Chapter Text
After years of working and saving up, Zhongli finally managed to secure a place to come home to. Ever since he graduated from Higschool, his foster parents had kicked him out of their household, telling him that he's already old enough to live by himself. That was what Zhongli have also thought as well until he realized that the path to adult life wasn't that easy.
He had not prepared for this to the point that his savings couldn't even afford to spare him a week at a hotel. His parents should have at least taught him better than this, I mean why would you just let your child run free with little amount of money out there? Zhongli wasn't even picky with his life, he said so himself that having good education and a place to come home to was enough for him. Surely it's not such a problem to provide him some of his wants sometimes too, right? Afterall, he does great in school and even excels in every subject brought up to him, any parent would be proud of this but.. for Zhongli's side, that's not how it works.
They're just his foster parents and in terms of financial, they can say they have some privilege but the problem they're most well known is.. their attitude. Spending money has always been strict for them that they even give Zhongli a small amount of allowance every week. It wasn't enough, of course, there comes a time that he needs even more during his Senior years. He sought help from his parents, even if it meant having to take his one week advance allowance, but his parents did not approved of it. And that made Zhongli less reliant on them ever since.
Zhongli never had the chance to join his classmates for an after school hang out, his reasons were always the same and sometimes it also includes him wanting to focus more of his time in studying. And because of that, his classmates have then stopped in inviting him and rumors about him being a boring and reserved person circulated around the school. He was then left all alone that during group works, he had to work by himself and sometimes partner out with teachers instead.
This certainly wasn't the life that Zhongli wanted and now that he's given the chance to start anew again, he won't let himself be treated like before. It was hard for him to stand by himself but it has always been that way since his highschool days anyway, it was also no difference at his home. So if he managed to get this far with that, how is it not possible for him to do so again?
"Thank you for your hard work, Zhongli!" Hu Tao cheered after they just got back to their office, she placed her bag to the desk and finally took her seat in the room. "Want to celebrate tonight? My treat."
"Thank you for the offer but I have to pass since.." Zhongli took out a letter from his pocket and placed it on the director's table. "..this will be my last day of working here."
Hu Tao jumped from her seat, she immediately took the letter and opened it to confirm the content inside. "Wait, for real?! But you can't just leave so soon!"
"I'm also against the idea to leave but now that i've finally earned enough money, I can finally accomplish what i've been wanting to do ever since I finished High school."
"And that is?"
Zhongli smiled. "To finish my studies. But, please don't get me wrong. This job was always enough for me and I couldn't ask for more.. but, I then realized that I wanted to do even more.. especially now that i've earned some experience."
The girl hummed, her disappointment from earlier now faded after hearing Zhongli out. "So Zhongli has a dream, I see. In what position am I in to stop you from reaching that?" Hu Tao stood up and bowed her head to the man. "May you have no problems in reaching your goal, do remember that you're always to come back anytime."
"Thank you, director and i'm sorry for bringing this up in a bad time. A celebration was supposed to happen thanks to the successful work done but it seems I have to ruin it."
"No, no, of course not! A farewell party is also not so bad."
"I'm afraid I also can't attend.. I wish to leave tonight and move to my appartment as soon as I can. Starting tomorrow, I have to attend classes."
"Damn, you really should have told me this sooner! Don't tell me you also didn't thought of giving yourself some rest?" Hu Tao sighed at this, as she knows just how hardworking the man is.
"I'm perfectly fine and I have enough school day offs." Zhongli announced proudly.
"You make it sound like I don't give you a time off." Hu Tao took a pen from her drawer to sign the letter that Zhongli gave her. "You better not die out there."
"I'll make sure not to."
"Good. Well then, see you around, Zhongli." Hu Tao stretched out her hand and waited, the man complied by taking a step forward to join his hand with her, giving it a slow shake.
"Thank you for looking out for me. I shall take my leave." Zhongli retreated his hand away and gave a bow to the girl as well. After that, Zhongli finally turned away and left the room, now on his way to catch the bus.
Hu Tao flopped back to her seat and sniffed. "Zhongli, i'm proud of you... I hope you also manage to find the right person for you."
Luckily, Zhongli managed to catch up to the bus that'll lead him to where he was staying at ever since he got kicked out. His friend who's also his ex, Ningguang was kind enough to let him stay with her for as long as he liked. The two used to date during Highschool but had to end their relationship due to priorities, they tried to understand each other but couldn't seem to make their relationship work. So in the end, they thought being friends was the best choice instead of having to worry about a complicated relationship that they couldn't find time to handle.
They didn't live alone together, of course. After their breakup, Ningguang managed to get into another relationship that she managed to handle even with her busy schedule. Beidou, who at first glance, you'd think she's just a jobless workaholic but in reality, she's one of the greatest pilots who has flew across many countries. Even when she's always away for her flights, she always finds time to reconnect with her lover and that's what made Ningguang stay in the relationship. As long as they don't bother each other during their busy hours, it's all good.
Zhongli didn't feel bitter of their relationship at all, in fact, he was even happy for her that he'd even let them just make out with each other right in front of him. He did, however envied what they have and how he wanted to feel such thing once in a while. He's at his age now afterall, like 24? A girlfriend or a boyfriend wouldn't hurt and as of his experience, he'll make sure the past regarding his first relationship won't happen again. But if relationships had to be really that demanding then he can save that after he secured his main goal in life.
"Ningguang, i'll be on my way now. Thank you once again for letting me stay around." Zhongli placed the last box outside of the house, he didn't really had that much stuff left as the others were already sent by a truck to his new found place.
"You didn't forget anything? Make sure to stay vigilant, okay? If you think something is fishy, give me a call."
"I got everything I need and relax, i'll be fine."
"Alright, but just to make sure.. give me a call later after you've arrived to the place, okay?" Ningguang let out a sigh of relief when Zhongli gave back a nod as his reply. "Take care out there and you can return anytime."
The three boxes that were piled right by the doorstep are now being carried by the man, he then take his leave after his parting words with Ningguang. The cab that he had appointment with had arrived minutes earlier, his new place wasn't that near so it might take him 2 hours to get there.
Zhongli made sure to take the 2 hours he's given for some rest in the car. He tried to doze off for some time since the driver already knows their destination anyway. After the estimated hours ended, he's finally reached the street where his new appartment is, he paid the driver an extra dollar before getting off and immediately went to his floor.
The keys was provided to him upon arrival by the guard and he was also assisted with the boxes he had in hand. Upon reaching the floor, he quickly got into his own room and placed the boxes along with the boxes that piled up everywhere on the room.
Zhongli was glad that the moving company he picked was trusted and even helped him unpack some of his things before his arrival. It was also night that time and Zhongli's exhaustion just kicked in that it made him want to take a nap first before deciding to unpack his other things. The nap that he so wanted not only took him minutes.. but the next day.
The alarm on his phone didn't seem to help him up as he forgot to charge it before going to bed. Not to mention that today marks his first day at College and he only has about an hour left until his first class starts. With no time to just stare at the ceiling, he quickly started preparing and compiling everything he needed to his backpack. Once everything was put all to place, he dashed out of his appartment and made his way to his College.
He was lucky his College wasn't that far, he could reach it with a 20 minute walk but since today is his first day, a walk isn't advisable as of the moment. Zhongli was also requested to come in 30 minutes before his first class starts so he could get a tour around the school. He probably has less than 40 minutes left and he's hoping he could make it in time, also hoping that his tour guide isn't that impatient.
Fortunately, she isn't.
"Are you Mr. Zhongli? The new scholar student for this year?" Lumine walked to him as she was holding a small notebook to her arms.
"Yes. My apologies for being almost late." Zhongli managed to make it just in time, if he didn't thought of running then by now he'll be 10 minutes for his suggested arrival.
"I don't have all day but thank you for trying to arrive on time." She nodded before writing on her notebook. "Welcome to your first year of College in this school. If you have questions, please save it after the tour. Do be reminded as well that the school is big enough that you could easily get lost so if you don't want that happening, keep your open and just follow me."
"Understood."
"Great, well then, let's move on before your first class starts." The girl lead the way inside the campus and took Zhongli to every place he needed to know of. "Here is the cafeteria, your food is free of charge so you can ask for seconds or eat everything in the menu for all you wish, just don't cry about it in the bathroom later on."
Lumine showed Zhongli the clubrooms and classrooms that he has to note of, there was also the library and a laboratory that students could go to. Every place that he was taken to all looked so luxurious that he had a hard time believing it was really a school. He did checked the school photos and reviews at first and they surely meant what they said about the school, it's too good to be true and Zhongli feels lucky he managed to secure a scholarship for this school, all the money that he saved up could go for his daily necessities and maybe for his fun as well.
"And that's all for this tour. Any questions?" They stopped their trip after reaching the 4th floor and planned to go back to the cafeteria to get a bite.
"Are we not allowed at the rooftop?" Zhongli asked as they go down the stairs to the first floor.
"Totally not. However some students who have the nerve tend to hang around there. I suggest you don't even try going there, it won't be fun I promise."
"Oh? Why not? Are they not friendly?"
"They're even far from that. If they even act like one.. it's all just fake." Lumine rolled her eyes, after reaching the first floor, the two went inside the cafeteria to grab some food. Lumine grabbed a sandwhich while Zhongli got himself big with some curry and juice. There's no holding back for him anyway since they said the food is all free here.
"I see. I just thought that every student in this school are well mannered and having friends will be easy."
"Ah yes, typical fresh enrolees' goal for their first day." Lumine took out her phone to check the time, so far they still have enough time before class. "Sure, meeting new friends here will be easy but you have to remember to choose them wisely."
"I know that." Zhongli held out his tray and looked around for a table, before he could even go to one, he was dragged along by Lumine to a more far off table from the area.
"You owe me for this. I don't do this for anyone but.. i'll let you in our group just because I don't want you getting influenced by those guys."
"Influenced by?" Zhongli followed her to the table where three other guys were seated already.
"Hey, I brought a newbie, a smart one too." Lumine picked the seat next to the tall male blonde and gave him a light peck on the cheek.
Kazuha and Aether looked up to him and gave him a smile as if to welcome him in their group. The shorter male blonde moved closer to Kazuha to make more room for Zhongli beside them.
"Don't be shy, sit down."
"Thank you." The man placed his tray to their table and take his seat beside Aether.
"Welcome to the College life, my name is Aether! You probably already know my sister, Lumine.. right there flirting with her suitor in front of us."
"Nice to meet you, Aether. My name is Zhongli." The two settled with a handshake before introducing the other person next to Aether.
"My name is Kazuha and i'm single." He said after showing a beaming smile.
Zhongli also shook hands with him, as he felt his hand, he noticed how his hand was all bandaged up like he got hurt or something. Hopefully it didn't hurt him that much to be doing this, he wouldn't want to lose his chance in having a friend like him.
"And this guy.. well, sorry he's too busy right now to even care about anything besides my sister so let me introduce him for you. This guy is Thoma, my sister's suitor."
"I see. They look perfect for each other if I must say."
"Exactly. Opposites attract, I guess?" Aether mumbled but Lumine heard that well that she gave him a kick under the table. "Ow!"
"Sorry for that but.." Lumine cleared her throat before speaking again. "Anyway, since everyone has already did their lame introductions, it's time to teach this new guy more about the students here."
The students? Zhongli did remembered Lumine mentioning about someone who could influence him, maybe he should listen to them just in case so his College life won't meet doom that quick. Afterall, not only does he want to graduate from College, he also wants to have some fun and get to meet new friends, if possible, a lover too.
"Right. You don't really have to fear most of the students here, Zhongli. Everyone is friendly in their way and would no doubt help you in any way they could." Aether explained everything in behalf of majority of the students in the school. He also introduced the faculty and subjects that he'll encounter later on. "You can also choose your own club in this school, make sure to choose the one you really want."
Lumine placed her notebook to the table and flipped to some pages, after finding what she was looking for, she flipped the notebook to Zhongli's side so he could take better look at it.
"So, here's the school's hidden rules that you should take note of. No smoking, bringing liquor, rooftops are off limits to students, yadda yadda yadda.." She flipped to another page where it has a drawing of the cafeteria along with tables all around it. "And here is your guide on where to sit during mornings and lunch."
"Students have their own table here?" Zhongli blinked, looking at all the tables in the paper.
"You can say that." Lumine pointed to the far off table at the side. "This is where we currently are, our own table. This is where you should only sit every school day."
"Why can't I go to other tables?"
"I mean you can but you have to be brave enough to even ask to join in their group." Lumine sighed. "Fine, let me explain the groups in each table then."
Lumine pointed out to every table in the drawing and explained what group they were and why they chose that place most of all. So far, Zhongli found out that there's a group for nerds, foodies, athletes, lovebirds, broke students and for flirts. There was one table that Lumine hasn't pointed out yet, it was far away from their own table and it was shaded with a tint of red marker.
"Mind if I ask if this table is off limits?" Zhongli pointed out to the table with a red cross mark.
"Oh boy, of course you'd ask that." Lumine pinched the bridge of her nose as she sighed. "Aether, can you take over? Just remembering about those jerks make my head hurt." After saying that, Lumine leaned to Thoma beside her and hugged him.
The male blonde only let a sigh as he took the lead and continue the explanation. "So.. this table, yes it is definitely off limits for everyone except.. the Red Flags. "
"The red flags? You mean people leave flags on this table?"
"No, no. There are students also seated here but they're not the type of people you think you could get along with.." Aether let out another sigh before he continued. "The Red Flags is a group consisting of four guys who are known for having bad traits and.. red flags, duh. One of them is Scaramouche, the shortest of the group, but you know what they all say, they could be dangerous, and he really is. He's mostly known for violence and cutting classes on this school."
"Ironically his mother is a police woman, really funny how she can't even supervise her son who's misbehaving at school. Maybe that also explains why he's at his rebellious stage." Aether looked beside him to check on Kazuha who is currently locked in his own world at his smartphone. He was about to ask him if it was okay to reveal something that regards to him about Scaramouche but since he's busy, maybe he can just spill it to Zhongli in a silent way.
"And well you see.. Kazuha's holding a grudge on Scaramouche's mom that has something to do with his best friend. I can't really spill all the details but yeah, if you put those two in a room, expect a bloody fight between them."
"I.. see." Zhongli nodded as he continued to listen. He never thought there would come a time he had to hear something complicated such as this at his new school. As long as he doesn't encounter this said boy, Scaramouche, maybe he'll be safe? Aether did said he was famous for being violent, Zhongli surely wouldn't want to get involved in troubles that could physically harm him. So that's one out of the four, what else should he look out for, I wonder?
"The next one is called Ayato. Now you might think he's just a gentle good looking man at first but.. don't get fooled. Once you fell for his charm.. it's all over for you, the next thing you'll know is that you're in his bed with your legs spread wide."
Zhongli had to blink a few times after that statement. Did he just heard that right?
"He'll make you fall head over heels for him then toy with you until he's all satisfied. When he's done, he'll throw you away like some garbage and even forget your time together with him."
It was a good thing Zhongli had finished his meal before Aether had even started, if he didn't, he might have just started choking after taking in everything what he just heard. He didn't expect that there would be such a student as him to be in this school. Isn't the school aware of their behaviour?
"Moving on, there's another member who goes by the name, Xiao." Aether face palmed so hard that it made Lumine and Thoma stop from their flirting. "Xiao is.. well, his behaviour is almost the same as Scaramouche, he can also get violent in some ways and he also smokes a lot."
Lumine intervened in their talk to also add some things since she noticed how Aether was feeling uncomfortable just by mentioning his name. "I suggest you keep your distance from this guy since he's also really foul mouthed and.. he's a cheater." Aether flinched at the word just said, hiding his face from the group. "My brother used to date Xiao in this school and it was going really well until Xiao met a former member of the Red Flags, Albedo. Let's just say we found them kissing each other in the rooftop one time and Aether decided to end things right here and then."
"And because of that, Xiao for some reason became distant to everyone and even decided to join the group. Albedo has been expelled from this school after countless of tries in making the school explode."
Well now, he's certainly glad that he's expelled but he certainly feels bad for the male blonde beside him. He can't say anything as he had not much experience with relationships but.. it sure does hurt if you were to see your loved one to be betraying you.
Zhongli isn't sure what else to expect anymore, just hearing out 3/4 of the group already made him partially scared with this school. Sure he can do his best in avoiding them but.. there may be instances that he could face them unexpectedly. If he were to be faced with such possibility, what would he do by then?
"And lastly, the worst of them all. Beware of Tartaglia or also known as Childe." After the name was mentioned, the three guys in the group stopped what they were doing to focus on Lumine to what she has to say. "That guy's a big manipulator and just like Ayato, he likes to toy with people.. especially their emotions. Every week, he'd always bring a girl with him, the following week after that, another girl enters, leaving the other girl crying."
"He's the leader of the group and so far the most dangerous of them all. One, he could be violent like the rest, two is he's a playboy and three, he's fake. Don't ever believe what he says, chances are he's not even serious with whatever he says."
"I understand."
"These four people, also known as the Red Flags, make sure to keep your distance from them if you want to keep your scholarship. But well, you need not worry as we'll be here to protect you." Lumine closed the notebook and placed it back to her bag. "That is if you want to join our group."
"I would be honored to."
"Good, no worries, we don't usually do much. We just hang out like how normal friends do."
"Lumine, make sure to let him know about our rules as well." Kazuha reminded, smiling.
"Oh, right! Since you're to join our group, there are a few rules you have to abide to. One is to never spill anything what you heard about from this group, second is to always maintain good behaviour in this school, and third, never ever sleep with any of the Red Flags." Lumine raised a total of three of her fingers as she finished stating the rules of the group.
Zhongli almost choked as he was drinking as he heard the last rule. "I wouldn't dream of sleeping with any of them."
"I hope so. Just remember what we told you and your College life will be easier than you could imagine."
"I will."
Zhongli sure hoped he sticked true to his words that time. He really hoped he will. He did remember Lumine saying they'll protect him as long as in their group so, he should probably take this as a chance to make the most of his College life.
He just has to remember one thing.
Beware of the Red Flags.