Rain hammered against the tall windows of the girls' dormitory lounge, turning the dimly lit space into a cozy cavern of shadows and warm murmurs. Blankets were scattered, mugs steaming on tables, and clusters of girls huddled together trading ghost stories and nervous laughter.
Eventually, Camila Duarte rose from her plush seat and strutted to the center of the room, hips swaying with her queen-like authority.
She dropped gracefully onto a velvet cushion and crossed her long legs.
"Alright, ladies," she purred, smile sly and eyes sparkling. "I have an idea."
Half the room leaned in. Even Ji Ace shifted upright, and Briony Snowhart lifted her head from a throw pillow.
"This should be interesting," Briony whispered to Ji Ace, who gave a tiny smirk.
Camila clapped once. "Let's confess our crushes."
The room erupted with squeals, groans, and nervous giggles.
"I'll go first," Camila declared proudly, brushing her glossy hair behind her ear. A hush fell. Everyone waited—everyone wanted to know who the almighty Camila Duarte, the girl who dumped Hunter the moment he lost to O.Darren in the athletic finals, was currently obsessed with.
Camila pressed a hand to her chest dramatically.
"My crush is… O. Darren."
A chorus of gasps and murmurs filled the lounge.
She sighed dreamily. "I mean, look at him. That build… that voice… and that skin? Goddess, it's gorgeous on him."
"Someone's definitely horny," a girl teased from the back.
The room cracked up. Camila didn't deny it; she simply tossed her hair and winked.
"My turn," Naledi announced, elegantly rising. She walked into the center like she owned the lighting.
"Well… I'd say my crush is Eli."
"Wow."
Several girls actually clutched their chests.
If Naledi wanted him, the competition became real.
"What about you, Sienna?" Camila asked, eyes sliding to the busty, soft-spoken beauty.
"I—no, not really… I don't have a crush," Sienna muttered quickly, turning away as her neck flushed pink.
"Shy girl," Camila teased.
As soon as Camila looked away, Sienna peeked up and flushed even deeper.
The confession circle kept spinning—laughter, embarrassment, secrets—until eventually all eyes turned to Ji Ace.
She leaned back casually.
"No one. I'm not interested."
Her tone was cool, dismissive—yet somehow enviable.
Even her indifference was elegant.
For a moment the girls murmured in awe.
"I mean… who could possibly catch Ji Ace's attention in Ashfall…" whispered someone.
Naledi raised a brow. "Oh? I thought I saw your royal highness"—she gestured mockingly toward Briony—"arguing over who would kiss Troy Fletcher recently."
Briony's head snapped up.
"No! What insolence!"
Ji Ace tried to respond, but Briony cut her off, red-cheeked and furious.
"Who falls in love with a pervert?! I'm done here!"
She stormed off, leaving awkward silence behind her.
"Well… I guess we can't joke with the princess," a girl sighed.
Camila stood and smoothed her skirt. "Alright, girls. That's enough chaos for tonight. Let's call it."
In the final tally of whispered votes, Eli came first with 22%, O. Darren second with 18%, Fletcher third with 17%, and Hunter a bruised 8%.
The rest scattered among other male students.
---
Room 208 – Naledi
"I can't believe I'm paired with that idiot Fletcher…" Naledi muttered in her bed, rolling onto her stomach and gripping her pillow.
But after a few seconds…
her cheeks flushed warmly.
She buried herself completely under the sheets.
"Ugh… why am I even thinking about that…"
---
Room 302 – Ji Ace
The moon spilled through the window, bathing Ji Ace in a cold silver glow.
She sat on her bed, calm, steady, eyes half-lidded as she slid a small, sharp knife into her already-packed hiking bag.
No tremor.
No hesitation.
"I finally know who you are," she whispered.
Her voice held no fear—only hatred.
"You're not Verena Crowe…"
She clenched her fists, knuckles white.
"You're a killer."
---
Boys' Dormitory – Night Noise
Shouts, laughter, and slamming doors echoed through the long, energetic corridors.
The boys' dorm was always alive.
Inside their shared room, Eli lay stretched across the sofa with his hands tucked behind his head.
"Say, Fletcher," he began lazily, staring at the ceiling, "what do you think would happen if we got lost in the woods tomorrow?"
Fletcher dropped onto his bed with a sigh.
"Why the hell would you even say that?"
"Hypothetically." Eli smirked.
"Who even paired us together?" Fletcher grumbled.
"I did," Eli said proudly. "Requested it from Mr. Hogswart. Someone has to babysit your antisocial ass. Be grateful, kiddo."
Fletcher tossed a pillow at him.
"Think about something normal, will you? We're adults, not little kids terrified of trees."
Eli chuckled. "Speak for yourself."
********
Excursion Morning
Students lined up outside the academy gates, fog rising from the wet ground as morning sun fought through scattered clouds.
A sleek, dark blue Ashfall Academy excursion bus waited in the front, custom-designed with the school emblem etched in silver across the side.
Bags were checked.
Names were called.
Excitement buzzed through the air.
And at the very front seat of the bus…
Miss Verena Crowe sat with her legs crossed, fingers folded neatly, a faint smile curving her lips.
An unnatural smile.
A hungry smile.
She watched each student board as if counting prey.
---