There was hardly a cloud in the sky this morning, the sun shining brightly overhead and casting its rays over the countryside; though the sun this morning seemed to shine its brightest on the grounds of a certain educational institution situated atop a hill deep in the beautiful urban countryside. Today, the sound of a bell could be heard chiming on the wind, its high and pleasing tone dancing in the wind stream alongside the cherry blossom petals that seemed to hang in the air, spiraling and slowly twirling as they made their descent to the ground below. The start of cherry blossom season, the shining sun, the bell chime, all of these elements added up to one equation. Another school year was starting within the prestigious grounds of Lilium Girls Academy.
A single road marked the way to the academy's main entrance, lining the path were rows of trees and flowers that seemed to sprout just to mark the occasion. Trucks carrying the Lilium logo were slowly making their way towards the academy, making a sudden left before arriving at the gates. Following the road, pedestrians could see the top of the main building as they ascended the light hill. The light blue gates leading to the immaculately maintained paths of Lilium Academy were currently open and groups of girls all adorned in similar uniforms could be seen sitting on the benches, laughing, socializing, greeting old friends and starting on the way to making new ones, all the while the campus-planted cherry blossoms had their petals blowing around in the wind, giving the air inside school grounds a charming atmosphere of pink.
Though the mood was one of socialization and warm greetings, there was a student who was opting to stay out of the social scene, instead sitting on the edge of the fountain dedicated to the founders of the academy from way back in the day. The girl, whose name was Reiko Ishida, was looking up towards the cloudless sky, her short, unkempt, boyish hair lightly blowing in the breeze, though her hair was so short that there was no danger of hair obscuring her eyes. Like the other students, Reiko was wearing the school uniform, though hers came with the addition of white, fluffy high socks that stopped at her calf. This was to be her second year attending Lilium and all she had to show for it was her name on the drama club roster. The only other student she considered a friend graduated, leaving Reiko to fend for herself. The other students all seemed friendly and inviting enough, but Reiko wasn't about to let looks deceive her again.
The bell chimed again, signaling the change of the hours. With a loud popping sound and some slight feedback, the social air was silenced, replaced now by the sound of a staff member making a campus-wide announcement.
"The headmistress' welcoming speech will begin in fifteen minutes. All students, please report to the auditorium at this time."
The announcement was repeated a second time and was then silent. The hustle and shuffle of students all migrating towards the auditorium, the large building behind the classroom building, replaced the silence left in the wake of the announcements. Reiko sighed and stood up from the fountain. She was familiar with the auditorium, it was the main haunt of the drama club. Just once she wanted to perform on stage, in her first year she was just an understudy. That was her goal this trimester. To perform. As Reiko shuffled along the paved path towards the auditorium, she couldn't help but chuckle at the number of first year students asking their senpai how to get to the auditorium. It didn't seem like that long ago when Reiko was doing the same thing. Except when she asked an older student, the student expressed shock at Lilium accepting a male student. At the time Reiko was a bit upset, but Reiko's voice was a bit rougher and masculine compared to the majority so confusion was almost expected.
Reiko shuffled into the auditorium, being directed to the area for second years by a glasses-wearing staff member who was smiling so widely Reiko wondered if she would be able to close her mouth without hassle. There were sounds of talking and whispers in the auditorium seats that were immediately silenced as a stern looking woman in heels and an expensive suit took the stage, tapping the microphone before speaking.
"Welcome, students, to Lilium Academy!" In contrast to her appearance, the woman's voice was friendly and jovial. "Welcome to returning students and welcome to new students! Lilium Academy has been educating and raising young ladies for centuries, and I am proud to be carrying on the tradition set forth so many years ago. For those who don't know, my name is Junko Serizawa and I am the headmistress of Lilium Academy. It is my job to ensure that your education proceeds as smoothly and as fully as possible. I work tirelessly to ensure that every minute of your time here is memorable and fulfilling. And I'm not alone." At this, Serizawa motioned to the row of staff behind her. "These are your teachers, but more than that they are your friends. If you ever find yourself in need of someone to talk to, the teacher's offices are always open during school hours. Here at Lilium, we work together to be the best we can be, and we listen to the feedback from our student body. I encourage you students to get involved, to make memories you will cherish forever. Remember, this is more than just high school, this is the start of your life. Make it one worth living!"
The auditorium filled with applause, the loudest coming from the staff on stage behind Serizawa.
"Now then, school is officially in session! Ah, but don't rush off to class just yet. As today is the start of the term, students have one hour to get situated before class starts. I suggest going to the dorms and meeting your future best friend - your roommate. There will be room listings posted on the bulletin board outside the dorm building. The movers should be finished bringing your personal bags to the dorm building, you will find your bag outside the entrance to your rooms. Classroom listings can be found in the ground floor of the main building. Until the bell rings, your time is yours. Use it wisely and enjoy your school life at Lilium!"
Serizawa now left the stage with moderate applause, which was overtaken by the sounds of students shuffling out of their seats and heading out of the building. Reiko headed for the dorms, trailing behind other students with similar minds. Hopefully, her roommate this year would be better than in her first. In her first year. There was a modest gathering of girls crowding around the bulletin board, but Reiko was able to find her name quickly enough.
"Junko Kuriyama," she said, uttering the name of her roommate for the school year, "Room 306." Reiko nodded, committing the information to memory. Pushing away from the group of girls, Reiko took a seat by her self on the bench outside the dorm hall. She let out a heavy sigh as the reality of another year set in.
"Welcome back, Reiko," she said to no one in particular, tilting her head up towards the cloudless blue ocean of sky.
