The night draped itself over Military Academy 4 like a velvet cloak, the stars piercing through the darkness like shards of crystal. A gentle breeze whispered through the towering oak trees lining the academy grounds, carrying with it the scent of pine and the distant murmur of nocturnal creatures. The lampposts cast a soft, golden glow on the cobblestone paths, guiding the hurried footsteps of students scurrying back to their dorms before curfew.
Groups of boys could be seen sprinting across the lawns, laughter bubbling up as they exchanged whispered stories of their evening escapades. A few had smudges of lipstick on their cheeks and collars, souvenirs from clandestine visits to the girls' dormitory. One boy, in particular, lagged behind the rest. His steps faltered as he glanced back over his shoulder, eyes filled with a mix of longing and mischief.
