Golden Start
The new season had just begun… Freshers were drifting into the school, all lost and wide-eyed. Everything around them felt unreal, like the world had suddenly switched into a dream. Sometimes life starts in such a way that you can’t even tell where reality ends and magic begins. It felt like stepping straight into a Barbie cartoon, soft, glowing almost enchanted… as if someone had quietly pressed play on a beautiful background soundtrack just for this moment.
From the outside, The Silver Academy stands like a masterpiece, a grand structure wrapped in elegance and mystery. Its towering walls glow softly under the fading light, and the intricate architecture feels almost unreal, as if it was built to mesmerize anyone who dares to look at it.
Azura took a long, sweeping breath, taking in the golden world. Gripping the handle of her suitcase, she stepped forward. Every step deeper into the hallways made her heart race a little faster. How on earth did I actually make it here? she wondered.
Everything felt like a dream, like a dream she had never seen before in her life.
The place was blinding. Everything sparkled like polished glass, stunning faces, breathtaking architecture, it felt less like a school and more like a fever dream.
She pushed open her dorm room door.
Standing there was a girl with hair like spun gold, cascading down just above her knees.
"Hi, I’m Azura," she announced with a dry, casual smirk. "And you’re probably going to hate me in about six seconds."
The girl laughed. "Good. It’s exhausting being polite anyway. Hard to curse people out when they're being too 'proper'."
Azura liked her vibe instantly. "So, do you have a name? Or should I just call you 'bitch'?" she asked, flopping onto the bed.
"Liya," the girl replied, grinning.
"Your hair is literally the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen," Azura admitted, genuinely floored.
"I’m so hyped for tomorrow," Liya said, resting her chin on her knees.
"I still can’t believe I actually got in," Azura sighed, starfish-ing across the mattress.
"It feels like a golden dream," Liya whispered, shaking her head. "Watch us wake up tomorrow and find out it was all a prank."
Azura bolted upright. "Excuse me? What kind of cursed thought is that? If you keep talking like that, I’m never going to sleep!"
"Goodnight, honey," Liya teased. A minute later, she was out cold. Azura’s body was heavy with exhaustion, too, and before she knew it, the world faded to black.
The next morning, the alarm clock shrieked like a banshee.
"Shut that barking dog up!" Liya yelled into her pillow.
"Get up, Liya! We’re going to be late for class," Azura said calmly. But apparently, Liya didn't speak 'calm.' Without a second thought, Azura grabbed the alarm clock and chucked it right onto Liya’s blanket.
"Whoa! You’re getting comfortable way too fast!" Liya sat up, startled.
Azura was doubled over, clutching her knees and wheezing with laughter. "I like you," she managed to choke out.
A short while later, they were both decked out in their new uniforms: sharp grey shirts, crisp black blazers, and sleek black skirts.
Azura had her hair pulled back into a neat, high ponytail. Liya, of course, let her golden mane flow free.
Azura looked at her own modest ponytail and then at Liya’s hair, which now reached past her knees. "One of these days, I’m going to die of pure jealousy because of your hair," she deadpanned.
Liya laughed, nudging her. "Wow, you really are a little brat, aren't you?"
"The best kind," Azura winked.
