Ren had not realized how huge yachts were in real life. She wasn’t even sure if she had even knew what they looked like before now. The word had always been associated with millionaires who owned even larger mansions. But as the giant, spotless white boat came into view from the taxi she was riding in, Ren was sure it could not be mistaken for anything else.

Going against her wishes, Ren’s mother had given her enough money for the taxi ride to the address of her destination. And although the school had included information of an allowance for all students, her grandmother had given her some “emergency” cash. This had only caused Ren to feel even worse about going away. She knew her family members couldn’t afford to give any kind of hand out. So she was determined not to spend it on anything but an actual emergency.

Once the taxi was parked as close to the yacht as it could, Ren paid the driver and thanked him for his services. She walked cautiously towards the dock with her suitcase in hand a small knapsack thrown over her shoulder. As she approached the large boat, she noticed a formally-dressed man waiting at the entrance. He greeted her with a polite smile.

“Hayashi Sama?” 

“Uh, yes,” Ren said. “How did you know?”

“Well, you are the last student to arrive.” 

Ren felt heat rise to her cheeks as she began to stutter, “Oh, jeez…I-I’m sorry, I d-didn’t know-”

“No worries, miss.” The man said kindly as he took her suitcase. Ren shook her head politely as he tried to take her knapsack, opting to keep it close to her. The man ushered her onto the yacht and then to the lower deck, eventually arriving at a large room. There was one, round table filled with unfamiliar faces. Ren was even more embarrassed.

She cleared her throat, and introduced herself. “Hello, I am Ren Hayashi. Uh, nice to meet all of you.”