The classroom fell into a dead silence as Shiro and the crimson-haired girl stepped inside. Students and professor alike stared at them with a mixture of annoyance and curiosity. Ironically, Shiro and his companion wore identical expressions of bewilderment—but for a very different reason. The Short-Range Combat instructor was a woman.
She appeared to be in her late twenties, with light brown hair falling in soft waves just past her shoulders and sharp gray eyes that radiated a calm, analytical intelligence. Though a kind smile played on her lips, Shiro immediately sensed the formidable mind and power beneath her composed exterior. This was not someone to be underestimated.
Professor: Are you here for SR training? she asked, her voice even. You're late.
Shiro stared blankly. .....
Professor: Well? Have you lost your voice?
Shiro: ........
He had, in fact, short-circuited. The entire room held its breath, watching the standoff. The girl glanced sideways at Shiro, realizing he'd frozen completely—just as she had at the doorway. But where her panic had been visible and human, his was the utter, vacant stillness of a system shutdown.
Seeing that her new, strangely capable companion was now utterly useless, the girl stepped forward, taking charge.
Girl: We apologize, Professor. We got lost finding the classroom.
The professor's gaze softened slightly, but the authority in her voice remained.
Professor: See that it doesn't happen again. I am Professor Sylenne Kareth. And you are?
Girl: Thank you, Professor. I'm Arien Solvine, from Lunareth.
A polite smatter of applause from the class welcomed her. Arien, now flushed with a mix of embarrassment and relief, subtly nudged Shiro forward.
Shiro: ...Shiro Asahina.
A heavy, recognition-filled silence fell this time. Professor Kareth's eyes narrowed, her previous mild annoyance replaced by keen interest. A murmur rippled through the room like a sudden gust of wind.
Student 1: (Whispering to his deskmate) That's the guy who fought Lucien Valehart?
Student 2: He looks like he'd faint if you sneezed on him. This is the guy who landed a hit on a Valehart?
Student 3: Wait, didn't he have long hair? Really long, white hair?
From a cluster of desks near the window, a different kind of whisper erupted, sharp and giggly.
Girl 1: Oh my gods, that's him? The one from the rumors? He's actually... really cute.
Girl 2: Shhh! He'll hear you! But... you're right. Those eyes are so blue. And that white hair is so pretty.
Girl 3: He looks like a porcelain doll. A really deadly, apparently-talented doll.
Professor Kareth leaned forward slightly, her gray eyes scanning him from head to toe, cutting through the teenage whispers.
Professor Kareth: The one who fought Lucien Valehart?
Shiro: Yes?
Professor Kareth: You've cut your hair. A faint, almost imperceptible smirk touched her lips. Though you still look like a girl.
Shiro: ...........
Meanwhile, Arien's thoughts raced, her face a canvas of dawning horror and confusion.
Arien's Thoughts: HE WAS A BOY ALL ALONG?! Why didn't he tell me? why? Why? *she didn't ask him* We walked together for thirty minutes! I poured my heart out about being nervous! And he just... didn't mention it! What kind of person does that?!
The shrill ring of the bell saved them both from further agony, the class ending before Arien could fully process her social catastrophe.
---
At the same time, in a nearby corridor...
Professor Kareth leaned against a cool stone wall, speaking quietly to a familiar figure in a sharp academy coat.
Professor Kareth: He's here. Just as you said he would be. He came to the SR class, Professor Veylor.
Professor Veylor: Good. Keep him close. I want to know everything about that boy.