them behind and nodded a little. It was never something he'd admit, but he may have a sweet tooth. Deciding to take one and eating it, he realized just how good it was… He'd have to thank Noémi later for them, though at the same time, he didn't want to eat too much right now.
I smile slyly,
"So, what is it like rooming with two girls?"
Again Haruka felt himself blushing a bit
"It's… New but… I don't mind it too much." he said, his voice remained quiet like it usually did.
I giggle,
"Oh come on, give me at least a little something to go on. Do you like it? Does it make you nervous? And what about having Nowmi in the shower right now? I want to hear what you are thinking." I'm getting a little too excited about this, but silently agree that I won't press him any more than this.
Haruka blushed more profusely when Laika asked what he was thought about Noémi in the shower... However he shook his head a little, attempting to clear his mind and answer the rest of her questions.
"Er… Well… I can't say I'm not nervous but… It's an improvement from previous cases…" He explained, he seemed to have dodged around her last question a little bit as he was never comfortable about talking about the opposite gender in those types of situations.
I turn over on my belly, enjoying the soft feeling of the covers.
"I'm really glad to be here. I don't know about you, but staying here is a huge step up from my lot in life before."
Hearing this, Haruka blinked for a moment, what Laika said seemed like something he would say in this situation.
"Same for me… The environment here's less… Hostile." He said quietly, perhaps he had spoken a little too much.
Empathetically,
"Hostile huh? I guess it was the same for me, but also a few other things. It is nice here. I know Nowmi doesn't like it, but the food is free and tasty, we have all sorts of free time to explore, and we get to learn about magic every day. Even with all the changes, I only find myself feeling more comfortable here. I just know that I have a really good year ahead of me."
Haruka smiled a little himself and nodded, sharing Laika's enthusiasm about this place, it seemed like a really good place to be. Thankfully there wasn't too much of a catch or anything to worry about yet .
After a little while, Noémi exits the bathroom, wearing a white dress a little more elaborate than the one she had on at the beginning of the day. She closes the door behind her, still drying her hair with a towel as she sits down.
"Go ahead and change Laika if you're going to do so, I would like to get going as soon as possible. I hate waiting around pointlessly"
Still laying across the bed, I turn my head to look at Nowmi, looking pretty as ever. I can get away with a little bit of staring if I act like I'm comfortable right? I try for it anyway, then pull myself up.
"I don't have anything as nice as your dress, but should I try to dress up with what I brought?"
Noémi simply shrugs at Laika.
"This is hardly nice, in fact, I feel as if I'm underdressing. Ah well, unless this town has a more exquisite location than I assume they have, this is more than enough for any establishments we might attend. So simply dress yourself as you please, so long as you can look presentable in it". She doesn't even bother looking over at Haruka, assuming (correctly) that he doesn't have much more to offer in terms of outfits.
I move anxiously to my section of the closet, and pull out my favorite dress. Nowmi is probably going to hate it, but I'm really quite proud of it. I pull out the dress, and place it up in front of me as to give a clue as to how it will look on me,
"Would this be nice enough?"
Noémi looks Laika up and down for a few seconds, not saying anything, keeping a neutral expression on her face. After a little bit she nods.
"I think it suits you. I don't think I'd ever look good in such a simple dress, but I'm more than comfortable with my own. Feel free to get dressed."
I shake my head instinctively,
"Actually, I think that you'd look good in most anything. Right now, you have a very regal vibe, and it matches your personality, but you would look great in something more modest. I know that you probably feel like you are washed out in those kinds of dresses, but it can also make you seem a lot more approachable." I go through the bathroom door, starting to change into my dress.
Haruka was amazed at how good the two seemed to look after they changed, perhaps it was time to get a different outfit for himself for once. He'd probably go buy something when they were out, however he still just sat there feeling a little awkward again for the time being. It shouldn't be long before they went out to explore for a while though.
Noémi blushes a bit at the compliment, but shakes her head as Laika leaves. She sits back down on the bed, putting her shoes on as Laika changes, trying to imagine herself in a much more modest and simple dress, but while she tries, she just can't picture herself in one, and gives up on imagining it.
I come out of the bathroom, a bit embarrassed that I can't tell if the seal that was placed on me was visible or not (it was). It wouldn't be the worst thing in the world if it was showing, but it is also something that I'd like to know before heading out. Turning around in my dress, I show my back to Nowmi and Haruka.
"Nowmi, can you tell that I got my seal on my back?"
She looks over at Laika and nods.
"Yup, it's there, but it's not too noticeable. At least, I'm sure nobody will particularly mind it, after all I certainly don't care."
Haruka looked at it for a moment before speaking "It's noticeable but… I don't think it stands out too much." he commented, sure the mark stuck out a little, but it wasn't too big so it shouldn't be a major issue out in the public.
I smile, then make a realization,
"So, this is a little awkward. I have this nice dress, but I've never worn dress shoes a day in my life. It would be pretty awkward to wear this with my tennis shoes or sandals. I have one other thing I could do, but it is a little strange."
"Well, I have spare dress shoes, though I don't know your shoe size or if they would fit. But what was your idea?" Noémi asks.
"Well, it is a little trick performers use when they have to do a scene barefooted. It wouldn't be safe or clean to have them just use their bare feet, so there is this special spray that leaves a small layer between your feet and the ground that absorbs impact, and retains the natural appearance of your skin. It is a pretty cool, if not odd, little invention."
"Hmm, but then you'd still be going out with bare feet. Just wear dress shoes, here" Noémi looks in her (large) portion of the closet, opening a drawer, and from a large selection of shoes pulls out a red pair for Laika.
"I'm sure these are about your size".
I blush a bit,
"This is my first time wearing nice shoes. You didn't have to do this, so thank you Nowmi." I give Nowmi a short hug before I start putting on the shoes. It is a strange feeling, but not a bad one at all. Hopping up with a bound,
"Well, lets go see about getting seals for you two so that we can go enjoy ourselves."
Haruka nodded, he looked intrigued at the concept of these seals, he'd never seen them used before but… This did grant them more freedom than he normally had at any other campus he'd been to. Strangely enough, he was a little excited to head out and explore what was outside this campus, perhaps it was just his natural sense of curiosity, or maybe he was enjoying the more friendly company he was having. At any rate, he seemed to be a little cheerier than he usually was despite still being as awkward as ever.
She finds the hug strange, but Noémi simply accepts it. Ready to head out, she leaves the dorm with the other two, letting Laika take the lead to show them where they need to go.
After going through the school courtyard, I take Nowmi and Haruka to the administrative building, and then to the venture department. The secretary smiles as he sees us pass, so I give a friendly wave to him. I hold the door open for both Nowmi and Haruka; anxious to see their reactions.
Haruka looked around, the area looked intriguing already, even if it wasn't fully set up yet since it was the beginning of the school year. He was a little uncertain how the seals would be applied, but with any luck, it shouldn't be that much of a difficult process.
Noémi follows the two inside, seemingly not interested in the strange change of scenery. Other than a look around, she turns right to Laika.
"So how exactly does this thing work? I think I've heard of magic like this, but I've never been particularly interested in it before now".
"It is really simple. Just walk up to the lady behind the glass, and she'll give you a seal that will let you leave school grounds."
Noémi walks up first to the lady behind the counter, after some exchanges over how the system works she pulls up her sleeve and offers her arm. The mark is placed on the inside of her elbow, and she lowers her sleeve.
"Alright, that's taken care of, what do we do next?"
Haruka approaches the lady behind the counter, seeming a little awkward about it.
"C-Can I get a seal please..?" He asked quietly, as if a little uncertain about what he was saying. Conversations with him were always like this at first after all.
"Of course, I'm just happy to see so many go-getter students who came to ask. Just tell me where you want it, and I'll apply it."
Haruka nods, lifting up his left sleeve
"H-Here." He said, pointing to the relative center of his shoulder… The process was a little awkward, but it didn't take long to have it done, he lowered his sleeve again and waved goodbye before walking back over to where Laika and Noémi was.
I smile brightly,
"Let go to town!" Skipping off slightly ahead of the group, I see quite happy to be going out for the first time.
Taking a moment to follow Laika, Noémi speaks up.
"So how exactly does this work? I haven't been paying attention, we just poof and we're in town?"
"Thats simple. We are going to walk. We do have the ability to place a mark to teleport there instantly from the school and we can always ask to be recalled back to the school, but otherwise the only transportation we can get is what we have readily available. Unless you happen to have a personal driver, it looks like we are walking. The town is pretty close by, but it will still be a bit of a walk."
Haruka nodded, it was pretty logical; he doubted it would be much of an adventure if they could just teleport to a destination they desire… Well, if they hadn't visited that place already that is. He didn't mind walking too much since the town was pretty close by, but he hoped it wouldn't take too long, he really was curious what was in store for them there.
"Walking? Why can't we do something less tedious". Noémi audibly groans, but begins to walk out with the other two.
"I suppose there's not much more we can do about it then, but I wish this didn't have to be so tiresome". Though her words expressed that she didn't want to walk, Noémi did actually find it nice being out and about, being stuck in the dorm room for so long was pretty exhausting to her, and she found herself already homesick, missing the comforts that a rich and pampered life had given her, such as people who would drive her to places without her having to get her shoes all dirty…. Those thoughts were running through her head as they walked.
"Well, when we learn how to use our mana, that would be an easy way to make our travel less manual, and a lot more fun. Though I'm also a little worried that once we start getting accustomed to moving around that way, walking will seem like a chore by comparison, and it will end up making us even more tired out. Though getting our nice shoes dirty is turning out to be no fun."
"W-we could use it sparingly…" Haruka suggested, seeming to have suddenly jumped into the conversation due to his long streak of silence. It was perhaps the first time he's contributed to much in the group, perhaps he was beginning to get accustomed to this after all. He couldn't argue with the fact that they shouldn't get accustomed too much to traveling with Mana, though it would be handy in times such as this.
"Well, I think that walking is tiresome no matter what, magic or no magic." Still, she didn't think she'd give up walking altogether, but doing it in a nice outfit was just going too far. For now, she focused on the walk ahead, walking a bit behind Laika as they approached the gates to the school.
I continue the trek towards the town. It is a simple paved road with greenery surrounding, but it made for a pretty relaxing mood. This particular road was fairly decorational, as not a terrible number of people actually use land vehicles here, so it is more made for the rare exception and students. I know that Nowmi has been complaining about the walk and I'm doing my best to keep it enjoyable for the others, but as for myself, I've enjoyed the walk very much. Haruka was more or less third wheeling, but Nowmi looked absolutely regal in her dress. With it starting to get dark, I was growing excited to see how her dress would look in the moonlight.
Haruka decided to hang back a little, looking at the sun as it was starting to set. The colors that radiated from it around this time had always interested him quite a lot. He seemed to have zoned out eventually, lost in thought but still walking with Noémi and Laika nonetheless, though perhaps he had fallen behind a little.
Eventually the three get to the town, though the sun is setting, there is enough light to see where buildings are.
"So, where exactly are we to go? I do not know my way around this town, nor where we would find a sufficiently pleasant restaurant".
I smile brightly, "
Well, I don't either. It is a town we've never been to after all. That is part of the adventure right?"
"W-we could ask around… Or just look for a map." Haruka offered, turning his attention back to what was going on with the group. He rushed a little to catch up to them realizing how far he'd fallen behind by now.
Noémi places her hands on her hips, looking grumpily at the other two.
"You mean to say you do not know where we are going? I do not recall coming here to wander around the town like a lost puppy until it is late. You will find out where we are going and soon, understand?" She pouts a bit, looking very upset with the prospect of wandering around town.
I look up towards Nowmi, trying to think of what to say.
"Well, I never really promised I knew exactly where I was going, but towns are all structured generally the same. If we go towards the center, we are sure to find the nicer places. I'll leave it to you which one looks best."
"Fine, but you're still leading the way" Noémi continues to reluctantly follow Laika into the town, her legs aching from all the walking already.
"Just tell me when we get somewhere that has actual restaurants, please".
I suddenly come up with an idea,
"Nowmi, would you like to get to a restaurant quickly without having to walk?"
"What are you talking about?" Noémi stares at Laika, curiously.
"If you're talking about magic, the whole reason we're walking is because there isn't any magic to get us somewhere".
I smile slyly,
"But I could always give you a ride."
"A ride? Do you have a vehicle of some sort? And if so, why haven't we used it from the start?"
"Well, sort of. I was just meaning that I could give you a piggyback ride."
Noémi stares at Laika for a few seconds, a dumbfounded look on her face, then continues walking forward.
"I'm going to pretend for both our sakes that you did not make that comment. Now, where can we find directions to this town?"
Haruka points towards a map of the town not too far from them
"Th-there." he said… He started to look it over himself, wondering where the best restaurant would be. Perhaps some landmarks and places of interest would be other good things to take note of.
Noémi looks at the map, recognizing the name of a fairly popular (and high class) restaurant, and once they know where they're going, they set off in that direction.
Once again, Haruka found himself glancing at the setting sun every now and then as they were walking… It only made sense that he had a strange fascination at times due to his mana nature, yet he could still not fully comprehend it himself. Diverting his attention towards looking for the restaurant Noémi had pointed out earlier, he realized he probably looked strange staring at the sun like that.
I look up curiously towards Nowmi,
"So, what made you decide on that place?"
Noémi smirked at Laika, beckoning.
"Come inside and find out." As the three walked in, they could see the expansive restaurant interior, well dressed waiters and waitresses walked along as many elegantly dressed people sat at tables, eating very refined (and very expensive looking) dishes. As they entered, one well dressed waiter walked up to them.
"Three of us" Noémi said, straight to the point. The waiter replied, shaking his head. "Ah, I'm afraid we do not have any tables open that are not under reservation…" Noémi cut him off there, reaching into her dress and pulling out a small golden card, showing it to him. The waiter looked at it, then nodded. "Nevermind, we do have a table open. Please follow me". He walked off to a table, motioning for them to follow.
Haruka followed the waited quietly, keeping a bit further back than the other two. He was looking around the place half in nervousness half in curiosity; he's never seen the inside of a restaurant this fancy… Ever. The entire environment felt almost foreign, yet intriguing to him, this must be what it was like all the time when you had a lot of money...
Although I felt adequately dressed for the part, I had yet to feel a real sense of belonging here. Everyone around me seems so refined, and I am probably going to start with the wrong fork or something stupid like that. Plus, Nowmi's princess powers are formidable, gaining entry just on the basis of her being who she is. I always thought that once I become a performer, I'd be able to do that one day, but seeing it happen in person was something else. Increasingly, I was realizing that I probably can't afford to eat here without blowing all of the money I had planned to use for clothes, snacks, supplies, and other things. I'm nervous, but I don't really have any way of dealing with it, so I simply follow, hoping that the feeling fades away.
The waiter pulls the chairs at the table out, and as they sit down, Noémi immediately waves him away, opening the menu.
"Do not worry about the prices, simply pick what you wish to eat. I apologize that this place is not as fancy as it could be, but a town like this would simply not have the kinds of places I am used to." The menu is full of extravagant dishes, and everything is incredibly expensive. After a minute, the waiter returns with water for the three, before disappearing again.
Haruka looked more than a little surprised at what was presented to him on the menu… But without a word, he looked it up and down a couple of times before picking a few items that looked to be the least expensive. They did at the same time still manage to sound appetizing though. It felt really strange taking part of what was commonly known as the "Princess treatment", he really was baffled at what was the correct order of conduct when it came to eating itself here.
Although there are many expensive items on the menu, I honestly have grown accustomed to eating more or less the same things. The orphanage and high school I went to didn't really care to provide a variety so much as nutritional balance. I know that in these types of places it is customary to have appetizers served before the food so that it cooks while you munch on something, but I don't even know where to begin. Maybe I'll just order what Nowmi does, though I keep scanning the menu to find a fall-back plan incase she wants something gross like snails or dragonwart.
The waiter comes back to get their drinks and appetizer orders, Noémi speaks up first. "Salad, breadstick bowl, Rossini, virgin of course. And bring me a plate of those little cheese stick things, I had them once at a very low class place once yet I found them simply to die for". The waiter quickly writes down the order then turns to the other two.
I hear at least something that I wouldn't mind munching on, shyly,
"I'd like the Salad, nothing else."
"I-I'll go with…Soup?" Haruka said, looking down at his menu again,he wasn't up for too big of an appetizer as he didn't eat too much to begin with.
"Th-that's all." He added, just incase it sounded like he was going to order more…
The waiter looks at Haruka a bit, but writes something down and heads off. After a very short while he returns, bringing Laika and Noémi a very decadent looking salad, Haruka a very large bowl of some brown soup full of vegetables, and a giant bowl of breadsticks and cheese sticks placed in the center of the table. He also places a wine glass filled with some pink liquid in front of Noémi along with a slice of strawberry, then disappears again. Noémi picks up her menu again to decide on what to get for her main course, staying silent.
Although I normally don't find myself even a little bit self conscious, something about this meal and the expectations with it were getting to me. I really don't want to embarrass Nowmi after she got us in for free, and I'm uncomfortably aware that I have no manners. Withdrawing into the menu, I continue to watch Nowmi for hints as to how I'm supposed to behave. Although I'm trying to conceal it, a practiced eye would definitely see that I was stressed.
Haruka looked surprised at the large portion he just got… No wonder the waiter looked at him weird, when he ordered soup. Looking around for a moment hoping others weren't giving him weird looks too, he quietly took the spoon laying beside him and began eating slowly. It seemed he might be full before the actual food arrived, unless he was willing to eat more than he usually did that is… Looking over to see how Laika was doing, she looked normal at first, but carefully looking closer for a moment, she did seem a bit stressed out. If she was, unfortunately he could relate; he wasn't sure what other mistake he might make here.
The waiter was quick to return, intending to take their orders as soon as possible so they could get to fully enjoying the appetizers. Noémi closed her menu with a snap and handed it to the waiter.
"Fettucine in garlic alfredo, I won't bother with the meat." She looked at the other two, curious as to what they would get.
Continuously scanning the menu, I see just a void of absurd names lacking description and otherwise foods that I simply would not enjoy. Fortunately, although it wasn't a listed menu item, each recipe comes with a list of major ingredients and the means by which they are prepared. I have no idea if this will appear low class or not, but it is far better than not being able to eat whatever I order. Still uncharacteristically shy,
"I'd like Fettuccine with meat sauce…" Thinking silently to myself, "I never want to eat out again."
Haruka hadn't eaten much of his soup as he was afraid he'd be too full to eat any of the main course…
"M-mashed potatoes…" He said quietly, looking at the menu it seemed like the portion should be smaller with any luck. If not, he'd have to eat it. Otherwise it would feel quite wasteful to him. All he knew was that he'd be coming home a little fuller than he'd expected at first when they had talked about going out to eat.
After giving Haruka an even longer, odder stare, the waiter collected their menus and left. Now alone at the table, and after Noémi herself stared at Haruka a bit, she shrugged and began to slowly eat her salad, not intending on starting any conversation herself.
I feel extremely bad for Haruka, as he was making all of the mistakes I was hoping to avoid. I was already starting to recognize that I would have to eat very carefully since I was wearing a white dress. All I can really do to help Haruka out is start up a conversation, but I'm completely locked up at the moment. I have to study what Nowmi is doing so carefully as to not appear to be studying her but still understand what is expected of me by using her as a model. Mimicking her style of eating, I begin to have the salad. All of my thoughts are concerned with the movements I'm making. I can and will fake class if it means getting through this meal without making a mistake.
Haruka felt like he wanted to hide under the table, but instead, he just continued eating his soup little by little trying not to think about all the mistakes he made. It was obvious he wasn't very good with social interaction in the first place, much less in an environment he's never been in before. He was starting to panic a bit trying to figure out what exactly he did wrong as he ate, his eyes darting around every now and then feeling as if he was being watched.
As they sat in silence, snacking on the appetizers, Noémi thought it was oddly quiet with her roommates. She decided to be the first to speak up, curious.
"Usually you two are much more talkative than this, is something the matter?"
Deciding to be honest,
"It is my first time eating at a place this nice, so I've been really nervous. To be honest, I've been waiting for you to make the first move just so I'd know I was doing the right thing."
Haruka stayed quiet, but he seemed to agree, well at least partially… In general he was like this whenever he was panicking. Oh how he wished he was better in terms of interacting with people in new places like this…
Noémi shook her head at both of them.
"It isn't something you should worry about. Nobody will care about your mannerisms as long as I am here. I fully intended for you to come here and enjoy some decent food, if you cannot do that because you are too nervous, then I have done a terrible job at bringing you both here." She shrugs and eats a breadstick, leaning back in her chair a bit.
Laika blushes,
"Well, while I'm being honest, it was also in part, because I wanted to impress you. I've probably blown that now though." Laika giggles a bit,
"But, it is good to know that I can relax now. Plus, now I can finally just say it. That waiter has no idea what to do with you Haruka. He makes the most priceless reactions when you order."
Haruka felt himself blush
"Y-Yeah… I guess I'm just not used to this…" he said quietly, he managed to smile a little though, relaxing a bit. Maybe things wouldn't be so bad, he'd just have to be real careful with ordering anything else. He was starting to feel a bit full though so perhaps ordering more food wouldn't be the best for him.
Noémi looks a little confused.
"I do not know why you'd want to impress me, I was not expecting you to know proper mannerisms from the start. Simply enjoy the food you've ordered, and relax. I for one am planning on filling myself up while I'm here, I am not looking forward to dealing with that horrendous cafeteria garbage again when we go back". She shrugs and eats a cheese stick.
Even on an honest streak, there is no way I could tell Nowmi that I wanted to impress her because I thought she was extremely pretty, and found myself attracted to her. I know that I really should tell her, but now didn't feel like a great time. Though, if I'm going to, I'd really like to be wearing this dress. Maybe, sometime…
"Well, you don't have to. In fact, someone like you could probably afford to eat out whenever you want. I'll be leaving my mark in the town square, so if you do the same, you wouldn't even have to walk like we did today. You could just teleport right here."
It seems Haruka was starting to calm down a little and had finished a good portion of his soup while he was at it. He was still not talking much thought as per usual, it would take a while before he started talking openly all the time. There were alot of new things he was introduced to when he had arrived at this Academy, but so far, this experience has got to top them all.
Eventually, after a much longer while, their food arrived. The food was delivered on ornate plates, the portions were much smaller than the appetizers but the smell was amazing, the pasta cooked to perfection, the sauce was rich but not overpowering. The mashed potatoes were just…. mashed potatoes, but they were definitely still of a higher quality than most would be. Noémi wasted no time in digging into hers, eating fast and enjoying the taste, yet still acting refined while doing so.
I'm extremely satisfied to get my food, and take right to my pasta. Since this is my favorite dress, I still feel the need to eat carefully, but I'm far more social now that the pressure to eat in a refined manner is off of me.
"So, what did you think about basics class today?"
The smell of food instantly made Haruka want to eat again despite being rather full. Thankfully, the portions were smaller this time; he'd have to leave some of his soup behind unfortunately. He began to eat a little faster than he was before seeming a bit more relaxed, yet still cautious about it now.
"Boring, trite, and unnecessary" Noémi said immediately, before eating another forkful.
I smile at Nowmi's expected bluntness. I think it is starting to grow on me.
"Well, I can definitely see how you could say that. We didn't learn any actual magic, and it ended up being more of an introduction day than anything else, but at least it got things started. I learned more about my mana, and how I'll be able to use it effectively, so I ended up satisfied. What about you Haruka?"
Haruka looked up, for a moment, thankfully he had just about finished eating when Laika asked him and spoke.
"I-It wasn't a bad start…" He said, not sure how much he had to say about it, truth to be told, they could have done more, but, that might just be him wanting to get through things faster. It would be preferable to resolve the problems between the two "classes" some have set for each other sooner rather than later.
"I just feel it pointless to go to a school about magic and not learn about magic. I hope that there are actual classes tomorrow, and not just more pointless classes like today." Noémi finishes her dish rather quickly, and spends the rest of the time eating breadsticks and cheese sticks, putting quite a dent in both bowls.
"Well, it isn't like I don't know how you feel. I'm just worried for a lot of people in the class. Using magic drains a lot out of you, and if you aren't used to exerting yourself, it makes it that much harder to start using magic. It is like using a muscle that you've never used before. But it doesn't seem like the school particularly cares about fitness or even practicing magic use. Then again, I'm making this observation over a class that doesn't have any students who can use mana yet. I guess it is weird that they'd wait to teach us how to use mana. Since using it is the most important factor to getting better, shouldn't they just give it to us right away?"
Haruka had finished eating his mashed potatoes and decided to speak up.
"M-Maybe they just wanted to… Introduce the concept?" He offered seemingly out of the blue, that's what it felt like today anyways. Perhaps tomorrow they'd practice with Mana a little more or something, but, he wasn't very certain about that part.
"Concept, that's just silly. We all know what magic is, or we wouldn't be there in the first place. I'm tired of waiting to learn to use it. I need to know it now, I must, I have to practice, and grow stronger and stronger, until…." Noémi quickly stopped talking when she realized what she was saying.
"Err, nevermind that. But it does not change the fact I want us to learn actual magic sooner, rather than later."
I find it a shame that Nowmi stops herself from continuing. I kinda wanted to know why she wanted to be so strong.
"I have to agree with Nowmi. Magic is too basic a concept for someone to not know about it. Even people who chose not to have a trade end up using magic in one way or another. I mean, there are a few houses that operate on electricity instead, but using mana is a lot cleaner, and it gives us a lot more opportunity to get stronger just doing unspectacular things. I mean, it means we can't use a lot of the appliances on our own, but that just makes me want to learn magic more, so I can become independant."
Haruka shrugged
"I-I think we'll start doing those things tomorrow... " he said, figuring their first day at the academy was probably more about getting settled in than anything. However if he was wrong about this, he really hoped they wouldn't get too mad at him for misleading them. With that thought he suddenly felt a little less calm again.
"We better…" The waiter comes back with a receipt, without letting the other two look at it, Noémi simply hands him the golden card. After a bit he comes back, hands the card to her, and walks away again.
"When you both are ready, we can leave at anytime".
I get the feeling that if I had any idea how much this food costs that I'd feel immediately awkward about letting Nowmi treat me. She probably doesn't want to stick around much longer, and I would like to see Nowmi in the moonlight, so it doesn't take me much to get out of my seat,
"I'm ready to go too. And, ummmm, thanks for the food Nowmi. It was nice of you to treat us to such good food. I have to say, it is the nicest meal I've had, like, ever actually."
Haruka nodded and stood up quietly himself, but instead of up and leaving without a word, he attempted to give Noémi a formal bow.
"Th-thank you." He said quietly, before standing upright again, regaining his composure. It was clear that he was ready to go too, but he didn't want to depart on such an impolite note.
Noémi smiled at Laika.
"It was nothing, I was simply hungry for some decent food." She chuckled at Haruka's very crappy bow, before walking outside. The sun had fully set, the only illumination coming from the store front, the streetlights, and the moon itself.
"So how do we get back to the school?" she asked Laika, standing out in the moonlight as she turned to her.
Nowmi was every bit as beautiful as I imagined she'd be. Her long beautiful white hair, her brilliant red eyes, her dress; everything about her made me wish I could be closer to her. She is the kind of girl, who I could really see being a princess. Her presence is just so strong. In the moonlight, she just carried an incomparable grace. I have to keep reminding myself, not to stare, but I can barely help myself. Realizing that I'm being addressed, I snap out of it, though a bit delayed,
"Well, we can ask to be recalled at any time, but before that, we should probably set our marks unless you wanted to start tomorrow at the school gates." I take a step back to demonstrate. Holding my hand out I extend my middle and pointer finger, fold my ring and pinkey, and fold my thumb over the folded fingers. Commandingly,
"Mark, set!" My seal glows bright red for a moment, then a pulse of energy shoots into the ground. The same seal appears on the ground for a moment, then vanishes into nothingness.
