Between the lines

Chapter 5

Harabi glanced around the expansive main hall, her heart pounding as the press of bodies and the cacophony of voices closed in around her. The sheer number of students was overwhelming, and the air felt heavy with unspoken tensions. She caught fragments of whispers that pierced through the noise, each word driving an icy spike of dread into her chest.

"Did you hear about Harabi's sister?" one student murmured.

"Yeah, so tragic…" another replied, their voice trailing off.

“Look, there’s Rumiya too,” a third voice chimed in, drawing attention to Harabi’s friend.

"Harabi and Rumiya… Do they want the same story to repeat? Just like what happened with Harabi’s sister?" someone added, their tone a mix of curiosity and apprehension.

Harabi clenched her fists, the words twisting like knives in her heart. No matter how much she tried to ignore them, the rumors resurfaced, relentless and cruel. The tragic tale of the Kurosaki family's eldest daughter, who had died shortly before turning eighteen, was still the academy’s most infamous story.

“The eldest daughter of the Kurosaki family, right?” someone whispered just loud enough for her to hear.

“Yeah, poor thing. And now…”

Harabi couldn’t bear to hear more. She lowered her gaze, letting her bangs shield her expression as she turned to her friends.

“This place… it’s too loud,” she murmured, her voice trembling just enough for Miki to catch her unease.

Eiles, standing nearby, had also overheard the murmurs but didn’t fully grasp the weight of the tragedy behind them. The discomfort etched across Harabi’s face—and mirrored faintly in Rumiya’s—was something she couldn’t yet comprehend. Frustrated by the crowd’s whispers, Eiles opened her mouth to speak, but Harabi stopped her.

“Eiles,” Harabi said softly, “I’ve never been in a place this crowded before. I think I need some fresh air.”

Eiles immediately stepped forward. “I’ll come with you—”

“No,” Harabi interrupted, shaking her head. “I’ll be fine. I just need… a moment.”

Miki, sharp as ever, exchanged a glance with Eiles. Understanding Harabi’s need for space, she nodded.

“Alright,” Eiles conceded, though her concern lingered.

As Harabi moved toward the exit, she cast a glance over her shoulder. Her eyes met Rumiya’s, and for a fleeting moment, something unspoken passed between them. Rumiya’s brow furrowed, her lips parting as if to speak, but she said nothing.

Eiles turned to Miki, whispering under her breath. “What’s going on with her?”

Miki sighed. “Imagine if people kept talking about your sibling’s death right behind your back. She just needs some time.”

Rumiya, still watching the door Harabi had disappeared through, nodded solemnly. “She’ll be alright. She just needs space.”

The vibrant chatter of the hall faded into the background as Harabi stepped outside. The bright noon sun greeted her, its warmth a sharp contrast to the suffocating atmosphere she had just escaped. She drew in deep breaths, each one steadier than the last, and made her way to the small park near the dormitories.

The park had always been a place of solace, its quiet paths and solitary benches a welcome retreat from the noise of the world. Harabi found an empty bench under the shade of an ancient oak tree and sat down, her hands trembling slightly as she clenched and unclenched them. She closed her eyes, letting the rustling leaves and distant bird calls soothe her racing thoughts.

But her peace was short-lived. A sudden warmth near her ear startled her. She opened her eyes to see Adena standing a short distance away, a small flame flickering in her hand.

Harabi stiffened. Adena was known for her fiery temper and formidable magic, and their interactions had always been tense.

“All alone, Harabi Kurosaki?” Adena said with a smirk. “You should be more careful, especially this year. You wouldn’t want the same story to repeat, would you?”

Harabi’s breath hitched. Memories of her sister, inseparable from Rumiya’s sister, flooded her mind. Both girls had been the closest of friends until their lives were tragically cut short.

“What do you mean by that?” Harabi asked, her voice steady despite the turmoil within her.

Adena extinguished the flame with a flick of her wrist. “You know what I mean. People are talking, Harabi. They remember. Rumors can be dangerous, especially when they involve people like you and Rumiya. Friends can become enemies.”

Harabi stood, her posture stiff but defiant. “You’re the only one here acting like an enemy.”

Adena laughed, a cold, mirthless sound. “Oh, I’m not your enemy. But you’d do well to watch your back.” With that, she turned and strode away, leaving Harabi alone once more.

The shadows seemed to deepen around her, the park losing its usual charm. Shaking her head, Harabi made her way back to the dormitory, her thoughts swirling.

Harabi walked back to the dormitory, her thoughts a whirlwind of emotions after the encounter with Adena. The quieter halls were a welcome change from the bustling main hall, and she sighed in relief as she reached her room. Opening the door, she was greeted by the sight of her belongings neatly arranged by the bed. Her suitcases, delivered while she had been out, provided a comforting sense of normalcy amidst the chaos of the day.

A soft laugh escaped her lips as she imagined what the maid, Laura, would say if she saw the state of her luggage upon arrival.

"If Laura [ maid] saw this, she’d be furious," she muttered to herself, shaking her head with a small smile.

Harabi began unpacking, letting the rhythmic task calm her racing thoughts. She carefully hung her clothes in the closet, using her magic to levitate each piece into place. Her books floated gently onto the shelves, their familiar spines a soothing sight. As she worked, her mind drifted back to the whispers, the pointed stares, and Adena’s ominous warning. The ache in her chest grew heavier, but she pushed it aside, focusing on the task at hand.

Among her belongings, she found a small photo frame wrapped in soft cloth. Unfolding it, she smiled wistfully at the image of her family, a snapshot of happier times. Her sister’s bright eyes stared back at her, and for a moment, Harabi felt a pang of longing. She placed the frame on her desk, letting it anchor her amidst the storm of memories.

Just as she finished organizing her space, a knock sounded at the door. Startled, Harabi turned to find Tatsuki standing in the doorway. Her friend's expression was a mix of concern and determination.

"Tatsuki," Harabi greeted, trying to inject cheer into her voice. "I’ve been waiting for you! Guess who I just met?"

She forced a smile, hoping to mask the weight of the day. Tatsuki, perceptive as ever, tilted her head and stepped inside.

"Harabi," she began, her tone gentle but firm. "I saw Rumiya a moment ago. I also heard the rumors. They're spreading again, aren't they?"

Harabi faltered, her carefully constructed facade cracking under Tatsuki’s gaze. But instead of admitting to her unease, she plastered on another smile.

"Nothing to worry about," she replied lightly. "You know me—I’m tougher than I look."

Tatsuki’s eyes softened, but her voice remained steady. "Harabi, you don’t have to pretend with me. I can hear your thoughts, remember? My magic makes it impossible for you to hide anything."

A rueful laugh escaped Harabi’s lips. "Of course. I should’ve known better than to try and keep something from you."

Tatsuki nodded, her expression shifting to one of quiet empathy. "It’s been a tough day, hasn’t it?"

Harabi hesitated, then sighed. "I knew what I was walking into when I decided to come here. I just… didn’t expect it to be this overwhelming. I’ll get used to it. I just need more time."

Tatsuki crossed her arms, leaning against the doorframe. "People can be cruel, Harabi. And sometimes, when the world feels too heavy, all you want to do is—"

"Hit them," Harabi interrupted, a smirk tugging at her lips.

Tatsuki blinked, momentarily stunned. "Hit them? That’s not what I meant! Wait, do you really—"

Harabi burst into laughter, the sound breaking through the tension in the room. "No, of course not! That’s just the first thing that came to mind."

Tatsuki rolled her eyes, though her lips twitched in amusement. "You’re impossible sometimes. But I heard you met Adena."

Harabi’s smile faded slightly, her shoulders tensing. "She’s… a jerk."

"Harabi!" Tatsuki chided, though there was no real reprimand in her tone. "She might come across that way, but deep down, I think she’s a good person. She just has her own way of dealing with people—a way that clearly doesn’t work. She probably said something that’s stuck in your head, didn’t she?"

Harabi nodded reluctantly. "She warned me to be careful this year, especially with Rumiya. She made it sound like friends could easily become enemies."

Tatsuki frowned, her brows knitting together. "Adena’s powerful. Sometimes, I can’t even hear her thoughts—she’s that good at controlling herself. She’s the queen’s daughter, after all. But even with all her insight, she doesn’t know everything."

Harabi looked down, her voice quiet. "She mentioned my sister."

Tatsuki straightened, her expression softening. "Harabi, let’s not dwell on that right now. Come with me—I have something to show you."

Harabi blinked, caught off guard by the sudden shift in topic. "What is it?"

Tatsuki smiled, her usual confidence returning. "First, a proper tour of the academy. And then, a surprise. You’ll like it, I promise."

As Tatsuki led her out of the room, Harabi couldn’t help but feel a glimmer of hope amidst the lingering shadows.

As they sat there, a sense of resolve settled over Harabi. With Tatsuki's ability to read minds and her own telekinetic powers, she knew they had the strength to confront any threats. Their bond, forged through years of friendship and shared loss, would see them through the darkest times.

Tatsuki smiled as she led Harabi through the grand, ivy-covered gates of the academy. "Welcome to our academy, Harabi. It's been here for centuries, and you can feel the history in the air."

They walked down a cobblestone path lined with towering oak trees, their leaves whispering in the gentle breeze. "This place was founded over five hundred years ago," Tatsuki explained. "Back then, it was just a small school for scholars and monks. But look at it now!"

Harabi's eyes widened as they approached the main building, a massive structure of stone and brick, its walls covered in climbing vines. "Wow, it's beautiful and so...ancient," Harabi said, marveling at the intricate carvings and stained glass windows.

Tatsuki nodded. "Yes, it has its own story. Every corner, every room, has seen countless students pass through. Yet, despite its age, the academy continues to thrive. We have hundreds of students enrolling every year."

They entered the main hall, where the high ceilings and grand chandeliers added to the majestic atmosphere. "This is the Great Hall," Tatsuki said, her voice echoing slightly. "It's where we gather for important ceremonies and events."

As they moved through the corridors, Tatsuki pointed out various classrooms and study areas, each bustling with activity. "The curriculum here is rigorous, but the teachers are amazing. They're dedicated to helping each student succeed."

Their next stop was a special room, a gallery of sorts, filled with portraits and photographs. The walls were adorned with images of former graduates, some depicted in traditional robes, others in more modern attire. "This is the Hall of Alumni," Tatsuki explained. "These are the students who came before us. Some of them went on to become great sorcerers and leaders."

Harabi gazed at the portraits, noting the evolution of fashion and style over the centuries. She saw has also noticed some familiar faces. Her family in youth, The Queen and other famous people. "It's inspiring to see so many successful graduates," she said.

Tatsuki nodded. "Each of them left their mark on the world, and their stories remind us of what we can achieve."

They continued their tour, entering the library, an enormous room filled with shelves upon shelves of books. "This is one of my favorite places," Tatsuki said. "Some of these books are as old as the academy itself."

Harabi looked around in awe. "I can see why. There's so much knowledge here."

Their tour continued through the lush gardens, where students were relaxing and studying, to the state-of-the-art laboratories and modern lecture halls. "Despite its ancient roots, the academy keeps up with the times," Tatsuki said proudly. "We have all the latest technology and facilities."

Finally, they arrived at a scenic overlook, where the entire campus stretched out below them. "This place is special, Harabi," Tatsuki said, her voice filled with emotion. "It's not just an academy; it's a community, a home for those who seek knowledge and growth."

Harabi smiled, feeling the weight of history and the vibrancy of the present all around her. "Thank you for showing me around, Tatsuki. I can't wait to be a part of it."

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