prologue
As the Public Relations Officer took quiet strides through the hallway, students immediately started making way for him. They scurry away in fear and keep their mouths shut tight, not wanting to even let him hear their breath. Even teachers turn around and hide to avoid him.
His name was Lee Jeno.
The school's most feared Student Council Officer in history. He speaks only when needed and is described to have eyes as cold as a winter storm, a voice as deep as the ocean, but owned the charms and body of a god.
The title suited him in a way, seeing how people seemed to worship and fear him at the same time.
The only people who didn't seem to kiss his feet were his co-officers: Mark Lee and Huang Renjun.
They were a small group of godly teenagers that are adored by all. Mark Lee, the captain of the Public Officers, looked as if he was always serious in life.
But in reality, he was a big softie that loves adorable stuffed toys. He secretly loves poetry and looks up to talented artists in the arts and music industry. Being responsible, hardworking and passionate were the reasons why he is standing as their captain today
Huang Renjun, on the other hand, was famous amongst the girls. He had a charming smile and an alluring gaze that could make any man or woman fall to their knees.
"Hey, Jeno!" the boy called out from the opposite end of the hallway. Annoyed, Jeno faced Renjun with his infamous glare.
But he stood there unfazed and displayed a bright smile, "I've been looking all over for you. Captain suddenly called for a meeting."
Jeno stared at the hand on his arm, silently telling Renjun to take it away if he still wants it intact with his arm. Getting the note, he lets go with an awkward chuckle before muttering a, "sorry."
The elder led Jeno towards the empty and spacious auditorium. All the lights were on and the boy suddenly felt uncomfortable. He always had a hatred on bright and luminous objects. How they disturb the serene nature and beauty of the dark. They seemed so loud, always begging for attention.
Renjun walked towards the captain, greeting him with a snappy salute together with Jeno. It was considered disrespectful to not greet higher officers and may even cost your position as an officer.
"Carry on," Mark replied before gesturing them to sit down along with their fellow officers. The eight of them were all seated properly, their poise and posture perfect.
Their captain cleared his throat, "I've gathered all of you here today because there's a slight change of plans. Yuqi will not be able to join us today, which means one of you will have to take her place and orient the students."
Jeno already knew he was out of the picture. They're all aware that he wasn't the talkative type. Perhaps he doesn't even know how.
"Any volunteer?" Mark asked, skimming his eyes through the officers. Until one raised her hand and said she'll be willing to do so.
Jeno wasn't surprised. She was Yeh Shuhua after all. One of the three female officers that made through the difficult training just to be here today. That includes standing under the scorching sun for more than an hour without moving a muscle, learning how to use a rifle and a sword for certain ceremonies, weeks of studying terms and the general information to pass the exam.
"Alright. Also, whoever's late will be punished," Mark continued to remind them. Assigning their perspective tasks and duties to leave a good impression to the new students.
"Today's the first day of this school year and our first day as officers. There are around a hundred new transferees. Abuse your power and I will not hesitate to dismiss you," Mark taunted and they knew damn well he wasn't playing, "That's all for now. Meeting adjourned."
The officers all stood up and made their way out the door. They fixed their uniforms in anticipation, not wanting to look sloppy in front of a hundred teenagers.
Renjun continued to fiddle with his white belt, feeling that it looked wrong, "I look so weird in our uniform."
They all had the same garments on: white slacks and a top somewhat similar to a pilot's. A sword band ran diagonally on their chest, a diamond shaped metal on the middle and a light weight sword on its end. Their names were printed on a small plate, sewn neatly on their left chest. A blue cloth is wrapped around their waist that reached their knees. To finish it off, they're all required to wear black combat boots that are tied properly.
Jeno wanted to disagree. But he kept his mouth shut, well-aware that Renjun was just trying to make him talk or is fishing for compliments. The elder grumbled under his breath, "It's like I'm talking to a damn wall."
They've been classmates for four years now, this being their last. In a matter of months, they're seperating ways and if Jeno's just lucky enough, they'll never see each other again.
"We should head to the canteen first, it's still pretty early," Renjun thought as they walked through the hallway. Old and new faces were everywhere. They almost blocked the way and it was annoying. The fact that the crowd will grow in less than an hour was exhausting.
"Excuse me, officer coming through," Renjun snaked his way while most of them automatically hid at the sight of Jeno.
Renjun's mouth opened in disbelief, "I should bring you with me to concerts."
Both of the boys easily made it to the cafeteria, Renjun rambling how Jeno's like a mysterious bodyguard while the latter tuned him out.
He just thought of which university to go to after graduation. Will he move somewhere in Seoul? Or go back to his mother's hometown? Should he study in another country for better opportunities?
He kept thinking and thinking. It may not seem like it, but he's more than glad he's getting out of here soon. It was going to be a piece of cake to him, planning to finish the year like always: be alone and stay away from drama.
He was pretty confident that everything will fall according to plan, unware of the playful boy attending to his school.
