"Everyone, I'd like you to welcome Klara Aswidu," the teacher announced.
Klara entered briskly, posture straight, her expression calm yet confident. The classroom was elegant, polished wood desks, fifteen students seated neatly, and sunlight streaming through tall windows overlooking a garden. Two built-in air conditioners kept the air cool and crisp.
The blonde-haired teacher, dressed in a sharp suit, smiled warmly. "He's a scholarship student who'll be joining your class," she said.
Klara nodded politely, smiling back. The teacher blushed faintly.
"OMG, he's so beautiful!" several girls squealed.
One of the boys sneered. "Doesn't that sound like a girl's name?"
"Who cares? You're just jealous," a girl shot back.
"I hope you can all treat me kindly," Klara said with an easy smile that only deepened the girls' fascination.
'Children of the wealthy… heirs of the powerful. My first step in building connections and trust. Each one a useful piece in the game,' she thought, her golden eyes scanning the room.
The boys wore green shirts with long sleeves; the girls, long green dresses adorned with embroidered flowers. Both uniforms bore the school insignia proudly.
Kevin's voice echoed faintly in her mind:
"Remember, Klara, people aren't pawns. Make good friends."
After going to various teachers to join their classes, Klara was a bit exhausted as she trudged through the halls. It was getting increasingly difficult to ignore the looks of admiration, and a few of jealousy, as she passed by fellow students and even some teachers.
"Klara?" a familiar voice called out.
She turned at the tap on her back to see Shio jogging toward her. His long green hair was tied neatly into a ponytail, and his yellow eyes shined. His smile, gentle and effortlessly charming, caused several girls in the hallway to squeal, while some guys chuckled at the sight. Standing beside Klara, he was a few inches taller, his build lean but muscular.
"It's still hard to believe it's you," Shio muttered, lowering his voice as he leaned closer. "How does your body look so muscular? Did you have surgery or something?"
"No," Klara whispered back, rising slightly on her toes to reach his ear. "I'm wearing a muscle suit."
The whisper sent a visible shock through Shio, he stepped back a few inches, his face red as a tomato.
"That's… good, I guess. In case someone asks you to strip to check if you're really a guy," he stammered, scratching his cheek awkwardly.
Klara frowned. "If you're done blushing, can you escort me to the dining hall? I need to eat."
'Damn, she's so harsh,' Shio thought dramatically, clutching his chest as if in pain.
Noticing his antics, a girl nearby approached with concern. "Shio, are you alright?" she asked softly.
Instantly, his playful demeanor returned. He pinned her with a wink and said smoothly, "I'm alright now, because your beautiful face has healed my heart."
"Kyaaa!" the nearby girls squealed, nearly bouncing with excitement.
Klara rolled her eyes. 'Even though we're best friends, his cheesy flirting still makes my skin crawl,' she thought dryly, watching him bask in the attention.
"If you're done," she said coldly, "can we go and eat now?"
"Sorry, sorry," Shio apologized, scratching his head as he threw the girls a final charming grin before following Klara down the hall. "All eyes are on you," he murmured once they were out of earshot.
"Same for you," Klara replied simply.
"But you're more beautiful than me," he teased with a chuckle. "You really look like a character straight out of an anime."
"Haha, thanks," Klara replied, her laugh stiff and robotic. "All those cosplayer tutorials helped improve my disguise skills."
"I liked it better when you dressed normally," Shio said thoughtfully, wrapping an arm around her shoulder. "But this is even better. At least now boys won't be ogling you."
"Hands off before you get a black eye," Klara warned coolly.
"Yes ma'am! I mean, yes sir!" Shio saluted dramatically, earning another eye-roll from her.
When they entered the dining hall, they were met with the sight of a buffet-style serving counter lined with attendants. Hundreds of students were scattered about, chatting and eating. The moment Klara and Shio stepped in, conversations hushed slightly, curious eyes followed them.
Ignoring the attention, the two took ceramic plates and quietly collected their food before sitting at a nearby glass table.
"Let's just eat," Shio said, fork in hand.
Before he could take a bite, Klara clasped her hands together and bowed her head. "Bless our food oh universe."
Shio blinked. "You still believe in that universe thing?" he asked, pausing mid-bite.
"Of course. Whenever I stare at space, I just feel peace. What's more everything did originate from space," Klara replied calmly, taking a bite of her steak.
"I've never seen anyone pray to the universe?" Shio said.
"I don't care. Others may find it weird. But for me I don't really believe in religions. The only thing that feels fine to me is the universe and science," Klara murmured.
Feeling guilty, he tried to lighten the mood. "Hey, Klara… could you feed me?"
Startled, she nearly dropped her fork. "No!" she snapped.
"Straight rejection! So cruel!" Shio gasped, clutching his chest dramatically.