The setting sun cast long shadows across the wide courtyard of Notting Junior Spirit Master Academy. The village chief had long since returned to Holy Spirit Village, leaving Tang San and Ayan standing at the gates with their travel packs.
The academy's stone buildings gleamed faintly in the evening light, and young students in uniform bustled about. A teacher led them toward the dormitory, explaining the rules in a rather monotonous voice.
The dorm room assigned to them was on the seventh floor — a large space filled with rows of bunk beds. At this hour, only one bed near the window was occupied. A girl about their age sat there, swinging her legs playfully, her long braids tied like rabbit ears bouncing with each movement.
She looked up, her big eyes scanning Tang San and Ayan. A mischievous smile tugged at her lips.
"You two are new?" she asked brightly.
Tang San nodded politely. "I'm Tang San, from Holy Spirit Village. This is my friend Ayan."
Ayan offered a casual wave, eyes quickly sizing her up. So this is one of our roommates… seems lively.
The girl hopped down from the bed, moving with a light, almost springy step. "My name's Xiao Wu. Since you're new, I'll be the big sister here!" She puffed her chest proudly.
Ayan smirked faintly. "Big sister? You sure you're older than us?"
She glared in mock offense. "Of course! I'm… uh… older in spirit." Then she turned her gaze back to Tang San. "Since you're new here, let's have a match. Winner gets to decide the other's bed."
Tang San hesitated for a moment but eventually agreed. The two cleared some space in the dormitory, Xiao Wu's braid swaying as she bounced lightly on her toes. Ayan leaned against the bedpost, watching with interest.
The spar began — Xiao Wu's movements were quick, her legs flexible and light like a rabbit. Tang San, calm and precise, used his control techniques to counter. Ayan watched each step closely, mentally noting Tang San's footwork and Xiao Wu's agility.
In just a few moves, Tang San managed to counter Xiao Wu's technique and secure a narrow victory. Xiao Wu pouted but didn't seem angry. Instead, she laughed and tossed her braid over her shoulder. "Fine! You win. But I'm still the big sister."
Ayan chuckled softly. "Looks like we've got ourselves an energetic roommate."
That night, as they settled into their beds, Tang San on the lower bunk, Ayan on the upper, and Xiao Wu by the window, the atmosphere felt… strangely warm. They weren't just strangers anymore — this was the start of something new.