Chapter written by Elle (precerii).

After witnessing what some students would call a "show," Yoonah couldn't stop thinking about it, even by the end of the day after getting through three classes that lasted an hour and a half each. Walking through the crowded hallways, she kept to herself, her arms folding inwards to avoid getting in the way of others and keeping her eyes to her shiny black shoes. She could smell the fear of some, and the excitement of others from earlier. The girls fight seemed to have amped up the students, some even joked about setting up a fight night later in the evening.

   What is this school really about? Yoonah couldn't help but wonder. She's reminded of the discreet disclaimer the academy tried to sneak through their contract. A part of her didn't know what it meant, what it could lead to and another part of her didn't want to think that it meant any harm, or that anything would come of it. Now, she's seen first hand what it means. Kids in this academy don't have just one goal of graduating, they have other things on their mind . . . but what things?

   An overwhelming scent suddenly clogged Yoonah's nose forcing her go look up. Mihi stood in front of her with a sly smirk before jutting her lips into a pout, batting her eyelashes exaggeratedly. "Keep your head up, you look like a weed in a garden of roses. At least try to fit in." She says, and though some may consider her words to be kind, her tone reeks nothing but malice.

   Yoonah furrows her brows, about to say something before someone scoffs from afar. Looking over, there's that boy from her class who ignored her standing with a group of boys. "Don't be so jealous, Mihi." He says, his tone laced in annoyance. His eyes were turned downwards, and his lips stayed in a grim, straight line.

   He's defending me . . . Yoonah fought back a faint smile.

   Mihi giggles before skipping over to a blonde boy in the group, tugging on his tie and bringing his lips to hers before shooting a glare towards Yoonah. "I have nothing to be jealous of . . ." She mumbles.

   Jaemin rolls his eyes before making eye contact with the girl and gives her a quick nod, as if saying, It's okay, you can leave now. Although his expression is still the same as earlier, there's a kindness in his eyes that Yoonah didn't notice before. A silent protector. She thought as she walked away from the scene, taking the path to her dorm.

—

   "How are you liking the near school, dear?" Her aunt asked, her voice staticy and unclear.

   Yoonah cringed, pursing her lips in distaste. "If I'm honest, it's kind of weird. I don't know what kind of business dad had doing here." She spat. Her mind couldn't help but wander to every dark crevice and corner, wondering how her dad belonged here, or how he even enjoyed attending this school. It felt like hell - a very fancy hell.

   "Don't be dramatic. It can't be that bad." Her aunt said dismissively and Yoonah could already imagine the ignorant smile on her puffy, red lips as she dilly dallied somewhere in the city, content as could be with nothing to fear. A scowl adorned her lips before she could stop it. "Why don't you visit the library? Play soccer with the kids in the field," She suggested before gasping as she relevated a thought. "I heard they had a swimming pool! A glamorous one at that," Her mischievous giggles slowed to a small sigh. "The point is just . . . just do something! Get out there. I don't want you to be crammed up in that small dorm all year. Promise me you'll do something?" She pleaded, her elegant voice turning into one of a beggar.

   Yoonah sighed even if her aunt couldn't see it (and thank God she couldn't) before nodding her head. "Whatever, fine." She grumbled.

   "Good. I'll check up on you again tomorrow, kiddo. I've got some clients waiting for me." She said.

   "Good lu-" Multiple beeps from the other line interrupt her. Yoonah sighs before placing her phone back on her desk, glancing out the rounded window. Eyes widening when the same raven from yesterday swoops down, landing gracefully on a thin branch. It's eyes shift anxiously, as if looking around for both it's predators and prey. The bird reminded Yoonah of herself in this damned school - constantly on the look out, never quite sure when something will attack.

   "Come again soon." She mumbles when the raven finally shakes it wings, preparing to take off. After it's departure, she grabs a tan trenchcoat and slips it on before tying the laces of her black boots. Reaching for the golden doorknob, she stops, her hand trembling above the knob. Laughter emanates from the hallways. It was hard to decipher if it was genuine or malicious. Her foot tapped against the carpet and she closed her eyes, taking a deep breath.

   Come on Yoonah, what're you afraid of? A tiny voice yelled. Opening the food, the girl steps out and looks both ways. Multiple groups of girls stand in circles, laughing and talking. Some cover their mouths when they speak, some fiddle with their hair but with the sound of Yoonah's door creaking, they all glare in her direction. Their eyes sharpen and their orbs darken and their fingers act like claws; sharp and ready to attack.

   Yoonah keeps her eyes to her feet, allowing her black hair cover the majority of her face. Her grip tightens on her coat as she hears their venomous comments.

   "She'll be out before you know it."

   "She's like a twig. I could blow her over."

   "Look at her legs shivering. She won't last."

  What do they mean? Yoonah's mind felt cluttered and she began to form a pounding headache. Fresh air. I just need fresh air. Sub-consciously her feet picked up the pace, padding across the wooden floors. Anything to get away from them, from everything. The air smelt like judgement, a never-ending and pungent smell. A ball began to form in her throat, tightening her airways. Leaping out of the front door, Yoonah took a deep breath of the fresh air. Holding onto the wall next to her until her breathing slowed, she finally unbuttoned her coat to allow the crisp air litter her bare skin in goosebumps, cooling her off. She fluttered her eyes, looking up into the clouded, grey sky. It seemed to always be like that - dark, stormy and cloudy. Often reflecting the mystique of the academy.

   "Hey! You okay over there?" A voice called, a female one making Yoonah's blood run cold. A girl ran over, her long brown hair flying backwards until she came to a stop. "Are you okay?" She repeats, her warm brown eyes radiate concern.

   Yoonah gulps. "Um, yeah...I'm fine." She mumbles, wrapping her arms around her body protectively. The stranger was tall, at least three inches higher than her. Her cheekbones jutted out, and her jaw was perfectly narrow. She looked like a model straight out of a magazine. Yoonah didn't know what was more intimidating: a crowd of ugly girls from the inside and out judging her, or one extremely beautiful girl who was willing to show her an ounce of kindness.

   Either one could be dangerous...She thought.

   "You're the new girl, right?" She asks, and when Yoonah confirms she continues. "I'm Soomin, but you can call me Sookie." She smiles, her eyes turning into crescents as she holds her hand out to shake.

   Warily, Yoonah takes her hand and her hand blooms with warmth.

   "What're you doing out here?" She asks. "It's freezing." She shivers, tightening her coat around her thin body.

   Yoonah furrows her brows suspiciously. "What're you doing out here?" She repeats her question, her voice coming out lower than intended.

   "I just got out of soccer practice. I was heading back to my dorm, but then I saw you looking like you were on your deathbed and, well, here I am." She explains cheerfully.

   She was too nice. Too nice to be here, in this hellhole of a school where nobody knows how to smile. It almost felt like a trap; as if she were plotting her very own demise right then and there. Yet, at the same time would it be smart to deny a possible ally? Everyone at this
academy already seemed to hate her, or at least doubt her. Yoonah couldn't stoop to their level and judge so quickly. Not yet at least.

   Yoonah finally returned her smile. "I see," she nodded. "I was just trying to get familiar with the school. I haven't had a proper chance to explore it yet." She explained.

   Sookie gasped, her mouth hanging dramatically wide. "Seriously?! No one's showed you around yet?" She asked.

   When Yoonah nodded her head, the girl looped their arms together, her warmth once again comforting Yoonah and leaded them down the ramp. "Don't worry. I've got you now." She said.

   Yoonah glanced at her, her eyes widening slightly as her heart pumped just a tiny bit faster.

   Is this my first real friend?

—

For being Seoul's oldest and most prestigious academy, it really held to its word. The school was in pristine condition; not a single rotted piece of wood or leaking ceiling. Everything about it was grand and in its finest condition. Not a single door squeaked.

"Now, I introduce you to our library." Sookie said, wiggling her eyebrows in a playful manner.

After walking up three dark wooden steps, they now stood in front of two large doors that were the same type of wood as the steps, with gold outlining the edges and covering the large handle. Sookie opened it, allowing her friend to go in first who gasped, marvelling at it's beauty.

The room could bring Yoonah to tears. She had never seen a room built with such precise thought, so much care to detail. The library was easily one of the biggest rooms in the entire school, minus the ballroom which she had yet to see (Sookie said it's one to experience in live action, when everyone is there). It's ceiling was panelled with wooden planks, and Yoonah could only wonder how many spider nests rest there. There were small gaps between the planks where a gold coated chandelier hung, illuminating a warm yellow light in the library. Opulent bookshelves adorned each wall the room, stacked with books of every genre. A narrow, stained glass window towered throughout some of the aisles. Reaching the main center of the library, rectangular tables were spread throughout. Some students chatted quietly, others read and some study on their rather advanced computers.
I want one of those...Yoonah couldn't help but think.

As she made her way towards on of the bookshelves, her fingers grazing the books back delicately she couldn't ignore the back of her head heating up; as if someone was staring at her. Turning discreetly, she noticed the same blonde boy from earlier who Mihi had kissed glaring at her. Intimidated by his daze, she quickly turned back around and tugged on Sookie's sleeve.

"Who is he?" She whispered, her tone rushed as she tried to keep her raging heartbeat down.

Glancing to where she nodded to, Sookie's eyes widened and quickly glanced down. Her eyes remained directed at her feet as she guided Yoonah further down the bookshelf aisle, away from the boys eyes.

"That is Lee Jeno. He basically rules this school, along with his posse. You don't want to mess with him." Sookie explained as she tried to make herself busy, looking at books simultaneously.

Yoonah scoffed but decided not to say anything, instead flicked through some dusty pages.