Chapter 16 – embarrassment
Chapter 16 – embarrassment
Professor Ryen led me out of the office, back into the elevator, and into another massive building.
I looked up.
This… is the dormitory?
Why the hell was it so huge?!
It was way too big to be called a dorm.
It looked more like a luxury hotel.
As we entered, I saw male students bustling around, chatting, rushing up the stairs, and getting ready for curfew.
It was already evening, and the curfew must be near.
We went up to the reception, where the staff handed me a card with my room details.
I stared at it.
Room 707.
7th floor.
Alright. That sounded safe.
At least they weren't dumping me into a basement or something.
We took the elevator up, and when we reached my room, I was shocked.
The room was spacious.
A single-person dorm with a bed on the side, a big window, a study table, and a wardrobe across from the bed.
There was even an air purifier and a separate bathroom.
I turned to the teacher, slightly suspicious.
"This is a single dorm for final-year students," Professor Ryen said casually.
"You'll be in the graduating class."
I blinked.
…WHAT?!
Before I could even react, he continued.
"If you graduate and get into a good Senior Academy, you'll have a strong foothold in society."
"We'll also help you get an official identity."
"Since you were found in the ruin under the school's jurisdiction, it's our responsibility to take care of you."
"And about your name—"
"Orien," I said automatically.
Ryen froze.
"Wait… what? Oreo?!"
I blinked.
"No. ORIEN."
Ryen looked genuinely shocked.
"…You had a name this whole time?!"
I nodded.
"But… why didn't you tell me before?!"
I shrugged.
"You never asked."
I whispered the last part under my breath.
It wasn't my fault!
This dumb teacher only asked where I was from, or about my origin.
Even if he had mentioned my name at some point, I didn't hear it.
And if I didn't hear it, then it was the same as it never happening.
I pouted internally—but from the outside, my face remained blank.
Professor Ryen sighed dramatically, clutching his chest like he had just lost his innocence.
"Fine, fine," he said, shaking his head.
"I'll tell the Director that you want your name to be Oreo—I mean, Orien."
He looked at me like I had ruined his faith in humanity.
I rolled my eyes.
For the record, my name was Orien from the start.
I just never got the chance to say it.
Professor Ryen tossed me the room card.
(I don't know how he got it. I remember I was holding it before)
"Here," he said.
"It's gonna be night soon."
He pointed at the wardrobe.
"Your uniform is inside, along with two sets of casual wear."
I nodded.
He continued.
"This room card will also act as your identity badge, confirming your student status."
"It also works as a merit card—you'll need merit points to do basic things like eating in the cafeteria."
I blinked.
"So… how many merit points do I have?"
"100," Ryen said casually.
Okay, that sounds decent.
Before I could relax, he grinned and added—
"If you run out, you won't be able to buy food."
I froze.
"What?"
"You heard me," he said cheerfully.
"No merit points = no food."
I gulped.
"And… how do I earn more?"
Ryen shrugged.
"Figure it out yourself."
…
What. The. Hell.
Before I could protest, Ryen turned around, waving.
"Okay, take care!" he said, walking away.
And just like that, I was left alone.
The Ultimate Embarrassment
I sighed, sitting on the bed.
At least it was comfortable.
But then—
"HEY, ORIEN! I FORGOT TO TELL YOU SOMETHING!"
A loud voice suddenly echoed from outside.
I jumped in surprise.
I turned to the window.
And there—
I saw a head poking out from one of the windows below mine.
It was Ryen.
I gawked.
Why the hell was he shouting from outside?!
Ryen grinned up at me.
"CLASS STARTS AT 8 AM! BE READY TOMORROW!"
My soul left my body.
DOES THIS TEACHER HAVE NO SHAME?!
Students from the nearby rooms started sticking their heads out of their windows, turning to look at me, then at Ryen.
A few of them laughed.
I felt my entire existence shrivel up.
In a panic, I immediately pulled my head back inside and slammed the curtains shut.
I could hear Ryen chuckling outside.
Ryen's POV – Amusingly Innocent
Professor Ryen chuckled as he watched the curtain snap shut.
Such an innocent kid.
To be so easily embarrassed by something like this.
He had a blank face most of the time, but deep down, he was definitely an awkward teenager.
And that made him even more interesting.
Ryen smirked slightly before turning away.
"Let's see what you do next, Orien," he muttered to himself.
Meanwhile, the certain innocent kid was causing the professor's 9 generations.