____****[Part five] ****____

When the group finally set their eyes on the hostel, neither of them could let out a breath. They were astonished! The building's architecture was constructed like that of a fully intact coliseum, with a glass dome-like roofing.

-So like, has the ‘Secret confinement facility theory’ been ruled out or...

Nara gulped, seemingly overwhelmed by the magnificence and form of the building. She'd never seen anything like it. Infact, the girl had become so entranced, to the point were, when she attempted to speak, to no one's surprise, her tongue failed her. “It's..It..the..Argh! Is That really our hostel?!”

-For someone that has eyes you sure don't see. Anyway...

Jacinth shut her mouth before anyone would noticed her shock. Then again, they were all too busy marveling at it to even notice her own reaction.
Back in junior high, the hostel she'd been staying at was nothing compared to this. This was a mega upgrade.

"So it's true. Ranking up does guarantee luxury." She thought, raked in the debris of her blown mind, then looked down at Ha-neul, who returned her gaze.

Nothing could've prepared any of them for this. No amount of physical description would be good enough to paint the picture of it into their minds.

-It's not our fault they're unimaginative. It's the Author's.

Soon after, Nara grunted, took in a deep breath, then balled her fists. “Come on guys! Let's go!” She yelled, and flung her balled fist in the air, trying to hype up the group. Her wavering emotions shifted from disbelief, to eagerness within seconds.

-I'm starting to actually believe. Not hypothetically, but genuinely believe, that Nara? Is a god damned robot! Her reactions are literally like ‘beep, beep, boom!’ be real for once.

Please Nara, if you have it anywhere within your mentally drafted persona to act human for once? Please, do that.

What caused this sudden hate for the girl? You might ask.

*Shrugs nonchalantly*...

...Meh, it's just in the script!

Never forget that I'm hired help. I'm the one percent of the...‘Broke Asses Association.’

Well, back to the book.

Unwilling to wait around for much longer, Nara begun running towards the direction of the building. Like an unhinged thief absconding with stolen loot. Her sudden burst of energy inspired the others to run along with her. They snapped out of their daze and rushed behind in excitement. But, unlike everyone else, Mizuki ventured at a slower pace. She folded her arms, and moved so sluggishly, it made walking seem more like a privilege than a natural grant.

-For those who have two legs ofcourse. Not much can be said for...*coughs* others.. However...

The look on her face gave it away, she was –lost. Her wants and desires felt conflicted. Here she was in such a massive school, one she'd never once dreamed she could get in to. Circumstances just brought her here. Now, wether or not she would be able to survive? Was the major issue. Apart from worrying about how much more intelligent some of the students were, compared to her that is. I mean come on, they literally had students running the place. What right or claim did she have, that could undoubtedly guarantee she'd do fine? She wasn't from a rich home, didn't have connections, and was ‘number two’ on the score board, everytime freaking time.

-Well isn't that unfortunate?

Noticing Mizuki wasn't by her side, Nara stopped in her tracks allowing the other to over take her. Her breathing was heavy, and her legs were shaking. She kept heaving in with strainous effort, but...she had to go back. This time? She would take the initiative. She was in a new school, and was to her excitement, going to experience a magnitude of new things and maybe even feelings. The good, the bad, and the ugly. She was going to know it all. But, without Mizuki by her side, it wouldn't feel the same.

-Ah, yes, you wouldn't have someone to brag about your looks to.

“What are you doing Mizu? Let's go-o-o-o!!!” She shouted at Mizuki in a softened tone, fiercely grabbed onto her wrist, then pulled her along.

-Ah-ha! Revenge! Sweet revenge-e-e!

*The editor whispers into Aseop's ear*

Huh? Oh? Really? Wait, that was..that was supposed to be Jacinth? Oh. Okay.

*Awkward Silence*...

...Well.

"Whe-when did she turn back?" She wondered. Her brain was trying to assimilate the situation, and answer the question; Why were her feet were moving without her consent?

The answer?

It was Nara.

-Yeah, no shit.

She had a kind gift. She easily pulled people in, and always took them places were they'd be to scared to go in, alone.

-Ah, I see, I see, yes. That's such an InCrEdibLe 'gift'.

What is wrong with you Author-sama? Do you need someone to talk to? Cause I don't understand, why? Just why? You can't seem to write like a normal person.

*Breaths in*...

...Anyway, Nara began talking or whatever.

“We're in this together remember?”

Mizuki gapped at her for a moment, before deciding to answer.

“Anata ga tadashīdesu!
[You are right!]
(あなたが正しいです!)”

As they ran, all the momentum caused Mizuki's heart beat to grow de-rhythmed. Even with that, the winds wicked lashes struck them without remorse. It was almost like nature was beefing with them. Nara's profile acted as a distraction for Mizuki, against the view of  the building they were running towards. Her flawless well groomed hair, twisted and wove into loose vines of graceful strands, dancing on the wind as she ran. Her focus continually switched between the building ahead of her, to Mizuki at short intervals.

“Nara.” Mizuki voiced in a breathless whisper, seemingly only loud enough for herself to hear.

-That's why it's called a 'whisper' dumb, dumb.

The jovial girl threw her an impetus look, showcasing a sweet smile etched unapologetically across her face. -She was so adorable.

-Mhmmm, I bet she was.

÷÷÷÷÷÷÷

After sprinting.

-Unlike Ha-neul.

The group arrived at the door. Were they soon realized, perspective? Is a bitch! From a distance, the building was large, but, still relatively small. It was the architecture that really took the cake for them. But, the perspectual difference in size from forty-five feet away, compared to them standing by the door was...mind blowing.

-Kapow! First school lesson! Things in the mirror are closer than they appear! and things from afar look relatively smaller than their actual size! This school is doing a GrEat jOb teaching these kids about distance and perspective!

*Thumbs up*...

...I was being sarcastic btw, Incase you didn't get it the first time.

“Alright guys! Ya'll ready!?” Jacinth asked excitedly.

“Yeah!!!”
Everyone chorused.

They braced themselves as Jacinth pushed open the massive furbished doors.

-I'm suprised she could open it herself.

Lo and behold, the magnificence, that was the inside. It was MASSIVE! Everyone had to walk in cautiously because of the slippery marble floor, which sparkled to shine. They could quite literally see their reflections on it. They were even afraid to make a sound, it seemed like the kind of place were their silence was nessecary.

-How unfortunate for...'someone'.

It was spacious enough to hold a ball banquet, and there was another massive door at the end of the large space that looked like you needed transportation to get there.

A back door maybe?

-Nah, it's probably an escape route!

There were also four different staircases each leading to different floors. One of which, was bifurcated with two stairs by the side, while the other two were situated on opposite ends.

Awhile they were busy strolling and exploring the place. Someone standing from the top of the stairs looked down on them.

-What da? Why did you phrase it like that?

It was a little girl. She looked about six-ish, had shoulder length violet coloured hair with bangs that covered one of her eyes.

-Or in this case eye.

Which also happened to have a  streaks of white strand's on the sides. Those strands were woven together, neatly arranged and held in place by a cute butterfly clip at the back. Making her look like royalty. The girl clung to a cute stuffed panda bear. Nara gazed unintentionally at her. At first she was startled, then presumed the girl probably stayed in the hostel. Since she realized it was only a little girl, Nara cheerily wiggled her fingers at her. The girl raises the smiley panda's head over her mouth in response. She was shy, but Nara continued to gesture at her, hoping to convince her to come on down. Besides, they would need a guide.

-You have the freaking
PHONE! YOU DON'T FUCKING NE...Hmmm. No, I'm not doing this today. You won't get to me Author-sama. No you won't!

So!

The little girl refused to come down, shaking her head sideways in the negative. Suddenly, as if hearing her name being called, she stood firmly while looking back, then after a few seconds, –scurried away. The sounds of her small footsteps alerted the others. Causing some to look up.

“Who was that?”
Asked Chisa-kun.

“Wakaranai.
[I don't know.]
(わからない.)”
She shrugged.

“So, were exactly are we supposed to go now?”
Mizuki asked, directing the question to everyone.

Ha-neul brought out his phone.

-To the glory of God!

Then tapped on it a few times, before finally raising his head to speak. “According to the map we're on the ground floor. So, we need to head up!” He steered his wheel chair towards Jacinth.

“What row were
we drafted to?”

“Row 10.”

“Alright, let's follow the map!”

They all nodded in agreement. –departing.

++++

“Okay. I've just sent you an email. Your row number is on it.”

Manato looked at the phone and saw the email. His face brighten up and he sighed.

“Phew! Great, thanks!...er.. Receptionist?”

“Uh! No, no I'm...My name is Astrid!”

“As..trid? Astrid! Thanks for your help. I'll try to pay more attention next time.”

He turned his back and raced out before she could say anything else.

“Wai--”

There was no point. He was gone. “Can we be friends?”

-Nope.

She whispered to herself and looked down at her computer screen in dismay. When, suddenly, an idea struck! Oh-ho! This might've been the best idea she'd ever thought up! It was genius! The dismay on her face turned to a psychotic smirk!

“We'll meet soon enough. My manga prince.”

-I'm genuinely afraid of her.

Meanwhile...

After a while walking the stairs, the group made it to the tenth row. It was a huge living space, which...

-Hold on. I don't think I'm reading this right. Apparently, there was an 'elevator'? I'm not even kidding, the description I was about to read mentions there's an 'elevator'. So like, Author-sama you made them walk? Damn.

And, how did Ha-neul get up?

Hmmmmm Author-sama???

Oh well, you can't know were everywhere is on the first day. And I'm sure it didn't stress everyone out to have to help  Ha-neul get up the stairs.

Anyhoo...

It was a huge living space which could house exactly ten people! There was a nice dinning set, a kitchen next to it, an elevator somewhere at the back.

-So, it's not right infront of them. It's somewhere at the back! Yeah, don't put their stupidity right infront of them.

A huge ass Tv, with a fire place underneath it.

-Huge ASS Tv? Hmm. Okay.

An open balcony with a view of the city's landscape. It was quite refreshing to look at. Then, there were exactly ten rooms. Five on the below, and five above, which could be reached using small steps, one on the right and the other on the left. So anyone could go up from any corner. Each rooms door had a name tag, designed to match their personalities.
Then finally, above all this? Was the eleventh row.

-Below was the ninth. Incase, you didn't know.

When the group got there, they were greeted by three people. Well, more or less. One of them was seated with a newspaper in hand, shielding their face. That was odd, but from their physic? It was obvious the person was a guy. Then there was a little girl standing with a stuffed panda with it's neck wrapped round tightly by her small arms.

-If it were a real creature, it probably would have been a carcus by now.

Then, the last person was a short teenage boy in jean short's, a not so completely tucked plain white shirt, carrying a somewhat unkempt, crazy haircut. It was messy, but looked good.

*Clears throat*...

...Sorta reminds me of 'TikTok' boys. If you know what I mean.

The guy had been kneeling beside the girl giggling with her at the time, but once he noticed them walk in, he waved at them.

“Hey! You guys must be our dorm house mates!” He jumped to his feet and exchanged pleasantries with all of them. “I'm Juan Santiago!” He took a bow. “But my friends call me San. I'm this row's incredible assistant sanitarian.”

-That's fancy talk for “I clean the shit around here”.

“That guy over there is our dorm house rep. A-a-n-d this little angel, is Sachiko.”

The little girl approached them shyly, holding her plushie kuro kuma close to her chest.

-Otherwise known as Black bear!

“Um...hi I'm Sa..Sachiko!”
She hiccuped! That happened anytime her nerves flared up.

“Oh my gawd!!!! Damn baby girl you're freaking CUTE!!!!”
Jacinth praised, holding her cheeks in admiration. The girl, being too shy to respond ran away. Right when Jacinth was about to hold her.

“Uh...?”

“Sachiko? Were are you going? You can't just run off like that! It's rude!”

Santiago shouted, visually disappointed and unhappy about the girl's attitude. She had little to know confidence.

As someone who had many sisters, Sachiko was precious to him. But, he still hadn't been able to teach her to be more confident.

So his disappointment? Was to himself. However, everyone stood corrected when the girl ran back with a small tray of overly frosted cookies.

Santiago face palmed himself feeling utterly stupid. “So that's why you ran.” He smiled. “What are you waiting for? Go on, give it to them.” Sachiko nodded, “Right!” Then raised the tray up to the level her lanky arms could manage. “Please have some senpai!!!” She yelled, so the hiccups tickling the back of her throat wouldn't come out.

“Awwwwn, did you make them yourself?”

“Er, well...”

She glanced at San. The boy gave her a reassuring look, which heightened her confidence level.

“Yes! But, Santiago-senpai helped me with it!”

Nara jittered in excitement. When it came to the battle between her and snacks? She was a sore loser.

-Yeah, she even got 'pranked' because of it. And the experience wasn't TRAUMATIC at all!

Look, I may be going a bit over board here. So, don't get on the boat with me.

“Well then, since you made it for us, don't mind if I do. Hehe!” She picked a single, tiny cookie, and flung it into her mouth. It was warm, and soft on the touch, then gummy and chewy in the mouth, just the way she liked it. It's flavor was...kinda, unusual. Possibly a bit bland. It wasn't bad per say, it just wasn't good either. Still, she couldn't bring herself to break the heart of the little cutie pie. Especially not when the girl was obviously eagerly awaiting feedback. No matter how badly she was trying to hide it.

-You talking about the girl. What about the boy who helped her?

“Mmmm, yum!
Can I have another one?”

The question caused the girl's face to lit up in joy! No one had ever asked for seconds. Then again, no one had ever even tried her cookies before. This was like a dream come true. One she didn't know she was having. All of the sudden, Nara had become one of her most favorite people ever. Right beside her favorite teacher and Santiago. Gasping in happiness Sachiko nodded, and gave the tray to Nara. “Ofcourse senpai! You can have more!” Now, it wasn't the best cookies she'd ever had. But ugh! She didn't have to bone to resist. So she took the tray and begun to munch.

“Oh! Sorry guys, did you want one?” Mizuki scoffed, then left to make herself comfortable on the curved sofa. Ayame, Jacinth and Ha-neul responded in the negative.

“We already know you're not willing to actually give any of us some.” Chisa-kun remarked.

“What? Nah-un!
I was gonna share!”

She said, throwing another in her mouth.

Chisa-kun raised a brow.

“Oh yeah?
Then lemme have
some.”

Nara picked out a cookie and stretched it to him.

“Here!”

“Huh? Why'er you giving me just one?”

“Hmmm? Did you want two?”

-Bitch What?

Chisa-kun chuckled, put one hand on his waist the other on his head as if suffering from a migraine. "This girl will never learn will she?" He wondered. A look of disappointment deformed his face.

“Mmm, so aren't you going to have any?” Nara asked chewing on another cookie. She held the tray on one hand. Leaving the free hand for picking. Cookie crumbs, mustached the rims of her lips. Yet, nothing but care free whim, flooded her mind.

Chisa-kun sighed.

“Alright fine, I might as we...What? You? You've consumed it all!”

“You were wasting time!”

-Pffft.

Babbling in displeasure Chisa-kun whined. “You...you didn't even leave ONE cookie!”
Nara shrugged, put her index finger in her mouth, and used it to scoop out the residual blous hiding at the corners of her mouth.

-Gross Nara. Gross.

The two continued bickering over cookies while everyone watched in amusement. This happened for a about five minutes. Then? The dorm rep closed up his newspaper. Since their arrival, he hadn't spoken a word. The guy just silently got up from his seat and left the living area, towards his door.

HANASHIKAKENAIDE
[DON'T TALK TO ME!]
(私に話しかけないでください)

“He replaced the original for that.” Santiago told them. “Our name tags are usually what's on the door.”

“Hey! Speaking of. When I first got here, the guards at the gate knew who I was.” Nara revealed, placing the tray unto the four-colured, cube-like mini center table.

“Why was that?”

“Oh! That's cause, once a student has been enrolled. Their info is automatically uploaded into Skycross's server. So like, whenever a new student arrives, a hidden scanner takes your facial recognition, then that is sent to notify the guards. That's why they already knew who you were.”

Jacinth casually explained. While gently smoothening Ha-neul's hair to the back.

“Wow that's epic, but, I don't remember filling up any application form. Or even sending any picture to begin with.”

“Then it's probably your parents who did all that. Lemme guess, they just told you one day that you're heading to a new school and bundled you here?”

“Yes! That's exactly...well...not exactly, but exactly what happened!”

-Exactly!

Nara turned to Mizuki, the look in her eyes suggested she had a question to ask her. And Mizuki could already guess what it was.

“My aunt filled mine out.”

“Right. Should've thought about that. What about you Chisa-kun.”

“Did it myself.”

“Ayame?”

“Who? Me? Well...My orphanage mistress d-did all the paperwork.”

Now that she thought about it. Nara had just now noticed how withdrawn Ayame had been.

-I like the way you phrased it as; 'JUST NOW NOTICED'.

It was also possible that she hadn't been paying full attention to her. And because of that, It pinched at her to ask if something was wrong. But wondered, If it would be hypocritical to want the girl to talk about her problems, when, she herself was keeping secrets.

Yeah, it would be.

-Well look who's reasoning for a change. Maybe not in the way I'd hoped but, we're getting there.

Ayame stared blankly at the shinny wooden ceiling. The dangling decorative light bulbs reflected it's bright light on her. "What am I going to do?" She thought.

Hoping to liven up the mood, Nara threw in an ice breaker.

“Didn't our luggage get here? We should start unpacking.”

Before Jacinth could answer, a loud ping rang from everyone's skyphones.

“Yes! Finally, I've been waiting all day for this!!!” Jacinth shouted in joy. Ha-neul stared at the phone smiling. “What is it?” Nara questioned. Clicking on the blinking notification. –A message from the school.

'AKIMITSU NARA. STUDENT 1543, no 102. LOC: DORM HOUSE, ROW 10. HAS BEEN CREDITED...*20,000s.c.*'

Nara gasped!

“...20,000?! That's like...”

Her brain couldn't even calculate it.

-Cause Author-sama was too lazy to calculate it.

Jacinth smiled.

“I was credited 5000s.c.”

“Me too!”
Santiago and Ha-neul chorused.

“Does that means everyone else got credited 20,000!?”

“Yeah. Since y'all are newbies. You have a higher allowance.”

“Allowance?”

Santiago prepared to explain.

-Ah, time for some exposition which the author wasn't able to spread evenly. And will instead? Suffer a character to tell us everything! Making them seem like a talkative. Ah, the art of writing. Isn't it just amazing?

Now let's go!

“Every month, students of Skycross are credited by the higher-ups. However, the amount you receive is based off your academic prowess and merit. And the coins are for every students upkeep.”

“Our upkeep?”

“Yup! it's cause we're citizens here!”

“Right, I was meaning to ask about that.”

“I'm getting there.”

-Yeah, shut up!

“Okay, before I begin. How many of us already know the workings of the school?”

Everyone except Nara rose their hands to the air.

“What? When did?...Never mind. Please explain San.”

“Alrighty then. Take a seat everyone. You're bout to get schooled!”

-Wouldn't it be nice if the explanation was an entire monologue in one chapter?

I'm sure you get the hint.