Once the orientation event ended, the students were divided into small groups for a school tour. Each group was guided by a senior from the student council, easily recognized by a special pin and a list of new students' names in hand.
"Groups A through G, please follow the student council seniors to the left door of the hall. The school tour will now begin," came the announcement through the speakers.
I walked along with the group toward a long corridor lined with large windows. The sound of footsteps, hushed whispers, and light laughter filled the air. Some kids had already begun chatting, asking each other where they were from and where they lived. I just walked quietly, taking in the surroundings.
"You're from West Virelia? That's pretty far," a boy said to his friend.
"I heard the cafeteria has three floors!"
"Seriously? I'm super curious about the art room and computer lab!"
I smiled faintly, listening intently, feeling like a single drop of dew in the midst of a bustling storm.
One of the seniors guiding us—a tall boy with tan skin and a stylish watch—paused and raised his voice. "Alright, this is the main corridor. On your right are the art room and music room. At the end of the hallway is a staircase leading to the library and rooftop."
The students perked up, glancing around in curiosity.
"To the left is the teachers' lounge, so… yeah, maybe don't get too loud around here," he added with a teasing smile.
A few kids giggled. I held back a smile, trying to enjoy the moment.
After nearly an hour of walking around, we were finally given a break in the cafeteria. Everyone rushed in, picking tables quickly. I walked slowly, scanning for a place to sit. Most tables were already taken by little clusters of friends. I felt out of place. Alone.
I picked a corner seat and took out the lunchbox Auntie Lily had packed for me. But before I could even lift the lid, someone sat across from me.
"Hi! Are you alone too?" she asked cheerfully.
I turned quickly. A girl with shoulder-length black hair tied into two ponytails and a bright, warm smile sat across from me.
"Yeah... um, yeah," I answered nervously.
"I saw you earlier during orientation. You're Raeya, right? I'm Ilenna. Ilenna Vorelle. We were in the same group," she said, holding out her hand.
I shook her hand and smiled. "I'm Raeya... nice to meet you, Ilenna."
"Nice to meet you too! I'm so glad to finally have someone to sit with. It felt kinda awkward being alone. This place is... loud, huh?" she said with a little laugh.
I let out a soft laugh. "Yeah, it's a bit overwhelming."
Then Ilenna leaned in slightly, lowering her voice.
"Hey, I kinda overheard some second-years earlier... they said you're on a scholarship?"
I paused for a moment. My heart slowed. But I nodded honestly.
"Yeah… I got into this school through the scholarship program."
Ilenna's eyes immediately lit up.
"For real?! That's amazing, Raeya! This school's scholarship is crazy hard to get! You must be super smart~"
I shook my head slightly, smiling shyly. "Not really. I just worked really hard."
Ilenna looked at me with admiration and gently patted my hand.
"Well, still impressive. I just enrolled through the regular route… didn't expect to be schoolmates with a scholarship student."
Our conversation grew warmer. I felt at ease. But suddenly, the atmosphere in the cafeteria shifted.
Heavy footsteps echoed closer. Some kids began to whisper. I turned toward the sound.
A girl with short bangs and shoulder-length hair walked in. She wore her uniform with a gray jacket casually draped over her shoulders. Her posture was firm, her stride confident—yet cold. She sat alone in another corner of the cafeteria.
Ilenna leaned in and whispered, "That's Mira… Mira Lysette Devon."
I turned quickly. "Mira?"
"Yeah. She's the daughter of the former Minister of Finance. But her dad's in prison now… huge corruption case. Ever since then, people started avoiding her. She used to be really popular. But now? Everyone's afraid of her."
I watched Mira as she silently unpacked her lunch, paying no mind to those around her. Her gaze was piercing, her presence commanding.
"I went to the same elementary school as her," Ilenna continued. "I once tried to invite her to play since she was always alone… but she pushed me away and said, 'I don't need friends.' Since then… well, I could only feel sorry for her from a distance."
I didn't respond. There was something about Mira that made me curious, even though everyone seemed to avoid her. But I knew today… wasn't the right time.
I turned back to Ilenna and smiled. "Thanks for sitting with me."
She returned my smile. "Of course. Let's be friends, okay, Raeya?"
"Yes, friends."
And for the first time… I didn't feel entirely alone in this new place.
｡･::･ﾟ★,｡･::･ﾟ☆
After break, a soft bell rang through the speakers. All the first-years began gathering with their groups again. Ilenna and I walked side by side to our meeting point.
"Group D, let's line up in pairs. We'll continue the tour to the gym and library," our student council senior announced, checking our names off the list.
Ilenna looked at me with a wide grin. "Yay, we're still in the same group! I thought they'd reshuffle us after break."
I nodded, pleased. "I'm glad too."
We followed the group. Along the way, Ilenna chatted non-stop—about her love for modern dance, her pet cat at home, and her dream of joining the drama club someday. I listened, chuckling now and then. It felt nice... like I hadn't laughed this freely in a long time.
"What about you, Raeya? What do you like?" Ilenna tilted her head in curiosity.
I thought for a moment. "Hmm… I like drawing. And… maybe reading."
"Waaah! We should go to the library together later! I heard it looks like an aesthetic café!" she said, practically bouncing with excitement.
I nodded eagerly. "Let's do it."