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The classroom fell silent as Shiro and the crimson-haired girl stepped inside. Students and professor alike stared at them with confusion. Ironically, Shiro and his companion wore identical expressions of bewilderment - the Short-Range Combat instructor was a woman.
She appeared to be in her late twenties, with light brown hair falling just past her shoulders and gray eyes that radiated calm. Though her kind smile put students at ease, Shiro immediately sensed the sharp mind beneath her composed exterior.
Professor: Are you here for SR training? You're late.
Shiro: ....
Professor: Well? Have you lost your voice?
Shiro: ...…..
The entire room held its breath. The girl glanced sideways at Shiro, realizing he'd frozen completely - just as she had earlier at the doorway. But where her panic had been visible, his was the stillness of a blank mind.
The girl stepped forward.
Girl: We apologize, Professor. We got lost finding the classroom.
Professor: Don't let it happen again. I'm Professor Sylenne Kareth.
Girl: Thank you, Professor. I'm Arien Solvine from Lunareth.
The class clapped. Arien nudged Shiro forward.
Shiro: ...Shiro Asahina.
A heavy silence fell. Professor Kareth's eyes narrowed. A murmur rippled through the room.
Student 1: (Whispering) that's the guy who fought Lucien valehart?
Student 2: he looks like he'd faint if you sneezed on him.
Student 3: wait didn't he had a long hair?
Professor Kareth: The one who fought Lucien Valehart?
Shiro: Yes?
Professor Kareth: You've cut your hair. Though you still look like a girl.
Shiro: [Internal panic]
Meanwhile, Arien's thoughts raced.
Arien's Thoughts: HE WAS A BOY ALL ALONG?! Why didn't he tell me? why? Why? *she didn't ask him*
The bell rang before she could recover, class ending without her noticing.
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At the same time
Professor Kareth: He's here. Just as you said he came to the SR class., Professor Veylor
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