The train car is nearly empty this early. A businessman in a pressed suit scrolls through his phone across the aisle. A girl with bleached-blonde hair and a designer school bag sleeps against the window, headphones in. Nocturne Academy crests embroidered on her blazer pocket in silver thread.

Announcement. Robotic, pleasant, in Korean first, then English: Next station, Nocturne Academy. Doors open on the left.

The campus emerges from the mist like a photograph developing. Sleek, angular buildings connected by glass bridges. Silver-leaved trees lining cobblestone paths. A massive fountain in the courtyard, black granite carved into the shape of a crescent moon. It's beautiful. Intimidating. Very, very expensive.

Y/n steps off the train onto the platform. The air is crisp, cool, carrying the scent of damp earth and something floral Y/n can't name. The sound of life—distant chatter, footsteps on pavement, a laugh cut off by wind.

Ahead, two students loiter at the base of the stairs leading up to the main building. One tall, ash-blonde hair catching the weak sunlight, hands shoved in his pockets. The other shorter, black-haired, cat-like eyes tracking a bird overhead before they drift—and land on Y/n.

The shorter one tilts his head. Says something Y/n can't hear to the blonde, who glances over.

They're both wearing the same uniform as the girl on the train. Nocturne Academy. Silver crests. Dark blazers.

The taller one speaks first, voice carrying across the distance like it's nothing.

<Ni-Ki>: Fresh meat?

<Jungwon>: elbows him, then smiles at Y/n—warm, but curious Don't mind him. You need help finding registration?