Maho's point of view
I quickly ran to the postbox as I got the call from the Hoshizora Private University. The envelope felt heavier than paper should. I couldn't believe myself. Me and my friends just applied for the trial, and now, we got it. I kept turning it over in my hands like it might suddenly disappear if I blinked too long. I read it aloud....
''Hoshizora Private University, The Final Residential Trial Invitation''
I still couldn't believe myself. It was really hard to get in this university, only one hundred students selected nationwide. I should have felt proud. I am.... but my heart is telling me not to, even when applying.
"Maho, just open it already!"Sara laughed, leaning into me. "You're acting like it's a death sentence." she added.
I forced a smile and said ''No, I'm not.''
It was a golden seal. I slid my finger beneath the seal. I opened the letter, my hands shaking. The paper inside was thick, clearly expensive. The ink shimmered faintly under the light. My mouth isn't ready to read it out. My whole body was shaking. I took a deep breath and read it out...
'''Congratulations.
Maho Rin Suzuki,
Sara Nakamura,
Riko Ishikawa,
Tsuki Hoshino
have been selected for the Final Residential Trial at Hoshizora Private University. You have to attend the trial of 7 days. If your performance was appreciable, you will be selected for the regular classes. Attendance is mandatory upon acceptance. Withdrawal will not be permitted after entry.
Thank You,
Hoshizora Private University.''
''Withdrawal will not be permitted after entry.'' My stomach tightened. I couldn't breathe.
"That's intense," Riko said, peeking over my shoulder. "They're so dramatic." she added.
Tsuki giggled. "It's an elite academy. Obviously, they're strict." she said.
Strict? That's what I told myself too. Yes, strict. not strange.
*****
Two weeks later, I stood in front of the university gates. They were taller than I expected. Black iron, Cold and Imposing. They didn't look like they were protecting something. They looked like they were keeping something in.
''Finally, I'm going to my dream university.''Sara said happily.
''Yeah! It's so elite.'' Riko said smiling.
I stepped my foot in. The air felt heavier inside the campus, Quieter. Like even the wind knew to behave.
"Last chance to run," Tsuki joked behind me. I didn't laugh, because for a second—I actually considered it. It was indeed our last chance to run.
That's when I noticed someone standing there. Perfect posture. Hands in his pockets. Watching us. I read his nameplate—''Kai Takahashi, The Student Body President''.
Even from a distance, he didn't look like a student. He looked like authority. His eyes scanned all of us... then stopped on me. It wasn't admiration, it wasn't curiosity. It felt like evaluation, like I was something being measured. I quickly looked away, but my heart was already beating faster.
"Welcome to Hoshizora,"he said with his deep voice. His voice was calm, controlled. It carried across the courtyard effortlessly. ''From this moment forward, you belong to this institution."
''Belong.'' The word didn't sit right.
Behind us, the gates closed. The metallic sound echoed louder than it should have. CLANG! The vibration ran straight through my spine.
"Okay that was dramatic," Sara whispered nervously. I didn't answer. I don't know what to say. My body is shaking nervously.... I am not scared but worried that's about to happen next.
We walked to the entrance hall with Kai Takahashi. I don't know why but I have a lot of respect for him.
The principal greeted us at the entrance hall. She was beautiful in an elegant way. Soft smile, gentle voice. "Welcome, children,"she said.
We all bowed to her. But ''Children'' ? We were university students. Why did that word make me uncomfortable?
Her eyes passed over each of us slowly. When they met mine, she smiled wider. I suddenly felt small, weird. Kai Takahashi then leaded us to the office, where they gave the dorm keys. We all went to the dorm and arranged our things and cloths.
*****
That night, the dormitory felt unfamiliar, the walls were too clean, the silence was too thick.
I was sitting on my bed when the loudspeaker crackled to life. Static filled the room. I couldn't help but breathe heavily and shakily.
Sara grabbed my arm immediately. "It's probably just orientation information, right?"
I nodded. I hope she was right. A woman's voice flowed through the speaker. It was smooth and calm. "Good evening, Trial Students."My chest tightened. "Tomorrow morning, your first assignment will be announced."
Assignment? What kind of assignment? There was a pause. It was long enough for my heartbeat to grow louder in my ears. Then—
"Obedience is survival."
The speaker went silent. For the 1st time, I am ever feeling like this. I am shivering and breathing shakily. The room felt colder.
Sara let out a shaky laugh. "They're really committed to the whole elite training theme, huh?"
I couldn't laugh at all, because something about that sentence didn't feel motivational. It felt like a warning.
I started breathing heavily. My chest tightened. I couldn't say anything. I kept hand on my chest and started taking deep breaths. I then walked to the window slowly. The courtyard below was dimly lit. It was beautiful but yet— dark. I looked around there.
And there he was— ''Kai Takahashi'' He was standing alone only looking up, directly at our dorm building. For a second, I had the strangest feeling— Like he knew exactly which window was mine. And then... He smiled. Not warmly, not kindly. Just slightly. Like he knew something I didn't. That was the moment I understood—
''Coming here wasn't a beginning; it was a mistake.''