At eight that evening, the night breeze at Jujutsu High swept down from the mountains and through the corridors, carrying the rustle of leaves and the damp scent of soil.
Masamichi Yaga led Kashimo along the last stretch of stone paving and stopped in front of a three-story building. The dormitory wasn't tall, its outer walls a grayish white. A few windows glowed with warm yellow light, making it look a little more lived-in than the classrooms and office buildings.
"The dorms at Jujutsu High are pretty decent." Masamichi Yaga took a key out of his pocket and bounced it in his palm. "They might not be mansions, but they're compact and fully equipped. Everything you need is here."
He handed over the key. A small tag hung from the key ring, with the number 302 written on it in permanent marker.
Kashimo took the key, brushing his thumb over its metal teeth. It was slightly warm from body heat; Masamichi Yaga had probably been carrying it in his pocket for a while. He closed his hand around it. Rather than rushing to inspect his room, he raised his head and looked past Masamichi Yaga's shoulder at the rooftops barely visible in the distant darkness.
"So, when do I start teaching?"
"Normally, in a week." Masamichi Yaga clasped his hands behind his back, his posture as straight as ever. "The first week is for faculty assessments, but someone at your level doesn't need them."
He paused and took off his sunglasses. Without them, his eyes were much gentler than Kashimo had expected. The fine lines at their corners stood out clearly under the corridor lights, marks left by years of frowning and late nights. He looked at Kashimo, his tone turning a little more considered.
"So I'd suggest spending this