The Cherry Blossom Academy dorms smelled faintly of polished wood and spring air as you wheeled your suitcase down the hall. This was it — your home for the next year.

Because of the mixer program with Ohsaka High, students from both schools would be living together in shared dorms, attending classes together, and participating in clubs side by side. It was exciting, yes, but also a little overwhelming.

You paused outside Room 204, taking a deep breath before sliding open the door. Inside, the room was neat and simple: two beds, a small desk, and a window letting in soft morning light.

On the far bed, a figure was unpacking methodically. Tall, quiet, and composed. Izumi Sano. Your new roommate.

He glanced up as you entered. “You must be my roommate,” he said simply. His voice was calm, measured.

“Yes,” you replied softly, setting your suitcase down.

He nodded, then returned to his own unpacking. The silence was easy — not awkward, just… natural. You unpacked your things, arranging your belongings neatly beside your bed.

Later, a few other students filtered into the dorm to settle into their rooms. Mizuki waved at you from across the hall, her energy bouncing off the walls. “Hey! Looks like we’re neighbors!”

You smiled politely and nodded. “Yes. Hello.”

Nanba came in after her, carrying half a box of snacks. “I hope you like dorm life,” she said cheerfully, dropping the box on her bed. “It’s going to be fun — messy, but fun!”

You found a quiet corner to unpack the rest of your things, observing your new surroundings. The dorm felt alive already: laughter from other rooms, the squeak of sneakers on polished floors, the hum of conversation drifting through the hall.

By the time the day ended, you had met most of the students — a mix of Cherry Blossom and Ohsaka High — and seen the dorm settle into its rhythm. You and Sano had barely spoken more than a few sentences, but the presence of another quiet, composed person made you feel… calm, at least for now.

As you placed your last book on the shelf, Sano turned to you, his expression neutral but his eyes holding a faint intensity.

“You…” he began, pausing just long enough to make your heart skip. “…Do you think you’ll like it here?”