The train meeting

Chapter 2

The small windows lining the train's corridors were sealed tightly, muting any sound from the outside world. Harabi Kurosaki walked briskly, her steps echoing softly against the metal floor as she scanned the cabin numbers, searching for 304C. At last, she found it. A small plaque on the door bore the names: Tatsuki Shirakawa & Harabi Kurosaki.

A smile tugged at her lips as she reached for the handle. The door creaked open, and a faint, sweet aroma wafted out to greet her. Cherries. Tatsuki’s favorite perfume lingered in the air like a signature.

“I thought you’d never come in,” Tatsuki’s familiar voice chimed, a trace of amusement in her tone.

“I got lost,” Harabi admitted with a sheepish grin. “It’s been a while, hasn’t it?”

“A month, hardly that long,” Tatsuki replied, though her smile betrayed her own delight. “Still, I’m glad to see you.”

“It felt like the longest month,” Harabi said with a chuckle, stepping inside.

“Well, we’ll be seeing much more of each other now,” Tatsuki assured her, smoothing the hem of her uniform. “Congratulations on your admission, by the way. If you need help, don’t hesitate to ask. I’ve been at the academy longer, and I’m on a higher course than you, so…”

Harabi raised an eyebrow, a playful glint in her eye. “That doesn’t necessarily mean you’re smarter.”

Tatsuki smirked. “Who knows?”

They both laughed, the easy camaraderie of old friends filling the cabin.

“So,” Harabi asked after a moment, “when will we get there?”

“Tomorrow evening, most likely,” Tatsuki replied. “There are still cities to visit, more students to pick up.”

“What’s the next stop?”

“Soleil.”

At the mention of the city, Harabi fell silent. Her expression turned pensive, her gaze distant.

“What is it?” Tatsuki asked, leaning forward. “You went quiet all of a sudden.”

“When you say Soleil,” Harabi murmured, “there’s only one person that comes to mind.”

“Rumiya Sudzukawa,” Tatsuki guessed, her voice dropping slightly.

The city of Soleil sweltered under a relentless sun, its golden rays scorching the bare skin of anyone caught outside. A hot wind swept through the bustling streets, rustling the fabric of umbrellas held tightly by the city’s residents as they sought refuge from the heat. Unlike Nox, Soleil was a city of dry, searing summers and rare, cherished rains. Life here never paused, even under the oppressive sun.

Among the throng of hurried passersby was a girl with striking light blue eyes. She sat on a suitcase at the station, clutching a guitar case in one hand and shading her face with the other. Her lips parted in a heavy sigh.

“So hot,” she whispered, her gaze drifting skyward.

The townspeople, rushing about their errands, cast wary glances at her as they passed, whispering amongst themselves. Everyone in Soleil knew her.

Rumiya Sudzukawa—the youngest daughter of the Sudzukawa family. Her father had died nine years ago, her elder sister was presumed missing, and her mother had fled the city, leaving her behind at the tender age of eight. The elders had seized the opportunity to turn her into a puppet, molding her into the family’s unwilling heir. Yet even as the sole representative of the Sudzukawa name, the people of Soleil could not accept her. To them, she was the cursed daughter of a cursed lineage, a burden on their city.

Rumiya shifted uncomfortably under their gazes, pulling herself further into the shadows. Her fingers tightened around the guitar case as she murmured, “I wish the train would come already…”

Finally, a distant whistle signaled its arrival. The gleaming train pulled into the station with a rush of air. Rumiya stood, adjusting the strap of her guitar case before approaching a tall, sharp-eyed figure waiting by the platform—the president of the student council.

“Sudzukawa?” she asked, her voice crisp.

“Yes,” she answered softly, bowing her head.

“I heard thirteen students from Soleil were admitted to the academy,” Adena began, her tone laced with disapproval. “The limit is ten. How did this happen?”

“Thirteen?” Rumiya echoed, her brow furrowing in confusion.

The president crossed her arms. “The academy confirmed their admission, but only because of their recommendations. All of them were endorsed by the elders, except for you. You’re the only one admitted with a recommendation from the Sudzukawa family.”

Her heart sank at his words. She bit her lower lip, struggling to suppress the knot of anxiety rising within her.

“Does this mean you had no knowledge of these students?” Adena pressed.

“I didn’t,” she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. “The elders… they don’t consult me about these matters.”

Redheart studied her for a moment, she chukled. “I see. The elders have taken control over you.”

Rumiya’s silence was her only response.

“Regardless,” The president said, stepping aside, “board the train. Your cabin is 407B.”

With a slight nod, she clutched her belongings and stepped forward, disappearing into the train’s cool interior.

....

Rumiya entered the train, glancing nervously at her surroundings. She tightened her grip on the guitar case slung over her shoulder, her other hand clutching her hood as she pulled it further over her head. While her luggage had been taken by staff, she refused to let anyone touch the guitar case—it was far too precious to her.

Walking down the narrow corridor, she paused at the cabin door, marked with the number she had been given. After a deep breath, she knocked three times. The door swung open almost immediately, revealing a striking young woman with vivid red hair cascading down her back. Her deep crimson eyes seemed to flicker like flames as they locked onto Rumiya’s pale blue ones.

“Who are you?” the girl asked sharply, her voice sharp and commanding. “I don’t recall calling for a servant.”

Rumiya took a step back, startled. “Wait, I’m not—”

“Ah,” the girl interrupted with a smirk, her tone softening slightly. “You must be my cabin mate.”

“Yes... that’s right,” Rumiya replied hesitantly, her voice barely audible.

The girl’s expression shifted as she offered a small bow. “Florence Eiles, from Teikos. You can call me Eiles. Welcome to our cabin.”

Eiles stepped aside, allowing Rumiya to enter. The cabin was modest but cozy, with two small beds placed opposite each other and matching bedside tables between them.

“My bed is on the left, yours is on the right,” Eiles said nonchalantly. “So, what’s your name again?”

“Rumiya... Rumiya Sudzukawa,” she replied.

“Sudzukawa?” Eiles repeated, her eyebrows raising slightly. “That name sounds familiar... Have we met before?”

“I don’t think so.”

“Hmm... Sudzukawa... Aren’t you from Soleil?”

“Yes, Soleil is my hometown.”

Eiles’ eyes lit up as recognition dawned on her. “Oh, now I remember. The Sudzukawa family! You’re that mysterious daughter everyone talks about. Some people even say you’re cursed—”

Rumiya flinched but quickly masked her discomfort. “Oh, I see...”

Eiles’ cheeks flushed with embarrassment as she hurriedly backtracked. “Oh no, I didn’t mean to say that! I have a bad habit of saying things without thinking. Sorry!”

“It’s fine,” Rumiya said softly, forcing a small smile. “I’m used to it.”

Eager to change the subject, Eiles leaned closer, studying Rumiya’s face intently. “You know, I’ve heard good things too. Like how the Sudzukawa's daughter is known for her beautiful sapphire eyes. People say they look like precious jewels sparkling in the sunlight.”

Rumiya chuckled nervously, shifting uncomfortably under Eiles’ gaze. “My eyes are a little lighter than that,” she explained, stepping closer to the light streaming through the small window. Her pale blue eyes shimmered faintly, catching the sunlight, though they lacked the deep intensity. “You must be thinking of my older sister.”

“Your older sister?”

“Mire Sudzukawa,” Rumiya said quietly.

Eiles’ jaw dropped in shock. “Wait a second... Mire Sudzukawa? Isn’t she the one who killed Kurosaki Meruka? And then disappeared mysteriously? Oh my gosh, and you’re her younger sister?”

Rumiya stiffened, taking a step back, her breath catching in her throat. For a moment, her face betrayed her emotions, but she quickly forced herself to smile. “Yes, that’s me.”

“Oh no, I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to bring that up!” Eiles exclaimed, groaning in frustration. “Why can’t I just keep my mouth shut?”

“It’s alright,” Rumiya replied with a small laugh. “You’re just... honest. I appreciate that.”

Eiles glanced at the guitar case lying on Rumiya’s bed. “Is that a guitar?”

“Yes. Why?”

“You play, don’t you?”

“Yes, it’s my hobby.”

Eiles grinned. “Play something for me! Something to lighten the mood.”

Rumiya raised an eyebrow, amused. “You really say whatever comes to your mind, don’t you?”

“I guess so. Is that a good thing?”

“Maybe,” Rumiya replied, opening her guitar case. She sat down and adjusted the instrument. “Any requests?”

“Play your favorite song,” Eiles suggested, leaning forward eagerly.

Rumiya nodded, her fingers moving deftly over the strings as a soft, melancholic melody filled the cabin. Her voice followed, light and filled with emotion:

“Why do we have to say goodbye,

When my destiny is to make you mine?

I have lost the day we met,

In my memory, and it’s hard

To say that I have to go...”

When she finished, Eiles clapped softly, her face alight with admiration. “That was beautiful. Did you write it yourself?”

“No,” Rumiya said, shaking her head. “My mother wrote it. She had a beautiful voice.”

“Had?” Eiles asked hesitantly. “Oh no... Did she—”

“No, no,” Rumiya interrupted quickly. “She just... left the city when I was about eight.”

Eiles let out a sigh of relief. “I see. So, who takes care of Soleil now?”

“The elders... and me,” Rumiya replied softly.

Eiles opened her mouth to ask another question, but Rumiya raised a hand to stop her. “I’m sorry, Eiles. I’m really tired. Do you mind if I take a nap?”

“Of course,” Eiles said, stepping back with an apologetic smile. “No more questions. Rest well.” Before leaving the cabin, she gently patted Rumiya’s head. “It’s nice to meet you.”

“You too,” Rumiya murmured, her eyes fluttering shut.

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