Baek Yu-Seol's POV (Rewritten)
(Time skip after Chapter 552)
---
A Few Minutes Before the Graduation Ceremony
Flame's heels clicked impatiently against the stone floor outside the dorm. She crossed her arms, glancing at the sky. The sun was high, and the ceremony was only minutes away. "Why is she taking so long?"
The dorm door creaked open, revealing Hong Bi-Yeon. She stepped out, her presence commanding as always. Her gown, layered with crimson silk and delicate embroidery, shimmered in the sunlight.
"You're early," she said, her tone cool and composed,
"And you're overdressed," Flame quipped, smirking.
Hong Bi-Yeon raised an eyebrow, a faint smile tugging at her lips. "It's a Stella graduation. If you think this is overdressed, you've clearly misunderstood the occasion."
"Right, because the queen-to-be always needs an excuse to flaunt herself."
"Perhaps," Bi-Yeon replied simply, turning on her heel and walking away.
Flame watching, her eyes narrowing slightly. "She's been acting weird lately."
"Not just her," Aiselle muttered, finally breaking her silence. Her pale blue hair shimmered faintly as she glanced at Flame. "Even Scarlett's noticed. Something's off."
---
The Graduation Hall
The hall buzzed with anticipation as hundreds of students and faculty took their seats. The announcement echoed through the air:
"Now beginning the 102nd Stella Academy Graduation Ceremony. Attendees, please take your seats."
Baek Yu-Seol leaned back in his chair, a faint smirk playing on his lips as he surveyed the grand hall. The enchanted chandeliers above reflected soft, shimmering light across the gathered crowd.
"Why are you smiling like that?" Scarlett asked, her voice tinged with amusement. She sat beside him, her crimson robe neatly pressed, her posture regal.
Baek shrugged nonchalantly. "Can't help it. Feels good to graduate, you know?"
"You're acting as if you didn't almost die a dozen times to make it here."
"Hey, I survived, didn't I? That counts for something."
Baek leaned back, letting the noise fade into the background. His smirk widened. It wasn't just the end of his time at Stella—it was the relief of knowing the world was finally safe.
After gathering the Twelve Moons and defeating the Black Demonic Dragon, his life had finally regained some semblance of peace. He even had time to consider relationships now, though that was a headache in itself.
Jeliel and Flame had grown more aggressive in their advances lately. They'd even started sneaking into the boys' dorm at night. Thankfully, they hadn't been caught—or rather, Jeliel's influence ensured there were no consequences
On his other side, Hong Bi-Yeon sat quietly, her posture perfect. Her crimson gown seemed to glow under the hall's lights, matching the fiery determination in her eyes. Baek stole a glance at her, his heart skipping a beat before he could stop himself.
But her attention wasn't on him—it was on Scarlett. She'd been glaring at the witch queen for a while now, her irritation palpable.
Flame's voice interrupted his thoughts. "Want some?"
He turned to see Flame and Aiselle casually munching on cakes.
"How did you even get those in here?" Baek asked, these two somehow smuggled snacks into the ceremony
"Trade secret," Aiselle said with a smirk, handing him a slice.
He hesitated before passing it to Hong Bi-Yeon. She took it, her expression softening slightly as she bit into the cake. Her rare smile sent a strange warmth through his chest, ' gorgeous .' she's gotten way more mature hasn't she?
The murmurs around them grew louder. Baek didn't need to look to know the stares were directed at him. Sitting between Hong Bi-Yeon and Scarlett—and with Jeliel and Flame also nearby—made him the target of envious glares.
As the ceremony concluded, Baek Yu-Seol headed back to the third-year Class S boys' dorm with Mayuseong.
"Ugh, this is heavy," he grumbled, wiping sweat from his brow as he hauled several boxes into his subspace. They contained gifts from Alterisha and countless study materials he'd never use again.
"You're still here?" Mayuseong leaned casually against the doorframe, his arms crossed. His usual calm expression carried a hint of amusement. "Thought you'd be the first to leave."
Baek shrugged. "Had to finish packing. You know how it is."
Mayuseong stepped inside, his gaze sweeping over the room. "So, what's next? Magic Tower? Research? Or are you just going to wander aimlessly?"
Baek smirked. "None of the above."
"Really?"
Mayuseong chuckled.
Baek also laughed softly. "It's boring. Money and fame? Not my style."
Mayuseong nodded, leaning against the wall. "Well, whatever you choose, you've got people who'll back you up. Just don't forget that."
Baek's smirk softened. "Thanks."
As Mayuseong left, Baek stood alone in the quiet room. The weight of graduation settled over him—not just as an end but as a beginning.
Though the future was uncertain he felt happy at the thought not knowing what's ahead made him excited.
Hexa-
Started writing this after seeing the disappointing ending this'll mostly focus on mc/fmc romance (Harem obvious)