Lunar stirred faintly beneath her blankets, her consciousness drifting somewhere between sleep and wakefulness as a melodious voice reached her ears—soft at first, then clearer, richer, and incredibly distinct.
"Get Zero! Fu foo! Aim for the center! Go to top! Fu foo! First place!"
The words barely made sense in her half-asleep state, her mind sluggishly trying to piece them together as the voice continued, each note ringing with a depth that felt far too refined for what she was actually hearing. It was smooth, full-bodied, so velvety in its delivery, the kind of voice that would have suited an opera stage, something grand and powerful…
And yet…
"With all my might! Fu foo! I'll win no matter what! The absolutely flawless top Umadol!"
The lyrics were… decidedly not that.
A faint twitch pulled at Lunar's brow as her eyes slowly cracked open, confusion and disbelief mingling in equal measure as the contrast fully settled in. The voice was undeniably beautiful, there was no arguing that—but what it was singing was so overwhelmingly cutesy, so oddly nasal in its exaggerated delivery despite the richness beneath it, that she couldn't quite decide whether she was impressed or deeply concerned.
By the time she managed to push herself further into wakefulness, the performance had only escalated, growing brighter, louder, and far more animated with every passing second.
"Get Zero! Fu foo! All the duties of being Center! Go to top! Fu foo! I'll handle them all perfectly! Fu foo! I'll run and overtake— I'll make you, and you, and you happy!"
Lunar let out a slow breath as she forced herself upright, one hand coming up to rub at her eyes while she followed the direction of the voice, her vision still slightly blurred as it struggled to adjust to the light. For a brief moment, her mind entertained the possibility that she was still dreaming—because surely, surely there was some explanation that made more sense than whatever this was.
And then she saw her.
Standing in the middle of the room was a girl who looked, at first glance, far too cool to be the source of what she had just heard. Long golden hair cascaded down her back in soft, flowing waves, so much so that Lunar swore she saw it shimmer faintly, while the girl's eyes—just as golden, held a brightness that seemed almost too lively to match her otherwise mature, utterly elegant appearance.
And in her hand, was a hairbrush, which she was currently using as a microphone.
"…?" Lunar blinked.
The girl, completely unaware that she now had an audience, carried on with her performance without the slightest hint of hesitation, moving with a lively, almost explosive energy that clashed spectacularly with her otherwise refined appearance. She bounced lightly on her feet, spinning with surprising grace as her arms moved in wide, exaggerated gestures, each motion reminiscent of a practiced idol routine—undeniably cute, aggressively so, as though she had fully committed to embodying the role without holding anything back.
"Now, let's deliver! Falco's LOVE!!"
She twirled, her movements fluid despite the sheer chaos of the routine, the hairbrush raised dramatically as she leaned into the final stretch of her performance.
"Unexpected falsetto—! Standing: position number zero! Rank: first placeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee—!"
The final note stretched on far longer than necessary, her voice rising into a surprisingly clean falsetto as she held it with unwavering confidence, before then with perfect timing, she ended on a sharp, practiced pose, one hand extended outward while the other kept the "microphone" close, her expression set in a bright, triumphant finish.
And just as the performance concluded—
She turned.
Directly toward Lunar.
For a brief moment, the room fell completely silent. They stood there, facing each other—one frozen in the aftermath of her grand finale, the other sitting upright in bed, still caught somewhere between sleep and reality, trying to fully process everything she had just witnessed.
"…Ah." Lunar blinked once, then, after a short pause, slowly raised her hands and offered a small, polite clap, her expression still carrying traces of lingering confusion. "…That was… amazing."
The moment the soft sound of her clapping reached her, the girl froze completely, as if someone had abruptly cut the strings that had been animating her entire performance.
And then she changed.
It wasn't gradual, nor was it subtle in the slightest. The blinding, overly expressive idol who had filled the room with energy just moments ago vanished as though she had never existed, replaced instead by someone entirely different. Her body straightened as the playful warmth drained from her presence, leaving behind a calm, restrained demeanor that felt almost disciplined in nature. The change was so complete that it was almost jarring, and for a fleeting moment, Lunar found herself reminded, uncannily so—of the same refined composure she had often seen from Aunt Tycoon.
Before she could fully make sense of it, the girl stepped forward, closing the distance between them with long, quick steps until she stopped by her bed at a distance that felt polite, neither too close nor too far.
"Ah… good morning," she greeted, her tone controlled, though just slightly stiff around the edges. "You're Lunar-san, correct? Via-chan mentioned your name earlier." There was the faintest pause before she added, "…My apologies for the noise."
Lunar, still not entirely awake and now thoroughly caught off guard by the sudden change in demeanor, blinked once, then twice, before giving a couple of small, hurried nods. "A-ah, yes… it's nice to meet you," she replied, her voice still carrying a trace of sleepiness as she tried to gather herself. "And it's okay, really—I needed to get up anyway…"
She hesitated just slightly before adding, more honestly than she had meant it to sound, "…If anything, you sang really well."
The girl gave a small, timid cough at that, turning her head just enough to hide the faint hint of embarrassment that slipped through her otherwise normal expression. "Thank you," she said, her voice quieter now, as though unsure how to respond to the compliment.
Lunar shifted slightly where she sat, her thoughts finally catching up as she threw a question she had in mind. "…You're… Hiro Shige Gold-senpai, right?"
The girl nodded once in confirmation. "That I am," she replied simply, before adding, "Did Via-chan happen to mention me to you?"
Lunar shook her head lightly. "Actually, it was Principal Sato," she clarified. "I asked about my roommates yesterday."
At that, Hiro's hand lifted almost unconsciously, scratching lightly at her chin, a small flicker of awkwardness surfacing beneath the surface. "…I see," she murmured.
There was a brief pause, one that stayed just long enough to feel intentionally awkward, before she spoke again—this time with noticeably more hesitation. "…In that case," Hiro began, her tone dipping ever so slightly, "would it be possible for you to… disregard what you witnessed earlier?"
"…You mean the singing?" Lunar asked, puckering her lips slightly.
Hiro's gaze shifted away for just a fraction of a second, a subtle but telling reaction. "…Yes," she admitted. "If you could kindly erase it from your memory, I would be most grateful."
That earned a soft huff from Lunar, who swung her legs off the bed and pushed herself upright, her body stretching lightly as she rolled her shoulders once, considering the request with a thoughtful hum.
"I mean… I can if you really want me to," she said casually, glancing back at Hiro as she solidified her stance, "but I don't think it was anything embarrassing." She paused, her expression softening just slightly as she continued, her tone more genuine now. "…Honestly, I thought it was really impressive."
Hiro let out a quiet sigh at that, the unbothered mask slipping just enough for her embarrassment to show through once more, her fingers brushing briefly against her temple. "…If you truly think so, then I suppose there is little I can do about it," she said, though her tone still carried a faint trace of resignation. "However… I would appreciate it if you did not share it with others."
Her eyes relocated slightly toward her own corner of the room, the one that could only be described as basically a shrine to Smart Falcon herself with the amount of posters, merchandise, and neatly arranged memorabilia occupying the space. "…There are only a select few who are aware of my… tendencies."
Lunar, now fully standing, raised one hand into an exaggerated "OK" sign while using the other to mime zipping her mouth shut, finishing the gesture with a dramatic motion as if sealing an invisible lock over her lips, her expression making it very clear that she understood, and would keep the secret.
Hiro's expression soothed immediately, relief flickering across her face before she gave a small nod. "Thank you, Lunar-chan—" she began, only to pause mid-sentence as she caught herself, . "…Lunar-san."
Lunar waved a hand dismissively, an easy smile forming as she shook her head. "You can just call me Lunar-chan," she continued, brushing away the formality without a second thought. "San feels a bit too formal, especially since we're roommates now."
For a moment, Hiro studied her, then a faint smirk tugged at the corner of her lips. "…Very well," she said. "Lunar-chan it is, then."
A soft click broke their interaction as the bathroom door opened, letting out a faint trace of steam along with it.
Via stepped out, freshly showered and still wrapped securely in her towel, her damp blue hair falling loosely around her shoulders, a few stray strands clinging lightly to her skin as droplets of water traced their way down. She paused for a moment upon noticing that the two of them were already mid-conversation, her gaze shifting between Lunar and Hiro with mild surprise before a small smirk formed.
"Eh, you're awake already, Lunar?" she called out, her tone light as she adjusted the towel around her chest. "I was just about to wake you up, but it seems like senpai beat me to it."
Hiro let out a soft, amused giggle at that, clearly entertained by the teasing, while Lunar rubbed the back of her neck, still shaking off the last lingering traces of sleep. "Yeah… I'd say that was a pretty pleasant way to wake up," she replied, glancing briefly toward Hiro with a faint smile that carried just the slightest hint of mischief.
Turning away, Lunar moved toward her corner, opening her wardrobe to retrieve her towel before glancing down at her phone, the screen lighting up to reveal the time.
7:14 AM.
She then looked back toward Via. "…Do we have class now?"
Via nodded as she stepped further into the room, already reaching for her things. "Yeah, our first class starts at 8:00," she explained, her tone casual as she moved around her side of the room as she began getting ready. "Oh, and the principal left me a message yesterday, he said you and I will be in the same class. Junior A."
She paused briefly, recalling something else, before adding, "I'll be guiding you today too, so we can pick up your schedule and textbooks together."
Lunar straightened slightly at that, her expression brightening as she gave a playful salute. "Aye aye, captain!"
The response earned a quiet chuckle from both Via and Hiro, the lightness of the moment mixing easily between them.
Hiro, however, didn't stay around much longer. With a small, graceful wave, she turned toward the door. "I'll be heading out for training," she said, her tone calm but carrying a subtle brightness. "Good luck on your first day, Lunar-chan."
Lunar returned the gesture with a small wave of her own. "Thanks, Hiro-senpai."
With that, Hiro stepped out into the hallway, the door closing softly behind her, leaving the room to settle once more into a quieter, more familiar atmosphere as the morning truly began.
Lunar let out a quiet exhale before making her way toward the restroom, stepping inside and pausing briefly in front of the mirror as her reflection greeted her—hair still slightly tousled from sleep, eyes not quite fully awake, and an overall look that felt just a little too unprepared for the start of a new day.
She reached for a toothbrush out of habit, only to stop midway as something small yet oddly noticeable caught her attention.
There were four toothbrushes.
It was such a small thing, yet the realization carried a quiet sense of excitement, something warm and unfamiliar that lingered in her chest as she began her routine, brushing her teeth while that small awareness lingered gently in the background.
By the time she finished showering and stepped back out, the room had transformed once again.
Via was already fully prepared, dressed neatly in her uniform, her hair tied back into the same high ponytail Lunar remembered from the day before. She stood near her space, casually taking small bites from a piece of bread, she appeared relaxed yet efficient in a way that suggested she had long since mastered the art of getting ready well ahead of time.
Noticing her, Via gave a small nod. "We've still got about thirty-four minutes," she said between bites, her voice reassuring. "So no need to rush."
Lunar smiled at that, a quiet gratitude in her expression as she moved toward her wardrobe. "Got it, thanks."
Opening it, she took a moment to look over the uniform that had been prepared for her, her fingers brushing lightly against the fabric as she took in the details. A light blue long-sleeved button-up shirt paired with a deep blue knee-length skirt, neatly folded socks, and polished black school shoes, all tied together with a vibrant red ribbon that stood out just enough to give the outfit a touch of color and stand out.
Alongside it was a matching deep blue jacket that is part of the winter uniform, its material slightly thicker to account for the colder weather as autumn slowly gave way to winter.
Lunar took it all in for a moment longer before beginning to get dressed, the quiet anticipation of the day ahead settling gently in her chest. Her first day had officially begun.
Via gave Lunar a once-over as she stepped back from her wardrobe, now fully dressed, her gaze keen and appreciative as she took in the completed look. "…It suits you," she said with a small nod of approval.
Lunar stilled in mild surprise, clearly not expecting the compliment, before a sheepish smile formed as she rubbed the back of her neck. "Thanks…" she replied, adjusting her sleeve slightly before straightening her posture, a hint of eagerness slipping into her stance. "Alright then—if that's everything, I'm ready. Let's go!"
She had barely taken a step forward when a hand suddenly landed on her shoulder, stopping her mid-motion. "Wait," Via said.
Lunar paused mid-step, glancing back at her with a confused tilt of her head. "…Yeah?"
Via stared at her for a second, her expression slowly shifting into something that hovered between disbelief and mild concern. "…You're ready?"
Lunar blinked, clearly unsure where this was going. "…Yeah?"
A brief silence followed.
Via's eyes narrowed just a fraction more, her tone flattening ever so slightly as she asked, "…You're going barefaced like this?"
That only seemed to confuse Lunar even more.
"…Barefaced?" she repeated, her brows knitting together as she tried to make sense of it, her mind clearly heading in an entirely different direction. "Do I need to wear a mask or something? Or—glasses?"
Via just stared at her for a moment… then let out a short, incredulous breath, the corners of her lips twitching upward in disbelief. "No," she said, almost laughing, "that's not what I mean."
She lifted a hand and gestured toward her desk, where an entire array of unfamiliar items was neatly laid out—bottles, palettes, and tools of various shapes and sizes, most of which Lunar couldn't even begin to name, aside from a few brushes that vaguely resembled paintbrushes.
"I mean… you're not putting on any makeup?"
Lunar followed her gaze, then looked back at Via, completely unfazed. "I've never really worn makeup before," she admitted simply. "I don't have any experience with it, let alone have it…."
For a split second, there was silence.
And then Via exploded. "What do you MEAN you've never worn makeup?!"
Before Lunar could react, Via had already closed the distance between them, her hands suddenly on Lunar's face as she leaned in far too close, her maroon eyes scanning every detail with intense focus.
"This symmetry—do you even realize how rare this is?!" Via continued, her voice rising as her fingers hovered near Lunar's cheeks, careful not to disrupt anything while still examining every angle. "Your cheekbones are perfectly defined without being too sharp, your eyes are naturally almond-shaped with just the right upward tilt, and your nose—don't even get me started on your nose—!"
Lunar stiffened slightly, completely caught off guard by both the sudden invasion of her personal space and the overwhelming stream of praise being directed at her, her mind struggling to keep up with the rapid-fire observations being thrown her way.
"—this is perfect," Via declared, finally pulling back just enough to take in the full picture, her expression nothing short of awestruck as she looked at Lunar like she had just discovered something extraordinary. "Do you have any idea how insane this base is? This is wasted potential—wasted!"
"…I don't really understand half of what you just said," Lunar admitted honestly, still trying to process the sheer intensity radiating from the girl in front of her, her voice carrying a mix of confusion and mild overwhelm. "…but I'm guessing you want me to wear makeup?"
Via froze for half a second, as if resetting—
—and then nodded immediately, far too quickly to be considered normal.
Lunar hesitated, glancing once more toward the collection of products laid out on the desk, her uncertainty returning as she tried to picture herself actually using any of it. "…I mean, I can try," she said slowly, her tone cautious, "but I really don't know how to use any of that… and we only have, what—twenty minutes? That's not enough time to learn, right?"
The moment those words left her mouth, Via's eyes lit up. "Oh, that's more than enough time for me to work my magic," she said, her voice suddenly filled with confidence—dangerous, unstoppable confidence.
Before Lunar could even begin to question what that meant, Via had already placed her hands on her shoulders and gently—but firmly—guided her toward the chair in front of the desk, sitting her down in one smooth motion. "W-wait—"
Too late.
Lunar found herself seated, facing the mirror, her own reflection staring back at her with mild confusion and a hint of resignation as Via moved behind her, already gathering her tools with the kind of enthusiasm one might reserve for their favorite hobby.
"To think I'd get a canvas like this first thing in the morning…" Via murmured to herself, as she picked up a brush like it was second nature.
Lunar swallowed, her eyes flickering between her own reflection and Via's behind her. Somehow… that didn't sound reassuring.
"Since this is your first day," Via continued, her tone shifting into something more focused yet still brimming with excitement, "we'll go for something light, but memorable, just enough to enhance your features without overwhelming your natural beauty."
Lunar watched as Via picked up multiple brushes at once, holding them with surprising ease like she was about to begin a full-on art project rather than a simple morning routine.
"…Um…"
There was a brief pause as she stared at herself, then at Via again, before letting out a small breath.
"…Okay. I trust you."
—--
"…Are you sure this is okay..? We're late by like five minutes already."
Lunar's voice carried a quiet unease as she walked beside Via, her steps just a little less confident than before, her fingers fidgeting slightly at her sides as they made their way down the hallway.
Beside her, Via wore a wide, unapologetic grin, completely unbothered by the situation as she swung her arms lightly. "It's fine," she replied easily. "I'll just tell the teacher we ran into some trouble with documents or something. It's your first day, after all, so she won't be too strict about it."
Lunar glanced at her, still clearly unconvinced. "…That feels like a really weak excuse," she commented.
Via shot her a playful look, then lightly tapped her elbow against Lunar's side a couple of times, her grin widening just a little. "Worst case scenario," she said, her tone teasing, "you can just enchant everyone with your looks and get away with it."
That did not help.
Lunar immediately stiffened, her gaze dropping as if she could somehow avoid being perceived altogether, the weight of the makeup on her face suddenly feeling ten times heavier than it actually was. "Don't say that…" she muttered under her breath, clearly distressed. "I already feel weird enough as it is."
Her hand came up to rub lightly at her arm, her shoulders drawing in just slightly as her unease settled more visibly. "I feel like… an ugly duckling walking around with a flower stuck on its head," she continued. "Like the flower's pretty, but the duck just makes it look ridiculous…"
Via stopped mid-step, then gasped. A very dramatic, very offended gasp.
"Are you referring to my makeup as trash?" she demanded, placing a hand over her chest like she was personally wounded. "How could you, Lunar!"
Lunar immediately panicked, her head snapping up as she waved her hands quickly in denial.
"Wha—no, that's not what I meant!" she rushed out, her voice flustered as she shook her head. "Your makeup is amazing—that's why I said it's like a flower! The flower is beautiful, but the duckling…"
Her voice trailed off as she awkwardly rubbed her arm again, her confidence deflating almost immediately. "…not so much."
Via stared at her for a second, then narrowed her eyes slightly, clearly unimpressed with that logic. "You do realize," she began, her tone shifting into something more grounded, "that I barely touched your face, right?"
Lunar did not understand that. "…Huh?"
Via started counting off on her fingers. "Moisturizer, serum, foundation, BB cream, a bit of lip gloss, and a tiny amount of blush," she listed matter-of-factly. "That's it. Everything else you're seeing? That's just you."
Lunar opened her mouth, ready to respond—
…and then closed it again.
She had absolutely no comeback to that.
So instead, she simply accepted it in silence, her gaze drifting forward once more as she continued walking beside Via, choosing to at least for now, push the swirling thoughts about her appearance somewhere far into the back of her mind, where they wouldn't distract her any further.
Eventually, the two of them slowed as an expected sign came into view just ahead.
JUNIOR A.
Via glanced toward it, then back at Lunar. "Alright," she said, her expression shifting slightly back to something more practical, "wait here for a second. I'll go inform the teacher first."
Lunar nodded softly in understanding. "Okay."
She stopped just beside the front door, positioning herself near the tinted window, her curiosity getting the better of her as she leaned ever so slightly to peek inside. From where she stood, she could clearly see the classroom.
Students were already seated, the atmosphere calm but expectant, and At the front of the room stood who she assumed to be the class teacher—an older uma musume dressed in professional attire, her brown hair kept in a tidy style that sat neatly around her face, while her deep green eyes carried a faint weariness softened by an undeniable kindness that gave off an air of quiet reassurance.
Via approached her and spoke briefly, her behaviour clearly respectful as she explained something—likely their delay. Lunar watched as the teacher listened attentively, her expression softening with understanding before she gave a small, accepting nod, clearly satisfied with whatever explanation had been offered.
Via bowed politely in response before making her way toward her seat without hesitation, slipping back into place while the teacher then turned and began walking toward the door.
She took a gulp. It seemed… It was her turn next.
The door slid open gently, and the teacher stepped out into the hallway, her presence calming as her eyes settled on Lunar. "Lunar Light-san?" she called, her voice warm with the years that came before it. "It's nice to meet you. It's quite rare for us to receive a new student this late into the year."
Lunar gave a respectful bow, her movements solid despite the faint nervousness lingering beneath the surface. "It's nice to meet you too, sensei…"
The woman's smile deepened slightly as she finished the introduction for her. "Kitano Kachidoki," she said. "You may refer to me as Kachi-sensei."
Lunar lifted her head, giving a small nod, a hint of bashfulness slipping into her expression. "Got it… Kachi-sensei."
Something about the way she said it—earnest, a little shy, yet polite, seemed to please Kachidoki, who let out a soft, approving hum, fondness taking root in her heart at the sight of such a well-mannered filly.
—-
The atmosphere was far less collected inside the classroom. With their teacher still outside, the students had naturally fallen into chatter, voices overlapping in small clusters as conversations filled the room in varying levels of volumes.
Near the middle-back section, Via had already taken her seat, leaning back slightly with her chin resting in her hand as she listened absentmindedly to the noise around her, her attention drifting lazily between conversations without fully engaging in any of them.
"Via-chan~… Via-chan~…" The sing-song whisper pulled her attention to the side.
She turned her head to the right, where her deskmate sat—a girl with chin-length black hair that complemented her soft greyish eyes that carried a gentle curiosity. It was Dear Rickey, watching her with interest.
Via tilted her head slightly in response, her expression neutral but attentive. "…Yeah?"
Rickey leaned in just a bit, lowering her voice further into a whisper. "Why were you late?" she asked curiously.
A small smirk tugged at Via's lips as she straightened slightly in her seat. "Principal's orders," she replied just as quietly. "I was tasked with guiding the new student."
Rickey's eyes widened at that. "Oh—!" She quickly brought a hand up to cover her mouth, though the surprise still slipped through. "There's a new student? Who is she?"
That single question, despite being whispered, carried just far enough to catch the attention of the nearby students.
And just like that, the dam broke.
"Wait, a new student?!"
"SERIOUSLY?? This late?"
"Who is it? Do we know her?"
"Is she strong? How fast is she!?"
"Where's she from?"
Questions began flying one after another, voices overlapping as curiosity spread through the surrounding seats like wildfire, each girl leaning in just a little more, eager to hear whatever Via had to say.
Via, now suddenly at the center of it all, blinked rapidly, her earlier confidence faltering just slightly as she found herself bombarded from all directions. "…Uh…" There were too many questions at once, and she wasn't entirely sure what she should say and what she shouldn't.
Fortunately for her, the classroom door slid open at that exact moment, the soft sound cutting cleanly through the noise like a reset button. One by one, voices dropped off, conversations halting mid-sentence as every student's attention snapped toward the front of the room.
Kachi-sensei walked back in, her presence alone enough to restore order as she made her way toward her desk, setting her materials down before turning to face the class.
A small smile formed on her lips. "It seems we have a bit of a surprise today," she began, her tone light but carrying clearly across the room, "in the form of a new student joining us."
A ripple of excitement moved through the class almost immediately, as murmurs and soft cheers followed, the energy rising again, though far more controlled this time.
Kachi-sensei lifted a finger and gently placed it in front of her lips, her smile never fading as she signaled for quiet. Gradually, the room settled once more, the energy condensing into focused attention.
She then turned her attention towards the door. "You may come in now~"
At the call, Lunar took a small, steadying breath, her fingers brushing lightly against the door before she slid it open and stepped inside.
The moment she appeared, the environment in the classroom shifted almost instantly. "…Woah…"
The reaction spread in waves, muted at first before growing as more students turned to look at her, their gazes lingering far longer than what would normally be polite. Curiosity quickly melted into something else entirely, something closer to awe, as whispers began to ripple quietly through the room.
Several students openly stared, some leaning forward in their seats while others murmured to one another, their eyes following her as she walked.
Dear Rickey could only stare, her mouth slightly agape as her eyes followed Lunar's every step. "…She's… really pretty…" she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. "It's like… a different kind of beauty…"
There was something about Lunar that stood out, like how her skin was fair and clear to the point it seemed almost unreal, untouched by blemish, giving her an almost delicate, refined presence that made her seem… distant, in a way.
Like a foreign princess who had somehow wandered into their classroom.
Via leaned back slightly in her seat, arms loosely crossed as a smug, deeply satisfied expression settled across her face, her eyes glinting with quiet pride as she observed the reactions unfolding around her.
It was the look of someone admiring their own handiwork.
Meanwhile, at the center of it all, Lunar felt like she was about to combust. Every step forward only made her more aware of the attention surrounding her, the weight of countless eyes pressing in from all directions as her earlier doubts about the makeup came rushing back tenfold.
I'm going to explode.
She kept her expression as composed as she could, but internally, she was very much not okay.
Thankfully, Kachi-sensei stepped in at just the right moment. "Lunar-san," she said gently, her voice carrying just enough authority to draw the room's attention back into place, "would you like to introduce yourself to the class?"
Lunar nodded quickly, very gratefully, stepping forward just a little as she clasped her hands together. "Um… h-hello, everyone…"
"HELLOOOOO!" The response came instantly, loud, unified, and far more enthusiastic than she had expected, echoing through the classroom with surprising energy.
Lunar found herself caught completely off guard for a brief moment, before a small, genuine smile began to form despite herself, her nerves easing just a little under the warmth of that reception.
"I'm Lunar Light," she continued, her voice growing steadier as she spoke, finding her rhythm as she went on. "I'm 14 years old, and I'm currently in my junior year… It's a pleasure to be of your acquaintance!"
This time, the response came in the form of applause, the classroom filled with clapping hands and a few cheerful voices that made the atmosphere feel far more welcoming than she had anticipated.
Lunar's smile softened, something warmer settling quietly in her chest as she dipped her head in a small, polite bow, offering her thanks without needing to say it aloud.
Kachi-sensei nodded approvingly, clearly pleased with the introduction. "Thank you, Lunar-san," she said gently, before her gaze shifted toward the classroom as she began scanning for an available seat.
At the far corner near the window, two empty seats stood out.
A brief silence followed as students glanced at one another, exchanging uncertain looks as though silently hoping someone else would answer.
From the front row, a girl with long, silky orange hair raised her hand.
"She hasn't returned to the dorm yet, sensei," she explained politely. "And she wasn't there when I woke up this morning either, so… she might be running late."
Kachi-sensei gave a small nod in acknowledgment. "Thank you, Iyasaka-san."
She turned her attention back to the class, thinking aloud now. "In that case… the only available seat would be the one beside her."
There was a slight pause.
"I would assign Lunar-san there for now," she continued, "though ideally, Sakura-san should be present to be informed of the change."
Several students exchanged uneasy glances at the statement, a subtle tension threading through the room as expressions turned… complicated.
Rickey leaned slightly toward Via, lowering her voice into a whisper. "…But… doesn't Sakura-san… hate it when people sit next to her?"
Via grimaced faintly, glancing toward the empty seat by the window before whispering back, "…Yeah… I don't think she's gonna be happy about a neighbor suddenly spawning out of nowhere…"
Lunar, who had been quietly listening to everything, hesitated for just a moment, her fingers tightening slightly where they were clasped together before she raised her hand just a little, her voice polite but careful as she spoke. "Um… Kachi-sensei…"
The teacher turned toward her, giving her her full attention.
Lunar took a small breath. "…Is this Sakura… perhaps Sakura Farrel?"
Kachi-sensei tilted her head slightly at Lunar's question, her expression thoughtful for just a moment before giving a small, confirming nod. "Yes, that would be Sakura Farrel," she said, her tone calm but tinged with curiosity. After a brief pause, her gaze sharpened slightly, and she added, "Do you perhaps know her?"
Lunar's eyes lit up instantly. "Yes!" she exclaimed, nodding eagerly, her earlier nervousness melting away in an instant. "We're childhood friends!"
That answer seemed to genuinely please Kachi-sensei, her expression softening further as she let out a small, pleased hum. "Is that so?" she said warmly. "Then I suppose there shouldn't be any issues with the seating arrangement, correct?"
Lunar nodded again with full confidence. "Yes, there won't be."
"Very well," Kachi-sensei replied, satisfied. "You may take that seat, then."
"Thank you, Kachi-sensei," Lunar said politely, giving a small bow before turning and making her way toward the far corner by the window.
As she walked, she could feel the attention still lingering on her, though it was far less overwhelming than before. This time, when her eyes met someone else's, she offered a small smile, receiving a few shy smiles and curious looks in return as she passed by.
Eventually, she reached the empty seat, sliding in quietly and letting out a soft, relieved breath as she settled. The initial tension in her shoulders eased just a fraction, and she glanced out the window, taking in the morning light before returning her attention forward.
At the front of the class, Kachi-sensei had already begun transitioning back into the lesson, her voice carrying the calm authority of an experienced educator. "Now then," she began, turning toward the board and picking up a piece of chalk, "let us continue with today's topic—Biological Studies of Uma Musumes."
Lunar quickly began tidying her space, arranging her notebook and pencils while adjusting her position and preparing herself to focus when a sudden movement caught her eye. A hand rested casually on her desk, holding a small folded note.
She picked it up and read the short message: "Hi Lunar, I'm Final Neia, she's Quenya."
Lunar blinked before looking up, where in front of her desk sat two girls.
The first, who had placed the note down, had tanned skin and messy light green hair, her similarly colored eyes glinting with mischief as a wide, confident smirk stretched across her face as she shot Lunar a friendly wink.
Her deskmate, appeared noticeably more reserved in demeanor. Her skin was a softer shade of brown, her blonde hair accented with pink highlights that gave her a slight gyaru-like impression, though the shy smile on her face countered that image entirely as she gave Lunar a small, gentle wave before quickly turning her attention back toward the front.
Lunar returned the wave with a small, tentative smile, carefully tucking the note carefully onto her desk. A quiet warmth settled in her chest at the friendly introduction,
"Everyone, please take out your textbooks and turn to page 46."
Lunar froze for a heartbeat. Textbooks—right. She hadn't received hers yet. Her eyes flicked around the classroom, uncertainty creeping in, before they naturally landed on Via.
Via was already looking back at her, calm and knowing. She lifted her own textbook slightly and pointed to it, then back at herself, the message perfectly clear. Want to share?
Lunar's eyes brightened immediately, nodding eagerly—once, twice, then a few more times just to make absolutely sure the message was received.
Via responded with a small, knowing nod before she began to rise from her seat, her movements smooth and confident, ready to hand over the textbook—but before she could take a single step, the back door slid open with a soft swish, piercing through the classroom's quiet like a signal, and a new presence entered the classroom. The sound alone was enough to draw every bit of attention in the room toward it.
The soft swish of the back door sliding open was enough to immediately capture every gaze in the classroom. Conversations stilled mid-word, whispers died in the air, and all eyes turned toward the source.
Standing there was a girl on the smaller side. Her chin-length hair, a soft gradient of pink and white, framed a delicate, almost porcelain-like face. Every feature, rounded, gentle, and soft—gave her a doll-like quality, an air of sweetness so tangible it made her seem like the living embodiment of moe.
But it wasn't her looks that captured everyone in the moment, it was the state she was in. She was utterly winded, her chest rising and falling in rapid, uneven breaths as though she had sprinted across the entire town just to get here. Her small frame leaned forward slightly, hands resting on her knees as she tried to reclaim what little air she could manage, every movement betraying the urgency and effort of her arrival.
Kachi-sensei set her hands on her hips, trying to adopt a more authoritative stance, though the natural kindness etched into her features made it difficult to seem truly intimidating. "I was wondering when you would arrive, Sakura-san," she said, her voice calm yet firm.
At the mention of her name, Sakura immediately straightened, clasping her hands together tightly as she bowed forward in one swift motion.
At the mention of her name, Sakura snapped upright, clasping her hands tightly together before bowing forward in one fluid motion. "I'm so sorry for being late!" she burst out, words tumbling over each other in a frantic rush. "My sister didn't wake me up, and I only woke up like fifteen minutes ago, and I had to shower quickly, and I ran all the way here as fast as I could—!" Her voice finally trailed off, hitching slightly at the end, the sheer speed of her explanation lending it a sincerity that even Kachi-sensei couldn't help but acknowledge.
Kachi-sensei exhaled softly, a quiet sigh that carried no irritation, only mild resignation. "Very well," she said, her tone softening, "I will accept your apology this time, Sakura-san. Please take your seat."
Sakura straightened, offering a sheepish smile, clearly relieved she hadn't been scolded further. "Thank you, sensei…" she said, her voice a little smaller now as she adjusted her stance.
"There is, however, something you should be aware of," Kachi-sensei added.
Sakura paused.
"We have a new student joining us today, and from now on, she will be seated next to you."
Silence.
Sakura's smile vanished, dropping completely. Her brows furrowed, her entire mood twisting as though a switch had been flipped, turning her from relieved to flustered and uncertain in the span of a heartbeat.
"…Eh?" she whispered, her voice catching slightly as her mind tried to process the information. Then, almost involuntarily: "…Next to me?" The disbelief in her tone was palpable, sharp enough that it seemed to ripple across the classroom.
Around her, several students moved in their seats, some curious as to what would happen, others bracing themselves for what they anticipated would come next. Sakura Farrel, the so-called "Prickly Cherry Blossom"—was not known for patience, and her reputation for being fiercely unaccommodating to having a deskmate preceded her.
Sakura opened her mouth, clearly ready to protest, to argue, perhaps even to erupt—but Kachi-sensei raised a hand calmly, cutting her off before a single word could escape.
"Before you say anything," she said, her voice gentle but carrying an undeniable firmness, "I would like you to take a look at your desk first."
Sakura's frown deepened, but she reluctantly complied. "…Fine," she muttered, turning toward the vacant desk beside her.
And then she saw her.
Her brain didn't just register the sight—it imploded. Not metaphorically. Not in a simple "wow" sort of way. No. It detonated, fireworks and sparkles and chaos all erupting at once, as if every neuron in her head had been thrown into a blender, mixed with glitter, nostalgia, confusion, and a thousand childhood memories, then set to maximum overdrive.
Because sitting there—
Right there.
At her desk.
Was—
Lunar.
Lunar.
Lunar.
LUNAR???
Her thoughts immediately derailed into complete nonsense.
Wait—wait—wait—hold on—hold on—hold on—
Is that actually Lunar?
No, that's Lunar.
That's definitely Lunar.
Why is Lunar here?
Why is she sitting there?
Why is she smiling at me like that??
WHEN DID THIS HAPPEN???
WHEN DID SHE GET EVEN PRETTIER????
IS THIS A DREAM??
DID I DIE FROM RUNNING TOO FAST???
IS THIS THE AFTERLIFE???
Meanwhile, Lunar, completely oblivious to the mental fireworks she had just set off, lifted a small hand in a bright wave, her smile wide, unshakably cheerful, and called softly across the desk, "Hi, Sakura!"
Sakura's brain short-circuited completely. Her carefully rehearsed protests, her frustrations, her every thought—they all evaporated at once, leaving only one coherent message echoing in her mind: Lunar…
And then her body moved before her brain could catch up.
She sprinted forward at full speed, closing the distance in an instant before practically tackling Lunar into a hug, wrapping her arms tightly around her.
"LUNAAAAAAAR—!!"
Her voice cracked with pure, unfiltered joy, her tail wagging wildly behind her like it had completely lost control of itself.
Lunar, very much unprepared for the sudden impact, let out a small sound of surprise as she was pulled into the embrace, her seated body rocking slightly from the force of it. "S-Sakura—?!"
Dear Rickey found herself whistling at the spectacle, then slowly leaned toward Via. "…Okay," she whispered under her breath. "I did not expect that."