Chapter Text
It was the start of a new school year at Il Vento Nuovo. A young man who had short black hair with yellow stripes and striking golden eyes was unpacking in the dormitory. His name was Tuono. This university was for both the rich and the smart; luckily, he was both. Unfortunately, he didn't expect to see much of the latter. He was sick of spoiled brats and all the forced socialization he usually had to do with them. Tuono thought, This university is high quality but not gatekept by the rich. If I have a chance to meet someone average, it is here. Understanding them can't be that complicated, can it?
The knock on the door interrupted. There was a small youngster who had short black hair with lavender roots and heterochromic blue-lavender eyes. He looked like the night sky, which lit up with a shy smile, "Hello. I believe we are roommates?"
Tuono's roommate. A person he would share the dorm with until graduation. He straightened himself and approached, putting his hand forward for the business handshake. "Tuono Sciopero, 19. I hope our cohabiting will be a success."
The other shook it, "Hello. Please, call me Ray Starr. I'm 18."
Tuono caught on to his discomfort and released him. He only has one suitcase and is unused to formalities. Looks like I got lucky after all. "I'm guessing you are a normal civilian?"
Ray blinked, "Huh? I guess?"
Sciopero looked overly serious at his companion, "Either you are or you aren't. Don't return one question with another. You must always give firm answers."
Starr awkwardly smiled, "Alright. Yes, I'm your average Joe. And you?"
"Don't worry about it." Tuono stepped aside, and they both silently unpacked. Once they were settled in, the older offered lunch, having realized he must have acted wrongly somehow.
Ray shook his head, "You don't have to. Besides, I hate debts."
Sciopero did not let up: "I don't need your money, I have plenty."
The smaller cringed, confusing him. "Did I say something wrong again?"
"Um, it's nothing. Don't worry about it!"
Tuono appeared next to Starr, making him yelp. "I don't like liars. Tell me what I'm doing wrong."
His commanding tone made his roommate tense up. Ah, right. He's a civilian. They are more sensitive than I thought. He took a moment to think and adjust his behaviour accordingly. "I'm going to get lunch. And I need you to join so we can break the ice."
O- okay, at least that sounds a little less commanding. Are all rich people like this?! Starr nodded, not that he had much of a choice.
Tuono started grilling him at lunch. "Do you have a family?"
"Yes, but I don't want to talk about it." He came to live here to escape them and start an independent life; he never wanted to remember their existence ever again.
Sciopero was familiar with this reaction and just nodded. "Why do you want to be an artist?"
Is this a job interview?! Wait no! Don't be weird! It's normal for friends to ask things, right? "Um, okay. That one I can answer!" Ray beamed, his sudden change noted. "I want to be an artist, because art has saved me! Anime, fanarts, fanfics, music and things in between are always there for you. Not only are they a perfect distraction from pain, but they also help develop your skills, give you random knowledge and inspire you. I wouldn't be the same man I am without it! I always wanted to be an artist and did things in childhood." He chuckled, "I won't deny I always wanted to be a superstar. I imagined being a celebrity, changing people's lives for the better. Loving the world and being loved back. You must think I'm silly- "
Tuono instantly interjected, "No. I'm glad to see someone with reason and drive." He did an "I'm impressed" nod, not expecting the younger to have such a clear goal from childhood. He is confident about this. I must be the reason for his weird behaviour, then.
Ray was disarmed by the perfect topic and asked his question, "What about you?"
He answered without hesitation, "My mother was an artist."
"Oh." Well damn. Do I apologize for his loss? Dang it, we are so bad at this!
His expression must have shown. "Don't worry about it. Tell me, do you know anyone here?"
"Ah, no, not really. I mean, I did just get here..."
"Alright. We will do a perimeter check." He didn't realize how suspicious it sounded.
Okay, those are some grown-up words. Eh, rich people love fancy talk.
Tuono noticed Ray barely eating anything. "Eat more, you need it."
His roommate looked insulted now. "Stop that! You sound so condescending!"
He blinked. He was just stating a fact. Why was he getting yelled at? Ah, he must have been insecure. "My apologies. I don't mean to boss you around."
The younger was surprised. He wasn't used to getting an apology. "Oh... Thank you. Ah! I- I mean, you are forgiven!"
Tuono got up and offered his hand. For him, it was just manners. As for Ray, it made his heart beat faster. What is even going on?! We aren't on a date! Wait, are we? God, why is this kid so weird?! Damn you, rich people!
"Are you going to get up? People are watching."
Starr was startled and accepted the help. While they explored, Ray checked every nook and cranny. Tuono thought, Smart. It's crucial to know our territory, as he also made mental notes. Ray thought, This place is huge! I'm dying of curiosity! Every spot is beautiful and well furnished! Man, I do feel rich now!
As the smaller pointed out everything in his excitement, their conversation flowed surprisingly well. Mission success. Hm, this isn't all that different and difficult. At least there are no intentional mind games. Tuono soaked in the joy of a simple outing. He felt like he was with his family instead of a stranger. This never happened before. Are all normal people like this? Or is he just special? I'll have to wait and find out.