Nozomi stood inside Lambads' restaurant grateful for the smell of many curries early on a Wednesday morning. Another week passed and it was Lisa's third class. Nozomi felt her palms sweat and another headache. Lambad quickly came over and then handed Nozomi a plate with many fruits and warm pastries.

"Lambad, are you sure there aren't any positions available in the kitchen at the moment? I'm kinda strung out here."

"Unfortunately all of our positions are filled, and you'd need two years of experience to be able to work here." Lambad pointed to the door "Have you tried Puspa Cafe?"

Nozomi's shoulders slumped "I tried weeks ago and said the same thing. I've even tried applying for other jobs like domestic cleaning. Same thing I'm afraid, they all want to experience."

Lambad's face softened, he then pulled out a jug and cup. "I'm sorry you're having a rough time. Have a drink on the house before you start class this morning. Ahem," He coughed "What's it like being in Miss Minci's class? I heard she was back in Sumeru."

"Uh… fine I guess?" Nozomi looked away and started to walk towards a table. "We need to write a short story about her."

Lambads eyes now gleamed "You don't say? Well if you need a test reader, I'll be right here."

"Give me a job and it's a deal." Nozomi chuckled while winking "Authors discount."

Both laughed at each other and Nozomi finished her meal moments later. She picked up the satchel and made her way to Lisa's class.

*

"So you haven't found a job yet?" Layla mumbled "That's…unfortunate. I'm sorry that you may need to move out. I'd offer my place…"

Nozomi quickly shook her head, smiling trying to reassure Layla all was well.

"It's fine! Really I'll be okay… look if I can get my manuscript approved, that should be enough to cover one month's rent." Nozomi laughed nervously "I mean, do you think this is good?"

She handed Layla her short story about Lisa. Nozomi watched surprised as Layla read through her story without blushing or breaking into a stutter. The previous week Layla could barely hold her quill while listening to Lisa's lecture about how to write the five senses in erotica. Nozomi remembered enough to be able to write a short story in minutes.

After their second class, the pair would meet up and study together for hours. Though Layla had a tendency to fall asleep in the blink of an eye inside the library. Nozomi looked at Layla, and couldn't help but have a twinge of sadness. She only had two days left to pay the rent, she didn't want to leave when she had made a new friend.

Layla looked up and handed the papers back.

"It's really good! You've changed…a few things… after we met up." She nodded "I'm sure Miss Lisa will love it. I just hope she likes mine too. Are… you okay? You look like you have tears in your eye."

Nozomi looked away, pretending to yawn, and wiped her eyes.

"Must be the late hours of studying and construction- crap!" Nozomi closed her mouth "I mean I live nearby that house that looks like it's being renovated on treasure street?"

Layla merely nodded and looked forward at the board "It's not… good to miss… out on sleep."

A few moments later, Lisa walked through carrying a brown bag and rolled up papers. She placed them on the table and walked over to the chalkboard.

"The first week we discussed what misconceptions of writing erotic novels were. The second week we discussed how to approach different relationships, improve on writing anatomy, and finally, we finished with consent." She turned around facing everyone and leaned on the board "What else has everyone learned so far?"

Layla beside Nozomi put her hand up.

"That sex scenes can either… add to character development or… end them." Layla pointed her fingers together. "That writer… separate sex from the characters."

Lisa's eyes gave a gentle glow and nodded "Yes, writing sex scenes and erotica should still follow basic plot structures whether it's in three acts or five. That isn't to say that sex scenes need a massive plot, but they should drive your stories forward. A virgin shouldn't wake up the next morning not understanding what missionary positions felt like."

A few nervous glances were exchanged between students, and a lot of faces started to redden.

Including Nozomi's.

"Point in case, your writing needs to reflect how your character now sees sex whether for good or bad after the fact." Lisa started to write larger words on the board. "Can anyone read what this says?"

Nozomi side-eyed around, no one had answered. Layla had covered her face. She raised her hand up slowly.

"It says… The Art of Sex Toys and their Implements." she stammered "Today's lessons on sex Toys?"

A few giggles from other students, including Lisa.

"That's right cuties, today we are going to look at and touch different products for references. Nozomi darling, can I get you to come down here please?"

"I-" She looked over to Layla. "Wouldn't Layla be better?"

"I've already picked on Layla and a few other sweeties the past two weeks. Now. It's. Your. Turn." Lisa winked motioned her over and held a rolled-up poster. "Today's class is an emphasis for writers who have never had sex before. While I personally can't teach you how sex works… I think many of you will appreciate the references."

Nozomi started to make her way toward the front of the class. She looked up at Layla who held her thumbs up at her, visibly whispering 'Good Luck.'

"That being said, none of the Sex Toys have been used and are for educational purposes only." Lisa has already started hanging the posters on the board. "After you, naughty lovelies have looked at the references, you will then have thirty minutes to write a short prose using what you have learned today."

Nozomi stood near the board at the other end from Lisa. She motioned for Nozomi to open the paper bag.

"Uh… sure." Nozomi's hands felt something akin to the feeling of skin then pulled it out. "The heck are these?!"

Nozomi watched as the whole class laughed while she held a dildo in her hand. Lisa walked over and took it out of her hands and rubbed her hand along Nozomi's back. She breathed in then turned to Lisa, grateful.

"Darlings please, I sure remember the first time I used a dildo. My face was very much like Nozomi's," Lisa traced her fingers around her cheeks and then lifted her chin "Curious and adorable."

When Lisa released her, Nozomi turned her back. Her eyes now looked at the ground, a haze of pink seemed to cloud her vision as she felt a wide smile across her face.

What the heck is going on?! Why am I smiling over being called adorable? It's so basic yet here I am acting like a school girl… wait I am a school girl.

She slapped her face, pressing her cheeks together. Nozomi then looked back and noticed several sized dildos were now piled along the desk. Lisa wrapped her hands around one and moved the dildo from side to side.

"Alright class, comes on up. I want everyone participating and having fun." She leaned over close to Nozomi, who could now smell her perfume. "Can you hang the rest of these posters up, darling?"

Nozomi merely nodded and stuck the remaining posters while Lisa monitored the rest of the class. Nozomi watched in amusement as a few students either backed away from the dildos or picked them up and threw them at each other. Lisa had clicked her fingers a few times and warning sparks had let students know to not go too far.

"Now I did warn everyone that these are for educational purposes only cuties. I won't warn anyone again the next time so please behave." she held a finger to her lips. "It's said those who are naughty in my classes don't ever come back."

The next few minutes were spent with Nozomi joining the queue. Her eyes had forgotten the dildos and focused on the posters. She noticed two women who held pieces of fabric from the same book Alhaitham had at his study.

"Miss Lisa, how did that poster originate?"

"Women and the Beauty of Discovery. That was originally a drawing, though its author is unknown. Many workshops across the seven nations use this as an example that relationships can be more than just a male and female dynamic." Lisa tapped the poster "It certainly gets its point across. Tell you what, stay back after class and I'll explain more about the poster. How I came across it is an interesting story."

Once everyone had passed through and had taken their seats, Lisa walked in front of the class and pointed to the chalkboard.

"Now remember how I asked everyone to write prose using what you've learned the past few weeks? I'm going to pick a few of you to read out what you've written. Every single scene. After that, I want everyone to hand in their work about me. You will hear back from me next semester about any punishme- I mean improvements you will all need to make."

Nozomi heard the sound of feet shuffling, quills dropping or tapping, and looks of reluctance. Layla was picked to go first, she almost nodded off in the middle of her reading the prose out loud.

Erotica for Writers had now finished and Nozomi felt a sense of panic while most of the students made their way out of class.

"Crap, I was meant to come up with an idea for the draft!" Nozomi stood up and then waved to Layla as she left. "I guess I'll figure it out when I show Miss Lisa my work."

Lisa began rolling the posters up and putting them to the side. Nozomi grabbed the brown bag, feeling more happier that the whole classroom wasn't watching while she put them back in the bag.

"Thank you for staying back and helping out, you can have this poster if you'd like." Lisa held it out. "So as I was saying before, no one knows who the artist was. The only information anyone has is that it was from a Scholar from the Vahumana Darshan. This was well before I was a student here at the Akademiya."

Nozomi took the poster and held it, she wouldn't know where to hang it if she had to move out this week. She sighed and handed in her short story to Lisa.

"It's not much, but hopefully I've improved since being here." Nozomi's face reddened "Um… please take it with a grain of salt."

"I wouldn't worry too much about it cutie, I've read so many different stories about me. What matters is how they've written and expressed themselves." Lisa turned to another page "Hmmm I like how you've written the characters. This actually reminds me of a few authors from Mondstat, I'll have to pass you a book from my library once I'm back next semester."

"Thank you for the compliment, sorry if I wasn't responsive today like I should have been. Being up here in front of everyone was unexpected."

"Aww don't worry, a lot of students I pull up here are always nervous with me around." Lisa turned to the last page. "Has anything else been on your mind? You can tell me anything and I won't judge you… don't tell me you're fine. I can see when someone is stressed."

"But-"

"No Buts in here cutie, it's just two. Maybe I'll tell Kaveh or Alhaitham about the adorable faces you've been making."

Nozomi gasped and held her poster tighter. "Wait, how did you know I live with them? No one is supposed to know."

"When you applied, your address was on the front. I go through all applications and check them. Imagine my surprise to find out that little Kaveh and Haitham have a roommate. Don't worry as a teacher, your secrets are confidential with me. Now tell me what I want to know or I'll tell Kaveh about the dildos today."

Nozomi rolled her eyes and told Lisa about her travels from Inazuma right through to applying for the Akademiya. She felt lighter and somehow relieved by the end when Lisa gave an empathetic look.

"Oh, Darling I'm so sorry you're going through this at the beginning of the year." Lisa smiled gently "From what I've read so far, it's a decent premise for a light novel. Let me know when you've published it and I'll be glad to buy a copy."

"The thing is… I can't remember who I was before I was twenty, so I might have had experiences with sex but I don't know." Nozomi sighed "How can I write sex scenes with same-gendered individuals if I don't even know how it feels to be kissed?"

"Kissed from a girl you say? I'm guessing it'll be your first if you were kissed?"

"Uh…yeah. Though like I said in Inazuma… not for the lack of trying."

"I see, well… if you'd like, I could help you with experience. Only because I'm curious to see the expression on your face after." Lisa paused "Are you fine with me being your first kiss, cutie?"

Nozomi looked at Lisa for a long time, fumbling with her hair and running her hands through the fabric of her uniform. She hadn't heard any sarcasm in her voice, although her usual teasing made her blush.

It's just a kiss, it can't be that big of a deal right?

Nozomi looked up and felt herself being pushed further into the chair, Lisa began to slowly sit down, straddling Nozomi. Her body felt soft even underneath her uniform, Lisa's perfume drifted giving a sweet scent of fruits. Her arms went around Nozomi's shoulders and Lisa brought her face close to hers. Their foreheads touched, and seeing Lisa up close Nozomi realized how pretty she was.

Nozomi watched Lisa's eyes scan her expression and shuddered as her fingers traced along her chin and then her lips.

"Hmm was that an expression of you enjoying my touch?" Lisa brought Nozomi's hands and placed them firmly around her waist. "The more you're shy, the more I'll have to tease you."

Nozomi moved her hands around Lisa's waist, then held on more firmly.

"I think… I'm ready now."

Lisa raised Nozomi's chin to look up at her.

"You're so cute, close your eyes." She whispered.

As Nozomi closed her eyes, she felt her lips being enclosed with Lisa's. A small moan escaped from Lisa as Nozomi opened her mouth, now returning their affection. Nozomi felt an urge and pulled Lisa closer while giving deeper and slower kisses. Nozomi paused in surprise as she felt Lisa's tongue slide in, their breathing started to rush with more intensity.

*


Kaveh turned to look at his senior, Madam Faruzan. Faruzan twirled her fingers through her teal hair, both in pigtails. As always his senior wore a dress with many patterns that were blue and green, and her jewelry hung around her wrists when she folded her arms.

"Thank you for helping me with today's lecture Kaveh, you've always been the brightest the Kshahrewar has offered." Her voice rang through Kaveh's ears "How're things been treating you these days? Are you still in debt?"

Kaveh groaned. "Yes but please-"

"Keep it to yourself? Do you take me for someone who's gullible? Please." Faruzan pointed to herself "I am your Madam after all! Did you get my request?"

"Indeed I did, yes. You definitely have my thanks… I'll need this job for future construction that's for sure." Kaveh bowed and held his hands together. "Though I need to ask, how did you manage to get the funding for such a long-scale project approved?"

Faruzan coughed. "It's better that you don't know… let's just say a few researchers backed me up."

Kaveh nodded not wanting to ask any further. He knew how hard it was to get approved through the Akademiya. Even though Faruzan was from the Haravatat Darshan, many from the Kshahrewar looked up to her teachings about Mechanical Languages throughout the desert. Kaveh smiled as he remembered a simpler time learning under her tutelage.

"Alright I won't pry, but rumors are spreading that you're living with Alhaitham these days… how is he doing? I still remember when you two were students… what's that look for?" Faruzan tilted her head.

"Oh uh… yeah we live together." Kaveh bit back in irritation. "We're just roommates for now until I get back on my feet."

"Okay? Huh by the looks on your face, you'd rather live in the Withering Zone than with him." Faruzan laughed "Are you sure you don't want to live with me? I could use a conversationalist. It's boring by myself."

Kaveh felt a shiver down his spine. He still remembered the morning he found Nozomi under the rubble.

She'd be in Miss Lisa's class right now… I wonder how she's doing? Maybe I'll go and pick her up and go out for drinks. Wait did Madam Faruzan say rumors were flying around about me and Alhaitham? Urgh, I thought I had done a good enough job of keeping it a secret. I mean I did tell that bartender from Lambad so…

"Hello? Were you listening to me youngling? I know you're excited about the next three years but please keep up with our conversation." Faruzan huffed.

"Eh…Oh, it's nothing Madam Faruzan." He forced a smile "Actually, when do we start the project?"

Faruzan closed her eyes with a frown on her face.

"We start early February, so a month from now. Are you getting by alright for rent?"

Kaveh sighed. "Please don't worry yourself for my sake, I've still got some savings set aside for now."

He watched as Faruzan turned and then picked up a bag full of books. He wasn't sure she believed him.

"Since you're one of my star students if there's anything you need I'm happy to provide whatever assistance I can. We can't have you flailing like a headless chook during the next few years can we?"

"Am I really like a headless chook?" Kaveh wailed "Seriously what is with everyone treating me like I'm the one with no plan? Jeez… you know what? I'll show you all that I can have it together, just you wait!"

Faruzan turned back and smiled, her arms now folded around her waist. Her hair swung and seemed brighter in the afternoon sun.

"That's more like it! You, youngsters, need more positive motivation!" Faruzan held up a thumb. "I believe in you, after all, don't let your situation flounder your talents."

An air of comfortable silence fell onto the room, Kaveh felt his heart welling when he received his old teacher's compliments. He held his suitcase closer and made his way toward the classroom's exit.

"As always, thank you Madam Faruzan. I look forward to working with you."

Both waved and Kaveh pivoted on his toes, feeling a sense of determination. He whistled to himself as he made his way toward Nozomi's class. He turned and admired the afternoon warmth, looking at the garden and appreciating once again the thought the Akademiya and the Forest Rangers had put into the landscape.

I always felt like the students have it luckier than when I was here. They have a better view… maybe I should show Nozomi around more.

He stopped at the classroom door and peered in.

"Hey Nozomi, are you… wha-"

Kaveh felt his heart race while he stepped back not quite believing what he saw in front of him. Lisa was in a full embrace with Nozomi on a chair, he watched as both separated from their kiss and Nozomi turned to him in a daze. Her skin seemed to glow and he noticed her lips had a soft glaze. Lisa turned around and smiled sheepishly, she walked over to the door and then narrowed her eyes. Her hands moved towards the door handle.

"Hey, no peeking," she whispered as the door slid shut.

Kaveh now stood by himself in the corridor unsure of what to make of what happened.

Was Nozomi just kissing Miss Lisa? Am I really just imagining things?

His ears pricked up as he heard a loud moan coming through the door. Kaveh now curious leaned in and put his ear against the door hearing nothing but muffled noises.

"I'm so sorry… I guess I really got carried away. As I was saying…" Lisa said.

Minutes passed as Kaveh grew more curious. He felt a sensation that he knew too well growing inside him. Embarrassed, he backed away. He touched his face knowing all too well how red he would look if anyone walked past him in the corridor.

Kaveh started to hear movements then saw Nozomi open the door. She looked up at him still dazed and her lips parted slowly.

"Tongue… oh.. Kaveh, what are you doing here?" Nozomi blinked.

"Um… I was just here to pick you up from class, I was assisting another Professor from next door today." He looked over at Lisa and stammered. "I guess we should get going and have something to drink."

Lisa grinned slyly as she leaned into the doorframe and waved.

"Take care, sweeties. Nozomi, I'll see you next semester."

Before Kaveh could say anything, he felt Nozomi's hand inside his. He felt himself being pulled away through the corridoors until they both stood outside. Kaveh looked down at her hand through his, almost wanting to pull away but saw Nozomi's face.

"Nozomi… are you okay?" Concerned, he gave her hand a squeeze. "Are you with me?"

"I… think I have an idea for a manuscript. I need to get home as soon as possible." Nozomi now held both hands. "Thank you so much for coming to get me, but can we have drinks either tomorrow or some other time? If I can get this done by tonight, I should be able to have enough rent for the week… I hope."

Kaveh blinked twice, rather than feel disappointed he couldn't help but feel something he couldn't name. The wind picked up and her hair seemed to dance in the wind, circling around them. Her eyes glistened from the afternoon sun and her smile sent rays of warmth through him.

"Of course, let's go home. I'll make us dinner while you work on your manuscript." He smiled and held her hands softly. Remembering Faruzans words, he repeated. "I believe in you Nozomi."

"Oh right food, gosh I almost forgot that I didn't pack lunch. Let's go!" Nozomi started to run, still holding his hand.

Kaveh realized it then, but he was sure Nozomi didn't. He then shook his head as they ran back to Alhaithams place, not wanting to think too much about what he just felt.

*

Hours seemed to pass by in a daze while Nozomi wrote her manuscript. She placed her quill down next to the small desk beside the lounge as she now leaned back to survey her work. She nodded in surprise, she realized two manuscripts had been completed and then started to read them. Her eyes seemed to skim every page faster.

"Did I just really do two manuscripts in a few hours? I can't believe it." Nozomi started to blush remembering the kiss. "Was that really the inspiration I needed? Well, either way, I just need to proofread them before they're sent off tomorrow morning."

Nozomi looked at every page again, erasing and correcting any mistakes she could find. She hoped her short stay at the Akademiya would be enough practice to provide a decent manuscript in the final stages of publishing. She scanned the final chapter, her eyes slowed on a paragraph.

Her lips burned with a fire she didn't anticipate as Lisa's tongue slowly slid inside. Jean held back a soft moan as she pulled Lisa closer, her hands gripped through the fabric of her purple dress. She opened her eyes, her breath had seemed to stop when she saw Lisa's eyes filled with electricity. Jean closed her eyes, sliding her hands underneath the mages dress.

Right then, the world faded away as heavy breathing filled the room. Lisa had slid her fingers underneath Jeans uniform and tugged at her buttons until they were loose. Jean moaned, her breath now heavy when Lisa's finger circled through the fabric of her bra. Lisa's eyes looked through her, expectant as her fingers finally found what was erect.

Nozomi put the pages down, now red-faced. She laid down on the lounge, pondering. An empty plate sat besides her manuscript after Kaveh had made her dinner. Hours had already passed when he went back into his room, a soft glow from the lamp was all that was left of the day.

Her mind drifted back into a daze at the afternoon, Nozomi closed her eyes as she started to allow her hands to wonder underneath her nightgown. She bit her lip trying to be silent as she felt her breasts, her fingers finding their place around her nipples. Nozomi's mind raced, having found something new and felt hot to the touch.

Lisa's face replayed in her memory, soft kisses and gentle touches. Though Lisa hadn't done anything but kissing, Nozomi now felt a new scene come to mind.

"Mmph…" she turned her face to moan into the cushion.

She let her hands glide down further until her fingers felt around her arousal. Now curious she circled around, a sensation started to grow the further Nozomi explored. She closed her eyes, tightening them the more she ventured until her back arched upwards.

"Ah!" She let out a cry into the cushion and fell back into the lounge, breathing heavily.

"No… zomi?" A voice called.

Nozomi turned her head automatically recognising it as Kaveh's. She paused then realised the position she was in and tried covering herself. She watched as Kaveh's expression turned to shock.

"I- uh… OH MY GOD!" Nozomi threw the nearest cushion infront of herself and stood up then bowed in apology. "I am so sorry! I'll clean the couch tomorrow as soon as I can."

Kaveh held his hands up, and hurriedly waved her off.

"Look it's fine! It's totally fine. Yeah… it's a totally normal thing to do! I… it's been a long day, why don't we agree to not talk about this?" Kaveh's voice faltered "I was just out here about to grab a glass of water anyway, and you have a big day tomorrow."

"Okay…" Nozomi sat down and turned away. "Thank you very much."

She watched as Kaveh walked away with a glass in hand then waited for thirty minutes for any noises then threw herself into the lounge. She covered her face with the cushion and screamed.

"I'm sure as hell going to be kicked out at this point… what the hell will Kaveh think tomorrow!" She stuttered. "What if he tells Alhaitham!? Urgh!"

Nozomi breathed in then exhaled.

"I'll explain myself… besides I might not make rent anyway."

Nozomi thought well into the night before she let herself fall asleep.