AN: Hi again, guys! Nothing to say this time, except I'm double-uploading this time around. I'll explain more on why in the next chapter.
Anyway, hope you enjoy the chapter!
*Not beta read, Mistakes likely to be present.
As the sun began to set, the group made their way out of the garden. The vibrant hues of twilight painted the sky as they walked, the atmosphere relaxed and comfortable. The boys and the girls of the group split off to return to their own dormitory, but not before Mizuki and Yuuma had given each other a parting hug, and Rin had given Len the near body-crushing equivalent of that same sort of hug.
The lively chatter and laughter from the eight teens gradually faded as they each went their separate ways, the routine of evening preparations promptly beginning. Kyouya, as he walked with his male friends, glanced back at the garden one last time, still feeling that subtle tug of nostalgia and a lingering sense of familiarity that he couldn't quite place.
His thoughts briefly wandered back to Yukari, their quiet time under the willow tree, and the feeling of contentment and the strange sort of intimacy that accompanied it. With that one final look at the garden, Kyouya turned his attention back to his companions and the conversations surrounding them, the sense of mysterious reflection lingering in the back of his mind and creating a quiet undercurrent to the day's end.
. . . . . .
The evening unfolded with the usual calm of a dormitory settling down for the night. After a shared meal in the dining area, the boys retreated into the quiet of their individual rooms to rest up and prepare for the undoubtedly busy day that was orientation that laid ahead.
As Kyouya freshened up, slipped into his nightwear and got settled into bed, he figured he'd give his aunt a call. It was almost 8, but that was still fairly early and she didn't normally go to bed until near midnight either way. He reached for his phone and dialed his aunt's number.
As the phone rang, Kyouya glanced around his room, taking in the comfort of his surroundings— his little sanctuary for the rest of the year.
"Hello?" Ena's voice crackled through the speaker. The sound of her voice was familiar in a much more comforting way than that of the school garden, and that immediately eased some of Kyouya's lingering anxiety.
"Aunt Ena, it's Kyouya," he said with a smile. "I just wanted to check in on you."
"Kyouya! I'm surprised you called. I figured you'd already be off partying and getting wild with your new little schoolmates at Yamaha and forgotten all about your poor auntie Ena. Unless you're calling to tell me that you miss me already," she teased.
"Yeah, no," he smirked, leaning back on the headboard of his bed. "I just wanted to let you know that I'm still very much alive over here, 'cause I know how much you worry about me. I haven't been swept up into some crazy dorm party... yet."
Ena chuckled on the other end. "Yet, huh? Well, I'm glad to hear that you're going well up there. So, how's everything going so far? Made any friends? Met any weirdos?"
Kyouya laughed softly. "A little bit of both, actually. There's Takahashi-kun, and you know how eccentric he can be, but he's still great company. As for weirdos, well...There was this one guy who," he groaned inwardly, "well, let's just say he acts all high and mighty and seems to think he's the most important person here. He's 'weird' in the 'off-putting from how stuck-up you are' kind of way. Had the great displeasure of meeting him a little after settling in, too. Far from the friendliest person I've met."
Ena sighed sympathetically. "There's always at least one of those somewhere, isn't there? Don't let him get to you, Kyo. Just focus on doing your thing."
"Yeah, I know," Kyouya replied, running a hand through his hair. "I won't, it's just... annoying. But it's not much different from the things some people used to say before I actually got here, so I won't let it bother me. Besides, I've got my own goals to focus on and I'll be damned if I let him distract me from them."
"Atta-boy," she said supportively. "Just remember what I've taught you, okay?"
Kyouya grinned. "You mean, 'Be the bigger person and don't let the small stuff get to you'?"
Ena laughed. "Close enough. And?"
Kyouya's grin widened. "Or maybe it was something like, 'When in doubt, fake confidence and hope nobody notices'?"
She chuckled, "You're getting warmer, but it's actually more like 'Keep your chin up and remember, you're a lot better than you think.'"
"Ah, right. I'll do my best to remember that. And I promise, no impersonating a doormat."
"Good," Ena said with a chuckle. "You're too smart to let anyone push you around."
"Thanks, Auntie Ena," Kyouya said, feeling more at ease. "But, yeah, him aside, everyone I've met so far's been pretty cool, and uh," Kyouya paused for just a moment before continuing, "You remember the girl that I bumped into this morning in the main building?"
"Hm, you mean that girl you were ogling this morning? Yeah, why?"
Kyouya shot up in his bed, sitting upright and hushedly yelling, "I was not 'ogling' her, could you cut that out?!"
A mirthful laugh rang through the phone's speakers, "Alright, alright. So, what about her though?"
Settling down a bit, Kyouya carried on. "Well, I actually got to meet with her again this afternoon. We talked a bit, and, well," he felt his face warm just a bit, "it was pretty nice..."
"Pretty nice?" Ena's voice crackled with interest, "Sounds like it might be more than just some casual small talk. Do tell!"
Kyouya chuckled, feeling a bit self-conscious. "Okay, fine. I guess it was more than that. She's really friendly and down-to-earth. We had a good conversation today under the, uh," Kyouya gulped, "the willow tree in the school garden."
"Oh, a willow tree rendezvous, huh?" Ena's tone was teasing, and he could almost hear the smirk that was on her lips. "Sounds charming. Did you manage to get her full name, or are we just calling her 'the girl from this morning'?"
"Her name's Yuzuki Yukari," Kyouya said. "We talked about a few things, and I really enjoyed it. She seems genuinely kind and pretty interesting, too."
Ena's voice softened. "It sounds like you made a good impression. I'm glad to hear you're connecting with people. Just remember, Kyouya, school in general, not just Yamaha, is as much about these connections as it is about the academics. Don't be afraid to put yourself out there."
"Thanks, Auntie," Kyouya said, feeling reassured. "I'm trying to balance everything. And don't worry, I'm not gonna let my studies slip."
"Good to hear," Ena said warmly. "Well, I'll let you get some rest. Orientation's tomorrow, right? Big day ahead."
"Yeah," Kyouya replied, stifling a yawn. "Which means I gotta get an early start."
"Honestly, I don't get why they make you go through orientation all by yourselves," Ena said with a slightly annoyed undertone. "I get you kids need to be independent and all, but you're all gonna be boarding there for the rest of the year, far away from your guardians!..."
Kyouya chuckled softly at his aunt's concern. "I know, Auntie. It's just one of those things, I guess. They want us to get used to managing on our own from the start."
Ena sighed. "I suppose. But it's still strange to me. I mean, you're all still children. The whole 'you're on your own' attitude seems a bit harsh, don't you think?"
"Yeah, it can feel that way," Kyouya agreed, smiling at his aunt's protective streak. "But, on the bright side, it does give us a chance to learn and grow. Plus, I've got my friends here to help make the transition easier. And you'll still be able to visit anytime, and I can come home for the holidays if I want."
"If you want?" Ena chuckled softly. "Of course you will come home for the holidays. I'd be devastated if you didn't. Believe it or not, I might actually start to miss you, y'know?"
Kyouya laughed, his mood lightening. "Alright, alright, I promise I'll be home for the holidays. How could I resist your cooking?"
Ena's voice took on a playful tone. "That's the spirit! And remember, if you ever get homesick or just need someone to talk to, I'm just a phone call away."
"Thanks, Auntie Ena. It's nice to know you're there for me," Kyouya said, his voice filled with sincerity.
"Anytime, Kyo. Now go get some rest. You'll need all your energy for orientation tomorrow," Ena said, her tone full of concern befitting that of a mother.
"I will. Talk to you soon," Kyouya replied, ending the call with a warm smile.
He placed his phone back on the nightstand, turned off the light, and snuggled under his covers. He sighed. "I wonder if I should've told her about..." He shook his head. "It's fine, maybe one day, but..." He closed his eyes and yawned, "Now, I just wanna sleep..." The next day's orientation awaited, but for the time being, Kyouya let himself relax, thinking of the new experiences and relationships that lay ahead. The day ahead was sure to be a whirlwind of activity and new experiences, but he felt a quiet sense of readiness.
. . . . . .
On the morning that followed, the sun peeked through the curtains of Kyouya's dorm room, casting a soft glow across the room as he began to wake up. Kyouya stirred before his alarm, his mind still half-immersed in the memories of yesterday's events. He sat up in his bed, stretching and shaking off the lingering drowsiness. Today was significant, so he couldn't dally. Checking the time, he realized it was a mere few minutes before his alarm was to go off to wake him up. He silenced the clock before it could make that dreadful noise, and swung his legs over the edge of the bed, feeling the cold laminate floor against his bare feet. The chill was invigorating, and he shivered slightly as he stood up. Both excitement and nervous anticipation coursed through his veins as he thought about starting this new chapter, so this allowed him to move through his morning routine with a sense of purpose. He walked over to his wardrobe, sliding the doors open and taking out his clean, pressed uniform: a crisp white dress shirt, navy blue trousers, with a black blazer and dark violet tie. He set them out on the bed in preparation for when he got out of the shower.
Kyouya headed to the bathroom, the warmth of the shower a welcome contrast to the chilly room. The steam from the hot water quickly filled the room, fogging up the mirror. He washed away the remnants of sleep, feeling refreshed and awake as he scrubbed his face and shampooed his hair.
After his shower, Kyouya returned to his room to begin dressing, but not before he heard a voice ring through the intercom that was pre-installed in his room.
"Good morning, gentlemen of Yamaha Academy," the person on the intercom said with an mellow and professional tone. Kyouya looked up from his shirt as the voice continued, "It's officially the start of your orientation day. Breakfast will be served in the dining hall from 7am to 8am. Please be sure to arrive on time as there will be several important announcements and a chance to meet with your fellow students. Remember to bring your student ID and be prepared for a day full of activities."
Kyouya glanced at the clock on his nightstand— about quarter to 7am. He still had enough time to finish getting ready.
"Though, if they do this kind of thing every morning, I guess I won't need the alarm."
He finished dressing, neatly buttoning his dress shirt and adjusting his trousers. The blazer and tie completed his ensemble, lending him a sense of sharp professionalism. He stood in front of the mirror, smoothing out his outfit and ensuring everything was in place. A quick check of his appearance— hair combed, tie adjusted, shoes polished— gave him a sense of satisfaction.
"Wonder if Cayton'll still think I've got 'no presence or confidence'... Eh, knowing him, he probably will."
He moved to his desk, where he had laid out his orientation materials the night before: a folder with information about the academy, a campus map, and a booklet detailing the day's schedule. He flipped through the booklet, noting the key events and times. The orientation was an important step, marking the beginning of his journey at Yamaha Academy.
Kyouya glanced around the room to make sure he hadn't forgotten anything. His laptop was closed and resting on the desk, and his phone was charging beside it. He picked up his keys and wallet, slipping them into his blazer pocket. He then grabbed his guitar case from the corner of the room, planning to bring it along to the orientation. It might be a chance to connect with fellow students and share his passion for music.
With everything in place, Kyouya took one last look around the room, making sure he was ready. When he decided he was, he stepped out into the hallway.
The energy in that hallway was palpable, despite the fact that at that moment, only 2 other boys stood out there aside from him. Kyouya noticed that one of them was a familiar platinum-blond bouncing in place as he spoke with the other. He made his way over to join in on the conversation, a hand waving at them with a smile on his face.
"Morning, guys," he greeted, and Yuuki beamed once he saw him.
"Morning, Kyouya-kun~! You excited for orientation?!"
"You bet," he replied, "No doubt it's gonna be an interesting day."
"Ehe, you brought your guitar along, too!" Yuuki exclaimed, his eyes sparkling excitedly as he noticed the guitar case slung over Kyouya's shoulder.
"Yeah, figured it might come in handy," Kyouya replied, patting the case. "Never know when the chance to play might come up."
The other boy, fairly short with sandy blond hair, nodded appreciatively. "Hmm, smart move. This place is about showcasing your talents and what you can do, so it's good to be ready."
"Oooh, then maybe I should go and get my crochet kit and bring it with me! Good thinking, Kyouya-kun! Be right back!"
He zoomed off back into his room, leaving Kyouya and the other boy standing alone together in the hallway.
"Ah, he's full of energy, isn't he?" The boy softly asked, Kyouya quietly noticing his Japanese accent seemed a little off.
"Heh, yeah, that's Takahashi-kun for you, always bouncing off the walls."
"Even though it's so early in the morning, too..." A small smile tugging at the corner of his mouth, "Not that that's a bad thing, I suppose. It's better than constantly lazing around in bed 'till noon like someone I know."
Kyouya raised an eyebrow, intrigued by the comment. "Someone you know?"
The boy let out a soft sigh, shaking his head. "My cousin. Sometimes, I swear he could sleep through an earthquake if you let him. I always have to be the one to drag him out of bed all the time, even though I'm the younger of us."
Kyouya grinned, finding the image amusing. "Sounds like you've got your hands full with him."
"Yeah, but it's not all bad," the boy replied, his smile widening. "It just means I get some peace and quiet in the mornings before the day gets crazy. I just hope the announcement on the intercom managed to wake him up." He offered a handshake to Kyouya, "I'm Oliver Fenwick, by the way. Nice to meet you."
'Ah, so he's not Japanese, either. Certainly didn't seem to be either way.'
"Miyazaki Kyouya," he shook his hand, "nice to meet you, Fenwick-kun."
"You can just call me Oliver," he said, and Kyouya nodded with a smile.
"Got it, Oliver-kun."
Shortly after, Yuuki returned, crochet kit in hand and a wide grin on his face. "Got it! I'm all set now! So, I'm kinda hungry now, we should head down for breakfast!"
"Actually," Oliver interjected, "I'm gonna stay up here and wait for my cousin to come out. Sorry." He bowed his head in apology, but Kyouya waved him off.
"No worries, Oliver, that's fine. We'll catch up with you later."
Oliver smiled gratefully. "Thanks, guys. I'll be seeing you."
With a final wave, Kyouya and Yuuki headed off towards the elevator, the latter already chattering away about what he hoped breakfast would be like. Yuuki's usual infectious energy helped Kyouya get more and more excited for the day ahead. As they got to the ground floor, the tantalizing aroma of breakfast wafted through the air, and Kyouya noticed buffet tables set with a mix of both Western and traditional Japanese breakfast options— steamed rice, miso soup, grilled fish, tamagoyaki, and pickled vegetables sat alongside fluffy scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, buttery croissants, and fresh fruit. The two each grabbed a plate and helped themselves to a bit of everything, and they, along with the other boys who eventually found their way downstairs, chatted and enjoyed their meals before the day's orientation began.
After a while, the announcements began, and the room quieted down. Kyouya listened attentively as the staff provided important information about the day's schedule, campus resources, and the various activities available to partake in. Before long, the breakfast hour concluded and all the students, boys and girls alike, were instructed to head to the auditorium for the official welcome to the school.
. . . . . .
The auditorium was surprisingly spacious considering the very small number of students they had to accommodate each school year, with a several rows of seats leading up to a grand stage. Kyouya, along with Yuuki, Yuuma, Moke and Len, got seats near the middle, the perfect spot to see and hear everything.
The room buzzed with excitement as all 30 students chatted amongst themselves, and as Yuuki rambled to him in one ear and Yuuma coolly replied to said rambling in the other, he scanned the side of the room that the girls sat on to see if he could spot Yukari, but before he could, the lights dimmed, the conversations quickly hushed. A spotlight illuminated the stage, and the academy's principal, a dignified man with an air about him that exuded authority with an underlying approachability, approached the podium.
"Good morning once again, ladies and gentlemen, he began, his voice resonating through the room as it did when on the intercom. "My name is Hiyama Kiyoteru, and I'm here to give you all a formal welcome to our school, The Yamaha Academy for Advanced Studies, or simply Yamaha Academy as many refer to it as. Now, as you all know, you are here today, not by mere chance or bias, but because you each have shown truly exceptional talent and dedication in not only your academics, but your chosen fields of interest."
Kyouya glanced over at William as he said this, eager to know what his reaction to Kiyoteru's words had been, unfortunately unable to see it due to the boy being in the row in front of him.
Kiyoteru continued, "This academy will challenge you, push you beyond your limits, and help you grow in ways you never imagined. But remember, it's not just about your individual achievements— it's about what you can achieve together, as a community of future leaders."
Kyouya listened closely, absorbing every word. The principal spoke about the academy's values— collaboration, innovation, and integrity— and emphasized the importance of supporting each other as they embarked on this journey. His words stirred something in Kyouya, reinforcing his resolve to make the most of his time here.
"With that said," Kiyoteru concluded, his voice steady and encouraging, "I challenge each of you to not only excel in your personal endeavors but to also lift those around you. Together, we can create something greater than any one of us could achieve alone. Welcome to Yamaha Academy— where your journey to greatness begins today."
With those final words, a round of applause filled the auditorium, the weight of the principal's speech resonating with the students as they prepared to embark on this new chapter of their lives.
After the speech, it was time for the students to go on the long-awaited tour of the campus, but not before they were to be divided into two groups: Class 1-1 and Class 1-2. Kyouya waited patiently as they called the names of each individual student along with the class they were being assigned to. Eventually, they got to his name.
"Miyazaki Kyouya, 1-1."
Kyouya glanced around, noting the mix of reactions from his fellow students. Some looked relieved, others anxious. With a nod, he moved to join the group designated as Class 1-1. He noticed that he'd be in the same class as a couple of people he'd already met, namely Miku and Oliver.
'Thank God I'm not with Cayton,' he expressed inwardly, as the boy had already ended up being grouped with the unfortunate souls that were the rest of Class 1-2. 'Godspeed to you all.'
As more names were called and students organized into their respective classes, one name stood out to Kyouya amidst the list.
"Shibasaki Galaco, 1-1."
As the name "Shibasaki Galaco, 1-1" was called, Kyouya's ears perked up. The name felt oddly familiar, like a distant echo from his past that he couldn't quite place, similarly to the garden, though the familarity felt more grounded in reality in this case. He glanced around and spotted a girl with long, dual-coloured hair, her bangs tinted with bright shades of pink, blue and yellow making her way toward the group of Class 1-1 students.
She looked somewhat familiar, but Kyouya still couldn't quite put his finger on where he might have seen her before. The girl must've spotted his staring eyes, as she looked him right in the eyes, a wide, bright grin growing on her face. A clear, chirpy voice rang out from her lips, as she called to him.
"Kyocchi!"
Then it all came back to him, his blue eyes widened in recognition.
"Gala-tan?!"
Yay, we got to meet Oliver and Galaco! Galaco is another character I rarely see in Vocaloid fics, so I was really so excited to introduce her here!
Also, points for whoever can guess who Oliver's cousin is! (though it may be fairly obvious lol)
By the way, if anyone is curious about the inspiration of the uniform, I referenced official art of Yukari in a school uniform by Ayakura Juu, plus a fanart of the same by Kawazu (both sourced from Zerochan). These would make the standard girls' uniform, while the uniform I described for Kyouya would be the standard for the boys.
Welp, onto the next one~!
~*:･ﾟ✧