The morning sun painted the sky in soft hues of orange and pink, casting a warm glow over the bustling school grounds. Students filtered through the gates in lively chatter, their laughter and footsteps blending into the usual morning chaos. To any outsider, it was just another ordinary school day.
But beneath that surface, something had shifted.
The MC leaned against the window of the second-floor hallway, his golden eyes scanning the crowd below. A flicker of unease tugged at the edge of his thoughts. Something felt... off. He couldn't put his finger on it, but years of instinct told him he was being watched.
"Oi, you spacing out again?" The girl's voice snapped him back. She stood beside him, arms crossed, eyebrows raised in mild concern.
"Just thinking," he muttered, pushing off the window.
She studied him for a second before letting out a small sigh. "It's about them, isn't it?"
He didn't answer, but she knew she was right. Her gaze softened. "You really think they'd come here? In broad daylight? In a school?"
He exhaled. "If they want information on me, this is the easiest place to get it."
And he was right.
Elsewhere in the School
Inside the crowded classroom, a new student adjusted his tie, scanning the desks with a neutral expression. His sharp features and polished demeanor blended in seamlessly, but his eyes told a different story—calculating, analyzing, noting every detail of his surroundings.
The teacher clapped her hands. "Alright, class, settle down! We have a transfer student today. Introduce yourself."
The boy stepped forward, his voice smooth and polite. "I'm Ren. Nice to meet you."
A few students murmured in interest, some whispering about how he looked like he belonged in a prestigious academy rather than their school. But to the MC, who had just walked in, that single introduction sent a shiver down his spine.
Because he knew that name.
And the smirk Ren shot him as their eyes met confirmed everything.
Lunch Break – The Rooftop
The girl found him leaning against the fence, the cool breeze ruffling his hoodie. "Alright, spill. What's wrong?"
He didn't look at her, just exhaled slowly. "They're here."
Her stomach twisted. "Wait… you mean—?"
"One of them transferred. Just now."
She blinked. "They can just... do that?"
He let out a humorless chuckle. "They have connections. And if they're going this far… they're not just watching. They're planning something."
She clenched her fists. "Then we don't let them."
He finally looked at her, a mix of exasperation and amusement flickering in his golden gaze. "You really don't know when to back down, do you?"
She grinned. "Nope."
For a moment, he just stared at her before shaking his head with a soft chuckle. "Alright. If they want to play this game... we'll play. But on our terms."
After School – Shadows in the Hallway
As the final bell rang, the school hallways flooded with students heading home. But amidst the crowd, the MC caught sight of something—or rather, someone—that made his stomach knot.
Ren stood at the far end of the corridor, watching him. No words, no gestures. Just an unwavering stare, like a predator sizing up its prey.
The MC's fists clenched at his sides. He had seen that look before. Back when he was still in the gang. It was the look of someone testing the waters, waiting to see if their opponent would make the first move.
The girl followed his gaze and frowned. "Creepy. What's his deal?"
"He's studying me," the MC muttered. "Figuring out my habits, my weaknesses."
"Then let's not give him anything to work with."
Before he could reply, Ren moved. Casually, effortlessly, blending into the flow of students as he disappeared down another hallway.
But the message was clear: This was only the beginning.
Evening – The Message
That night, the MC sat in his room, staring at his phone. A single notification blinked on the screen. An unknown number.
He opened it.
"It's been a while. You've gone soft. Let's see if there's anything left of the old you."
A photo was attached—an image of him and the girl, taken just hours ago on the rooftop.
His blood ran cold.
They weren't just infiltrating.
They were watching.