Alice Valleria had grown up under strict rules, taught to be strong, rational, and never show vulnerability.
In that environment, she learned to hide her true emotions behind a cold and firm exterior. But the truth was far different behind those sharp eyes was a heart that yearned for affection.
She... really liked being pampered.
If Alice ever truly loved someone, she would love them with everything she had. Her affection was never half-hearted—she loved deeply, passionately, sometimes even... obsessively. She didn't hesitate to show it.
She would worry, care for, even get jealous and fiercely protect the one she loved as if they were the only thing that mattered in the world.
And the most surprising thing? Alice absolutely loved hugs.
Though she kept up a cool demeanor, if the person she loved was nearby, she could cling to them like a cat that found a warm bed arms wrapped tight, her eyes unexpectedly soft, completely at odds with the persona of "Arisu" she tried to maintain.
---
[Dorm Room – Night]
I was folding my jacket when I heard soft footsteps behind me.
Alice—or rather, Arisu—was pulling a towel from her bag.
"Going for a bath?" I asked, trying to sound casual.
She nodded slightly. "I usually bathe early... and I take a bit longer."
I raised an eyebrow. "You like being clean?"
"...Not just that." She paused for a second, then added, "It's one of the few times I can breathe. Alone in the bath... it's peaceful."
There was a quiet sadness in her words. I nodded, understanding what she didn't say.
"Take your time. I don't mind."
Alice looked at me, a little surprised. After a moment, she spoke softly:
"...Thanks. I appreciate that."
I smiled. "No problem. Just don't hog the bathroom until midnight."
The corner of her mouth lifted ,almost a smile.
"You have my word."
---
[The Next Morning – Dorm Room]
I woke to the sound of quiet footsteps.
Sunlight filtered gently through the window, casting a warm glow on the wooden floor. The clock showed just past six,classes started at eight. Down below, Alice was already dressed in a neatly worn male uniform, fastening her wristwatch.
"You're up early," I mumbled, rubbing my eyes.
She glanced up, unfazed. "I always wake at six. It's a habit."
I yawned and rolled over, sitting up. "Disciplined, huh?"
She didn't reply. Instead, she walked over to the small desk, neatly folded her face towel, and pulled out a small comb from a leather pouch. Her short red hair, still slightly messy from last night, was brushed into place with precise, graceful movements. At that moment, despite the boyish clothes,she looked effortlessly feminine.
I watched for a moment, then grinned. "Hard to believe you're a guy when you do that."
She stopped, turning to me with a sharp glare. "I told you—"
"Yeah, yeah. Arisu from Class B. A guy. Got it," I raised both hands in mock surrender.
She shot me a look, but didn't say more. Just the faintest red hue crept onto her ear.
"By the way," I said, hopping off the bed and stretching. "Want some tea? I brought some leaves from home."
Alice blinked. "You know how to brew tea?"
"Yeah. My mom taught me."
She looked at me for a moment, then gave a small nod. "...I don't dislike tea."
Simple words—but a big step for our relationship.
As I poured the hot water into the pot, I felt... strangely warm inside.
Once we finished our tea and got ready, I glanced at Alice putting on her bag. Her expression was as composed as ever, her eyes calm. But since last night, the air between us had softened.
"Want to walk together?" I asked.
Alice looked up, slightly surprised, then gave a small nod. "Alright."
We left the male dormitory together. The morning sunlight bathed the stone path ahead, fresh dew and a light breeze making everything feel crisp and clean. We didn't talk much, but somehow, our footsteps matched perfectly.
As we reached the main junction, two familiar figures waited near the trees.
"Sachi! Lucy!" I called out.
They both turned at the same time.
Sachi waved energetically. "Yuto! Huh? Who's that?"
Lucy didn't speak. She simply raised an eyebrow and eyed Alice from head to toe, her gaze narrowing slightly.
I smiled, trying to keep things casual. "This is Arisu. My roommate. He's in Class B."
Alice bowed lightly, her voice lower than usual. "I'm Arisu. Nice to meet you."
Sachi tilted her head, intrigued. "Arisu? That's a cute name! I mean—uhh... I didn't mean cute as in..." She scratched her cheek awkwardly.
Lucy stayed silent, her red eyes seemingly piercing through Alice's disguise. Then... she gave a slight nod. "I'm Lucy. Class A."
I glanced at Lucy—she knew. In the original story, Lucy was one of the few who suspected "Arisu's" true identity.
Sachi, on the other hand, never caught on.
"Let's go," I said, trying to shift the mood.
The four of us walked toward the academy. Our footsteps echoed lightly, sunlight bathing the path ahead. We didn't speak, but I couldn't shake the feeling that I was walking to class with a ticking time bomb.
When we reached the building, we split up. I, Lucy, and Sachi were in Class A, while Alice headed to Class B. She didn't say much as we parted.
Sachi seemed curious. "That Arisu guy is so mysterious! Cold, quiet... like the cool side character in a story!"
I just smiled without answering. Lucy didn't join the conversation either,she walked ahead, silent.
In class, we still had time before the bell. I had just set down my bag when Lucy pulled a chair beside me, resting her chin on her hand as she stared straight at me.
"I'm serious. Don't do anything stupid."
I blinked. "Huh?"
"With Arisu," she said in a low voice, just enough for the two of us to hear. "I don't know what you're hiding, but... don't get involved in trouble."
I swallowed. "I just... think he's interesting. That's all."
Lucy's eyes were sharp, but her voice softened a little.
"Just because someone's got a pretty face doesn't mean they're trustworthy."
I chuckled. "Thanks for worrying about me."
She frowned, cheeks turning slightly red, then stood up with a small huff. "Who's worrying about you?"
Before returning to her seat, she muttered one last thing:
"But... remember this. Some things, once you know too much... you can't go back to how they were."
She turned and walked away, leaving me with a subtle ache in my chest. Not because I was scolded, but because… I knew she was right.
Just then, the classroom door opened as the bell rang.
A woman entered with graceful steps and confident poise. Her long purple hair was tied neatly behind her, catching the morning light. She wore a deep blue dress, tailored to accentuate her slender figure without being overly showy.
"Good morning," she spoke, her voice smooth and velvety. "I'm Selene Viadora, your instructor for Advanced Mana Theory. I look forward to working with you all."
The atmosphere in the room shifted instantly.
The boys who were yawning moments ago now sat upright, eyes gleaming. Some slicked back their hair, others whispered excitedly. Most couldn't take their eyes off her long, elegant legs.
As for me? I quietly opened my notebook, jotting down the date in the corner—an old habit.
While I was mid-sentence, I felt eyes on me.
"Not interested?" Lucy asked softly, still resting her chin on her hand, eyes on the board.
I tilted my head toward her and smiled. "It's not that I'm not interested. She's just not my type."
Lucy narrowed her eyes. "Then what is your type?"
I grinned mischievously. "Someone who gets mad easily, speaks sharply... but actually cares a lot deep down."
She blushed, turned away, and muttered, "What a pain..."