Dorms
.
.
.
.
.
.
The line for the dormitory key distribution at Teyvat University stretched across the main administration hall. Aether and Lumine stood together, their golden eyes scanning the bustling room. Despite the chaos, there was an air of anticipation and excitement that seemed to fill every corner. Each student held their suitcase tightly, eager to discover their new home for the coming academic year.
Lumine adjusted her scarf, glancing sideways at her brother. “So, do you think you’ll get along with your roommates?” she asked, a teasing smile tugging at her lips.
Aether shrugged. “As long as they’re not loud or messy, I’ll survive. What about you?”
“I’ll be fine,” she said confidently. “Though I hope at least one of them can cook.”
The siblings continued their light banter until their names were called. Approaching the desk, they were handed their keys along with thick welcome packets. Each envelope contained a map of the campus, detailed dormitory rules, and lists of their assigned roommates. Aether and Lumine exchanged curious glances as they opened their packets.
“Looks like we’re pretty far apart,” Lumine remarked, tracing the map with her finger. “The women’s dorm is near the botanical gardens.”
“And the men’s dorm is by the training fields,” Aether replied. He sighed. “Guess we’ll have to meet halfway if we want to hang out.”
Lumine chuckled. “Don’t get into trouble before curfew.”
The Women’s Dormitory
Lumine’s taxi ride to the east dormitory took her through winding paths lined with vibrant greenery. The botanical gardens, filled with blooming flowers and exotic plants, surrounded the tall dormitory building. The structure itself was sleek and modern, with large windows that reflected the golden rays of the afternoon sun. A serene pool glistened nearby, its tranquil surface perfectly complementing the quiet atmosphere.
Inside, the dormitory lobby was warm and inviting, with high ceilings and polished wooden floors. Soft instrumental music played in the background as a receptionist directed Lumine to her apartment. She climbed the stairs to the second floor, her suitcase rolling behind her, and stopped in front of Apartment 203. The key turned smoothly in the lock, and the door swung open to reveal her new home.
The apartment was spacious and bright, with a cozy living room, a compact kitchenette, and five doors leading to individual bedrooms. A shared bathroom was tucked into the corner, but Lumine noted that each bedroom also had a private en-suite with a small shower.
“Hello? Is someone here?” she called out.
A soft voice answered. “In the kitchen.”
Lumine walked in to find a petite girl with green hair arranging snacks on the counter. “You must be Lumine,” the girl said with a shy smile. “I’m Collei form the Dendro Department. Nice to meet you.”
Lumine returned the smile. “Nice to meet you too, i'm lumine, you can call me lumi, i'm from the electro department"lumine look at collei, "Have the others arrived yet?”
“Not yet,” Collei replied. “But I think they’ll be here soon.”
As if on cue, the door opened to reveal a confident girl with fiery orange hair. “Hey, I’m Amber! pyro department!,” she announced smiling, dropping her bag on the couch. “Looks like we’re all getting settled in.”
Two more roommates arrived shortly after—Eula from the cryo department, who carried herself with a cool, reserved demeanor, and Fischl of the electro department, who immediately claimed the room with the best view while speaking in an overly dramatic tone. Despite their differences, the group quickly began to chat, and Lumine felt a sense of relief. The peaceful environment of the women’s dormitory, combined with the camaraderie of her roommates, made her feel optimistic about the year ahead.
The Men’s Dormitory
On the west side of campus, the atmosphere was entirely different. The men’s dormitory stood near the training fields, where the sounds of sparring and shouting echoed in the background. The building itself was imposing, with sharp angles and a utilitarian design that contrasted with the lush surroundings of the women’s dorm. Outside, a pool was already crowded with students laughing and splashing, their energy infectious.
Inside, the lobby was chaotic. Students crowded around the elevators, dragging luggage and shouting over one another. Aether maneuvered through the noise and found his way to the fourth floor. His assigned apartment, Apartment 405, was at the end of the hall.
The door was slightly ajar, and Aether could hear familiar voices inside. Pushing it open, he was greeted by the sight of Thoma who was in the pyro department, a cheerful boy with red hair tied back in a ponytail. “Aether! Finally,” Thoma said with a grin. “We were wondering when you’d show up.”
Aether’s eyes immediately found Xiao, who stood near the window with his arms crossed. The teal-haired boy’s gaze softened slightly when he saw Aether. They had known each other for years, bound by their families’ agreement, but seeing Xiao here felt strangely surreal.
“You’re late,” Xiao muttered, though there was no real irritation in his tone.
“Blame the line for the keys,” Aether replied, setting his suitcase down.
The other two roommates introduced themselves next. Itto, a boisterous and larger-than-life Hydro student, clapped Aether on the back with a laugh. “Welcome to the party, buddy!” he said. Kazuha, in contrast, offered a quiet nod and a warm smile. “I’m Kazuha, anemo department” he said simply. “It’s nice to meet you.”
The apartment was a mirror of Lumine’s, with five bedrooms, a shared living space, and private en-suites. However, the overall atmosphere was far more lively, with Itto’s booming laughter and Thoma’s endless chatter filling the room. Despite the noise, Aether felt an odd sense of comfort. Sharing a space with Xiao, even under these circumstances, felt oddly fitting.
Dormitory Facilities and Curfew
Both dormitory buildings featured impressive facilities, including public showers and lockers on the ground floor for students who preferred more communal spaces. The pools, located just outside each building, were open from morning until curfew at 11 PM, a rule strictly enforced by university staff.
The welcome packets detailed the dormitory rules, emphasizing the importance of respecting quiet hours and keeping common areas clean. Each apartment had its own laundry facilities and a small communal balcony, providing ample space for students to relax.
ミミ◦❧◦°˚°◦.¸¸◦°´*•.◦°˚°◦.¸¸◦°´*•.¸◦°˚°◦.¸¸◦°´*•.¸◦°˚°◦.¸¸◦°´*•.¸
That evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, Aether and Lumine exchanged messages. “How’s your apartment?” Lumine asked.
“Noisy,” Aether replied, adding a small smiley face emoji. “But manageable. How about yours?”
“Quiet. Almost too quiet,” Lumine admitted. “But my roommates seem nice.”
As they settled into their new environments, both siblings felt the weight of their new beginning. The dormitories might be worlds apart, but they both knew that Teyvat University held countless opportunities—and challenges—waiting just beyond their doors.