mochi cheeks

Wandering Star ;

She walks the earth freely, yet her feet never touch the ground. Many hands will reach for her, but she cannot be anchored. She belongs to no one, to nothing, to nowehere. When you meet her, you will recognise he for who she is-- a free spirit, a wandering star. She will fit in your arms like she was made to be there. And she will show you what it means to hold something you can never hold onto.

(...)

So when the crowd of caffeine craving customers had dwindled as lunch periods drew to a close. Deryl went on break to search out the young student, because he felt bad for kind of short changing her. “Just so you know, I didn’t leave the group on bad terms,” mostly truth. “I’ve been studying here in Korea - I decided after graduation that I wanted to stay.”

She twirled her pen with her fingers, eyes glued onto the small text written on her notebook, with a highlighter on the other hand, a peach coloured highlighter making sure that some of the informations are well noted right inside Riino’s brain. Slightly glancing towards Deryl occasionally, her train of thoughts came back on what happened before this; she couldn’t remember if there’s any official announcement regarding Deryl’s departure from the band. The only thing that she remembers; she whined to her father because the bassist from Hyacinths is nowhere to be seen and both of them are quite devastated that the music sounds different.

Riino quickly looked up from being too drowned in her thoughts (and studies), and she quickly flashes an understanding smile and nodded, “Oh— glad to know that you’re doing fine right now too,” her eyes quickly sparkled as she heard that he decided to stay in Korea after graduation, can’t help that Riino felt the same way about it.

It’s really winter when snow decided to fall from the sky, the white speckles now covering the side of the road slowly piling up into and coating the pedestrian benches in white. Riino finished her very last Foundation Class for the year and finally able to breath in freedom. She ended the class quite early in the later afternoon (thank God for Saturday class slot) and her Timberland boots now leading her to the usual café she always went to. Until, a sound of puppies stopped her from her tracks. Riino quickly turned around to find the source of the sound, ignoring the sea of people walking pass by her.

She followed the sound of the puppies, finding herself in a small alley way right on the middle of two quaint shops. They are hidden in a cardboard box, only covered with a thin fabric to keep them warm. “Oh, no, poor babies.” Riino sighed, looking at three abandoned puppies that are now whimpering; perhaps they’re hungry? She thought. Without thinking any further, she took her coat off, covering the box so just to add another warmth— ignoring the sudden chill that made her spine tingle because of the cold weather.

“Okay, we’ll try to get you guys warm up.” Riino said, bringing the box out from the alleyway, and now finding herself stopped in front of a café; knowing that there’s no pets allowed policy.

She moved to the side, placing the box of puppies on the ground, before stopping someone to look out for the puppies before she goes in to the café, getting something for the pups.

(...)

A couple of failed attempts and more than a couple of scratches later, he returns to the group with Juno underarm. Dropping the pet unceremoniously down on Riino’s lap with a kind of half smile, Chuanchen resuming his previous position. “Have you guys decided what you’re doing yet?” He asks, again without looking over. “For the record, I think the willow sounds interesting. We have places to drink and stores back home. Watching someone get beaten by a tree sounds a lot more fun.”

Riino followed behind the Mahoutokoro senior, giving her a helping hand to catch Juno. They keep on chasing Juno, trying to stop his tracks on running away (more like, containing Juno’s huge amusement and interest in exploring Hogwarts, alone.) until Riino’s legs decided to gave up on her and she wobbled to the pillar next to her, resting her weak legs as she sat on the wooden bench in the halls, even her friends are surprised by how agile Juno is, despite his plump figure. She saw him cornered Juno, and a few attempts on catching him by hand, a few scratches, and now Juno is comfortable on the senior’s arms. Riino gasped looking how Juno had the audacity scratched Chuanchen’s arms, and she quickly stood up from the bench bowed in apology. “I’m really sorry for causing trouble..” She said, eyes looked guilty as she took Juno from Chuanchen’s arms, and gave Juno a small nudge on his nose. “You’re on the naughty list this year, Juno.”

Hearing the senior’s question, Riino shrugged her shoulders and thinking about the plans made by other students, seems it doesn’t spark any excitement for her. “They’re planning to explore Hogsmeade later on and perhaps asking Professor’s permission to go to Three Broomsticks; but I’m not of age yet so—“

Her eyes lit up as the senior mentioned about the willow tree, and she smiled. “I always heard there’s a secret tunnel under the Whomping Willow and I’d like to see whether it’s real or not..” Riino said, looking at Chuanchen. “And Moaning Mrytle, The Secret Chamber under the Girls’ Toilet where they said there’s a Basilisk Sketelon there—“

“Riino, you’re going to get into trouble if you decided to go with your dangerous plans, you know what happened with the Silver Snake incident.” Her friend chirped, reminding that she almost got into trouble for meddling with a magical beast that she caught living inside the Mahoutokoro’s forest vicinity.

(...)

the coach had always prided himself on his team’s manners, despite the vorpal swords always appearing more intimidating than their counter parts, they reflected the very epitome of modesty. haneul finding his talent no where near the diversity of skill that scattered across their team, nor those who hide it well enough. the sudden blow of the whistle, causes his gaze to avert to its source, teachers commenting on the teamwork and excursion thus far, asking everyone to exit out of the court and heading back to their buses and/or vehicles. haneul remains by the side of the two girls, gesturing them out before trailing behind them. finding a few of his own team mates winking at him, suspiciously giving him the thumbs up, in which he disregards. 

Riino smiled softly and nodded at the comment, she remembered that she started at young age in cheerleading, until she was scouted to be in the State Junior Team as a representative from her prefecture back in Japan. It was tough for her, to keep up with her other seniors but she found joy behind those smiles after a good set of cheer routine. “It is, but it’s really fun, I really love the see the audience smile after a routine.” She said, but her friend kept on nudging Riino’s arm to take a picture with Haneul. She shrugged off her friend’s annoying antics.

“Yeah. She ran away from her home— Ouch! Okay.” Riino elbowed her friend’s side to keep her quiet, before letting out a faint sigh from her lips. “I just moved last year for an exchange programme and Foundation class for YU.” Riino explains, then giving a quick glare at her friend; which she introduced as Jiyeon after Haneul asked for her name. “You should visit Japan sometime, especially on the month of May. It’s really beautiful.” Before Riino continued her sentence, the whistle startled both of the young girls, Riino quickly clutched onto her friend’s arm in surprise. The teacher announced that they have to go back to the Academy in a few minutes, and wrap up the school’s activities for the last few periods. They walked towards the stadium’s exit door, Riino nodded in thanks as Haneul let both Riino and Jiyeon out first before trailing behind them.

“Rii-chan, where are you going after class?” Jiyeon asked, realising that Haneul is right behind them. “I’m going to the Green Tea Café near YU for a quick dinner before the foundation class, why?” Riino replied, letting Jiyeon linked her arm onto hers. “Yah— how can you cope up with your social life if you’ve been stuffing yourself with studies. You need to step up you game, Rii-chan. You’re 17, you should go out, socialise, have a crush on someone, right?” Jiyeon looked back to Haneul, teasing Riino (who doesn’t realise that Haneul is right behind them) at the same time and making her cheeks blush in red. “You. Need. To. Stop.” Riino gave a good flick on Jiyeon’s forehead.

Riino wished she could talk longer with Haneul, but his schedule probably won’t match with hers; at least she hoped she made a good impression on him.

Before going straight into the bus, she turned around and approached Haneul for the last time, “I wish we can talk little longer, oppa. It’s really nice to watch the game, and best of luck for the nationals! I’ll be cheering on all of you.” Riino’s lips tugged into a smile before bowing to Haneul, excuses herself to gather with the other students. “Yah! Rii-chan! You haven’t take any photos with him!” Jiyeon said, and followed Riino behind before turning around and waved goodbye to Haneul. “She hope that she can meet you again!— Ow! Okay!” And ended up being tugged away to the bus.

—

“You really have to go to the foundation class?”

“I have to.”

“It’s Friday?!”

“Do you want me to be forcefully dragged back to Japan and left you wither like a dried prune?”

“Nope. Okay you can go, Rii-chan. I am giving you my blessings.”

“Shut up, see you on Monday, Jiji.”

(...)

As soon as Minsoon saw the tubby black and white cat darting past his table he was almost positive that this was the pet of someone from off-campus, as it seemed rather excitable - since the pets of the students that were on campus were more lax as they were familiar with the environment. He leaped to his feet then, taking chase after the animal before he saw the owner. “We’ll catch him, don’t worry!”

Riino stopped as she catches a quick second of breath; regretting of taking a seat near the Professors’ Table at the Great Hall which is the farthest in the hall and now she could understand how Hogwarts fit all the students in one room. This place is huge. “J-Juno.. Oh my God.” Riino started to run, chasing Juno right in front of her until one person leaped from his seat and told Riino that he’ll help to catch her. She mouthed thank you and gave him an OK sign with her fingers, then followed behind him.

Juno ran past a corner of the halls and Riino could feel her legs are giving up on her, it feels like the muscles are trembling— well, we can say that Riino’s not a good runner. Juno stopped at the dead end of the hall, now facing forward to them. Her uniform obi is a mess, the golden ribbon that tied tightly onto her waist, is now loose after a few minutes of good chase. She placed her hands on her hips, looking at Juno who’s meowing innocently at them.

“Seriously, Juno. I hate to say this; but I’m so gonna put the body leash on you and I know you hate it.” She said, with a heavy breath and tiredness painted on her face. She looked at the other student; perhaps, a Hufflepuff? Looking by the yellow coloured tie on him.

WONYANG HARRY POTTER AU TASK : 002

(...)

❥ But then he hears yelling, frantic yelling. His head lifts, blond hair falling into large doe like eyes just in time to see a streak of black heading his way. His human was close behind trying to catch it. Following the cats trajectory with his eyes he realizes the animal is heading towards a tree he’d seen a sign warning people away from. A soft gasp and he moves to head off the cat, darting after it to snatch the ball of fur. The human is someone he recognizes from his chool and he’s frowning as he walks towards her. ❝We’re not supposed to bring our pets, we were told very firmly to leave them at the school!❞

Riino runs to chase that ball of plump fur until it reaches to a large field with only one tree standing on the center; with a sign that no one should ever approach this tree. She stopped as soon as another person caught Juno, and with a shock; it is a student from Mahoutokoro, and a senior. She knew him only by his face, occasionally passed by through the palace halls back in Mahoutokoro. She did sneaked Juno into Hogwarts, because she couldn’t leave him behind— the only companion that always right on Riino’s side whenever she’s adventuring in her own curiosity.

She bowed in apology while approaching him, with Juno in his arms, meow-ing softly when he saw Riino. “I’m sorry— I just can’t leave him alone back in the palace. He always wanders off alone and— almost got eaten by the silver-snake in the underground.” The last sentence came out as a faint mumble. She bowed once more, hoping that the senior gave Riino some leniency regarding this matter. “I promise I won’t let Juno out of my sight— Just don’t tell the professors that I brought Juno with me..”

(...)

Hoseok did manage an awkward bow and pushed his lips up into a nervous smile. “Ah… Hajimemashite…?” His words sounded more like a question than anything else, but he was trying his hardest to be polite and accommodating, as it seemed clear that the young woman was struggling with English. “I like your… cat. Ah… Kawaii… Neko…” He blushed harder and nervously tugged at his sleeves, keeping his gaze on the animal as it was easier to focus on the cat than look the girl in the eyes. “I, um…” He frowned. “Watashi wa…. Hoseok… desu…?” Again, it sounded more like a question due to his lack of confidence. “Gomen, my- my Japanese is bad…”

Her eyes light up when the other, introduced himself with Japanese, she smiled at the effort and nodded her head to acknowledge his introduction. “Hajimemashite, I’m Kaede Riino— or you can call me Riino.” Then she glanced down at the plump cat who’s now comfortably on Riino’s arms. “This is Juno. He’s heavy.” Riino chuckled as she shifted Juno a little bit on her arms making sure she’s comfortable enough as well to have this plump cat on her arms, the cat meowed softly, and Juno’s eyes glued completely on Hoseok. “Seems like he likes you. Okay, let’s just find sensei to get us a map..” She said, with a thick Japanese accent lingering on her basic English.

“Your Japanese, is good.” Riino gave Hoseok a thumbs up, now walking around the large halls that she’s not familiar of. She saw his uniform and knew at that point, he’s not from Hogwarts too. “Ilver—Ilvermony?” She said, struggling with both letter L and V but managed to said it right, hopefully. “I’m supposed not to bring Juno with me, but I can’t leave him alone.” Riino said, breaking the cold ice around them, trying to find someone who’s in charge around the area, until her eyes landed on Mahoutokoro’s professor currently talking to other professors as well. She placed Juno on the ground, and automatically the cat gets closer to Hoseok, rubbing its body to his leg. She quickly approached her school’s professor, hoping that he will lend his map to her. 

“Sensei, I’m lost trying to find the Astronomy Chambers, can you lend me a map? It’s really hard to find the class rooms here as well— and he needs a map too.” She said, reasoning to her professor even though her main reason to get a map is to find a Whomping Willow.

“Are you sure you’re not going to cause any trouble if I give you a map?”

“I heard there are no Basilisks in the underground anymore, so I don’t really have a reason to cause any trouble.” Riino shrugged her shoulders, and her professor just left a huge sigh before reaching his pockets to give her a map of Hogwarts compounds.

(...)

Rarely was Deryl ever actually recognized for his past work, though, especially in Korea. So he was pleasantly surprised. “I am – or I was. I haven’t been in the band for a while, now,” he said, sliding the girl’s drink over to her. “Green Tea Latte, enjoy.”

Her eyes widened in surprise, or shock perhaps; the barista here is clearly Deryl from the band she mentioned. She always came to this café every time she needs a breather from studying and just now she found out that it’s actually Deryl?!

“Oh— OH?!” Her jaw dropped but her hand still grabbed her Green Tea Latte. Eyes never left Deryl, and she blinked quickly. “Me and my dad, we’re a huge fan.” She exclaimed, now her lips tugged upward into a smile and blush now apparent on her chubby cheeks. As she heard that he’s not in the band anymore, “Oh? Why??” She glanced on the line next to her, “Ah, i don’t want to hold you for long, it’s still your shift—“ she excused herself, letting Deryl continue his work. She doesn’t want anyone to get in trouble, so she decided to muttered thanks and quickly scrambles to the empty seat in the corner, next to the windows.

She quickly grabbed her phone from her pockets and texted her father once more;

(sms) rii-chan : papa, urgent urgent reply me asap

(sms) papa : what is it ?

(sms) papa : don’t say you need pocket money

(sms) papa : didn’t i told you to save up ?

(sms) rii-chan : NO

(sms) rii-chan : not about the pocket money

(sms) rii-chan : the barista just now, he’s actually deryl. THE DERYL.

“I heard the pumpkin pasties is really delightful.”

“Can we ask sensei to go to Three Broomsticks?”

“I really want to see Zonko’s Joke Shop!”

“I just want to see the Whomping Willow.” Riino sighed, playing with the mashed potatoes on her plate, not even had an appetite to finish it. Juno, her tuxedo cat, comfortably lays on Riino’s lap, purring softly as her free hand scratches his neck. “But you know, it’s dangerous to be around that tree?” Her friend chirped, looking worried at Riino; sometimes, her curiosity leads her to dangerous situations, just like how she got trapped in Mahoutokoro’s underground basement because there are rumours about a silver-snake creature lies underneath the palace.

“It’s just a tree, guys— Juno!” Riino was about to start a long paragraph about how Whomping Willow intrigued her curiosity and how she can approach that tree without getting harmed until Juno jumped from her lap, having his own mind to wander around the new environment in Hogwarts.

Everything is new for Riino; the surroundings, the air, the people, even the language. The building of Hogwarts always been fascinating for this 2nd Year Student all the way from Japan, specifically, Mahoutokoro. It started last week, when her House Professor mentioned the Triwizard Tournament will be held in Hogwarts, and since then, the students from Mahoutokoro are invited to stay in Hogwarts, in hopes to gain more friendship and build good connection with all other students from all around the world that participates in the Tournament.

Just a few hours after the opening commencement, Riino is found wandering around the halls, with Juno, her slightly plump tuxedo cat next to her. “Hogwarts is huge, don’t you think so, Juno?” She said, glancing to her feline, responding in a soft meow. “We have to explore more, so you can walk more, and lose a little bit of weight.”

She saw the Quidditch field, familiar by the goal posts and the large grassy field with high towers of spectators seats; she saw Hogwarts students training from the hall, not wanting to go near the field as she’s very scared of Bludgers. “Juno, Juno, come here, let’s not go near the field.” She calmly called Juno.

But there’s this one sound, she recognise really well, and the fear painted in her eyes.