Chapter 10: “Prom Night Under the Moon”
Chapter 10: “Prom Night Under the Moon”
(From the memoirs of Oliver Jones)
At Gifted Academy, spring always brought the Grand Prom Night—
the annual dance party hosted by the student council,
and one of the rare opportunities for true “social life” at this boarding school.
An aurora was projected across the ceiling, holographic stars cascaded down from above.
Classical and pop songs alternated in the air,
while tables along the walls overflowed with food and drinks.
The whole space felt like a dream made real.
“Woof… woof, woof!”
And of course—even dreams weren’t safe from my Hachikō.
The robotic Akita charged straight at a serving drone, tail wagging wildly.
Even when the AI voice warned, “That contains allergens,” he didn’t care one bit.
Behind him, a whole menagerie of companion robots—cats, eagles, black panthers, ferrets, owls, even a jellyfish-like creature floating in its tank—swarmed noisily toward the trays of synthetic pet food.
Thanks to the special “Pets Welcome” exception, students came dressed to the nines, each with their prized robotic partner by their side.
──And that night,
I was more nervous than anyone.
The reason sat right beside me on the sofa near the stage: Rafaela.
Even sitting shoulder to shoulder, my heart wouldn’t calm down.
In her crimson dress, Rafaela was the very incarnation of moonlight.
Every time she smiled, I couldn’t help but soften too.
But then—
I felt someone’s gaze.
I didn’t turn, but I knew.
It was Lilica.
Standing frozen at the entrance, she wore a soft pink gown, hair pinned up, fingers fidgeting with the clasp of her clutch.
(…Oliver. I wanted to ask you. But it’s already too late, isn’t it?)
I felt that thought pierce me. I wasn’t blind to such feelings.
And then—from behind her—appeared Emil.
“…I knew you’d come, Lilica.”
Dressed in a tuxedo, still small for his age, he looked straight at her.
“W-would you… dance with me? I mean, please. If you turn me down, I might never recover.”
He made no attempt to hide his nerves, his awkwardness. Lilica hesitated.
“Me? But… you’re shorter than me.”
Indeed, standing side by side, they looked like an older sister with her younger brother.
“T-that’s why! If I’m the one looking up, then see—‘being small is a tactical advantage,’ like Rafaela said!”
It was such an Emil-like logic.
And somehow, it made Lilica’s heart lighter.
“…Alright. Just one dance.”
The two stepped onto the floor.
At first, they tripped and bumped feet, but soon their rhythm synced.
“I heard you passed the medical licensing exam? The youngest this year, right? Congrats, Lilica.”
“Thanks, Emil.”
Right then, Emil stepped on her foot.
Lilica winced, and Emil muttered:
“When you’re mad, your eyebrows turn into a V shape.”
“You didn’t need to say that!”
“No, I mean—it’s cu—uh, I meant it shows I have good observation skills!”
“You almost said ‘cute,’ didn’t you?!”
Their banter felt like the most natural thing on the dance floor.
──Meanwhile, I was stepping with Rafaela.
“…I thought you’d refuse.”
“Dancing… isn’t my strength. But since you asked…”
“Heh, I can be surprisingly pushy.”
Our steps matched perfectly, as if they’d always been meant to.
I’d thought I couldn’t dance.
But with Rafaela, I felt like I could follow any rhythm.
Under the projected full moon, the two of us danced quietly, like figures inside a painting.
──Elsewhere, Maharaja was sipping a drink by the wall.
“…So this is what they call love swirling about.”
He said it toward Katie, who only shrugged.
“But you’re not dancing? You always get asked. I see you surrounded by girls every break.”
“Not tonight. Tonight, I’m just here to watch over someone.”
His eyes were fixed on Emil and Lilica.
Yes—he had been watching them all along.
Then, a girl appeared in front of Katie.
“Um, Katie… would you dance with me?”
It was Elisa, the short-haired girl active in the medical team.
Her face flushed red as she held out her hand.
“…Sorry, Maharaja, but I’m dancing tonight! Time to hit the floor!”
“W-wait, seriously?!”
Maharaja was left behind, dumbfounded. I almost laughed.
Meanwhile, the prom committee began handing out rainbow-colored glow sticks to every guest.
──And suddenly, the lights cut out.
Someone whispered, “It’s coming.”
A lively techno intro rang out.
Onto the center stage stepped—
a twin-tailed, blue-haired girl.
Hatsune Miku.
“Welcome to Gifted Prom Night! Your diva has arrived—let’s get this started!”
The hall erupted in cheers.
Katie and Elisa fell into step, more students rushed the floor.
Then came the AI’s command:
“Pets, return to formation!”
Hachikō, Feitaro, the eagle, the panther, the owl, the jellyfish…
Every pet assembled, each taking their role in a flawless parade.
Maharaja waved his seven-colored glow stick, shouting:
“This is a festival! Who could refuse to join?!”
──And the night soared to its climax.
Awkward pairs, perfect pairs, last-minute couples, the aloof prince, even the pets themselves—
all laughed, danced, and shone within the light.
For one brief night each spring, Gifted Academy showered everyone equally with its radiance.
And that night, Lilica quietly thought:
(I’ll never forget this. Even if it wasn’t with Oliver—tonight, I smiled with someone by my side.)
That was enough.
Because maybe… that’s exactly what this academy exists for.
(To be continued in Chapter 11)
