A couple of days passed, and finally, the first day of school came, which Cheonwoong had been through for a decade. However, Aria was much more nervous than in a space combat.
The morning sunlight was a little warmer than the day before. But Aria's heart wasn't at ease.
The school gate visible through the window, the sound of bicycle bells, and the cheerful laughter of students in uniforms—All of it felt unfamiliar to her, and a little scary.
"It's been a while since I've been in this kind of atmosphere."
Aria lightly smoothed out the hem of her school skirt, steadying herself.The uniform she wore for the first time still felt awkward, and she had stayed up late the night before deciding how to tie her hair.A neatly tied ponytail, small earrings, and carefully packed stationery and notebooks in her backpack.On the outside, she looked no different from any other girl her age—but Aria knew better.
"I… am not ordinary."
Having a secret always makes a person tense.And if that secret is related to magic—then even more so.
But at the same time, Aria held a faint excitement for a new beginning.A hope that maybe she could live again in this place.And… a feeling she might meet him again.
When she reached the edge of the schoolyard, Aria naturally lifted her head, scanning through the students.And soon enough, she spotted him.
Cheonwoong.
Beside him were two boys. One with light brown hair and a cheerful demeanor—Yuseong, and the other with a strong build and a rather stoic face—Chani.Aria already knew they were Cheonwoong's friends.That night, when she faced the shadowy threat, they were the ones who kept Cheonwoong from using his powers.
Seeing them brought her a little relief.The feeling that she wasn't alone.
After a brief chat with the homeroom teacher in the staff room, Aria finally headed to her classroom.Her fingertips trembled, and her breath caught in her throat.
"It's okay. I can do this."She whispered to herself as she stood in front of the classroom door.
"Alright, everyone. We have a transfer student today!"With the teacher's cheerful voice, the door opened.
All eyes turned to her.
Aria took a short breath and stepped in front of the podium.She didn't know where to look, briefly lowered her head, then calmly opened her mouth.
"Hello. My name is Aria Han. Please take care of me."
The classroom stirred slightly.
'Aria? That's a unique name.''Wow… she's really pretty…''Her voice is so calm.'
Aria pretended not to hear the whispers.As her gaze naturally shifted, her eyes met Cheonwoong's.
In that moment—briefly—surprise and warmth flickered in Cheonwoong's eyes.
But he quickly returned to a neutral expression as Yuseong nudged his elbow."Oh? Do you know her?"
Cheonwoong lightly shook his head. "No. Just a transfer student."
At those words, Aria let a small smile form on her lips and nodded. Right, let's pretend we don't know each other.
"Aria, you'll be sitting by the window, third row. Go ahead and take your seat."
Following the teacher's directions, Aria quietly made her way to the spot.And right there—two seats to the right—sat Cheonwoong.
Yuseong and Chani were behind him, goofing around, and Aria found herself smiling without realizing it.
A new classroom. An unfamiliar atmosphere.But just knowing that there were people she could trust brought great comfort.
Even as class began, Aria looked out the window more than at the board.The tension of having to hide her secret still lingered, but at least today didn't seem so bad.
Cheonwoong glanced sideways at her whenever he turned his head.During break time, Yuseong approached and said, "Come eat with us!"And Chani, from behind, grunted, "Our spot gets nice sunlight."
In that warm normalcy, Aria, for the first time, began to feel hope toward school life.
That evening, Aria took out a small diary and began to write.
'It feels like I've stepped back into normal life for the first time. I'm still cautious. But… it's not bad.And Cheonwoong… he's changed a lot. Stronger. He seems to see further ahead now.From now on, I wonder… if I'll be able to stay by his side?'
Setting down her pen, Aria looked out the window.Stars had begun to appear in the night sky, one by one.
And for once, the baseless belief that tomorrow might be better than today—felt a little easier to believe.