The final bell echoed through the halls of Yumeji Academy, marking the end of my first day at the prestigious school. I stretched my arms and let out a sigh, the weight of the day sinking into my shoulders. The overwhelming lecture and the peculiar supernatural students had left me mentally and physically drained.

  I leaned back in my seat and looked out the window at the enormous campus. The sun was beginning to set, throwing a warm golden glow across the grounds. For some reason, it makes someone feel at ease when they see this kind of view.

  “Kazuki,” a familiar, calm voice called out. I turned to see Tsukiko standing by my desk, her dark eyes fixed on me. As usual, she looked composed and elegant, but there was a faint glimmer of curiosity in her gaze.

  “Oh, hey, Tsukiko,” I greeted her, trying not to sound as tired as I felt. “What’s up?”

  “I require your assistance,” she said, folding her hands neatly in front of her. “My father insists I must learn to understand the ways of commoners. He believes it will broaden my perspective.”

  I blinked at her, surprised.

  “The ways of commoners? You mean… like normal people?”

  “Yes,” she replied without hesitation. “Please, teach me.”

  I couldn’t help but chuckle. So that means, I get to start my first job as a tutor huh, I thought.

  “Alright, alright. Give me a second to think.”

  I stood up, slinging my bag over my shoulder, and thought over her request. What did regur people do after school? Back in my old school, most students would go home or hang out somewhere casual, such as karaoke, arcades, or fast-food restaurants. I need something that isn't too intimidating for a nobility like Tsukiko, but yet not too crowded. Then a grin came across my face as the thought clicked.

  “Got it!” I said, snapping my fingers. “We’re going to a fast-food restaurant.”

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  We left the grand gates of Yumeji Academy behind us, stepping onto the streets of the city outskirts. I adjusted the strap of my bag as Tsukiko walked beside me, her every step graceful and deliberate. Her expression remained calm, but I caught the occasional flicker of curiosity in her eyes as she scanned the unfamiliar surroundings.

  The area outside the academy was a far cry from its sprawling, majestic campus. The streets were lined with a mix of older shops and newer establishments, their neon signs and modest facades creating an odd yet charming blend of past and present. The air was filled with the distant hum of vehicles and the faint chatter of people going about their day.

  “So, this is what it’s like outside the academy,” Tsukiko said, her tone thoughtful.

  “Yeah,” I replied, gesturing to the street ahead. “It’s not as polished or grand as the academy, but it’s got its own vibe, don’t you think?”

  She nodded, her eyes lingering on a small bookstore with a faded sign. “It feels… grounded. Less about appearances and more about function.”

  “That’s one way to put it,” I said with a chuckle.

  As we walked further, I realized we were completely winging it. I hadn’t been to this part of the city before, and my ck of a smartphone was quickly becoming a problem.

  I sighed, running a hand through my hair. “Man, I really wish I had a smartphone right now. It’d make finding a pce so much easier.”

  “You don’t have one?”

  “Nope,” I said, shrugging. “Couldn’t afford one. Saving up for stuff like school fees and rent takes priority.”

  “You’re quite an unusual servant, Kazuki.” Her smile widened slightly, and there was a glimmer of amusement in her eyes.

  “Oh, like you’re any better,” I shot back pyfully. “Do you even have one?”

  She shook her head, her smile fading. “My father doesn’t allow it. He considers such devices distractions that lead to inefficiency.”

  Her words hung in the air, and the lighthearted mood between us dimmed. I gnced at her, noticing the way her gaze had lowered slightly, as if the subject had brought a heaviness to her thoughts.

  “Man,” I said, breaking the silence, “your dad’s pretty strict, huh? It’s like you’re a princess locked in a castle.”

  Her lips pressed into a thin line, and she nodded once. “That’s… not an inaccurate description.”

  I scratched the back of my head, feeling a pang of sympathy. “Well, today, you’re out of the castle. So let’s make the most of it.”

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  The streets grew livelier as we ventured further, with more people milling about. We passed small eateries, convenience stores, and street vendors selling everything from skewers to fresh produce. My stomach growled faintly at the smell of grilled meat, but I stayed focused.

  “Do you come to pces like this often?” Tsukiko asked, her eyes scanning a colorful stall selling taiyaki.

  “Not really,” I admitted. “Most of the time, I’m too busy working or studying. But when I do, it’s usually for something quick and cheap, like fast food.”

  Her brows knitted together in mild confusion. “Fast food… that’s what we’re looking for, correct? What makes it different from the other pces we’ve passed?”

  “It’s kind of hard to expin,” I said, scratching my chin. “It’s not like street food or home cooking. It’s more… uniform. Fast food pces have a set menu, and they prepare everything quickly. Plus, it’s usually affordable.”

  “And this is where commoners typically eat?” she tilted her head slightly, processing my expnation.

  “Some do,” I said. “It’s not the healthiest option, but it’s convenient and tastes pretty good.”

  As we continued our search, I cursed myself under my breath again for not having a map or any sense of direction.

  “What’s wrong?” Tsukiko asked, her gaze flicking to me.

  “Just frustrated,” I admitted. “If I had a phone, I could look up the nearest pce instead of wandering aimlessly.”

  Her lips twitched in amusement. “You seem quite fixated on this ck of a phone, Kazuki.”

  “Well, yeah,” I said, shrugging. “It’s like being blindfolded in a maze. You can get out eventually, but it’s way harder than it needs to be.”

  She hummed thoughtfully. “I see your point. Perhaps a smartphone is more essential than I realized.”

  “Wait, you don’t think smartphones are essential?”

  She shook her head. “In my world, such things are seen as luxuries. Our lives are carefully structured, and distractions are discouraged.”

  “Sounds… intense.” I said, grimacing.

  “It is.” she said simply, her tone carrying a weight that made me gnce at her again.

  I decided to change the subject. “Well, let’s focus on finding that fast-food pce. We’ll get there eventually.”

  After what felt like an eternity of wandering, we turned a corner and saw it: a small fast-food restaurant with a glowing neon sign.

  “There it is,” I said, relief flooding my voice.

  Tsukiko stopped beside me, her eyes fixed on the building. “So, this is it?”

  “Yup,” I said, grinning. “Welcome to the world of fast food.”

  She tilted her head slightly, her expression a mix of curiosity and skepticism. “It doesn’t look particurly… refined.”

  “Trust me,” I said, stepping toward the entrance. “It’s all about what’s inside.”

  As we walked in, the smell of fried food filled the air, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of homesickness. This pce reminded me of my part-time job, the lively atmosphere, and the simple pleasure of a short dinner.

  We pushed through the doors, greeted by the hum of activity inside. The restaurant was packed with people—families, students, and workers grabbing a bite to eat. The colorful menu boards and the sound of sizzling fryers filled the air.

  Tsukiko’s eyes darted around, taking in the scene. “It’s… lively,” she remarked.

  “Yeah,” I said, leading her to the counter. “And this is where the magic happens.”