Chapter Text
At the edge of a quiet village, far from the hustle of the city, there sat a humble sheep farm, nestled against rolling hills. The land was wide and open, stretching under a vast sky painted in soft hues of dawn and dusk. The farm was a patchwork of fields, some dotted with grazing sheep, their wool gleaming like freshly fallen snow. Wooden fences, weathered by time, marked the borders of each pasture, standing tall and sturdy despite the wear of seasons. A small, cozy farmhouse stood near the center of the property, its whitewashed walls and thatched roof adding a rustic charm. Smoke curled from the chimney, hinting at the warmth inside.
The air smelled faintly of fresh hay and the earthy scent of the nearby woods. A small creek wound through the property, its gentle babbling a constant background to the peaceful scene. Tall oak trees lined the edges of the land, their branches swaying lightly in the breeze. Behind the farmhouse, a barn stood—old but sturdy, its large doors creaking open as the family worked inside, storing hay and caring for their animals.
In the distance, the sounds of bleating sheep echoed, accompanied by the occasional chirp of birds, creating a symphony of rural life. This was a place where time moved slowly, where the simplicity of farm life offered a deep connection to nature and the cycles of the earth. The family here, small but tight-knit, tended to their animals and land with love and care, each day bringing a quiet satisfaction to the heart of the farm.
The rooster’s first crow pierced the quiet morning air, its sharp call signaling the break of dawn. It was time for Pure Vanilla to rise, as he had done every day before. But this morning, the gentle rhythm of sleep held him in its embrace. The soft glow of sunlight barely filtered through the curtains, and despite the rooster’s insistence, he remained lost in the warmth of his blankets.
However, there was a sound, a soft nibbling and tugging at his hair, that stirred him from his slumber. Pure Vanilla's favorite cream-colored sheep, Snowflake, had wandered into his room and, in her usual affectionate yet mischievous manner, was chewing at his hair. The gentle pull of her teeth against the strands was enough to make him stir, and with a groggy groan, he opened one eye to find the woolly creature looking at him with wide, innocent eyes.
"Snowflake, not again," he mumbled, sitting up, his hair now slightly more tangled than usual. Snowflake bleated softly, as if in apology, but Pure Vanilla couldn’t help but smile. He reached down to gently pet her soft fleece, still half asleep but grateful for the small, endearing chaos she brought to his morning.
"Alright, alright, I’m up," he said with a soft laugh, as Snowflake happily butted her head against his chest, her tail wagging in delight. Though his day had begun a little earlier than planned, Pure Vanilla couldn't help but feel a warmth in his heart. Snowflake’s antics were just one of the many things that made this quiet life on the farm so special.
The soft knock on the door followed by the creak of it opening signaled the arrival of Pure Vanilla's mom. She stood in the doorway, arms crossed with a playful smirk on her face. As her eyes fell on her son, she couldn't help but let out a soft laugh. "Oh, I thought I’d have to wake you up, but it looks like Snowflake has taken that job… again, pfft," she teased, her voice full of affectionate amusement.
Pure Vanilla, still half-dazed but smiling, reached up to gently push his messy hair out of his face. Snowflake, who had settled down next to him, bleated in response as if to confirm the morning's chaos. He laughed softly, the sound still thick with sleep. "Seems like she’s always one step ahead of me," he said, stretching as he slowly got out of bed.
His mom chuckled, watching him with a knowing gaze. She stepped into the room, her eyes twinkling with mischief as she crossed her arms. "Well, hey, you should get ready for breakfast," she began, a teasing glint in her eyes. "A special envelope just came in the mail for you..."
Pure Vanilla paused, his movements slowing for just a moment. His brow furrowed in curiosity. "An envelope? For me?" he asked, already sensing the excitement that his mother was teasing.
She gave him a wink, her smile widening. "Yup, for you," she said, her voice dripping with playful mystery. "Better hurry up or I’ll open it myself!"
With that, Pure Vanilla couldn’t hold back his grin. The promise of a special letter was enough to rouse him fully from his sleepy haze. "Alright, I’m up," he said, shaking off the last remnants of sleep. "I’ll be right down."
As he hurried to get dressed, his mind raced with possibilities, wondering who could be sending him something so important. Was it from a friend? Or perhaps something to do with the family farm? Either way, the thought of it kept him moving with more energy than before, even if he was still a little groggy.
Pure Vanilla quickly slipped into his usual clothes—simple but comfortable for a day on the farm. He buttoned up his soft cream-colored shirt, tucked it neatly into his trousers, and pulled on his boots. Snowflake, ever the loyal companion, trotted behind him as he made his way downstairs, her soft bleating filling the air.
As he entered the kitchen, the warm, inviting smell of breakfast met him—freshly baked bread, eggs, and a side of crispy bacon. He smiled as he took a seat at the rustic wooden table, the familiar creaks of the old floorboards beneath him soothing in their own way. Snowflake, with her usual curiosity, settled herself by his side, her head tilting up toward him, waiting for the scraps that sometimes came with a hearty meal.
Pure Vanilla’s mom, ever the efficient cook, placed a plate in front of him with a loving smile. The food looked simple, but he knew it was always made with care. On the plate were two eggs, perfectly scrambled, along with a few slices of buttered toast. She then set a glass of milk beside it, the creamy liquid glistening in the morning light.
"Here you go, love," she said warmly, settling into her own chair across from him. "Eat up. We’ve got a full day ahead of us."
Pure Vanilla beamed up at her, his eyes still bright with the spark of curiosity from the mysterious letter. "Thanks, Mom," he said, reaching for the glass of milk and taking a sip. Snowflake let out a soft, content bleat and nudged his leg, her way of asking for a little attention.
His mother caught the look in his eyes. "You’re already thinking about that letter, aren’t you?" she asked, a knowing smile tugging at the corners of her lips. Pure Vanilla blushed slightly but nodded, distracted for just a moment.
"It’s just... strange. I don’t usually get letters," he replied, his voice tinged with curiosity.
She chuckled softly, reaching over to pat his hand. "Well, no matter what it is, you’ll find out soon enough." With that, she took a bite of her own breakfast, and for a moment, the quiet hum of the morning filled the room, the world outside still waiting for the day to unfold.
As they continued eating, Pure Vanilla's mom placed the envelope on the table, her hands gently pushing it toward him with a quiet smile. The parchment was elegant, its edges crisp and clean, and the wax seal that closed it was embossed with an intricate emblem that made Pure Vanilla freeze mid-bite. His heart skipped a beat.
There, in the center of the envelope, was a symbol he had seen countless times in his dreams—a crest belonging to the prestigious university he had applied to months ago. His breath caught in his throat, and before he could process what he was seeing, a small piece of toast nearly got lodged in his windpipe. He coughed, a little alarmed, but managed to compose himself quickly.
His eyes were wide as he looked up at his mom, and she gave him a soft nod, her face glowing with pride and excitement. She didn’t need to say anything—she already knew what it meant. He carefully took the envelope into his hands, his fingers trembling slightly, and with a mix of awe and disbelief, he peeled open the seal.
With the envelope now in his hands, Pure Vanilla carefully unfolded the letter inside, his breath steady but his heart racing. He began to read aloud, his voice trembling with a mixture of nerves and excitement.
"Dear Pure Vanilla," he read softly, his lips barely forming the words as he took in every letter. "We want to inform you that you have been selected to join our esteemed college for the upcoming semester."
His eyes widened further, his heartbeat echoing in his ears as he read on.
"After reviewing your application and personal achievements, we are pleased to offer you a place in the class of students who will join us in our mission to foster knowledge, creativity, and leadership. We believe your skills and heart align with the values of our institution, and we are excited to have you join us."
He blinked, not entirely able to process it. "I-I… I got in?!" He looked up at his mom in disbelief. She smiled, her eyes glistening with happiness, her heart swelling with pride.
"Of course, you did," she said softly, reaching over and giving his hand a squeeze. "You’ve worked so hard for this, Pure Vanilla. This is your dream."
Pure Vanilla sat there for a moment, stunned into silence, before his face broke into a wide grin. The excitement flooded him, and he couldn't help but laugh in sheer joy.
"I... I really got in! This is… this is amazing!"
Snowflake, sensing the sudden shift in mood, let out a soft bleat and nuzzled his side, as if congratulating him as well.
His mom chuckled. "I told you, you’re meant for great things, Pure Vanilla."
And in that moment, with the sun shining through the kitchen window and the sound of Snowflake’s happy bleats filling the air, Pure Vanilla knew that his life was about to change in ways he couldn’t yet fully comprehend. But for now, he was content—this dream was finally coming true.
His mom beamed at him, her pride radiating from every inch of her face. Her eyes softened as she gazed at him, almost like she could see him as the young adult he was finally becoming. "You’ve worked so hard, Pure Vanilla," she said, her voice filled with emotion. "I’m so proud of you. You’re growing up, stepping into the world. You’ll achieve so much."
Pure Vanilla smiled, his heart swelling at the words. He had dreamt of this moment for so long, of taking this step, and now it was all happening. But as the reality of it set in, another thought crossed his mind.
His mom, sensing the pause, gave him a gentle nudge. "Will you commute every day, or will you stay at the dorms?" she asked, her curiosity mixed with concern, wondering what his next steps would be.
Pure Vanilla stopped for a moment, the smile on his face fading slightly as he weighed the question. He thought about the long distances, the cost of commuting, and the reality of their situation. The farm had always been a small, humble one, and money was tight. It would be difficult to afford daily travel on top of everything else.
Finally, after a brief silence, he sighed and met his mom’s gaze. "We don’t have much money, so I won’t be able to commute," he said, a bit of resignation in his voice. "The dorms... they’re really the only solution for me."
His mom nodded slowly, her expression understanding but tinged with a bit of sadness. She had known this moment would come, but now that it was here, it hit her harder than she had expected. Her son, her little Pure Vanilla, would soon be far away, living in a world of his own, independent and ready to make his mark.
"It’s not ideal," she said softly, brushing a stray lock of hair from his forehead, "but it’s the right decision. You’ll be able to focus better on your studies, and you won’t have to worry about travel every day. You’re going to make the most of this, I just know it."
Pure Vanilla nodded, the weight of it all sinking in. He was leaving the familiar warmth of home, the comfort of his family, and stepping into a new chapter. But he also felt a new sense of determination, a fire igniting in him. This was his chance to truly begin his journey, and he wouldn’t let anything hold him back.
"Thanks, Mom," he said quietly, giving her a reassuring smile. "I’ll make you proud."
His mom wiped a tear from the corner of her eye, trying to hide the emotions that swelled up inside her. She smiled, though, her voice thick with affection. "Go on, Pure Vanilla. Go get ready," she said softly. "You’ve got two days until you leave, and there’s still so much to do. The last thing we need is for you to be caught off guard."
Pure Vanilla stood up, his stomach fluttering with excitement and nervousness all at once. He felt a bit overwhelmed by everything—the letter, his mom's pride, and the reality of leaving the farm behind—but it was a new beginning. He looked at his mom, giving her a warm smile.
"I’ll get everything packed, don’t worry," he said with a calm assurance, though he could feel a small knot in his chest at the thought of leaving home.
Snowflake, who had been quietly resting by his side, perked up at the sound of movement and eagerly followed him, her wooly body bouncing with each step. The sheep always seemed to know when Pure Vanilla was about to do something important, and today was no exception. Snowflake trotted after him, as if to say, "I’ll be with you, no matter what."
His mom watched them both walk down the hall, the sight of her son and his favorite sheep together tugging at her heartstrings. "You’re ready for this, Pure Vanilla," she whispered to herself, though the lump in her throat made it difficult to say the words out loud. "I know you are."
Pure Vanilla entered his room, Snowflake nudging the door open behind him. The room was small, filled with old books, a cozy bed, and a desk cluttered with his past schoolwork. The walls, though simple, were decorated with little mementos from his childhood—things that reminded him of home.
He sighed as he took in the space, realizing that in just two days, it would no longer be his. This would be the last time he’d prepare for something here, the last time he’d gather his belongings with the quiet hum of his mother’s voice in the background.
Snowflake nudged his leg, and Pure Vanilla knelt down to scratch behind her ears. "I’m going to miss you, Snowflake," he whispered, a soft chuckle escaping him. "But don’t worry, I’ll come back to visit. You can’t get rid of me that easily."
Snowflake gave him an affectionate nuzzle, and for a moment, it felt like time had slowed down, giving him a quiet second to appreciate what he had. Then, with a deep breath, he began to gather his things, knowing that the adventure ahead was just beginning.
Snowflake gave a small, indignant "baa!" as she stared up at Pure Vanilla, her wide, innocent eyes full of determination. It was as though she was trying to argue her case, her little hooves stamping the floor, not ready to accept the idea that she couldn’t go with him.
Pure Vanilla chuckled softly, shaking his head as he carefully folded a sweater. "I can’t take you with me, little one," he said with a sigh. "The dorms won’t allow me to have a sheep, even though you're small for your age."
Snowflake seemed to puff up at the comment, as if in disbelief, then let out another stubborn "baa!" that clearly said, Why not?
Pure Vanilla raised an eyebrow, his lips curling into a playful smile. "I know, I know," he said, adopting a mock serious tone. "You’re practically a cat in a sheep’s body, but there’s no room for you at the dorms. They have rules, Snowflake."
Snowflake huffed, turning her head dramatically as if to say, Rules, schmoos, and nudged the hem of his pants with her nose, trying to get his attention again.
Pure Vanilla crouched down to her level, pretending to be stern, though his voice betrayed his amusement. "You’re impossible, you know that?" he said with a shake of his head. "You can’t just follow me everywhere like this. What will they say at the dorm?" He gave her a teasing smirk. "They might even think you’re a strange kind of pet. A very, very loud pet."
Snowflake stared back, giving a final "baa!" as if to challenge him. She was determined. She wasn’t going to just let this go.
Pure Vanilla sighed and gently patted her head, chuckling. "Alright, alright," he said. "I guess you’ll just have to stay here and guard the farm in my absence. But no chewing on my things, okay?" He gave her a playful warning, but Snowflake just tilted her head, as if to say, We’ll see about that.
Despite her persistence, Pure Vanilla knew he’d have to leave her behind. But in his heart, he knew that the bond they shared wasn’t going anywhere, no matter how far he went.
---
Pure Vanilla had spent the past two days in a whirlwind of activity, packing up his things and making sure everything was in order. He said goodbye to each sheep individually, spending a few extra moments with Snowflake, who seemed to understand that this was the moment when he’d be leaving. The barn was quiet now, the usual bleating of the flock replaced by a sense of finality in the air.
He hugged his mom tightly, feeling the weight of the transition settle over him. She had always been his rock, and it felt surreal to think that he was finally leaving for college, about to start a new chapter of his life. "Take care of everything here," he said softly, his voice thick with emotion.
His mom smiled through her tears, brushing them away quickly so he wouldn’t see her cry. "Go and make your dreams come true, my son. You’ve worked so hard for this."
Snowflake stood beside her, her soft baa echoing in the morning air. Pure Vanilla knelt down to give her one last pet on her woolly head. "You be good, okay?" he whispered, his voice tinged with the same bittersweet feeling that hung in the air.
Snowflake nudged him gently, as if to say, I’ll miss you too, but I’ll be okay.
With one last glance at the farm that had been his home for so long, Pure Vanilla stood up, wiped his eyes, and turned toward the bus stop at the end of the road. His mom waved, Snowflake giving another soft baa in the background, and with a final deep breath, Pure Vanilla stepped forward, ready to face whatever awaited him at college.
As he waited for the bus, the sky above him seemed impossibly vast, a wide canvas that stretched out into his future. The bus rumbled toward him, and he turned back to his mom and Snowflake one last time, a smile tugging at his lips, knowing that no matter how far he went, they’d always be with him in spirit.
And just like that, with a hopeful heart and a quiet determination, Pure Vanilla boarded the bus, the beginning of his journey just a few moments away.
---
The gentle rumble of the bus lulled Pure Vanilla into a deep sleep. His head rested against the window, his eyelids heavy with exhaustion after the emotional morning and the long trip ahead. The peaceful hum of the engine and the occasional chatter of passengers faded into the background as he drifted off, unaware of how quickly time passed.
A few hours later, his eyes shot open, the sudden shift in environment jolting him awake. He blinked several times, disoriented for a moment, his body stiff from the long ride. Looking out the window, his jaw dropped.
The landscape had transformed completely. Gone were the open fields, the farm animals, and the quiet lanes of his village. Instead, he found himself surrounded by towering buildings, their glass windows reflecting the midday sun. The streets were packed with cars speeding by, honking their horns in a constant cacophony. People bustled along the sidewalks in every direction, their voices a blend of languages and excitement, some walking dogs, others riding bicycles.
And then, there was the food. Restaurants lined the streets, their bright neon signs flashing inviting offers, their smells tempting even through the glass of the bus window. The scent of fresh bread, coffee, and sizzling street food filled the air.
There were parks too, lush and green, with children playing and families relaxing under the trees, their laughter floating through the air. It was a far cry from the quiet simplicity of his farm life.
Pure Vanilla’s heart raced, and for a moment, he wondered if he had somehow been transported to another world. Is this... really it? He thought, wide-eyed. Everything seemed so new, so overwhelming. He had read about cities like this, heard stories from others, but standing in the middle of it all felt like a dream.
As the bus slowed down to a stop, he shook off his amazement and took a deep breath. This was it. His new life. A world of possibilities and challenges that he never could have imagined. The doors of the bus opened, and as he stepped out onto the sidewalk, the excitement and nervousness swirled within him. He had no idea what awaited, but one thing was certain—his adventure had just begun.
Pure Vanilla stood at the edge of the sidewalk, the towering cityscape overwhelming him. He looked around, trying to find a sense of direction, but everything felt unfamiliar. His mind raced as he fumbled with his old cellphone in his pocket, wishing he had a smartphone like everyone else. The bright, sleek devices in the hands of passersby felt like a glaring reminder of how out of place he was.
He glanced down at his own phone—an ancient model with buttons that clicked and beeped when pressed. It felt like a relic in this modern world. Every time he tried to pull it out to check for directions, he couldn't help but feel a little embarrassed, as if the device itself was signaling to the world just how out of touch he was with this new environment. He even noticed a few older folks around him holding similar phones, but even they had a certain wisdom in their eyes that Pure Vanilla lacked.
After a few moments of hesitation, he sighed and tucked the phone back into his pocket. There was no other option. He had to ask for help.
He took a deep breath, trying to calm the nervous flutter in his chest, and approached a kind-looking woman walking by with a stroller. "Excuse me," he said softly, voice a little shaky. "Could you please tell me... how to get to the Celestine Academy"
The woman smiled warmly, noticing his uncertainty. She gave him directions, her words a blur of street names and turns. Pure Vanilla nodded, though he couldn’t quite make sense of all the details. “Thank you so much,” he said, his voice a bit quieter now, but grateful.
As he walked away, trying to follow the woman's directions, he couldn’t shake the feeling of being completely out of his depth. The city was massive, the people seemed to have a rhythm that he couldn’t quite sync with, and every step felt like he was walking through a maze.
But there was no turning back now. He straightened his shoulders and kept moving forward. He had come this far. He was going to find that college, no matter how lost he felt.
Pure Vanilla wandered the bustling city streets, stopping every few blocks to ask strangers for directions. Some were helpful, others brushed him off, but he kept going, determined to find his way. His legs ached, and he was pretty sure he had walked in circles at least twice. The grand, towering buildings all looked the same after a while, and his brain struggled to remember every turn he had taken.
By the time he finally arrived at Celestine Academy, he was exhausted, sweaty, and—he checked the time—two hours late. He sighed heavily, leaning against the academy’s grand gates.
“I messed up…” he muttered to himself, rubbing his forehead. “But hey… at least I made it before the day ended!”
The sight before him was breathtaking. Celestine Academy was enormous, its pristine ivory towers stretching toward the sky. Large banners swayed in the breeze, displaying the academy’s emblem: a radiant sun over a field of stars. Students bustled about in their neatly pressed uniforms, chatting in groups or rushing to their next class.
Pure Vanilla took a deep breath and straightened his posture. This was it. He was finally here, standing before his dream school. He may have been late, lost, and out of breath, but he had made it. Now, all he had to do was figure out where he was actually supposed to be… without getting lost again.
Pure Vanilla approached the academy gates, hesitating for a moment before stepping up to the guard stationed there. The man glanced down at him, raising an eyebrow at the sight of the flustered, clearly lost student clutching his bag.
“Excuse me, sir,” Pure Vanilla said, trying to catch his breath. “Can you tell me where the secretary’s office is? I need to check in… I—uh—got a little lost.”
The guard chuckled but nodded, pointing toward a large building near the center of the campus. “Follow that path straight ahead, take a right at the big fountain, and you’ll see the office. Can’t miss it.”
“Thank you so much!” Pure Vanilla beamed before dashing off, eager to finally get his bearings.
Following the guard’s directions, he weaved through the campus, marveling at the beauty of the academy. **Lush gardens, towering buildings, and students everywhere—**it all felt surreal. But no time to admire it for too long. He had things to do.
Finally, he spotted a sign: Secretary’s Office. Relief flooded him as he stepped inside. This was it—his first real step toward understanding where he belonged in this grand place.
The secretary’s office was quiet, save for the sound of papers shuffling and a ticking clock on the wall. Pure Vanilla walked up to the front desk, where a stern-looking woman with glasses perched on the edge of her nose glanced up at him.
“You’re late,” she said, raising an eyebrow.
Pure Vanilla winced. “I-I know. I got lost…” He scratched the back of his head, feeling a little embarrassed. “But I’m here now! I wanted to check in and get my dorm assignment.”
The woman sighed but didn’t seem too bothered. She adjusted her glasses and started flipping through a stack of papers before finally pulling out a file. “Name?”
“Pure Vanilla.”
She nodded, scanning the document. “Alright, you’re in Dormitory C, Room 207. Here’s your key.” She slid a small envelope across the desk. “Your roommate should already be there. Orientation already started, so I’d suggest heading over quickly.”
Pure Vanilla took the envelope, gripping it tightly. His first dorm room, his first real step into college life. He bowed slightly. “Thank you!”
As he left the office and stepped back into the sunlight, he took a deep breath. This is it. His new life was officially beginning. Now, all that was left was to find Dormitory C… and meet his new roommate.
Pure Vanilla’s eyes widened as he stood in the doorway. Sitting on the other bed, unpacking her things, was a girl.
Wait… A girl?!
His mind raced. Was this a mistake? Did he walk into the wrong dorm? But no—the number on the door matched the one on his key. Huh… So, boys with boys and girls with girls isn’t a rule here?
Maybe the school just trusted students to be responsible? After all, Celestine Academy was prestigious, filled with serious scholars. They probably expected everyone to be focused on their studies, not… well, anything inappropriate.
Not that Pure Vanilla would be interested anyway. Not with a girl, at least. Not to be rude—it just… wasn’t his thing.. Not that he knew why.
The girl turned to him, her long white hair flowing like silk. She gave a soft, welcoming smile.
"You must be my roommate," she said gently. "I’m White Lily. It’s nice to meet you.”
Pure Vanilla blinked, still trying to process everything, but quickly straightened up. "O-Oh! Yes! I’m Pure Vanilla! It’s nice to meet you too!" He gave a nervous laugh, setting his bag down on his bed.
White Lily smiled. "You look a little overwhelmed. First time in a big city?"
He let out a breath. "Is it that obvious?"
She giggled. "A little. You kept looking around like you’d been teleported here."
Pure Vanilla chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. "Well, that’s exactly how it feels! I grew up on a farm, so this is… a lot to take in."
White Lily’s expression brightened. "A farm? That sounds lovely! What kind of farm?"
"A sheep farm! My mom and I raised them together. One of them—Snowflake—was practically my shadow." His tone softened. "She tried to come with me, but, well… dorms don’t allow sheep."
White Lily laughed softly. "I can’t imagine they do! But that’s adorable. You must miss her already."
Pure Vanilla nodded. "Yeah… but I know this is where I’m supposed to be." He smiled. "What about you? Where are you from?"
White Lily hesitated for a second before replying. "A quiet place, kind of isolated. My home… well, it wasn’t exactly a farm, but it was surrounded by nature."
"That sounds nice," Pure Vanilla said sincerely.
"It was," she agreed, but there was something wistful in her voice.
After chatting for a while, White Lily stood up and stretched. "Alright, we should go take a look around campus. Better to get familiar with everything now than to wander around lost later."
As they went through their schedules together, Pure Vanilla couldn’t help but notice how organized White Lily was. Her notes were neatly written in a small leather notebook, her schedule marked with delicate, looping handwriting.
"This is my first time sharing a dorm with someone," she admitted, tapping her pen against the paper. "I suppose we’ll have to figure out how to balance things together."
Pure Vanilla nodded. "Same here. I don’t think I’ll be much trouble, though! I’m used to waking up early because of the farm. I hope my morning routine won’t bother you."
White Lily smiled. "Not at all. I wake up early too."
He let out a breath of relief, glancing around the room now that he had a moment to take it all in. It was small but cozy—two beds, two desks, a shared closet, and a window that overlooked the bustling city below. The walls were a neutral cream color, and the bedding they’d been provided was simple but clean.
"So, what’s your major?" White Lily asked, looking at him curiously.
"Oh! Medicine," he said, straightening up. "I… I want to help people. I figured becoming a doctor would be the best way to do that."
Her expression brightened with admiration. "That’s wonderful! You must have studied a lot to get here."
Pure Vanilla flushed slightly. "Well, I tried my best… What about you?"
"Botany," she answered, her voice softening. "I’ve always been fascinated by plants. Their healing properties, their resilience… there’s something beautiful about them."
He smiled. "That suits you."
White Lily blinked, tilting her head. "Oh? Why’s that?"
Pure Vanilla hummed, choosing his words carefully. "You seem… graceful, but strong. Like a flower that can bloom anywhere, no matter the conditions."
There was a brief silence before White Lily let out a soft laugh. "That’s quite the compliment, Pure Vanilla. Thank you."
His cheeks warmed. He hadn’t meant to be poetic, but she didn’t seem to mind.
Just then, there was a knock at the door. White Lily stood up and opened it, revealing a tall, broad-shouldered girl with wild pink hair tied back in a ponytail. She leaned against the doorframe with a grin.
"Hey! You two are the new roommates, huh?"
White Lily nodded politely. "That’s right."
The girl gave them both an approving once-over. "Nice. I’m Hollyberry! I stay just down the hall. Figured I’d drop by and say hi before orientation!"
Pure Vanilla perked up. "Oh! It’s nice to meet you!"
Hollyberry stepped inside without hesitation, flopping onto White Lily’s bed as if she’d known them for years. "Man, you guys are lucky—I got stuck with some guy who snores like a bear... You better hope neither of you do, or you’ll have to deal with me banging on the wall!"
White Lily covered her mouth to stifle a laugh, while Pure Vanilla smiled awkwardly. "I—I don’t think I snore…?"
Hollyberry winked. "We’ll see about that."
White Lily shook her head, amused. "You said orientation is soon?"
"Yeah, in about half an hour," Hollyberry confirmed. "Figured I’d round up some new faces so we don’t get lost."
Pure Vanilla and White Lily exchanged glances before nodding.
"That sounds great," Pure Vanilla said.
"Then let’s go!"
Hollyberry stretched before heading toward the door. "I’ll show you the way!"
And just like that, their first day at Celestine Academy was officially beginning.