Dorm life

Flintshore Dorm creaked with age. Compared to the neighboring buildings, it felt outdated, worn down by time. There was a lingering energy in the air, like traces of people long used to living here. Were there ghosts? "Sorry—anyone home?" No response. It seemed like everyone had gone to the opening ceremony already. I should probably find somewhere to rest. Flintshore is home to the middle and lower classes on the ground level. The dorm is the most affordable in the area. It was old. It was cheap. Let’s pretend it’s cozy. The higher levels reflect wealth in contrast to the ones below.

“Oi! Who the hell are you? This is private property.” The red-haired woman was pointing her finger at me. I dropped my belongings, hands in the air. “What’re you doing here?” she added. “Wait, wait… He’s our new resident.” Another woman in an apron rushes in our direction. “I already received your letter.” She was holding the paper I had folded earlier. “You can wait in the living room; we are cooking.” Thanks. At least the receiver didn’t try to kill me.

I walked straight to the sofa and set my belongings down… A few minutes passed. The red-haired woman was still looking at me. She kept staring. The room was heating up—not because of her, but the air. She hadn’t blinked once. I took off my jacket. My scarf. I had nothing left to fidget with to distract myself. I needed to talk to her.

“Uh, I’m Auron.”

“Ruri. Sorry about earlier. If you hadn’t worn bundled outfits outside, I’d have seen your school uniform.” So the problem is my outfit. “Yeah, it’s cold outside.”

“It’s already spring.” Her brows furrowed. “It’s cold for me. I’m not used to it.” Silent. When will she finish cooking? I’m no good at talking. “Ruri, why didn't you use your staff earlier?”

“It’s Ruri-Senpai.”

“S-Sorry, Ruri-Senpai.”

“Year one students like you probably won’t know. We can cast spells by hand.”

"Woah! Can you snap your fingers to make light?" Snap. "That was cool." People here are seriously talented—that’s the feeling I get. If I train enough, would I snap a pigeon from my finger? Coming here started to be worth it. "Where are you from, Auron?"

“From far south, Ashfall.”

“Eh, there are still people out there?”

“Not much… that's why I’m here.”

“Ashfall… That’s a lot of layers for spring.” I rubbed my arm. “I’m not used to cold.”

"Hey, you two—breakfast is ready," said the girl in the apron, calling us over. "But it’s already past noon." "Aha-ha, it’s breakfast for us," she replied with a grin. In front of me is a typical curry. “Hope you like curry,”

“Yeah, my mom makes it too.”

“What do people usually eat at Ashfall?” Ruri-Senpai asked. “We usually eat whatever goes well with bread. We use a powder that turns into bread when watered.” Ruri's brows drew together. Emil just smiled softly, like she’d heard it all before.

“Wheat and yeast, I have a lot if you want.” I showed them the powder. Their brows rose as they stared. I poured it into a bowl and added water. As the powder swelled, I remembered how Mom invented it. I couldn’t help but chuckle.

They hesitated. Skeptical. But when the bread rose, they nodded in quiet surprise. "Heh, what kind of magic are you using?" Ruri asked. “We’ve always been farmers.” I’m proud of it. But Emil... her eyes were downcast. “It must be hard to get through—” “Emil!” Ruri cut her out. I knew what she was talking about. Whenever the topic of Ashfall comes up, we always receive the same impression. “It’s fine, it has already been a while since the incident,” I replied.

“I’m sorry for your loss. We have multiple people in our school who live in Ashfall, too.”

Her sorrowful eyes made me uncomfortable. There’s nothing good I can say in return. “Anybody in this dorm?” I want the focus to be on something else. Emil tapped a finger to her temple, thinking… “Aeter?” Ruri spoke up. “Yeah. Elf girl from Ashfall.” In Ashfall? Have I met some elves before? I can’t remember. “Ah, I never heard of that name; even Ashfall elves are rare.”

“You have to look closely. Aeter probably hides her ears. Probably hides her feelings too.”

“It’s common to blend in as humans,” Emi interrupted. Even though humans have the shortest lifespan, they’re leading the world… Trend? Tradition? Every race seems to prefer blending into this big city. “Dragonkin—aren’t you hiding your horn, too?” Ruri stiffened and reached for Emil’s arm without answering.

“And what about you, Emil-Senpai? You speak like you’re not human.”

“I’m Angel.” She stands and opens her arms, mimicking that she has wings. “Don’t fool the kid; there is no Angel.” Ruri interrupts. Emi sat and chuckled. That’s what I remember as a kid—people praying, hoping to become angels. But I’ve never seen one. Not even once.

An old door opens. The footsteps are soft, barely heard. “Emil, Ruri, and...” A high school girl. She had the look of an intense mage. Sharp. Calculated move. I barely focused on what she was saying. My brow twitched at her unfamiliar reaction, but the feeling it stirred in me was oddly familiar. “You’re?” she said.

“It’s my first day here. N–Nice to meet you.” I froze, stunned by her presence. She walked to the second floor. “Hmm, you are barely interested in us while Aeter.” Both of them chuckled. “It’s not what you think.” She just felt familiar, like someone I used to know. But I couldn’t say that.

“Understandable. It’s the look everyone gives after seeing an elf.”

Elves can easily blend in. Always young and attractive. They’re like mermaids on land; don’t be fooled by their appearance. Everyone knows to keep their distance from elves. Because of the difference in lifespan, there will only be wounds in the end for any relationship.

“I’m not interested in elves.”

Once in a lifetime, loved by an elf—they said. Maybe it ends in happiness… or something bittersweet. I’m chasing wealth and health; settling down is a detour. I’m not here to witness a myth or play with a mighty creature.

I regret my past self—the fear, the selfishness. Why didn’t I hold on tighter? To her? To what we had. Elf... No matter how much time passes, I can’t get her out of my mind. If I could turn back time, I wouldn’t have let go.