Wishes

– So… you know me, right? – Harumi chuckled – This is your bed. Leila will be here soon, so we can talk and get to know each other better. Oh, by the way… her last name is Waterfall. I hope that doesn't make you uncomfortable.

Celine froze for a moment, smiling a little nervously – Why would I be uncomfortable?

'What's with these Waterfall connections? I just met the King of Waterfall's first disciple, and now I'm going to be his daughter's roommate?'

Harumi sat on the edge of the bed and replied – A lot of people already know about that little 'disagreement' between Waterfall and the Northern Kingdom. It's mostly an old-man feud, but don't worry. The best way to fix that is by forming good relationships. You'll see, Leila is a great friend.

Celine smiled, taking a seat next to her – You seem to know her well. Are you two friends?

– Yeah, since we were six. My father thought it'd be good for me to bond with the Crown Princess of Waterfall.

– I see…

'It must feel nice to have a childhood friend. I'm not sure I can just walk into that perfect little circle of friendship they must have.'

Celine started unpacking and organizing her things. As she opened her wardrobe, she saw three uniforms hanging neatly. They were quite pretty.

Running her fingers along the fabric, she felt a strange burst of energy, it felt like a fresh start. She could get used to this. She wouldn't be alone in a room with just a desk anymore.

– Harumi, I took some notes that might help you – The door suddenly opened, and a girl with dark blonde hair entered the room, locking eyes with them – This…

Harumi stood up and rushed over – Leila! What notes? Are they for the Enchantment class? I suck at that – She gave Leila a quick hug, then turned to Celine – Celine, this is Leila! Leila, this is our new roommate, Celine, from the Northern Kingdom.

Leila had been smiling ever since Harumi ran over, and upon realizing who the newcomer was, she greeted her kindly – It's a pleasure to meet you, Celine.

Celine smiled back. Whatever disagreements their parents had didn't concern them—they could be friends if they truly wanted to be – Likewise, Leila.

– I'm sure Harumi's already said plenty. Have you gotten the material from the past few days? Let's go over it together – She handed the notes to Harumi, who was already flipping through them with focus – Ah, I almost forgot. Aysel will be coming soon to collect the wishes.

Celine blinked – Wishes?

Harumi snapped out of her concentration and rushed to her desk. She picked up a paper, read through it quickly, then folded it and slipped it into a small envelope.

Leila, noticing Celine's confusion, explained – It's something we do at the start of each year. Students write a letter wishing another student something good, usually just 'good luck,' but it can be anything. We wait nine days after the semester starts so that newcomers have time to get to know others and have someone to write to.

Celine nodded. It was just a silly custom between students, no need for letters, but still, it sounded kind of fun.

– Aysel delivers the letters to the boys' dorm, and other veterans take care of the girls' side.

Leila continued, reading Celine's face – The teachers trust Aysel. And honestly, no boy would dare stand in her way. She and Elaxi are both veterans. They've been doing this for so long that even the principal stopped arguing with them.

Celine gave a skeptical look. These two girls clearly held some power around here.

Just then, a knock came at the door—but before anyone could answer, Harumi had already flung it open, practically bouncing with excitement.

The girl at the door, with black hair and a confident air, laughed – Alright, Harumi, you see him every day. It's just a letter.

Harumi handed over the envelope, and Aysel read it carefully before tucking it away, giving Harumi a suspicious glance.

Smiling, Harumi insisted – No flirting. Just a nice wish.

Aysel nodded, then looked into the room and spotted Celine watching her.

Frozen for a moment, Aysel said quickly – Haha, I'm going. I've got a lot of letters to deliver. The boys are probably waiting.

And with that, she vanished. Not by magic, just by sheer speed. She was probably already halfway down the hall.

Harumi raised an eyebrow – What happened between you two?

– Huh? She just helped me earlier today. I don't think I did anything wrong – Celine said.

Harumi nodded, satisfied, and went to help Leila sort out the content for Celine. The girls chatted, laughed, and shared some light conversation as the evening wore on.

Meanwhile, in the boys' dormitory, a knock came at the reception room. A black-haired girl entered, pulling letter after letter from a bag slung over her shoulder. The boys smiled, some calling out—

– Aysel! Anything for me?

Aysel smiled, handing them out – Here, this one's yours!

The reception area became chaotic as the boys gathered to talk and joke around. Aysel moved through them with ease. She leapt between two boys on a couch and handed them each a letter, then darted to a nearby table and shamelessly stuffed some cookies into her bag.

The boys didn't mind. They were used to her. Only the new ones asked why there was a girl in their dorms.

– Because it's Aysel – The veterans answered flatly, offering no more explanation.

Upstairs, Aysel stopped at several doors, knocking and handing over letters. Everything was going smoothly.

One door opened, and she greeted the boy inside – Yo, Nevra. Is Raphael here?

The black-haired boy looked at her sleepily – Think he went to the bathroom. Letters?

Aysel nodded and dumped a massive stack of letters into Nevra's arms. "I'll need you to deliver these.

Some boys passing by chuckled – What's with all those letters? Since when does being cold win admirers?

Aysel shrugged and turned to leave until hurried footsteps stopped her.

– Aysel! Is there a letter for me?!

It was Ikuto, breathless, his medium-length dark brown hair a little messy. Aysel smirked.

– Sorry, Ikuto. I don't think Harumi sent one this time.

Ikuto froze, stunned – What?! That can't be right!

Behind him stood a boy with striking green eyes, watching Aysel silently, his disapproval clear. Ignoring the look, Aysel saw her chance.

– I'm serious. Look for yourself – She handed Ikuto the bag.

He pulled letters out one by one, checking the names and delivering them to the rightful owners, who crowded around him.

Meanwhile, Aysel slipped a letter from her sleeve and handed it discreetly to the green-eyed boy, Thamy.

Ikuto, still searching, looked devastated. Thamy sighed and played along.

– Ah, right, I forgot. Harumi gave me the letter earlier to pass on, but I got caught up and forgot.

Ikuto lit up and ran to him, grabbing the letter eagerly – Thanks, Thamy! I understand.

He practically skipped away toward his room.

Aysel chuckled.

– You can leave now – Thamy said, placing a hand on her shoulder.

– See you later – She grinned and walked off.

Thamy turned to the remaining boys – Back to what you were doing. Room checks will be a bit later today.

Everyone quickly dispersed, except Nevra, still burdened with letters. Thamy helped him carry them inside.

They placed them all on Raphael's desk.

– There's more than last year – Thamy noted.

– Yeah, not that it'll matter. He won't read them – Nevra replied, collapsing onto his bed.

He sighed – President Thamy… Raphael doesn't say anything, but I will. Some people keep making his life harder. That accident? It had nothing to do with him, and he still took the blame.

Thamy listened quietly.

– He's just a normal human. No powers. How could he hurt someone with magic? – Nevra frowned – It's not about the Tasvali heirloom either. That amulet just offers protection and luck. It was a gift from the First Guardian of the Night. How could they confiscate it?

Thamy remained silent.

A creak at the door pulled their attention. A tall, messy-looking young man stood there, a bruise on his face.

– What happened? – Thamy asked, approaching.

The boy ignored him and went to his desk – It's none of your business.

After staring at the pile of letters on his desk, he frowned. He pulled out a bag, opened it, shoved all the letters inside, and tossed it into a corner. Bored, he turned to Thamy – President. Since you're here, I hope you've already checked the room. There's no need to come back.

Thamy watched him, concern on his face. Nevra tried to say something but hesitated.

Trying to ease the tension, Thamy sighed and smiled – Alright. Nothing to hide here anyway. Felipe and Matheu haven't returned yet?

– They're probably just leaving the library – Nevra said – Thanks for the help, President.

– Rest well. The first days are always tiring – Thamy said, glancing one last time at Raphael, whose eyes hadn't left him.

The bruise on the boy's face still lingered in his mind…

Raphael sighed – What were you talking about?

– Oh... nothing special – Nevra replied.

Seeing he wouldn't get any answers, Raphael simply lay down and pulled the covers over himself in silence. Nevra watched him for a moment, then did the same.

Outside, Thamy was walking toward his own dorm when he bumped into two boys. Recognizing them, he said – Felipe, Matheu. I already checked your room, you can head to bed.

The two nodded in agreement and turned to leave, but Thamy called out again – Felipe, take a look at Raphael. He has a bruise on his face.

– Again…? Thanks Senior Thamy. I'll take care of it – Felipe replied, and both boys rushed off toward the dorm.

Entering his own dorm, Thamy found three boys sitting on the floor, one with bright blond hair, one with light brown hair, and Ikuto, surrounded by books, notebooks, and scattered papers.

Ikuto, who was facing the door, waved at him – Thamy! We're doing the metrics transformation assignment. You can join us if you want!

Thamy smiled as he walked to his desk – I've already finished it. I have a notebook that might help you, if you'd like.

All three boys turned to him with shining eyes – If you insist – said the brown-haired one – This isn't cheating anyway, right?

Thamy handed them the notebook and grabbed a book to read while the others focused on their notes, chatting softly as they worked.

When they were done, Thamy spoke without looking up – Isn't it time to search the rooms, Ikuto?

Ikuto stood up, followed by the other two – Alright, we're going now.

– You don't need to check Raphael's room. I've already done it – Thamy added.

The three nodded and left, talking among themselves as they walked down the hallway.

– Drazhan, I heard your brother won't leave that little healer magician's side – Said the brown-haired one – Did he make a protection contract with him or something?

– I'm not exactly sure, but Matheu just told me he made a friend – Drazhan replied – So... he's a healer? Matheu's never had many friends. I'm glad he has someone now. Ever since he moved to Nevra's dorm a few days ago, he seems happier.

The brown-haired boy laughed – Well, now the four most antisocial guys in Kesla can be antisocial together.

Ikuto and Drazhan laughed too.

– Hiro, you're a terrible person. Did you know that? – Drazhan said with a grin.

They chatted as they went on checking the remaining rooms, returning much later to rest.