MAILIN HIGH SCHOOL

The morning sun spilled across the school courtyard, warm and soft. Linyun clutched his bag tightly, taking a deep breath before stepping into the hallway. A new term meant a fresh start — new teachers, new classmates, maybe even new friends. The chatter of students filled the air – laughter, gossip, and excitement about the new term.

He moved hurriedly through the crowded hallway, careful not to bump into anyone. But it seemed, that fate had other plans. Just as he turned a corner, a hard shoulder slammed into his, sending his book scattering across the polished floor.

“ Ah–sorry, I didn't – ”

His voice faltered when he looked up.

The boy standing before him was taller, his uniform was slightly undone, the tie loose, his dark hair falling over piercing eyes. The boy bent down slowly, picked up one of Linyun's book and then dropped it carelessly back into his hand.

“Watch where you’re going,” the boy said flatly. His voice was calm, but there was something sharp in it—like a quiet warning.

Before Lin could respond, the boy straightened and walked past, the crowd parting for him as if he owned the hallway.

Students stared after him in hushed whispers.

“Who is he?”

“I heard he’s a transfer student.”

“Look at that face… but he seems dangerous.”

Linyun stood frozen for a moment, feeling the stares of nearby students. Heat crept up his cheeks – not from anger, but from embarrassment. He sighed softly, lowering his gaze. He felt a little sad but quickly shook the feeling away because it's a new term, and he should be happy. Hugging his books, he ignored the whispers and headed towards his class.

As soon as he stepped inside, a familiar voice called out.

“Hey! What’s up, Lin?”

Linyun looked up to see Venm, his best friend since middle school, smiling sweetly at him with a cheerful grin.

Lin sat down beside him, " Nice! How about you"

" Good "venm smiled but quickly changed. About Lin something was off.

" What's the matter" venm asked.

Lin sighed,

" Ahh.... I just bumped into someone in the hallway"

Venm raised an eyebrow," And?"

" And...he wasn't exactly nice about it", Lin muttered, recounting the entire awkward encounter.

When he finished, Venm eyes widened slightly," Ahh! Guess what!"

" What ? "

" That must be the new student"

" I know. I had never seen him before. You idiot!"

" Yeah" Venm nodded.

" I really want to beat him the hell out of him "

" Why "

" See...... If you unexpectedly bumped into someone would you help him"

" Yeah..... ofcourse. So? "

" He humiliated me! And that also in front of everyone. I hate him Venm. " (pout cutely)

Venm smiled at him and tried to calm down him.

The homeroom bell rang, and all students came to their respective classes.

The classroom door slid open, and a beautiful lady in her thirties walked in with a cheerful smile that instantly lit up the room.

“Hello everyone!” she greeted warmly. “I’m Michal Lan, your class teacher and also your English teacher. You can call me Ms. Michi. Nice to meet you all!”

Her voice was bright and friendly, and almost everyone smiled back.

“So,” she clasped her hands together, “how was your holiday?”

“Nice!” the entire class answered at once.

Ms. Michi tilted her head with a playful smirk. “Don’t lie to me. I know you all too well.”

“Mmm…” a few students made awkward faces, and some giggled quietly.

Ms. Michi was everyone’s favorite teacher—cheerful, kind, and warm-hearted. She was admired by students for her personality, someone who could make even the dullest day feel light. And some teachers would be jealous of it.

“Yeah, yeah,” she sighed dramatically. “I know you all wanted another whole week for your so-called beauty sleep, right?”

Laughter rippled through the classroom.

Her eyes swept around, pausing on unfamiliar faces. “Ahh… so many new faces this term. I guess you should all introduce yourselves. Otherwise, I’ll be confused about who’s who. So… let’s begin one by one. Okay, start from there!”

A girl stood up first. “Hello everyone, my name is Lia. I came from Newtok High School. Nice to meet you all!”

Then a boy followed. “Hello, my name is Jhosper. Nice to meet you!”

One by one, the students introduced themselves, until…

A tall boy with an unreadable expression stood up.

“Hi,” his voice was calm but carried a strange weight. “I’m Elen. I’m from Leafyard High School. Thank you.”

Linyun’s eyes widened the moment he heard his voice.

Oh no… Linyun thought, panic rising in his chest. I’m done for sure. He’s… our new classmate?!

Elen sat back down without another word, his cold aura filling the space around him.

“Good!” Ms. Michi clapped her hands happily. “Nice to meet all the newcomers. I hope you’ll get to know each other well and make lots of friends. And…”—her gaze sharpened slightly—“to the old students, don’t you dare make fun of others or bully anyone. Got it?”

Everyone nodded quickly.

“Good!” She smiled again, took attendance.As Ms. Michi had just taken attendance when a boy suddenly raised his hand.

“Mam, today’s the first day of a new term… can you not take class today, please?” he asked with hopeful eyes.

“Why?” Ms. Michi tilted her head, pretending to look serious.

Before he could answer, a girl stood up. “Please, mam, only for today! Just today!”

One by one, students joined in, making pleading faces, some even clasping their hands dramatically. Soon, the whole classroom was buzzing with fake cries of “Please, mam!”

Ms. Michi crossed her arms, trying to hold back a smile. She gave an exaggerated sigh. “Ah, students will always be students…”

Everyone’s eyes sparkled with anticipation.

Finally, she shook her head with a small laugh. “Fine, fine! I’ll give you this one day. But don’t expect this every time!”

A cheer erupted in the classroom.

“But…” she raised a finger, “it would be boring if there’s nothing to do. So, what about playing something instead?”

“Yesss!” the students agreed excitedly. Some were already whispering game ideas to each other.

Venm leaned closer to Linyun, grinning. “See? Ms. Michi is the best. She can never say no to us.”

Linyun gave a small smile, but his eyes unconsciously flickered toward Elen, who sat silently in the back, looking completely uninterested.

For a brief moment, their gazes met. Elen’s cold eyes didn’t waver, and Linyun quickly looked away, his heart beating a little too fast.

What is the fate planing for ???

Any idea?

“Alright!” Ms. Michi clapped her hands together. “Since you begged me not to teach today, we’re going to play a game instead. Let’s see… how about ‘Truth or Dare’?”

The entire class erupted in cheers.

“Truth or Dare!”

Chairs were quickly rearranged into a big circle. Everyone sat down excitedly, including Venm, who practically dragged Linyun along. Even the quiet ones joined in, though some looked nervous.

Ms. Michi smiled brightly. “Don’t worry, I’ll stay and make sure no one goes too far. And don't worry, I won't say to any teacher about this. Now, let’s start!”

The bottle was placed in the center, and one student spun it. It pointed to a shy-looking boy.

“Truth or Dare?” someone asked.

“Uh… truth,” he muttered.

“Okay… who’s your secret crush?”

The class burst into laughter and teasing while the boy turned red.

Round after round, students laughed, screamed, and dared each other to do silly things. Venm was dared to sing loudly in the hallway, and a girl was asked to do a funny dance.

Then it was Venm’s turn to spin the bottle. It spun… and landed right on Linyun.

“Truth or Dare?” Venm grinned mischievously.

Linyun gulped. “Uh… truth.”

Venm smirked. “Alright, Lin… what kind of person do you like?”

The class ooohed and leaned closer.

Linyun’s face flushed. “W-Why would you ask that?!”

“It’s the rules!” Venm laughed.

“Um… I guess… someone kind? Someone who makes me feel safe,” he said softly.

Before anyone could tease him more, the bottle was spun again. This time, it slowed… and stopped in front of Elen.

The room went quiet.

Everyone turned toward the tall, cold-looking boy who had barely spoken since entering the class.

“Truth or Dare?” a girl asked cautiously.

Elen raised an eyebrow lazily. “…Dare.”

The class whispered among themselves. No one wanted to pick something too crazy on the very first day.

Then Venm smirked.

“I dare you…” he glanced at Linyun for a split second before finishing, “…to sit next to someone you don’t know and say one nice thing to them.”

A small murmur rippled through the group.

Elen’s eyes flickered, scanning the circle. Slowly, deliberately, he stood up. His footsteps were quiet but heavy as he walked… straight toward Linyun.

Linyun froze as Elen stopped in front of him, towering over him with that unreadable expression.

Everyone held their breath.

Elen leaned slightly, his voice calm but soft enough for only Linyun to hear.

“…You have… interesting eyes.”

Linyun blinked, completely stunned.

Then, just as quickly, Elen stepped back, his cold demeanor returning. “Done.”

The class erupted into surprised whispers while Linyun’s heart thudded against his chest.

" W-What was... that ??!!" Lin questioned himself.

 "Ahem! Ahem! Someone is distracted, … I guess..." venm said teasingly

" You idiot!" Lin side eyed him.

The bottle spun again, the sound of laughter filling the classroom. After Elen’s unexpected dare, the atmosphere grew more excited, everyone waiting to see what would happen next.

This time, it landed on Venm.

Again!!..

“Truth or Dare?” someone asked with a grin.

Venm smirked confidently. “Dare.”

The class burst into chatter, trying to come up with something fun. Finally, a girl shouted, “I dare you… to hold someone’s hand for the next three rounds!”

Venm laughed. “That’s it? Easy!” He turned dramatically to Linyun.

 “Well then, Lin, come here.”

Linyun rolled his eyes but placed his hand in Venm’s.

“Aww, how cute!” the class teased.

The bottle spun again, and this time it landed on Niun, a quiet boy sitting near the back. He had sharp features and a calm aura that made him stand out without trying.

“Truth or Dare?”

“…Truth,” Niun said coldly.

“Who do you find most interesting in this room?”

The room went silent, everyone waiting. Niun glanced up… his eyes briefly flickered toward Venm.

Venm raised a brow.

“…No one in particular,” Niun said while looking at Venm.

The class groaned. “Broo! Lame answer!”

The game went on with more silly dares—someone had to do ten pushups, another had to shout their favorite food out loud. Everyone was laughing, the energy bright and fun.

Meanwhile, across the circle, Elen was sitting silently, his gaze casually drifting over everyone. For a brief second, his eyes met Linyun’s again. There was no smile, no hint of what he was thinking.

Just that cold, unreadable stare that made Linyun look away first.

The bottle spun one last time. Everyone leaned in as it slowly stopped… on Lia.

“Truth or Dare?” someone asked.

“Truth!” Lia grinned.

A boy asked.

“Alright, Lia… who do you think is the most handsome guy in this class?”

The girls squealed. Lia laughed nervously. “Uhh… honestly? It’s between Elen and Niun. They look like models!”

The class erupted into “Ooohs!” while Elen didn’t react at all. Niun gave a polite nod, his calm smile barely there.

Before anyone could tease more, Ms. Michi clapped her hands.

 “Alright, that’s enough! You got your fun. Time to behave—we still have three more periods today!”

The students groaned dramatically.

“Ugh, already?”

“I wanted another round!”

“Don’t complain,” Ms. Michi chuckled. “Now, back to your seats!”

After Three Periods.....

The bell finally rang for lunch break. The classroom instantly filled with chatter and movement. Students rushed to the cafeteria in groups, laughing and teasing each other.

Venm stretched his arms. “Finally! I’m starving. Let’s grab a spot in the courtyard.”

“Yeah,” Linyun nodded.

Cafeteria

The cafeteria was buzzing with noise as students lined up for their meals. Venm and Linyun stood in line, chatting casually.

“I swear, this three morning classes felt so long,” Venm groaned. “I’m starving.”

“Yeah, me too,” Linyun agreed, eyeing the food trays ahead.

Finally, they got their lunch and were about to head toward the courtyard when two familiar figures blocked their path.

Elen and Niun.

Linyun froze instantly.

Elen’s eyes lazily scanned him from head to toe before his lips curled into a smirk. “What’s up… Lazy?”

Linyun blinked, then frowned. “Who the hell did you just call lazy?!”

Venm quickly stepped in. “Yo, bro, calm down—”

“No!” Linyun snapped, glaring. “Lazy my foot!!”

Elen tilted his head slightly, amused. “Hmm… you didn’t like your nickname? That’s strange. I thought you’d like it.” He leaned in just a little, his smirk deepening. “It suits you, though.”

Lin rolled his eyes, clearly annoyed.

Then suddenly, an idea popped into his head. He straightened his back, cleared his throat dramatically, and said, “Ahem! I didn’t like it… but what about yours, huh? Hot. Wet. Socks.”

Venm choked on his drink. “Pfft—Hot wet socks?!”

Even Niun raised an eyebrow slightly, his usually calm lips twitching into the faintest hint of a smile.

“It fits you perfectly,” Lin said proudly, crossing his arms.

Venm was now laughing so hard he had to hold his tray carefully.

“You’re loud,” Niun said, tilting his head slightly. “Loud and… kind of dramatic. Like a broken speaker that doesn’t know when to shut up.”

 “EXCUSE ME?!”

Niun’s lips curved slightly. “What? I’m just stating facts. You even laughed like a dying seagull just now.”

Venm pointed at Niun with mock offense. “Wow. Coming from someone who looks like they’re permanently stuck in silent mode. Do you even know how to smile properly?”

Niun didn’t flinch. “At least I don’t waste my energy looking like a hyper squirrel all the time.”

Venm’s jaw dropped. “Hyper squirrel?! Are you kidding me right now?!”

Niun gave the faintest hint of a smirk. “No. It suits you.”

Elen smirked at the entire scene, clearly entertained. He leaned just close enough to Linyun for his voice to drop low. “Careful, Lazy. You might regret that nickname later.”

Lin stiffened at his tone.

Meanwhile, Niun’s calm gaze lingered on Venm one last time. “Try not to trip over your own ego next time.”

Venm was left speechless as Elen and Niun walked away like nothing happened.

As they left, Lin exhaled loudly. “Ugh! What is wrong with them?!”

Venm was still glaring toward Niun. “…Okay. I officially don’t know if I want to punch him or… figure him out.”

Lin smirked. “Oh no. You’re interested.”

Venm shot him a look. “Interested, my foot!!"

In The Courtyard

[Imagine that there are some benches]

The courtyard was calm compared to the noisy cafeteria. A soft breeze rustled through the trees as Venm and Linyun settled on a bench with their lunch trays.

Venm took a big bite of his sandwich. “Man, this courtyard is way better than the cafeteria. Less noise, better vibes.”

“Yeah,” Linyun nodded, sipping his juice.

For a moment, they ate in silence.

 Then,

" Hey! Lin "

" Hmm…"

" So…..about the Truth or Dare game earlier "

Lin groaned,“ Don't remind me. It irritates me!”.

" Come on, tell me....what did Elen told you "

Lin froze.

Flashback hits him.

Lin rolled his eyes in annoyance, " Nothing..."

" Come on.....Lin" venm pressed.

" I said nothing..."

Venm wasn’t giving up. He clasped his hands together and gave his best puppy eyes.

(Come on!! This should work. Please, please.)

" Okay... fine."

Venm instantly leaned in eyes sparkling, " Now spill"

" He said..... that… My eyes are interesting" Lin said while munching his food.

" What!!!!!" Venm’s jaw dropped.

" You are very loud Venm" Lin groaned, covering his ears with his hand.

“Your. Eyes. ?!” Venm blinked rapidly, then suddenly leaned closer, inspecting Lin’s face. “Wait, lemme check. What’s so interesting about them?!”

Lin nearly choked on his food. “Tsk! What are you doing?! Move!” He pushed Venm’s face away.

" D– Don't do that !! Ugh!. You will destroy my handsome face. "

Lin glares at him.

" By the way... Elen's is weird"

" Totally!!" Lin agreed.

Venm sighed.

Lin laughed slightly. " What are you laughing at??" Venm confused.

" I really agree with Niun "

" About what!"

" ‘Broken speaker,’ ‘hyper squirrel’. He wasn't wrong" Lin laughed remembering the whole scene.

" WoW. Thanks for the support" annoyed.

Before they could say more, the sound of footsteps approached.

They both turned—only to see Elen and Niun walking into the courtyard, side by side, trays in hand.

Linyun stiffened immediately. “Oh no…”

Venm muttered, “You’ve got to be kidding me.”

Elen’s smirk widened slightly as their eyes met.

“Look who’s here,” Niun said teasingly, his tone somehow sharp. “The hyper squirrel and the lazy cat.”

" Ugh!! What's wrong with them!!" Venm muttered.

“Looks like, this lunch break will get worse…” Lin whispered to Venm.

" No Doubt!"

ELen and Niun walked toward the bench where Venm and Linyun sat. The breeze felt heavier all of a sudden.

Niun calmly set his tray down on the table right next to theirs. “Well, this is convenient. Looks like we’ll have lunch together.”

Venm groaned. “Oh, great. Just what I needed—company from the roast king himself.”

Niun tilted his head slightly, his lips barely curving. “Roast king? I prefer truth speaker.”

“Truth speaker?” Venm snorted. “More like walking insult generator.”

“Hmm,” Niun replied calmly, taking a bite of his food. “Better than being an overgrown squirrel with an energy problem.”

“Excuse me?!” Venm sputtered, glaring.

Meanwhile, Elen sat down across from Linyun, resting his chin in one hand, watching him intently.

“You still look uncomfortable,” Elen said casually. “Is it me? Or just your personality?”

Lin bite his lips in anger.

[Cool down lin, cool down. Don't waste your energy. On this fucking Hot. Wet. Socks.!! ]

Elen smirked. “Relax, Lazy. I’m just asking. You’re so easy to fluster.”

Lin crossed his arms defensively. “Stop calling me Lazy! I told you I hate it!”

Elen leaned a little closer, his smirk deepening. “All the more reason to use it. It suits you. Slow… hesitant… always second-guessing.”

Lin felt his cheeks heat up. “You don’t even know me!”

Elen’s eyes gleamed. “I don’t have to. You show enough without saying anything.”

Lin is really going to blast in anger.

 Venm, noticing the tension, quickly cut in. “Hey! Back off, wet socks! You’re making him uncomfortable.”

Elen slowly turned his gaze to Venm, unamused. “…Hot wet socks?”

Niun chuckled at that one. “You two really are like children.”

“Yeah? Well, at least I’m not a quiet robot with no emotions,” Venm shot back.

Niun calmly finished another bite of his food before replying, “Robots are efficient. You, on the other hand, are just… noise.”

Venm gasped. “Oh, it’s on.”

Elen finally let out a low laugh, shaking his head. “Niun, don’t break the squirrel too soon.”

Niun gave the faintest smile. “I’m not. I’m just… observing.”

The courtyard fell silent for a moment. Linyun quietly stared at his tray, unsure what to feel. Were they teasing? Threatening? Or…

Before he could dwell on it, the bell rang, signaling the end of lunch.