Forum Thread

On hearing the other laugh, Meka couldn't help but feel a little lighter. It was nice, he thought, to have someone to jest with. It helped keep the mind off things.

'I was thinking about it, we're the seniors this year. It kind of makes me inspired, motivated even to try harder. I'd like to be as helpful to our juniors as our seniors were. It's..cute when someone younger depends on you. Not in a creepy way!'

He came to a stop as he looked up at the door infront of them. A big door made of oak? Walnut? He was not particularly a connoisseur of doors, but he could tell that the wood was an expensive one. Quite well made and very well decorated. He noticed a few inscriptions here and there in some ancient language he couldn't comprehend and a beautiful arch of sculpted vines and flowers around the edges. The handles too were works of art he didn't dare to touch. He had only been in the kitchen once or twice to get materials, but he did remember this door that seemed to be the gateway to another world.

'Oh, seems like we're here.'

♉︎ 𝔸𝕝𝕒𝕡𝕒𝕣𝕠𝕤 ℙ𝕒𝕡𝕒𝕕𝕠𝕡𝕠𝕦𝕝𝕠𝕤 ♉︎
Alaparos couldn't help but wholeheartedly agree. Being someone that other people could look up to was a warm feeling that he couldn't wait to experience. He too wanted to be the type of mentor his younger self sorely needed, perhaps as a small grace to his past self. "I share the same sentiment. It would be lovely to be role models for the young ones." Oh dear, if only his younger self could hear him now. Younger ones, as if he wasn't only a year or two older than the rest. How embarrassing.

Thankfully he was saved when they finally arrived at the kitchens and a hand came up to trace the inscriptions on the door. It was a pretty piece of decoration that to Alaparos was the threshold welcoming him to a home away from home. "But before any baking can be done, wash up. Keep your sleeves back and make sure your hair is clipped back. Though I don't suppose that would be a problem for you." He instructed, a teasing glance at the nest of hair clips nestled in Meka's hair especially pointed. Alparos himself had to comply by his own words, however, pushing up the sleeves of his sweater up to his elbows and wrangling wavy blond locks into a low bun.

---

♓︎ Sσɳɠ BιɳɠLιυ ♓︎
"I'm fine with any room. I don't mind sharing. Or the couch." Came the hesitant signing, and for the most part it was true. The couches in this opulent house looked super comfortable and Song BingLiu reckoned that both he and someone else could fit comfortably on the larger ones. Even the smaller couches were massive by his standards and if this was what a common space looked like, he almost dreaded looking at the rooms. A part of himself was scared that the beds would be too soft for him to sleep, much too used to second hand mattresses that he shared with family. Really, this whole arrangement was a brand new experience for him and he was starting to sympathize with Dorothy. He wasn't in Kansas anymore. But he had friends to help him, a part of his mind reminded him and only a quick look forward confirmed that. Like Dorothy, Song BingLiu hoped that he would grow to love this Land of Oz.

---

Meka blushed a little, laughing as he played with his hair clips. Today was simple, three bobby hair pins of black, white, and a mellow yellow on each side to keep his side bangs back. His hair was tied low in a ponytail, the ends fluffing and curling up in a swirl. He brought the sleeves of his sweater back, folding them well above his elbows.

'I could always lend you some, I have barrettes and clips for each day of the year. They're a blessing to hair like mine.'

As they entered the kitchen, he looked around to take in the environment. It was warm inside, and the room got much natural light from the abundance of windows. He saw bags of flour and grain on one side, silently impressed on how the school was so quick to fill the kitchen to the brim with resources. Although that should probably not be much of a surprise to him. He walked over to the counter, taking note of all the things he'd seen so he could be more efficient. The overall look of the kitchen was simple and rustic, like something out of a cottage. It felt homely, and he could see why Alaparos liked this place so much.

'Somehow, this place really gives off a..an Alaparos vibe.'

Meka teased slightly, but it was very much the truth. He walked over to the sink, taking his time washing his hands as he later showed the other his clean hands - much like a toddler.

'Done. What's next?'

Lilith still couldn't figure out her dormitory, the rather wealthy design of the Stella House and eloquent speech on letters and signs really tilted her mind. "Guess nobody here knows about Uncle Occam and his shaving..." She grumbled, scratching her head before she found herself in the lounge, where she just tossed her bag onto the couch and jumped right next to it, melting like butter. "Mmmh, at least they know comfort well..." Lilith's voice changed to a soothing and flat out relaxed state, her body entering a weird state of relaxation on the couch.

(It's like when you are comfy in bed but from the outside, it looks like you fell out of the fifth floor lol)

♎ 𝐀𝐥𝐲𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐚 '𝐀𝐥𝐥𝐲' 𝐂𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐛𝐲 ♎

The Vamps - Can We Dance
1:07 ──♡───── 3:58

"I talk a lot of ---- when I'm drinking, baby; I'm known to go a little too fast-
Don't mind all my friends, I know they're all crazy; But they're the only friends that I have
I know I don't know you, But I'd like to skip the small talk and romance, girl
That's all I have to say so, baby, can we dance?"

---

"Well, there should be twelve of us. At least, that's how many there were last year and, that I'm aware of, there haven't been any changes," Alyssia hums as she attempts to recall how many people she had seen or who had passed in the past few moments since she'd arrived, "We should be expecting... about three more people? If I've counted correctly."

She laughs lightheartedly, picking up her things after having rested her hands for a moment, "As for rooms, you shouldn't worry too much. If you weren't here last year, rooms are pretty much a free-for-all. They will have been cleaned over the summer break, as well as any repairs made. They're all relatively nice, and each has its own bathroom for privacy. We just ask that you don't absolutely destroy the place, because the last thing I'm sure any of us need is a fine for damages, aha~ Oh, and there's also a communal kitchen, lounge, games room, and a private garden out back that you're free to hang out in."

"Anyway, I'm going to get out of the way now, I need to put all this away and then take some stuff down to the music rooms. But if you need any more help, I'm sure any of the other seniors here will be more than happy to do so! I don't know them too well, but they all seem pretty friendly, so don't be afraid to ask. I'll see you all later then!"

Waving, she heads off down the hall, leaving the others to get settled and explore for themselves. Ally enters her room after swiping the card on the reader, instantly met with the walls filled with posters of various bands and artists. Whilst she was mainly into the heavier, darker, side of music, she enjoyed other genres just as much. Amongst the posters were, also, photos of her small circle of friends who lived outside of the Stella House, some included her co-workers at the bar she worked part-time at. On her vanity sat a single framed photo of a beaming, brown-haired child, in curly pig-tails and a pink dress, who stood between two adults - presumably her parents. The image was had faded somewhat with age, as did the pencil marks on the back stating: 'Alyssia, 5 years old'.

"Interesting. We seem to have a small dorm here. I was worried we'd be fighting a ton of people here. Then again, this is for the best of the best, whatever that means." Lyra says with a small laugh. "I guess we should go look for a room here before all the good ones are taken." She says, exploring the room

---

『Soleil Eneida』
“Seek what sets your heart on fire”

Soleil had to stop her mouth from hanging from amazement. The fact that a building this big only had twelve rooms. The students may as well have an entire floor to themselves.

She happily trailed off behind Lyra and decided to get the room at the topmost part of the building. It would get her a pretty high view of outside and she wouldn't mind the flight of stairs. She parted ways with Lyra somewhere in the corridor and proceeded to climb the stairs towards her destination. After climbing lots, and she meant lots, of stairs, she reached her destination. She swiped the card on the door handle and stepped in.

The empty room was very big, to Soleil's pleasure, and most of what Alyssia said was true. She was already fantasizing on how to cover up the empty wall and what to hang on the ceiling, as if this place would've been her permanent home.

She opened her suitcase and started unpacking and sorting out her things. She didn’t bring much to begin with so she would be done relatively quick before she can take a break or, maybe, finish knitting the sweater she had started years ago but never had the mood to finish. She also reminded herself of the painting she was planning to finish 2 months ago.

She quietly cursed herself for being so good and dreamy about everything but never getting anything done.

---

♉︎ 𝔸𝕝𝕒𝕡𝕒𝕣𝕠𝕤 ℙ𝕒𝕡𝕒𝕕𝕠𝕡𝕠𝕦𝕝𝕠𝕤 ♉︎
Considering that outside of class, the second most likely place to find Alaparos was the kitchens, it wasn't surprising. This was his space and only students who specialized in culinary pursuits could compare to the amount of time he spent in these very rooms. It was a facility that every chef let alone a homemaker could ever hope for. Meka's actions garnered an amused smile, oh so different from his usual smiles it its endeared nature. "Would you be okay if I asked you to make chocolate chip cookies? I'm sure many of the new comers will appreciate a classic but what other cookies would they appreciate, I wonder." Leaning on the counter, Alparos made a mental list of what baked goods to make. Oatmeal cookies perhaps would also be added on. Last year, he had made raspberry sugar cookies and those were well received and he had learned a recipe for spiced caramel shortbread so he could test that out. It was a luxury to only have to think about what to make and not be limited by ingredient availability. The University would provide unfailingly and he knew where to look if they couldn't be found in the kitchen or pantry proper.

---

♓︎ Sσɳɠ BιɳɠLιυ ♓︎
Clutching his belongings close to his chest, Song BingLiu scurried to the closest room only to find that it was already occupied, unable to even unlock the door. It was disheartening and Song BingLiu wished dearly that he could have taken that room but he supposed that someone had taken the room. One of his seniors perhaps? The next door he tried yielded the same result but his luck finally came through when Song BingLiu was able to open the fourth closest door. There was a moment of hesitation, warring emotions written all over his face before he stepped into the empty room decisively. The first thing he did was set down the turtle enclosure on the bed side table before unpacking his veritable hoard of instruments. Violins, Violas, Zithers, Qin, and Ukuleles were re-stringed and tuned, flutes and dizis were shined and assembled while reed instruments were put on their proper stands, the sole trumpet placed on the table for later tuning, and the euphonium was set down at a corner. By the time his duffel bag was empty, about half of the room was covered with instruments of varying sizes. A part of him wished that he had brought a guqin but with how old and antique his only model was, he wasn't sure if it could survive the trip so had left it home.

---

『Soleil Eneida』
“Seek what sets your heart on fire”


After Soleil had finished unpacking her things, the walls were already filled until the end with portraits and pictures and she was cozily sitting in bed and knitting whatever she had started. The wall itself looked as though it was a portal to different dimension ranging from a dense forest to a dry, sandy desert.

‧͙⁺˚*･༓☾ ☽༓･*˚⁺‧͙

I seriously hope the image isn't broken
and yes it's tiny...
Then Soleil, being Soleil, changed her mind and decided to take a walk.


She went out and shut the door, putting the keycard into her small sling bag because she was sure she’d drop it if she left it in her pocket. She strolled down the stairs and thought of how to fill her time. She would go up early to get ready for the dinner, but there was a long length of hours in between. She considered hanging out with Song, but figured he was busy settling in.


In the end, she settled for sitting in the common area on one of the many luxurious sofas and continued knitting her sweater, hoping fate would let someone, new or known, cross her path. She sniffed the air and, surprisingly, caught a whiff of fresh-baked food mingling with the dusty atmosphere. She suddenly wondered if someone was conjuring a delicious treat in the kitchen.

---

'Oh sure, sure. Variety is important too, I guess.'

He started looking around, clearly looking lost as he turned back to Alaparos. Meka scratched the back of his neck lightly as he waited for more instructions. He watched quietly as the other started going through a brainstorm. Unsure whether or not to interrupt, he opened a drawer and noticed a few sheets of paper. It was a list of utensils which he recognised as a list to keep count of evey utensil being used in the kitchen. He read the list to make things less awkward, unsure of what to do.

'Haven't really done much baking, to be honest..seems fun though. Must be satisfying to feed others.'

Lyra searches for the first available room she can find. Once there, she starts planning out how she wants to decorate. She opens the window of her new room and starts setting up her computer by the window, enjoying the fresh air. She's making friends, and everything seems nice here. Plus, from the sounds of it, this place won't be too busy. Thats a bonus in her mind. Once her computer is all set up, she starts putting some things all around the room happily

---

♉︎ 𝔸𝕝𝕒𝕡𝕒𝕣𝕠𝕤 ℙ𝕒𝕡𝕒𝕕𝕠𝕡𝕠𝕦𝕝𝕠𝕤 ♉︎
"There's a joy in seeing others derive pleasure from your work." He agreed, finalizing the list of what he would be making in his head. "But enough of that, everyone must be arriving so let us start! Flour and brown sugar can be found three cupboards to your right, under the food processor. White sugar is in the cupboard to the left of that. Here is a set of measuring cups and mixing bowls are in the shelf above you. You'll need a cup of both types of sugar and three cups of flour." It was as if a switch was flipped and much of Alaparos' demeanor snapped to attention, instructions rolling off his tongue smoothly. He handed over a set of silver cups of varying sizes as he rolled over to the aforementioned places where ingredients were kept. It was a surprising shift, his focus on relaying instructions to Meka while working on his own dough, moving quickly despite being wheelchair bound. Despite how difficult it looked to others, for Alaparos it was almost second nature. His mind had always kept a running commentary on recipes and speaking them aloud was a natural habit, albeit a slightly disruptive one, so focusing on speaking one recipe and making another wasn't too hard.

---

♓︎ Sσɳɠ BιɳɠLιυ ♓︎
With his instruments displayed, Song BingLiu carefully rolled out of the room to reconvene with his new friends. He was happy that his room was big enough to house his frankly ridiculous collection of instruments, the sheer size of the room able to fit it all with more than enough room to spare. Perhaps if he had the money to spare he could buy himself another instrument. A new one, not like the dirt cheap embarrassments that he owned. It would be nice to have a small present to celebrate his moving into a new place. As he wondered what he would possibly like to get, he arrived at the common rooms and paused. Food. There was the smell of food but more importantly he could see Soliel. A happy chirrup sounded, catching her attention. "Did you finish unpacking?" He signed, his hands much more readable now that they were both free and he didn't have to make shortcuts to only sign with one hand.

---

『Soleil Eneida』
“Seek what sets your heart on fire”


Soleil turned to look at Song and smiled. “Yeah, I didn’t bring too much stuff so I finished faster,” she replied. She looked down at her ‘project’, as she had kept her eyes off it and dazed out the window while her hands automatically knitted it themselves.


“Woops,” she simply said as she realized the sweater may be a little too big and long for her. She huffed in annoyance, too lazy to fix it. While she knew washing it might shrink it down, the material she used to knit it might be a little resistant and might just have no effect.


Then, she had an idea. She exchanged glances between Song and the silver sweater she had finished. After sizing it up, maybe Song might fit it.


Of course, if he wanted it. While it was satisfactory, Soleil admitted it might be too plain. Other than the little, white cloud patch she had attached, it was just plain grey cloth.


“Would you like to have it?” she asked Song after she explained her little problem. “I mean, its pretty boring and I might just keep it locked up in the closet if you don’t want it,” she added. She didn’t think anyone else in her family would fit it either. Secretly, she was considering of just throwing it in the trash.

---

Meka got on his feet, swiftly getting all the resources and utensils before he would forget the orders Alaparos had given him. He brought all of the things to the counter, nearly tripping at some point as he tried his best to match the other's pace. Something in the rush of things made him feel good. Carefully, he started filling the measuring cups with both sugars and flour seperately as per Alaparos' orders.

'Baking up a storm, quite literally.' He muttered softly as he watched the other work quickly, yet so carefully.

When done, Meka brought everything to the frenzied Alaparos - who seemed to be in a world of his own. Meka watched as the other worked, making sure not to be a disturbance. It made him smile as he saw this expression of fulfillment - a certain sense of belonging- on Alaparos. He was in his element, and it made him happy and Meka was happy to see it. It was the same kind of feeling he would experience when doing things he liked, and watching someone work so passionately on something he loved doing was a beautiful sight. Feeling inspired, he suddenly felt the urge to capture this moment - fearing that he'd ever forget.

'Somehow, I want to document everything that happens this year. For the memories. Maybe I can start with taking pictures right now?'

Lyra leaves her room as soon as she is done with the decorations. At least it starting to feel like home. She heads back downstairs to find her friends
"What's up down here?" She asks once she finds them before smelling the food. She smiles at that. "Well, maybe this won't be too bad. Least the food here seems good." She thinks to herself

---

♉︎ 𝔸𝕝𝕒𝕡𝕒𝕣𝕠𝕤 ℙ𝕒𝕡𝕒𝕕𝕠𝕡𝕠𝕦𝕝𝕠𝕤 ♉︎
"Just so it'll last longer?" He teased, brushing off the flour that had fallen on his lap off. "Go ahead, I don't mind." Subconsciously, he tucked a few stray hairs behind his ear and a finger rubbed over his freckles. It wasn't like he was self conscious or anything, it was simply a weird habit built over the years. Aristocracy didn't take too kindly to odd imperfections. But perhaps it was a blessing that he had been in seclusion from the aristocratic eye and didn't put too much thought into his appearance, unafraid to get more than a little dirty. Cooking, after all, wasn't exactly the cleanest art. And so, covered in flour, Alaparos began to knead the dough, most of it identical in appearance. Despite this visual similarity between what he was working with, however, he seemed to move efficiently, arms seeming to never tire despite the amount of kneading he was doing.

---

♓︎ Sσɳɠ BιɳɠLιυ ♓︎
Song BingLiu stared slack jawed at his new friend and her offer, eyes darting between the sweater and her as if to confirm that yes, she really was gifting him something. "Really? You're really going to give it to me?" He asked, looking as if the silver knitted wool was the singular greatest thing he had ever seen. In some sense, though, it was. It was not only a practical gift but it was also thoughtful. The sweater was handmade, obviously taking the maker time and effort to even learn the skill much less employ it to create something for someone. The sweater itself looked warm and sturdy, not something to be worn once or twice for show but durable and made for work. All in all it was one of the best things he had ever been offered.

At Lyra's voice, Song BingLiu turned around with a happy grin. "Look at what she made! Isn't it pretty?" He signed excitedly.

---

'I'm getting sentimental hah! The year might just go by like that, I don't want to leave with regrets.'

Reaching into his pocket, he took his phone out and started taking pictures of the, now, messy counter and finally turned toward Alaparos. He started taking a few pictures, checking each one till he's satisfied. The warm light bounced against Alaparos' blonde hair, forming a sort of golden aura around him. It made for a beautiful picture and the lighting favoured Alaparos too. He proudly showed the other the photos he'd taken.

'Ah this one is nice, like a portrait!'

Feeling satisfied, he put his phone away and looked over at the dough being made.

(Should we do a bit of a time skip?)

『Soleil Eneida』
“Seek what sets your heart on fire”

Soleil scratched her head awkwardly.

"Hehe, it's not the most amazing but I'm glad you liked it," she said, her heart skipping because someone actually liked her creations for once, even if it was a mistake. She almost chuckled as Song showed Lyra the sweater as if it was some amazing limited-edition item. "Maybe I should make some kind of matching sweaters for me and Lyra too," she thought.

'If you'd even start and finish that,' her brain spat. She chuckled mentally. Right, she'd probably forget before she'd want to get started.

But it wasn't bad to hope she could do it.

"Aren't you guys curious about the smell?" she asked. The scent of baking goodness seemed to amplify as seconds went by and it was tugging at Soleil's curiosity. She could track it and locate where the kitchen was.

"You guys wanna take a peek?" she asked the three. She didn't want to disturb whoever was busy in there, but she really wanted to see what they were making as the air smelled seriously good she wished she could eat and taste it.

----------
@Meka I dunno but I'm fine with it ;-;
I'm also still wondering if the dinner is on

---

"Very pretty Song." Lyra says with a smile while looking at the sweater. "It wouldn't hurt to take a peek at whatever is being cooked up." She says, walking towards where the smell is coming from. As long as they weren't bothering anyone, it should be fine right? The worst that could happen is being told to leave the room. "Day one and we might be making enemies. Eh, probably unlikely." She thinks to herself

---

『Soleil Eneida』
“Seek what sets your heart on fire”


Admittedly, Soleil didn’t even wait for the two to answer before ultimately pulling them along to the kitchen.

It was something some of her friends disliked her for ,and still do, dragging people along without consent, but she never grew out of the habit. Though she would profusely apologize if she annoyed them later, she’d still unconsciously do it anyway.

Her brain noted to apologize to Song and Lyra for always dragging them wherever she went, and a deep part of her hopes she wouldn’t lose them as soon as she had started to know them like her other friends.

After mindless walking and several dead ends in the dorms, they finally set upon the kitchen, where the smell was enough to clog Soleil’s nose with unbelievable sweetness.
She observed the two people inside, quietly, trying not to disturb them or let the two notice their presence.

Among the mess of flour, sugar and ingredients were two people. Soleil couldn’t clearly see what they were making, sadly, due to the build of one of the chefs, but she did make out some chocolate chips being made by the other person, who looked surprisingly close to Soleil’s cousin.

She suddenly felt like the messy kitchen would be a good addition to her picture album. It was a silly idea at the wrong moment, she didn’t even know if these guys minded a picture. She argued to herself, though, that she would just take a silent ‘aesthetic’ snap of the table covered in flour and try to avoid getting the two into the frame in case they minded it.

So, she took out her camera and angled it, managing to get the perfect shot. She clicked the button.

“Shick!” the camera clicked loudly. Soleil wanted to scold it for being so loud. They definitely heard them spying on them and she was now thinking if they should run for the common area or if she should explain what they, or she, were doing.

---