Rumors spread like wildfire throughout the academy: Kai, the bold commoner who had dared to stand up to the noble elite, was in love with the notorious villainess. Whispers and curious glances followed Kai wherever he went, students and staff alike murmuring about his late-night visits to her quarters, speculating about their forbidden romance.
Though they both knew that their relationship would be scrutinized, neither Kai nor the villainess backed down. Kai's nightly visits to her room were their moments of peace—a time when they could leave the world's judgment outside the door. Each evening, they shared quiet conversations, laughter, and sometimes even silence, as they found comfort in each other's presence.
One night, as Kai slipped into her room under the moonlight's soft glow, he found her sitting by the window, looking out into the distance. She turned to him, a smile lighting up her face.
"Kai," she murmured, moving toward him. "Thank you for coming again."
"Of course," he replied softly, taking her hand. "It's where I belong."
They held each other close, savoring these precious hours away from prying eyes. The weight of the world melted away when they were together, and for once, they felt free.
However, outside their safe haven, the whispers only grew louder. The rumors of a romance between a commoner and a noble, especially one as influential as the villainess, sparked debates, and tensions even reached the ears of their families.
In the villainess's household, her father raged upon hearing the rumors. A staunch traditionalist, he could not fathom his daughter consorting with a commoner, let alone one as audacious as Kai. His disapproval was sharp, often echoing through the halls of their estate.
"I raised you better than this," he had scolded her, his tone icy and unyielding. "Do you truly intend to throw away your future for a mere commoner?"
The villainess held her head high, unshaken by her father's words. "You taught me to follow my heart, Father, even if it means going against expectations. Kai is different from anyone I've ever met, and I know he's worth it."
Her father's eyes darkened, his disapproval more apparent than ever. "Since you were a child, I taught you the value of noble blood, of maintaining our status. You can't throw it all away for… him. It's disgraceful."
But the villainess stood firm, her heart resolute. "Maybe I'm not the one who's wrong. Maybe it's time we challenge these outdated beliefs."
Back at Kai's home, his family, too, was pulled into the conflict. His parents, though proud of his bravery, worried about the implications of his relationship with the villainess. They feared the wrath of the nobles and how Kai's life would change under such scrutiny.
"Kai, are you sure about this?" his mother asked one evening, worry evident in her gaze. "This… relationship with her, it's dangerous."
Kai met her eyes, his voice steady. "I know, Mom. But I love her. And I can't give that up because of what others think."
His mother sighed, her hand resting on his. "Then be careful, my son. Love can be beautiful, but in this world, it can also be the reason for great suffering."
The pressure and conflict on both sides only fueled Kai's determination. He wouldn't let anyone tell him who he could love.
The following week, the academy buzzed with excitement as preparations for the annual music festival got underway. It was one of the most anticipated events of the year, a celebration where students could showcase their talents and creativity. This year, however, it would be memorable for more than just the performances.
Kai, encouraged by the villainess, decided to perform a song that resonated with him deeply: Let the World Burn by Chris Grey. (Credit: Chris Grey). The choice raised eyebrows and sparked curiosity, but Kai remained silent, leaving his peers guessing at the meaning behind it.
As he stepped onto the stage, the crowd fell silent, eagerly awaiting his performance. His gaze swept over the audience, his expression unreadable, and then he began to sing. The powerful lyrics of Let the World Burn echoed through the auditorium, his voice carrying a haunting intensity.
-SONG-
" Lost in the fog
I fear that there's still further to fall
It's dangerous 'cause I want it all
And I don't really care what it costsI shouldn't have fallen in love
Look what it made me become
I let you get too close
Just to wake up alone
And I know you think you can run
You're scared to believe I'm the one
But I just can't let you goI'd let the world burn
Let the world burn for you
This is how it always had to end
If I can't have you then no one can
I'd let it burn
I'd let the world burn
Just to hear you calling out my name
Watching it all go down in flames "
His performance sent chills down the spines of everyone present. Kai's voice, raw and passionate, filled the room with an almost dangerous energy. As he continued, it was as though he were channeling his frustrations, his defiance, and his strength into every note, every word.
The audience's expressions shifted from surprise to fear as the song continued. They had always known Kai was different, but this side of him—the side that would let the world burn if it stood in his way—was both thrilling and terrifying.
The villainess watched from the sidelines, her heart pounding with admiration. Kai's song was not a threat; it was a vow to stand firm in his beliefs, no matter the cost. She realized, perhaps more deeply than ever before, that she was in love with this courageous, fierce soul who defied the very rules of their world.
Meanwhile, back in her home, the villainess's father's fury reached new heights. The rumors about his daughter's relationship with Kai, coupled with Kai's defiant performance, were a direct affront to his authority. The tension between them would only continue to grow, fueled by his refusal to accept the man his daughter loved.
Kai, however, was undeterred. As he left the stage, he was met with a mix of awed silence and wary glances. He knew he had made his point, and no amount of whispering or disapproval would change his path.
That night, under the stars, he met with the villainess. She wrapped her arms around him tightly, feeling safe in his presence, despite the chaos that surrounded them.
"Kai," she whispered, her voice filled with emotion. "My father has been telling me my whole life that nobility matters more than love, that we should never mix with commoners. But when I look at you, I realize how wrong he is."
Kai held her close, his hand gently brushing through her hair. "We're breaking the rules, and the world doesn't like it. But I don't care. I'd let the world burn before I'd lose you."
She smiled, tears glistening in her eyes as she looked up at him. "I've always been told I'm not allowed to feel this way… But maybe it's time I choose my own path."
Kai took her hands in his, his gaze unwavering. "Let them try to stand in our way. We'll face it together."