The vibrant chatter of the hall faded into the background as Harabi stepped outside. She drew in deep breaths, each one steadier than the last, and made her way to the small park near the dormitories.

Harabi found an empty bench under the shade of an ancient oak tree and sat down, her hands trembling slightly as she clenched and unclenched them. She closed her eyes, letting the rustling leaves and distant bird calls soothe her racing thoughts.

But her peace was short-lived. A sudden warmth near her ear startled her. She opened her eyes to see Adena standing a short distance away, a small flame flickering in her hand.

Harabi stiffened. Adena was known for her fiery temper and formidable magic.

“All alone, Harabi Kurosaki?” Adena said with a smirk. “You should be more careful, especially this year. You wouldn’t want the same story to repeat, would you?”

Harabi’s breath hitched. Memories of her sister, inseparable from Rumiya’s sister, flooded her mind. Both girls had been the closest of friends until their lives were tragically cut short.

“What do you mean by that?” Harabi asked, her voice steady despite the turmoil within her.

Adena extinguished the flame with a flick of her wrist. “You know what I mean. People are talking, Harabi. They remember. Rumors can be dangerous, especially when they involve people like you and Rumiya. Friends can become enemies.”

Harabi stood, her posture stiff but defiant. “You’re the only one here acting like an enemy.”

Adena laughed, a cold, mirthless sound. “Oh, I’m not your enemy. But you’d do well to watch your back.” With that, she turned and strode away, leaving Harabi alone once more.

The shadows seemed to deepen around her, the park losing its usual charm. Shaking her head, Harabi made her way back to the dormitory, her thoughts swirling.

Harabi walked back to the dormitory, her thoughts a whirlwind of emotions after the encounter with Adena. The quieter halls were a welcome change from the bustling main hall, and she sighed in relief as she reached her room. Opening the door, she was greeted by the sight of her belongings neatly arranged by the bed. Her suitcases, delivered while she had been out, provided a comforting sense of normalcy amidst the chaos of the day. 

Harabi began unpacking, letting the rhythmic task calm her racing thoughts. She carefully hung her clothes in the closet, using her magic to levitate each piece into place.

Just as she finished organizing her space, a knock sounded at the door. Startled, Harabi turned to find Tatsuki standing in the doorway. Her friend's expression was a mix of concern and determination.

"Tatsuki," Harabi greeted, trying to inject cheer into her voice. "I’ve been waiting for you! Guess who I just met?"

"Harabi," she began, her tone gentle but firm. "I saw Rumiya a moment ago. I also heard the rumors. They're spreading again, aren't they?"

Harabi faltered, her carefully constructed facade cracking under Tatsuki’s gaze. But instead of admitting to her unease, she plastered on another smile.

"Nothing to worry about," she replied lightly. "You know me - I’m tougher than I look."

Tatsuki’s eyes softened, but her voice remained steady. "Harabi, you don’t have to pretend with me. I can hear your thoughts, remember? My magic makes it impossible for you to hide anything."

A rueful laugh escaped Harabi’s lips. "Of course. I should’ve known better than to try and keep something from you."

Tatsuki nodded, her expression shifting to one of quiet empathy. "It’s been a tough day, hasn’t it?"

Harabi hesitated, then sighed. "I knew what I was walking into when I decided to come here. I just… didn’t expect it to be this overwhelming. I’ll get used to it. I just need more time."

Tatsuki crossed her arms, leaning against the doorframe. "People can be cruel, Harabi. And sometimes, when the world feels too heavy, all you want to do is - "

"Hit them," Harabi interrupted, a smirk tugging at her lips.

Tatsuki blinked, momentarily stunned. "Hit them? That’s not what I meant! Wait, do you really - "

Harabi burst into laughter, the sound breaking through the tension in the room. "No, of course not! That’s just the first thing that came to mind."

Tatsuki straightened, her expression softening. "Harabi, let’s not dwell on that right now. Come with me - I have something to show you."

Harabi blinked, caught off guard by the sudden shift in topic. "What is it?"

Tatsuki smiled, her usual confidence returning. "First, a proper tour of the academy. I guess, we should start with the library.”

“And the highest spot in the whole Academy” Harabi stood up smiling. She took a deep breather trying to focus on something else.

“I got you.”

Harabi Kurosaki 

Tatsuki Shirakawa

Eiles Florence

                                                                                                                                 ~D1mpl1s