You kept your head down, earbuds in, the bass of your playlist drowning out the noise. Your science bag hung heavy on one shoulder, and you were already mentally preparing for another hour of Mr. Han droning about chemical equations that made zero sense.

A group of students parted ahead of you, fast, like a wave splitting around a rock. You didn't notice at first.

Then you did.

You looked up.

Shin Ryujin stood in the center of it all, golden hour light catching her sharp jawline and the expensive fabric of her uniform blazer. She was flanked by two girls who flanked her like bodyguards, and a third—taller, quieter—lingering just behind with an unreadable smile.

She wasn't looking at you. Not yet.

They landed on you.