The First Morning at the Academy

"Hey, Casial, wake up or you'll be late on your first day of class," Aqua said, his voice calm yet firm as he tugged the blanket off Casial and opened the room's window wide. A cool morning breeze swept in, carrying the golden rays of dawn.

Casial groaned, pulling a pillow over his head to shield himself from the bright sunlight. "Close the window! The sunlight is ruining my sleep," he grumbled, his voice muffled and heavy with drowsiness.

"It's already 6:30 A.M., and we have class at 8 o'clock. Don't you think it's time to wake up?" Aqua replied with a raised eyebrow, his sharp gaze fixed on his half-asleep friend.

Finally, Casial sat up on the edge of the bed, his hair a messy halo of disarray. Blinking blearily, he asked, "Why are you already dressed so early? Wait... were you that excited about wearing the new uniform?" His tone was a mix of teasing and genuine surprise as he eyed Aqua's pristine black academy uniform—a tailored coat with striking red trim and the academy's sigil, a golden dragon intertwined with the imperial family's emblem, shining proudly on his back.

"I'm heading out for morning training," Aqua replied, straightening his collar with nonchalance.

"What?! Morning training?" Casial gawked, his eyes wide with disbelief. "But we already have swordsmanship class first thing in the morning. You're training before that? Isn't that a bit... excessive?"

Aqua's lips curved into a faint, knowing smile. "Now, stop stalling and get ready. Unless you'd prefer to make an unforgettable impression by being late on your first day?"

"Ugh, you're nagging me like Claire. I was really hoping you'd be different," Casial muttered in disappointment, shooting Aqua a half-hearted glare as he stretched.

Aqua sighed, his patience wearing thin. He turned toward the door, intending to leave without another word.

"Wait, wait! I'll come with you!" Casial called out, scrambling to his feet. "Don't leave me out of this!"

Pausing in the doorway, Aqua glanced back. "Fine. But hurry, or I'm leaving without you."

Casial quickly changed into his uniform as Aqua stood waiting, arms crossed. Once dressed, Casial ran a hand through his hair, a mischievous grin tugging at his lips. "This uniform suits me, doesn't it?" he asked, striking a playful pose.

Aqua barely looked at him, giving a noncommittal nod as he turned to leave. "Hmm."

With Aqua leading, they descended the stairs toward the academy's training hall. The sounds of their footsteps echoed in the quiet corridors, the promise of a long day ahead lingering in the air.