A golden cage

is still

jus a cage

- By Anita Krizzan

Chapter 1:

The cage

Tap.

Tap.

Tap.

Tap.

"Michi, stop doing that."

The scenery is dull, just like the cloud filled gloomy sky that doesn't seem to be in the mood to let sunlight through. Even though I have never been someone who is a big fan of staying under it for too long, I certainly miss the familiar yellow glow. It would probably even light up my mood somehow to an extent that what would soon happen wouldn't press my mind down so much anymore. The cool glass of the window is already making my forehead feel numb, but I just watch with tired eyes at everything that passes by…

So far and sadly there is nothing, but trees around. Even the village we passed earlier had been much nicer. I resume back to tapping the surface of the door at a leisure pace.

Tap.

Tap.

Tap.

Craning my neck, I close my eyes when I notice how stiff it has become causing an uncomfortable pressure around the area. The only thing that somewhat makes me feel better even in all this gloominess and uncomfortable muscle positions is how my mother's eyebrows are visible from the front mirror – they're furrowed.

She's going to snap...now.

"For the love of God, Michi! Stop doing that!" Murky brown eyes mixed with an even darker brown look at me from the mirror with clear annoyance and exasperation.

I simply shrug, lowering my hand and gaze, feeling a little guilty for making her upset. We are both tired after hours of driving, after all. But it's me who has gotten to sleep while she has had to concentrate. We also woke up pretty early for this drive so we wouldn't be late and of course, both of us are on the edge.

Especially me. I wouldn't have minded – not one bit – if we are going to be late. What good luck I would have if that will be the case.

However, remembering the morning only makes me look down at the one thing that has resulted from all its hassles. Did she truly have to style me up like this? I frown and grab a hold on the short pink skirt that I have been adorned into. To put more annoyance, my eyes trail to the long black – I don't hate them, but rather have been uncomfortable in them during this whole ride. Dad could have said something to help me, too.

Luckily, the shirt I have been given is not so bad, because it is loose from all around and has long black sleeves that end just to my wrists. I am not even bothered by the small pink flower patterns on it, honestly. The shoes are also nice; dark sneakers and brand new for this 'occasion'.

My mood goes back down, again. We would arrive soon anyway.

Seeing that I am not going to say anything, mother glances at me from the mirror again. The frown, however, doesn't leave from her forehead that easily. "Look, we talked about this already. It's just one year and then we'll move into our new house and you can then go to a different school."

I bite the inside of my cheek, now feeling myself growing annoyed. "Yeah, yeah… but I don't like it… I will have to sleep there, too."

"It was the only school where you could spend the nights in and without us having to worry over a high price and the headmaster, seems like an honest and nice man," she says and a small smile flickers on her lips, finally.

But I wrinkle my nose, not finding her reasons reassuring enough. It isn't that I don't trust her word about the headmaster, but rather that I have to spend nights away from her and father. Does she not understand that her daughter has never spent a night outside the house without one of them? It seems rather obvious why I was and am reluctant to follow with their plans.

"How can you even trust anyone after a few calls?" I mutter under my breath, finding the whole idea ridiculous.

"I have lived much longer than you and your father is the same. Besides, you could have met him, if you had come with us when he was in the town for a meeting," she says in the most hinting tone ever used and I cringe. After I don't answer again, she sighs softly. "I know this is hard for you, Michi. Even I don't like this idea of letting you stay in an unfamiliar environment for a year. For a few months, maybe, but not for twelve."

I sigh, much like her, remembering once again the reason for such a long-time separation. My mother has a job as a gardener – more like a designer and such – and recently she and her other co-workers have gotten this really big project to design with architects a new park in the middle of an old city's center. But because she is going to be part of this project, she has been given a job offer in another city. If things go well, she will get that place. So, once her work is done, we would move into a new house to a new place and that would be it. Though, it is obvious that a project like designing a whole large park newly is not an easy task.

As for my father, he is an owner of an antique shop so this move would trouble his business in some ways… But, of course, because he loves my mother and is happy for her, he is willing to find a new place for the shop, before the move and work even harder to gather enough money for it. That has made my mother a very happy woman, of course, but then there is me. The extra luggage.

I could've taken care of myself just fine! The shops are only a half-hour away and the buss money could've taken me to school for months! I cross my hands in a sudden urge to rip my hair off. I understand that my parents are worried to leave me on my own for days because of their busy schedules from now on, but they don't have to rely on extreme actions. Sending your own child into a private school to an unfamiliar area sounds pretty unbelievable for me at least. Though, there would be no backing away from it, since we are already near the destination anyway.

I clench my hands, taking in a deep breath. It has become a rather too familiar thing, for my heart to beat faster nowadays when I think of the academy my parents have found for me. At first, I was shocked, but my shock had started to change into slight fear and nervousness that sends butterflies into my stomach to fly around wildly. Getting to know a new is one of the situations I don't like at all. It had been bad enough when I started high school, and everything was too new for me. Though I have been lucky to make a few new friends, now that the second semester has started, I have to start things all over again.

My head meets with the window again, with a displeased frown on my features. This is not fair at all. And that is all I can even think of anymore during the lasting silence in the car. Maybe, if I take another nap, I would wake up to find everything to be a dream… Yeah, right.

Still, though, I close my eyes and start praying, really hard.

Of course, that peace doesn't last for such a long time, because of the car jerks sharply and starts turning. Swallowing hard, I straighten myself and meekly look over the seat to widen my eyes in mild surprise.

My mother must be looking at my reaction from the mirror because she lets out a laugh.

"That's the place you'll be staying at. Beautiful, isn't it?"

We have turned away from the smooth road, the woods surrounding us have grown in a second. However, what is waiting at the front is something quite different – grey and tall stone gates with what appears to be a staircase leading up a hill and to a giant building. Its high towers reach towards the equally grey sky, but it makes the entire building appear mighty rather than gloomy. Like in a fairytale. Being used to high skyscrapers and modern architecture, the entire building appears as if it has been transported from the eighteenth century.

A thought that we aren't in Japan anymore pops into my head. It's rather impossible, though, but the next thing I know I am starting to doubt that this is the right place. When imaging a boarding school, I think of a square-like building with smooth grey walls and students dressed in greyish dresses and trousers. No, this can't really be it.

"Now Michi, what do you think?" The question snaps me out of the trance, and I whirl my head towards amused looking eyes.

"Just wait a second. You're saying this is where I'll be staying at? Are you sure this is the right address?" My tone must be reflecting my scattered mind because mother's lips widen to the sides to the point that the smile is that of a Cheshire cat's.

"I'm sure. Kaien-san sent pictures a few weeks ago so I couldn't be mistaken," she says and then starts lowering the speed. "Oh, my. Speaking of the devil, I think that's him over there."

The statement makes the butterflies return and my eyes nervously slide to the front for the second time. Indeed, there's a figure standing in front of the huge gates and when the car is ready to stop, they give it a friendly wave.

The headmaster came to greet us? My fingers dig into the flesh of my arm sharply through the fabric. However, I still have enough curiosity left in me, despite how chained I start to feel. Mother works faster than me, though, and is out of the car in a second. Through the window, she gives me a look, which suggests that it would be best for me to crawl out as well.

She really is going to leave me here, is what I whine silently in my head, but end up opening the door and feeling the chilly wind blowing in. Despite wearing sleeves, I shiver and step out, finding myself suddenly sticking out like a sore thumb from the rest of the environment.

"Welcome to Cross Academy, Miu-chan!" The cheerful voice is startling, but full of warm welcoming and the smiling face of the mother appears in the corner of my eye.

In my last school, our headmaster had been a very wrinkly looking old man with a bald head while white strands of hair would be combed back against it. He would always appear very strict and unpleasant sight to look at, so I had expected this headmaster not to be too much different, but to my surprise, I am met with the complete opposite. His hair is a light color, between a very light blond and ash that is put into a low ponytail and it goes a little past his shoulder. While the light on the thin looking glasses blocks me from seeing his eyes, I keep scanning his attire, which doesn't consider a clean suit that I am used to seeing. But rather a green scarf that is wrapped around his neck and a long light coat that goes way past his knees. Under it, a pair of grey pants and the only professional thing in the entire man are two dark shoes.

Unconsciously, my eyebrows rise nearly to my hairline. I had thought that I stand out of place, but he and the majestic building are not you should be putting together in appearance.

As if sensing or perhaps also hearing my inner voice, the man turns himself from my mother to face me instead. I stiffen but am able to see in this angle a pair of light-colored ash eyes. They are almost the same as his hair. And when they meet mine, a soft smile on his lips widens.

All right, just take deep breaths in and out. Don't look at mother or she'll give you the eye. When I repeat these words in my head, my legs are already making me walk closer to a strangely relaxed-looking man who keeps on smiling warmly. Now that I am even closer, I notice that his skin is rather pale, almost sickly.

"You must be Michi-chan! It's very nice to meet you!" The overly cheerful voice that comes out of his mouth makes me halt just a few meters away from him in surprise, however, it is also the fact that he addresses me with such familiarity that gives me the chills. "Miu-chan! I must say, if we weren't acquaintances, I would've mistaken you two as sisters!"

"Oh, Kaien-san, you flatter me!" Mother laughs with a hint of red hue on her cheeks.

My face twists like I am watching some cheesy and awkward exchange of two people from a movie. I can't even tell if Kaien is being serious or just trying to play nice, but it's shocking how overly friendly the way he addresses me and mostly my mother is. Not that the latter seems to mind at all.

Feeling a bit uneasy from watching the two chatter like long-term friends, I reluctantly walk to the car's trunk and take out my suitcase. It's heavy, just like my heart and I struggle placing it down to the ground. Truly, instead of being nervous, I am experiencing fear.

"...I should really be going now. I'll have to drive for some time to get back home," Miu's words reach my ears and I look at her with a frown, before directing my gaze to the towering building.

A painful squeeze tortures the insides of my chest. I will be here from now on, for a year without my family and home. Dread is filling me from inside out at a fast pace, but I don't want to show it so I clenched my fists tightly, knuckles turning as white as possible. However, my walls start to crack, when mother turns to look at me, her eyes soft.

Giving one final nod to Kaien, she walks over to me and wraps her arms around me without another word. Her embrace is tight, and my arms wrap around her in return. Whether or not she knows it, the smell of the perfume she decided to put on this morning is comforting. It's the kind that she usually wears and what I am used to smelling whenever we are close, so one of my other fears is that I will forget this scent from our time apart.

"Remember to study hard. Don't get into trouble, stay healthy and we'll see each other s-soon," she says and draws back with a small smile, but the cracking in her voice tells that she's close to tears.

This isn't easy for either of us.

The brown eyes start to shimmer with tears, but the smile only wavers a little from the trembling lower lip, before it returns to its former glory. I can't take it any longer, though, so my arms wrap around her naturally for the second time, my cheek being tickled by her short brown hair. The scent of perfume surrounds me again when her arms return the hug more tightly. She strokes my back gently, leaving a trail of her warmth on the fabric that seeps through all the way to my skin. It is warm and welcoming and something I wouldn't experience for a while.

With my eyes feeling hot from tears, I close them and swallow the lump in my throat carefully, hoping that she wouldn't notice my state. I know that her job is important, and it should be a happy occasion, but I just can't be happy for her.

"Do not make your mother sad. She deserves better," the face and voice that father made when he said that flashes behind my eyelids and inside my ears. He hadn't been angry, but not pleased either.

Holding back another set of tears I force a small smile and draw back from mother while meeting her eyes with mine. I am not angry, is what I reassure myself. I have not been angry at her for weeks and I want to keep it that way. I don't want to send her away with a bad parting and with her daughter's words weighing her mind. Otherwise, she might not get back home without driving over the speed limit or taking a wrong turn.

"See you later then," I say, almost hearing the strain on my voice and curse mentally for letting it slip.

But she is obvious to this, smiles with teary eyes, placing a final kiss on my cheek. "I'll work extra hard."

"Don't go overboard," I chuckle and smile truly this time and she returns it, but then she looks something behind my shoulder and lets out a laugh, breaking the tender moment.

Curious of what she finds so amusing, I look over my shoulder and raise an eyebrow from the sight. You've got to be kidding me.

Kaien's shoulders are shaking as he stays turned away from the two of us. A white tissue, which he has pulled out is wiping overflowing tears that stream down his face. The scene is dubious, so unprofessional and embarrassing that I frown deeply. How can mother laugh at him? As I think of that, he sneezes, almost creating a breeze from the force. All right, that is pretty comical.

"Kaien-san," Miu lets me go and steps forward, looking very serious this time.

Kaien stops crying and lowers the tissue, blinking owlishly at her. "Yes?"

She doesn't hesitate to bow ninety degrees, which I have never seen her do before. "Please, take good care of Michi."

You can't be serious.

Everything looks either big, beautiful, old or majestic, leaving me feeling out of place completely. I can't believe that my parents have been able to afford to send me into this school and leaves me wondering what kinds of methods have been used to ensure this. The inside looks like something only meant for elite or politicians' kids so how come it is the right place to place a normal high school student in?

The headmaster just keeps on smiling like he hasn't noticed my shock and talks about something that I am too entranced to listen to.

The school does look quite foreign from the outside, but the inside is even more breathtaking. If the only mother stayed to see this, she would've definitely had a heart attack. Though she mentioned seeing pictures of the place from Kaien, so maybe she already knows what it is like. I just wish she would've shown me them, then I could've been saved from being shell shocked right now. I would need to complain to her about it when I would call this evening.

"Now, here is your new schedule," the man with the glasses suddenly stops and a paper is held in front of my face. Kaien smiles widely. "It's a good thing that I took this with me."

"Y-yeah..." I nod my head and then reach out for the paper. Obviously, it's lighter than my luggage that I have had to drag around and up the stairs, but when I see the different classes and look around at the millions of doors in one building I start sweating. Just how can I find these without getting lost?

"By the way, you're in the same class as my dear daughter, Yuki," the man speaks up with a delighted expression on his face.

I nearly tilt my head in confusion, though. "I see?"

"She has volunteered to show you around and help with your classes. She's also a prefect of this school together with my son, Zero, so he'll also be helping you out if needed," he nods, as if confirming these statements. "It will be wonderful, if new friendships will start blooming in my beloved academy, too."

It's official: he's a weirdo. The fact makes me feel worried about what kind of people live on the campus, but I shake those thoughts away and then continue following like a duckling behind the headmaster. We stop in front of another door which he opens easily, and I stop breathing for a second.

The yard that opens before us is quite large, but I shouldn't have expected anything less from what I have already seen. Trees surround a stone path that continues twisting around small areas that are reserved for another patch of grass or flowerbeds. A simple fountain is spitting out clear water that reminds me of the sound of a shower as the drops continue hitting the surface harshly. Other than that, there is no other sound around the area beside the chirping of birds and wind ruffling the leaves. It is like other people aren't even existing around the grounds and it gives the whole place a more peaceful aura. It is not something you could've thought as a place for a school.

Then, I see something that catches my eye. The path we are walking splits to two, to the left and right, and when I look at where they both lead, they end to a wall with single wooden doors in the middle. So, when I naturally don't know where to go, I just follow Kaien quietly, but I keep glancing towards the other path.

"That's where the Night Class students come from," he says as if knowing what is moving inside my head. I whirl my head towards the back of the glass-eyed man, who hasn't turned to look at me.

"Night Class?" I repeat out loud, confused.

He nods, starting to sound quite happy while talking. "They are students that live in a different dormitory, the Moon Dormitory, and go to school at night. This path, however, leads to the Day Class dormitory, the Sun Dormitory."

"So, there are truly people who like to study at night, huh," I say out loud, looking back ahead, not really knowing what else to think or say.

Kaien chuckles from the baffling statement. "You could say that, but I want you to understand a rule we have here considering them and the Day class..."

He suddenly stops walking and turns to look at me with an unexpectedly serious face. I stop walking immediately after seeing it. With the large door behind him, Kaien appears as an authority figure and with a smile gone from his face, it's a little intimidating.

"No matter what, nobody in the Day Class is allowed to go to the Moon Dormitory nor do the Night Class have the privilege to do the same to the Sun Dormitory. And I would also like you to know that we take the curfews here in the Cross Academy very seriously. So, if any student sneaks to the school during the night from the Day Class, the prefects will catch them and there will be severe punishments later. And, of course, there is the same rule to the Night Class during the day. Do you understand?"

"...Y-yes," I almost choke on my own saliva, but I can't stop it. The way Kaien isn't speaking in a silly, high pitched way is very shocking. It is clearly obvious that you would be punished if you broke rules in school, but he makes it sound like something more serious than that – a death punishment. His whole face is telling that this isn't a joke, but it brings out a curious side in me. "Um, don't the Night and Day Class get along very well, then? Is that why there are these strict rules?"

The light, yet dark, eyes blink at me a few times, but then my own orbs grow wide again when Kaien doubles over from laughter. He is clutching his stomach like I had just said the funniest thing in the world and falls down to the ground to his knees. Tears start to spill from his eyes and the way his voice echoes around the area causes the birds on nearby trees to fly away in fright, but I just stand there looking like an idiot.

My cheeks flame up a little, but I bite my inner cheek trying to remain calm. I am angry because he seems like he is mocking me, but I am also wondering why he is doing so in the first place. There is nothing wrong with my question and his reaction to it is slightly offending and exasperated. I mean, there doesn't seem to be any other reason for different kinds of classes being separated like that. So why is he laughing like this!?

The expression I am making must finally show how I feel, because Kaien's laughers start to fade out and he stands up again, wiping away remaining tears. "I'm sorry about that, but it just seemed so absurd for those two classes to hate each other. Especially the Day Class. You'll see soon enough what I mean, but as for the rules, they're only for safety reasons. I couldn't bear it if someone in my school gets hurt," he explains calmly, showing that soft smile of his again. "I think we have been standing idly by long enough!"

Maybe he hopes that his explanation makes everything clearer for me. Sadly, it doesn't.

I throw my shoes immediately off and don't watch them fall to the floor for I already am laying down on a surprisingly big bed. Despite being in such a relaxed position, my expression is trouble and I frown up at the ceiling. Is this really a school and not a hotel?

The scent of wood with a hint of lavender hits my nostrils and I let out a long sigh. I am surprisingly tired but haven't even realized wanting to rest until I arrived at this new room. And to my shock and surprise once again, I like how it looks. It has a simple color theme of white and a hint of maroon, but there are drawers, a desk, closet and a bed for two people. My roommate, though, isn't at the moment like Kaien had told me, so I have helped myself by just lazing around.

Although, I am rather relieved nobody is around yet. I am always so awkward around new people, especially in this new place.

As if the uniform that is laid out next to me knows my thoughts, it draws my eyes to look at its colors once more. First, there is a simple, white button shirt that would need to be worn under a black jacket with white lines around the collar and on the sides. The dark color is also decorating the short skirt that would probably reach only to my middle thighs and it sends an uncomfortable sensation down my gut. My last uniform had a much longer skirt from obvious reasons, but different school different customs it is then. Even the silver necklace that I have been given with the school's symbol on it is a new thing for me. Luckily though, I also need to wear a pair of black socks that would reach almost to the hem of the skirt.

My fingers play with the red string that serves as a final touch to the uniform. It would need to be put into a ribbon when I would go tomorrow to the classes. Frankly, I quite like the colors the uniform. The new school bag isn't so much different from my old one and it makes me also feel a little happier.

That's right, I stand up and pull my phone out. I still need to call to mother, before she goes to bed. It's almost ten at night anyway. The grey filled sky has changed colors to black, but the clouds certainly have cleared out nicely so that the stars could be seen with the bright full moon on the sky. Though, the outside would become dark again, when a single, lonely cloud would be moved by the wind to cover the moon.

The beeping sound of the phone is the only thing heard in the room after I press the calling button. It keeps on doing it for a while close to my ear, so I decide to sit down again and look at the wall absentmindedly. Honestly, I am looking so forward to hearing mother's voice that my heart just won't stop beating harshly against my ribcage. It feels like days had passed since I even heard a single word from her mouth, but in honesty, it has been only hours.

At last, she picks up and I lean forward after hearing this. "Hello? Mother?"

"Michi! How are you?" Her voice is immediately filled with cheerfulness, warmth, and concern all at once and it makes me smile a bit.

"I'm fine… The room is really nice and the same can be said about the dorm. The headmaster showed me around a bit, too."

A sigh on the other end. "That's good to hear, dear. So, what do you think of Kaien-san so far? He does seem a bit peculiar, but he's also very charming, right?"

"Honestly? Rather than peculiar, he's weird," I say bluntly and hear a disapproving sound from the other end. It makes let out a sigh. "I don't really know. It is only the first day."

"Do you dislike him?" She ends up asking and I can clearly imagine her holding the phone with a frown on her face.

Maybe it's expected, but I want to say that I dislike him with passion. No, hate would be a better word in this situation. I have been placed into this academy almost against my will and Kaien dares to welcome me with such a carefree and friendly attitude. Still, it may be his tactic to get me warm up a bit since I am sure that the sour expression on my face during our talks was plainly obvious. Not to mention I declined his offer to help me with the luggage more than once.

I'm supposed to dislike him... I bite on my lower lip and start wondering my final opinion on the man. But honestly, I come up with nothing more than bafflement on his almost child-like behavior. Whether he is or not this place's headmaster, he didn't give me that kind of impression. He didn't do anything bad or insinuate any signs of having a nasty side, but… I have no comment on him.

I decide to change the subject. "So, how is the hotel?"

"Oh, just wonderful! I also like the room I was given here. It's a little different from the one we stayed at, but the problem is that most of my clothes are covered in cat's fur! I don't know how..." as she continues ranting about her outfits, a smile comes over my features again. She sounds so much more like herself than in the car, while I had been annoying her. The guilt from the memory doesn't come as a surprise when it finally creates a lump in my throat. "Are you still there, Michi?"

"Yeah. Just a little tired, that's all," I answer and then start to play with the red ribbon again.

"Do you like your roommate?" Mother asks, clearly curious.

"I haven't met her yet. Kaien-san said that she's probably visiting her friends in other rooms," I explain, not bothering to tell her that even I have no faintest idea the real reason for her absence. Then my eyes go back to the window and I notice that the moon is being covered again by the clouds.

"Well, remember to be nice to others and study."

"I'm not in a middle-school anymore, you know," the deadpan in my voice makes her only chuckle.

"You never know what might be going through that head of yours. I remember the time when your rebellious age started and – "

"All right, all right! Has father called yet?" I ask.

A grunt comes from mother's end of the phone. "Stop trying to change the subject. But yes, he did call an hour ago and he wishes you a good night."

I hum. "Tell him that I said 'hi', when you get home."

"All right. Is there anything else you want to talk about?" Mother asks back and I pause for a moment.

What do I even want to say to her? Tell her to be well? Take care of her health? Drive carefully?

Off all things that I thought about, none of them could actually truly tell how I feel. I may still feel a little bitter from everything, but also a little sad. I have been nervous, amazed, surprised, shocked and confused ever since I stepped inside the walls of the academy and it all has happened in a matter of hours.

I don't want to feel like something continues sticking needles into my chest for the rest of the year, so I need to try and calm down. Though, I am still not sure what to say to mother, after my thoughts pass away. Simple words only came out, as my face flushes a bit. "I love you."

"Aw! I love you too," there is a waver in her voice at the end and I can almost see the tears in her eyes again. "I'm sorry, again, about all of this. You shouldn't be treated this way – "

I lower my eyes, listening and feeling how the guilt in her tone makes me frown. "Don't worry. A year will be over soon, right? So, just concentrate on the work and we'll see each other again. Tell father to do so, too."

"...Thank you, Michi," those are also very simple words, but they make me just smile more.

"Good night, mother."

"Good night. Have sweet dreams."

And just like that, the call ends and everything is quiet again.

I place the phone down and wrap my arms around my knees, feeling very tired all of sudden, again. Not knowing what else to do anymore, I lay back down and look around once more. The room looks all right for me and the scenery is also quite nice to watch it. There would be much nature around and I could also make new friends. After all, it is just a school and not a prison camp. I look down at the uniform again.

Everything will be just fine, as soon as I think of that, the door is suddenly opened and someone steps in. I quickly stand up and somewhat unsurprisingly by the door stands a girl around my age. She blinks puzzledly at me from where she stands, and I do the same to her. Although, I am already figuring out slowly who she might be. There is a brief stunned silence between us, but then it is broken when she let out a gasp.

"Are you my new roommate?" She asks, with a little hint of excitement and happiness in her tone. "Kazutso Michi, right?"

I nod, shoulders relaxing. "Right. And you are..."

"Mizukami Momo. It's nice to meet you!" She smiles brightly from ear to ear and bows, closing the door behind her.

She starts walking towards me and during that time, I take in her appearance. She is clearly smaller than me in both height and build and by that, I meant that she is very skinny from head to toe. Still, her long, dirty blond hair is wavy and frames her flushed cheeks that have a healthy glow in them like her grey eyes that practically shine in the light of the room. She wears a light pink lipstick and if you could lean closer, you would be able to see her mascaraed eyes that are as dark as the black uniform she is wearing.

Simply, she looks to be very cheerful and cute kind of girl from the first impression. The kind of that a boy would see in school and have a crush on immediately after receiving a sweet smile, greeting or a compliment. Even Momo's name sounds very cute, but I am snapped back from observing when she starts speaking again only a foot away from me.

"Honestly, it was getting a little boring around here, when I had nobody to talk to. All my friends have roommates, but I had been left without one from the beginning. But at least now you're here! What do you think of our room? Isn't it cute?" She asks with a sweet smile.

Somehow, with her personality, she reminds me of Kaien a bit. I simply smile again. "Yes, it's very nice."

"Isn't it? Though, I wish it could have a bit more color," she pouts, but then her eyes fall on my suitcase. "Huh? You haven't unpacked yet?"

"No. I was a little tired when I came, and I just talked with my mother on the phone," I explain and her pink pouty lips form an 'O'.

"I see. Well, feel free to look around while I'll go and take a shower. I can't go to school tomorrow with this greasy hair. What would Aidou-kun think about me then?" Her nose wrinkles, but then she shakes her head like getting rid of thoughts she doesn't want.

"Aidou? Is he your boyfriend?" I ask, not really interested, but also not knowing what else to talk about. However, that changes when Momo's face turns awfully red in a second.

"B-b-b-b-boyfriend?! A-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-aidou-kun and me!? N-no! T-t-t-that is n-n-not possible!" She stutters awfully lot and the blush seems to deepen even more, but she has a silly smile playing on her lips. She covers her cheeks in embarrassment and avoids looking into my eyes by staring at the texture of the carpet. "Um, I-I guess you still don't know about him, being new and all, but...A-aidou-kun is from the Night Class."

Realization comes over me when my mind goes back to the talk I had earlier today with Kaien. The memory of his serious expression does make my stomach uncomfortable, but also curious for the second time. "The headmaster did mention them. They're from the Moon Dorm, right? The one that the Day Class is forbidden from going into, right?"

"Y-yes," her smile becomes smaller and her blush also mimics its action. "It's a pity, though."

"Then, how do you know him?" I ask curiously, truly being confused, with the curfew rules being around and all of that.

"Well, when the school ends for the Day Class and the sun is setting, the Night Class members come to the school and that's pretty much the only time we can see them up close." Momo's eyes became distant and she blushes even more, again.

Truth to be told, her reaction is a bit overrated and startling, much like Kaien's had been at the gates. I am not able to hold back a smile, though, when I watch her continuous gushing. She truly seems to like the boy she is talking about and it sounds very sweet. I am never really the type to understand dating, relationships and so on, but it is strangely entertaining and adorable as Momo keeps on talking like a love-struck girl.

"How long have you like him?" I ask again, leaning against my bed, trying to appear comfortable.

"Since I came to this school. I just saw him and..." blush darkens into hundreds of different shades. "I was just so in love with him! I better go into the shower now, though. Just knock, if you need anything."

"All right. Take your time," I wave a bit awkwardly and she disappears to the bathroom in a second. Soon the sound of rushing water is heard, and I let out a small sigh. I truly have been worrying over nothing.

I stretch my limbs and crouch down to my suitcase, wanting to get everything to its place as soon as possible. My fingers touch the lock I have placed on it and soon there is a soft click and it opens. If I remember correctly, I have placed my pajamas on the top with my toothbrush and the clothes come next. Mother had also mentioned that she packed some stuff from a first-aid kit to make sure that I wouldn't need to run around all the way to the nurse's office.

The list in my head continues on, but just as I am about to take the things out, something jumps out from under the pile sending clothes to the floor.

"Ack!" I jump back, horrified, almost falling to my rear, before getting my balance back.

If possible, my heart feels like it has almost burst out of my chest and I quickly grab the nearest object around, which turns out to be my blue T-shirt. Fingers clutching tightly the fabric, I look around the room, trying to find the creature or a thing that has caused the mess in front of me. I am certain that I did not just see things.

Nothing else, but clothes and other necessary objects have been packet personally by me before I left my house. And I am positive that there had been nothing living in it when I closed it and opened it in the hotel room.

The thought that something might have slipped in while I wasn't looking during this period of time causes my hands to shake. C-calm down.

"Meow!"

"Eeeep!" I close my mouth tightly and quickly jump as far away from the bed, where I hear the noise come from. I point my so-called 'weapon' towards it, while my eyes dart up and down, searching where exactly the intruder is hiding it.

"Meow," the noise returns, and another squeak almost leaves from my mouth again, when a blur of white and brown peeks from under the bed.

A pair of light brown and white ears twitch on top of the creature's head as it tilts it's head up at me curiously. My mouth closes and opens from utter shock. I may have felt the same shocked emotion when I had seen the Cross Academy from the car for the first time, but that was nothing when I see the animal that has scared me.

"K-kei...?" My voice comes out as a gasp of air, but if I had enough reality awareness at the moment, I would've said the name as loudly as I could, probably alarming Momo in the shower.

There, under the bed, my bed, is my family's cat, Kei. The feline has the typical inquisitive look on as he keeps on looking up at me, but then he comes out fully and walks towards me. I don't stop him when he starts to rub his small head against my leg, but I also don't return the affection.

It is definitely Kei, the familiar Japanese bobtail that I am used on seeing every day back at home. He has a white fur that covers a large part of his body, but the top of his head has small light brown spots along with his short tail, giving him some color. His yellow eyes with a hint of brown are large as ever as they look at me cutely and that's when I finally drop the shirt and kneel down.

"How on earth...?" The question just hangs in the air and I pick Kei up into my arms. I am not afraid anymore, but my limbs are definitely shaking.

He doesn't complain, of course, but starts to rub his head against my chest while a low purr vibrates through his whole body. While he is doing this familiar routine, my mind just keeps on being filled with different kinds of things that most consider having a panic attack.

It wouldn't take a genius to understand that animals aren't allowed in school, much less in a campus, and I doubt that Kaien would give permission for one no matter how nice he is. But there is also the problem that I have no earthly idea of how Kei had gotten into my very own suitcase, to begin with. There had not been an opportunity for him to sneak into it back at home, because I had seen him in my mother's room when we were packing...

Like a lightbulb has been lifted on top of my head, I look back down at the cat with a thoughtful look this time. Didn't mother complain about cat fur in her bag…? My face pales as a theory is formed within my head. I am half-tempted to shake my pet and demand if he first snuck into her belongings before going into mine while we stayed at a hotel during our road trip.

There's no way that this cat is that bright… right?

The singing in the shower brings me back to reality and I start to mentally panic. My arms tighten around Kei and I walk to my phone. I have to call mother and tell her about our pet, but just as I am about to press another button, I stop. If I call her now, she would need to drive back here tomorrow to pick him up and then probably drive the whole day and night after that to get home or waste her money on another hotel room. The more I think of this, the more I don't want to call her.

But if you don't, you'll get into trouble, if someone finds out about the cat!

My eyes meet with Kei's again and they are the largest and cutest things in the entire world. My parents would certainly notice that he is missing, so they would find out the truth sooner or later anyway. But should this really be bothering them now while they have to work? I don't want them to have extra stress and if Kei should be staying with them, they would still need to take care of him. I guess this is like doing them a favor, right?

I stroke the top of the cat's head with my index and middle finger, making him purr back. "Now Kei, I want you to stay extra quiet. Can you do that for me?"

Like he understands me, he blinks and that is enough of an answer for me. I quickly pick up my bag and start to take all the unnecessary stuff out, after placing Kei on top of my bed where I could keep an eye on him. He doesn't seem to be in a playful mood, though, and goes to a sleeping position, looking rather tired all of sudden. This makes me wonder how he lasted in the closed suitcase for more than five hours where obviously wasn't enough air, but then I remember that on the upper part of my suitcase is a small hole that came years ago from a collision with a wall years ago and concluded that he must've gotten oxygen from there. It makes me feel very relieved because I don't like the idea of finding my cat dead in the middle of all my clothes.

Finally, I pick the feline up again and he doesn't resist, when I place him in the almost empty bag and close the zipper, leaving it open slightly for him to have air. It's doubtful that anyone would still be moving around outside so this is a perfect opportunity for me to take Kei out there for some exercise. However, just when I am about to exit the room in a hurry, I remember my roommate who is still unaware of the situation I am having.

Taking in a deep breath, I knock on the bathroom door. "Momo, I'm going out a little to take some fresh air. I'll be back later."

The sound of the shower stops almost immediately after I get my response. "Are you sure? It's really dark out there."

"Yes!" Maybe my voice has too much urgency in it, but it is too late for me to fix that mistake.

"Weeeeell, all right, but don't take too long. It wouldn't be good if you would be tired on the first day of school," she sounds doubtful at first, but then her tone turns into concern and firmness.

I sigh quietly in relief, seeing that she dismisses my reasons quite well. "Thanks. I'll be back soon."

"You're lucky that the prefects aren't around the area currently..." Momo mumbles something along the line, but I don't have enough time to listen when I am already out of the door.

"Kei, you're one troublesome fellow, aren't you?" I ask and hold out another biscuit for the cat who starts to eat it happily. A wind blows and I shiver a little, arms filling with goosebumps. "Jeez. It's autumn all right now. I should've brought a jacket with me. You're lucky – at least you have fur."

Kei, being unaware of my little mumbling, starts to explore around once again. I chose a random spot behind the trees of the forest behind the dorm building, but because I am still not familiar with the area, I stay close to the edge of the lake and bridge that lead from the Sun Dorm over the mass of water to the main building. It is probably exciting to have that kind of road to school, but I would also get bored of it in a couple of weeks.

My eyes go towards another bridge that is further away on the left and try to follow where it leads. I soon see the dark shape of a tower and the rest of an unfamiliar building that seems to belong to the Night Class. When I had seen it earlier today as I walked to my dorm, I had thought that it was slightly bigger than the Sun Dorm. This has made me wonder if the people living in it get some sort of special treatment or something, but I brush that thought off. It isn't my business and I have a cat as the main concern for now on.

I have gained a new thought of where to place Kei during the day when the school would start. It may be stupid, but it's the only thing I can come up with this quickly. I will have to build him a small nest into my closet once I get back into my room. It would also be my advantage that Momo is probably asleep already and I won't have to be so careful with hiding my cat tonight. The other problem that I have is food. I don't have any cat food with me currently and I have been only lucky to have some biscuits with me from the road trip.

A heavy sigh – I do a lot of sighing today – escapes from my mouth, as I watch my pet with a mild glare. The cat better should be grateful that I'm giving him some, considering that I was planning on eating them alone.

With my back against tree bark, I cross my arms to gather some warmth. "You know, I don't even want to know how this whole mess began. The school year was supposed to be peaceful, but I guess I had expected rather too much from this place," I smile a little and gesture for Kei to come closer. He probably thinks that I would give him another treat, so he almost bolts into my arms, when I kneel down. I bury my face into the softness of his fur and warmth, sighing happily. "Oh, well. I don't care how complicated this is going to get. At least I have you now."

"Meow," as if disagreeing with me, he starts to struggle in my arms. Intentional or not, his claw scratches my hand.

"Ow!" I quickly let go and he lands with the gracefulness of a ballerina. A frown tugs my features and I cross my arms again unhappily. "Hm. Well, aren't you a sweetheart. I just was pouring my heart to you and this is what I get?" I raise my injured hand, emphasizing the point.

He doesn't respond, obviously, and only starts exploring again. This makes me even more upset and I sit down on the cold grass. No more biscuits for you then.

Despite being unhappy with him, I watch as he walks around while sniffing the air and ground. However, just as he seems to take another step, his whole being freezes and his ears rise high into straight arrows.

I stiffen, knowing that can't be good, getting up quickly and walking towards my cat. I have seen this reaction a few times before. He always becomes like this, when he meets another animal, mostly it is a dog, and become alarmed by its presence. This also makes me worry and wonder if Kei is the only animal around the place. But my worst fear begins when his tail suddenly puffs, and he hisses viciously.

Cold chills travel down my spine and I take a quick look around myself, fearing that someone or the animal Kei is sensing is near. However, with the darkness of the night and the faint light coming from the moon and stars, it is almost impossible for me to see anything.

"Shh! Kei! Shh!" I try to sooth the poor feline with words, but he doesn't change his demeanor and keeps hissing and growling like something is about to attack him.

Deciding that it would get too dangerous to stay around anymore, I pick him up and then the force that keeps him from scratching my arms off, again. I almost drop my bag, as I start to run as fast as I can back towards the Sun Dorm, but before I am even there, I look over my shoulder at where I had come from. Nothing is there except for the shadows and the thick forest, along with the very unclear profile of the Moon Dorm over the forest. Had I seen things, or did Kei just actually try to burn a building with his gaze?

The cat in my arms has become quiet but is still as a rock and small barely noticeable growls cause his body to shake. Shrugging, I place him carefully into the bag with my shaking hands. Nothing may have happened, but his actions scared me quite a bit and even though I am so close to my dorm already my heart is moving quite fast from what happened and from the run I just made.

He must have just seen a bird in the distance. That's all. Or even a squirrel.