Chapter 8: School of Shadows

Javi's parents had just been buried. The weight of it still clung to him as he sat at his desk, idly scrolling through his emails, his mind numb—until something caught his eye.

His breath hitched as he clicked on the message.

Congratulations!

You have been awarded a four-year scholarship to The School of Shadows.

Javi's heart pounded as he reread the email, disbelief washing over him. A full four-year deal? That meant he'd be spending his entire high school year—maybe even longer—at one of the most prestigious institutions he'd ever heard of.

School of Shadows

—Unknown Sender

"No way..." he muttered, rubbing his temple.

Just as he was processing the shock of the scholarship, a knock at the door made him jump.

"Who the hell…?" he muttered, standing up and making his way over.

When he opened the door, his eyebrows shot up.

A man stood before him, dressed head to toe in a classic Sherlock Holmes-style uniform—a long trench coat, a deerstalker hat, and even a cane tucked under one arm. His expression was unreadable, but his sharp eyes studied Javi with clear purpose.

"Javier García?" the man asked in a crisp, British accent.

Javi blinked. "Uh... yeah?"

The man gave a curt nod before stepping aside, revealing a sleek black car parked at the curb.

"I'm here to take you to The School of Shadows. Gather your things. We leave immediately."

Javi stared at him, trying to process the absurdity of the moment.

"Wait—what? Who even are you?"

"You may call me Mr. Graves," the man replied smoothly, adjusting his gloves. "Your presence has been requested. And as you now belong to the School of Shadows, you don't keep them waiting."

Javi hesitated, glancing back inside his home. His gut told him this was a turning point—a moment where everything in his life would change. He took a deep breath, then nodded.

"Alright, give me five minutes."

Javi grabbed his bag—he hadn't even unpacked most of his things since returning home. He glanced around the house one last time, a heavy feeling settling in his chest.

This place. His parents. His old life.

It was all gone.

And now, he was being thrown into something entirely unknown.

With a deep breath, he slung the bag over his shoulder and stepped outside, locking the door behind him.

"Good," Mr. Graves said, checking his watch. "Punctuality will serve you well at the School of Shadows. Come along."

Javi followed, eyeing the car warily. It was sleek, black, and expensive-looking—clearly meant for someone with money and power. As Mr. Graves opened the door, Javi hesitated.

"This isn't some weird kidnapping thing, right?"

Mr. Graves smirked. "Would it matter if it was?"

Javi shot him a look but got into the car anyway. As the door shut, the vehicle took off smoothly, gliding through the streets with an eerie silence.

The further they drove, the more Javi felt like he was leaving his past behind.

He wasn't sure if that was a good thing or not.

Hours passed in near silence, the only sounds being the soft hum of the car's engine and the occasional tap of Mr. Graves' fingers against the armrest.

Javi stared out the window, watching the darkened countryside blur past. Where the hell were they taking him?

After what felt like forever, he finally broke the silence. "Where exactly is this place?"

"Far from here," Graves replied cryptically. "Hidden from those who don't belong."

Javi scoffed. "Cool. That totally doesn't sound cult-y."

Mr. Graves chuckled, but there was something sharp about it. "You'll find that The School of Shadows is unlike any institution you've encountered before. It will push you, test you, mold you into something greater—if you survive it."

Javi sat up slightly. "If I survive it?" His tone turned skeptical. "You know, most schools don't have a 'try not to die' policy."

"Most schools aren't The School of Shadows."

Javi frowned but didn't push further. The mystery around this place was growing thicker, but he had a feeling he wouldn't get many answers until they arrived.

---

The car rolled to a stop, and Mr. Graves stepped out, opening the door with a slight bow. "Welcome to the School of Shadows, Mr. García. Your new home."

Javi hesitated before stepping out, his gaze traveling up the towering, gothic structure before him. A cold shiver ran down his spine.

As if the school itself had been waiting for him, the massive iron gates groaned open.

Javi swallowed. "Uhh, Mr. Graves? Are you sure we're in the right place?"

Mr. Graves smirked, though there was an edge to it. "Ominous? Perhaps. But you'll find the School of Shadows is more than just first impressions."

Javi raised an eyebrow. "Yeah, I read some articles about this place, but experiencing it firsthand? Definitely different."

Mr. Graves stepped forward, the heels of his shoes clicking against the cobblestone path. "Printed words cannot capture the essence of this institution. To understand it, you must see it for yourself."

Javi glanced between the looming architecture and the flickering lanterns casting deep, shifting shadows. "And if I don't like what I see?"

Mr. Graves stopped and turned, his piercing gaze locking onto Javi's. "You might find you don't have a choice. The School of Shadows is not something you simply walk away from."

Javi exhaled. "Okay… I'm sorry?"

Mr. Graves chuckled, though it lacked warmth. "Spoken like a true child."

Javi rolled his eyes. "What'd you expect from a fourteen-year-old?"

Mr. Graves suddenly halted. Even in the dim light, his eyes gleamed with an unsettling intensity.

"There are no fourteen-year-old boys at the School of Shadows." His voice was steady. Almost chilling. "Here, you are either a detective… or a case waiting to be solved."

A strange unease settled over Javi. What the hell did that mean?

Still, he forced himself to smirk. "Alright, one last question—why are you dressed like a detective?"

Mr. Graves smirked back. "I have told you, Mr. García, this school is not what you think it is. This is not just a prestigious academy."

Javi frowned. "Not just prestigious? Then what is it?"

Mr. Graves met his gaze, his voice deliberate. "A detective school."

Javi's jaw nearly hit the floor. "You're kidding…"

Mr. Graves raised an eyebrow. "Do I strike you as the joking type?"

Javi rubbed the back of his neck, struggling to process. "No, but… you're saying this school is for young detectives?"

"Precisely." Mr. Graves resumed walking, his steps measured. "Many of the world's most renowned investigators have trained here. We produce the best of the best. And now, you are among them."

Javi let out a breath. "But the letter said it's just a prestigious school."

A faint smirk tugged at Mr. Graves' lips, as if amused by Javi's confusion. "The School of Shadows is indeed prestigious. But its true reputation lies in the detectives it produces. The school itself is just a cover. The real work happens behind the scenes."

Javi exhaled, running a hand through his hair. "I—I don't know what to say."

Mr. Graves stopped again, his voice softening, but his words heavy with meaning. "Mr. García, I know this is difficult. You just lost your parents, and now you find yourself in a world you don't understand. But if you want the truth, you must be willing to seek it."

Javi swallowed hard. The mention of his parents hit like a punch to the gut. A week ago, they were alive. And now… he was standing here, caught in something far bigger than himself.

His grief was raw, but now? Now, he had a choice.

His voice barely above a whisper, he said, "I'll do my best."

Mr. Graves nodded, approval glinting in his eyes. Then, after a long pause, he added something that sent a chill down Javi's spine.

"The deputy said it was just a drug addict's attack, didn't he?"

Javi stiffened. "What?"

Mr. Graves' gaze darkened. "What if I told you… it wasn't?"

Javi's breath caught. His mind raced. A terrible suspicion crept in.

"I don't understand," he whispered. "What was it, then?"

Mr. Graves sighed. "I don't know, Mr. García. But if you learn to be a detective, you'll have the chance to investigate your parents' case yourself."

Javi felt his heart pound.

This—this was his opportunity. His chance to uncover the truth. To get the closure he desperately needed.

He looked up at Mr. Graves, his expression hardening with determination.

"I'll do it." His voice was firm now. Unwavering. "I'll do whatever it takes to get answers."

Mr. Graves studied him for a moment before giving a small nod. "Good."

With that, he turned and strode toward the looming school building.

Javi followed, his mind still reeling—but now, he had a purpose.

After a moment, he spoke up. "Uh, Mr. Graves? Where exactly are we going?"

Mr. Graves glanced back at him, his stride never breaking. "To my office."

Javi sighed. Great. My parents always said don't talk to strangers, and now I'm following one into a mysterious detective school. Real nice, Javi. Real nice.

---

After a while, they reached a heavy wooden door. Mr. Graves pushed it open and gestured inside. "We're here. Come in."

Javi stepped through, his eyes scanning the office. The room carried an air of authority—dark oak shelves lined with old books, antique artifacts glinting under dim lighting, and the faint scent of leather and aged paper.

Mr. Graves took a seat behind a mahogany desk. "Make yourself comfortable."

Javi hesitated before settling into a nearby armchair, hands folded in his lap. Something about this place felt... too calculated.

Mr. Graves studied him, nodding slightly as if approving his compliance. He flipped through a leather-bound journal, making a few notes before finally looking up.

"I need to ask you some questions for your file. That alright?"

Javi shrugged, ignoring the sudden twist in his stomach. "Sure. What kind of questions?"

"Personal ones. You ready?"

Javi cleared his throat. "Yeah, I'm ready."

Mr. Graves clicked his pen. "State your name, age, and hobbies."

"Javier García. I'm 14. Hobbies? Uh… music, reading, drawing, that sort of thing."

Mr. Graves nodded as he jotted it down. "Do you have a talent for observing people?"

Javi blinked. "I guess? I notice small details—expressions, habits, stuff like that."

Another note. Another question.

"What would you say your flaws are?"

Javi hesitated. He wasn't used to analyzing himself, especially his weak points. After a moment, he muttered, "Uh… I can be scatterbrained sometimes. And I tend to act before thinking."

Mr. Graves stopped writing. Javi stiffened, suddenly second-guessing his answer.

Then, the older man smirked. "So, to be clear… you're reckless."

Javi's cheeks burned. "I wouldn't say reckless—"

"How many times have you gotten into trouble because of your actions?"

Javi shifted in his seat. "A few times, I guess."

Mr. Graves' smirk faltered. "You're lying."

Javi's breath hitched. "I—I'm not lying, I just don't like admitting it…"

Mr. Graves scoffed. "Still lying."

Javi groaned. "Fine! A lot. I got into trouble a lot, okay?" He rubbed the back of his neck. "Back in middle school, I played pranks with my friends. Harmless fun."

Mr. Graves raised an eyebrow. "Pranks? Any that stand out?"

Javi chuckled at the memory. "One time, we put shaving cream in a guy's shoes. He came to school looking like he lost a fight with a foam cannon."

Mr. Graves didn't laugh. "You think that's funny?"

Javi winced. "At the time, yeah. It was harmless."

Mr. Graves leaned forward. "What was the prank you regretted the most?"

Javi's amusement vanished. He swallowed hard. "Uh… we put itching powder in this guy's gym locker once. He got a bad rash."

Mr. Graves narrowed his eyes. "What do you mean you 'put' it in his locker?"

Javi looked away. "We… kinda snuck in after gym and sprinkled it all over his stuff."

Mr. Graves leaned back, unimpressed. "And why, exactly, did you do that?"

Javi exhaled sharply. "We thought it'd be funny," he admitted, voice low.

Mr. Graves nodded. "Immature. And it won't happen here, understood?"

Javi nodded. "Yeah. Got it."

Mr. Graves studied him for a beat before moving on. "Do you have any childhood friends? Names?"

Javi's expression softened. "Yeah. Scott McCall—he's the popular guy, but still a good friend. And Stiles Stilinski—he was my partner in crime for pranks."

Then, he hesitated. His stomach tightened at the next name.

"And Lydia Martin." His voice faltered slightly. "She… was special to me. Or… was."

Mr. Graves caught the shift. "What do you mean, 'was'? What happened?"

Javi's face flushed. "Relationship problems."

Mr. Graves raised an eyebrow. "Care to elaborate?"

Javi sighed. "We broke up."

"Why?"

Javi shifted uncomfortably. "It was complicated. We just… wanted different things." He fidgeted with a loose thread on his sleeve. "We stopped seeing eye to eye."

Mr. Graves nodded, scribbling in his journal. "Let's talk about your family."

Javi's jaw tensed. He knew Graves already knew about his parents—so why bring it up again? It pissed him off.

"What about them?" His voice came out sharper than intended.

Mr. Graves remained unbothered. "Tell me about your childhood."

Javi scoffed. "It was fine. Happy. End of story."

Mr. Graves frowned. "Just 'fine'?"

Javi fidgeted, avoiding eye contact. "Yeah. Just fine."

A long pause. Then—

"Where are you from?"

Javi blinked at the sudden shift. "Beacon Hills. Small town in California."

Mr. Graves nodded slowly, his expression darkening. "We're almost done. Now, listen carefully, Mr. García." His voice dropped lower, more intense. "This school is different. You've heard me say it before. And I'll say it again—this is a detective school."

Javi swallowed, sensing the shift in the air. "Yeah, I heard."

Mr. Graves leaned forward. "Are you ready for what's to come?"

Javi's pulse quickened. He wasn't sure what he was stepping into, but backing down wasn't an option.

He met Mr. Graves' gaze, steady and firm. "I'm ready."

Mr. Graves studied him, then stood, walking over to a bookshelf.

Javi watched him carefully. "Now it's my turn to ask something."

Mr. Graves pulled out a book. "Oh?"

Javi clenched his fists. "You said that if I became a successful detective, you'd let me investigate my parents' deaths."

Mr. Graves smirked. "Did I? I believe I said I'd 'let' you. Not that I'd make it easy."

Javi's stomach dropped. "You're messing with me, aren't you?"

Mr. Graves shook his head. "I am a man of my word, Mr. García."

Javi crossed his arms, still skeptical—but now, intrigued.

"Alright then. I accept your challenge."

Mr. Graves grabbed a thick-looking book from the shelf and handed it to Javi. "Here. You have a month to finish this."

Javi took the book, surprised by its weight. He opened it, skimming the pages and feeling his eyes widen at the amount of information packed inside.

"A month?" he repeated, his voice laced with disbelief as he glanced up at Mr. Graves.

The title of the book caught his attention: Basics of Deductions.

Javi's brows furrowed as he read the title, a mix of intrigue and intimidation creeping over him. "Are you serious? This looks like a lot for just one month."

Mr. Graves smirked, his tone dry. "I thought you accepted your fate?"

Javi clenched his jaw, resisting the urge to roll his eyes. Whatever, I'm not backing down now. "Alright, alright. Cut me some slack, would you?"

Mr. Graves seemed satisfied, arms crossed as he leaned against the bookshelf. "Good. Now prove it. Don't disappoint me, Mr. García."

Javi bit back his annoyance but nodded, unwilling to back down. "I will... But first, may I know your full name?"

Mr. Graves chuckled. "I like you. Fine, if that's what you want to know. I am Desmond Graves. I'll be the one to teach you and your classmates this year."

Javi repeated the name to himself, committing it to memory. "Desmond Graves," he said aloud, the name rolling off his tongue. "I'll remember it."

Mr. Graves gave a small nod, a faint trace of approval crossing his face. He pushed off the bookshelf and sauntered back to his chair, dropping into it with an almost theatrical sigh.

"Alright, Garcia," he said, looking up at him with a glint in his eyes. "Your time here is done for now. You may leave. Find your dorm on your own, and don't forget to close the door when you leave."

Javi blinked, momentarily stunned. Such a mean old man. He bit his tongue to keep from cursing him under his breath.

Instead, he nodded stiffly, standing up from the armchair. "Alright. I won't forget."

He paused in the doorway, glancing back at Mr. Graves. "Um... Thanks, I guess."

Mr. Graves smirked, his eyes sharp. "You're welcome. And Mr. García?"

Javi turned slightly, raising an eyebrow.

"Welcome to hell," Mr. Graves added with a cold smile.

Javi chuckled nervously, the mix of dread and excitement inside him growing by the second. Well, this is a hell of a start.

"Thanks for the warm welcome, Mr. Graves," he muttered under his breath.

He shook his head and closed the door behind him, the sound of the heavy wood echoing in the silence.

Javi sighed, glancing down at the book in his hands. "Basics of Deductions, huh?"

He flipped through the pages, his mind struggling to take in the dense material. Diagrams, complex notes, and intricate deductions filled the margins. The thought of studying all of this in one month was daunting.

"Damn that old man. Is this how they treat a freshman?" he muttered, already feeling the weight of the challenge settling in.

Then, a new realization hit him. "Crap... where the hell do I go now?"

His eyes darted around the unfamiliar halls, the silence of the old building feeling increasingly oppressive. "Great. I'm completely lost."

[Then]

A sharp voice cut through the air like a knife.

"You! What the hell are you doing here, wandering around like some lost puppy?!"

Javi jumped at the sudden outburst, his thoughts snapping back to reality. His eyes darted around for a moment, trying to figure out who had spoken. When he turned to face the girl, he was taken aback by her piercing gaze and the razor-sharp edge to her tone. Lost puppy?

His heart stuttered for a moment, defensive instincts kicking in. Was she seriously going to call him that? He opened his mouth to retort, but no words came out—he was too thrown off by how suddenly she'd appeared.

She stood with her arms crossed, her posture straight and almost challenging. Her dark eyes glinted with something predatory, an air about her that made him feel like she was sizing him up, as if she were about to pounce. Javi blinked, thrown off by her sudden presence. He hadn't even heard her footsteps.

"I, uh... I'm not sure where my dorm is yet," he admitted sheepishly, feeling self-conscious under her sharp gaze. The weight of the thick book in his arms suddenly felt heavier, as though it was a symbol of his current ineptitude.

The girl tilted her head slightly, her eyes narrowing as she appraised him. She didn't seem surprised at all by his confession, just... curious in a way that made Javi's skin crawl.

"I don't recognize you, lost boy."

Javi ran a hand through his hair, an awkward laugh escaping his lips. His face flushed slightly under her piercing stare. He hadn't expected a complete stranger to be so... blunt. The whole "lost boy" comment stung a little more than he cared to admit, but he wasn't about to let it show.

"Yeah, I'm new here," he explained. "Just got here, and the professor told me to find my dorm on my own."

The girl's eyes flickered for a split second, something in her expression softening just slightly. But it was gone in an instant, replaced by that same cold, calculating look.

"Mr. Graves brought you here?"

Javi hesitated. Why did she sound so... intrigued? Like she was trying to figure him out, piece by piece, with just a single question.

"Yeah, that's right."

The girl's lips twitched slightly, but she didn't smile. Instead, she uncrossed her arms and placed her hands on her hips, a move that made her seem even more authoritative.

"Well, alright, alright. Follow me, lost boy."

The nickname hit him again, but this time, there was something oddly endearing about it. It wasn't as harsh as before—just... blunt. It made Javi feel slightly less on edge, even if it still grated on his nerves. He had half a mind to protest, but instead, he managed a small smile, finding some amusement in the absurdity of it all.

"Uh, thanks, I guess," he muttered, his voice faltering slightly. He wasn't sure if he should have been more thankful or more offended by her tone.

She shot him a look, her eyes icy enough to freeze fire. "I don't need your thanks."

Javi raised both hands in mock surrender, still clutching the book in one arm. "Hey, I was just being polite. No need to be so grumpy."

She didn't even flinch. "You want a thank you, too?"

Javi couldn't help but chuckle, despite the edge to her words. She was infuriating, but in a way that intrigued him. As much as he wanted to find her irritating, he also found himself curious—what made her this way?

She didn't wait for him to answer before turning away, her pace quickening. Javi caught up with her, his footsteps echoing down the empty hall. The silence between them was almost suffocating, the kind that made Javi feel like they were the only two people alive in this massive, seemingly endless building.

The corridor stretched on, dimly lit by flickering overhead lights, and the floor creaked underfoot. The walls, dark wood paneling and faded wallpaper, seemed to whisper with the weight of history, and the air had an oppressive heaviness that felt like it belonged in an old mystery novel. He couldn't shake the feeling that the halls were watching him, the shadows stretching and shifting like they were alive. It was all so old, ancient almost, and Javi couldn't decide if it was unsettling or strangely fascinating.

As they walked, Javi tried to ignore the uncomfortable feeling that crawled up his spine, focusing on the girl leading him. The silence stretched on between them, only broken by the sound of their footsteps in sync with one another. He couldn't quite place why her presence was so overwhelming. She wasn't even trying, but it felt like she could dominate the entire hallway with just a look.

"So, what's your name?" he asked, hoping to break the monotony of the walk.

He was half-expecting her to brush him off again, but instead, her eyes flicked toward him for just a brief moment.

"Javi. Javier Garcia," he said, offering a small, tentative smile.

She nodded once, her expression unreadable. No smile, no acknowledgment. Just that efficient nod, like this was some kind of transaction. A business deal.

Javi let out a frustrated sigh, trying to hide his disappointment. He'd hoped for a little more, but it was clear that she wasn't one to indulge in pleasantries.

"So, what about you?" he ventured again, despite the lack of warmth in her initial response. "What's your name?"

Gwen came to an abrupt halt, and Javi had to take a few hurried steps to avoid bumping into her.

The sudden stop was almost jarring, like she'd pressed pause on everything around them. A heavy silence descended between them, one that felt like it stretched on forever. Javi shifted uncomfortably, feeling like he'd made a mistake by asking.

He almost swallowed his words, but the pressure in the air was so thick, he had to say something.

"Go ahead," he muttered, swallowing nervously. "Keep being mysterious. I get it."

He was ready to move on, but just when he thought she'd leave him in the dark, she spoke. Her voice was tight, reluctant, and there was no warmth in her words.

"Gwen Watson. A first-year like you."

Javi frowned slightly, the tension in her voice not lost on him. There was something off about the way she said it, a quiet bitterness that she wasn't even trying to hide. It made him wonder if maybe she didn't exactly enjoy being here.

Before he could ask her anything else, her sharp eyes flicked down to the book in his hands.

"How did you know I'm a first-year?" he asked, feeling a little defensive now. The weight of her scrutiny made him self-conscious all over again, even though it wasn't exactly his fault that he was new.

Gwen didn't answer right away. She simply gestured toward the book, her finger pointing at the title with a casual air.

"Because of the Basics of Deductions. Every rookie who arrives here gets one. Got it?"

The realization hit him like a slap to the face. Of course—the book. It was practically a neon sign that said, Hey, I'm the new guy.

Javi silently cursed himself for not figuring it out sooner. His face flushed a little in embarrassment. "Yeah, got it," he muttered under his breath, feeling slightly foolish.

Without another word, Gwen turned and resumed her brisk pace down the hall.

"Now shut up and follow me," she called over her shoulder, her tone as sharp as ever.

Javi blinked in mild surprise, but he quickly followed her, choosing to keep his mouth shut this time.

"Sorry, sorry," he said quickly. "I didn't mean to... uh, bring up your school year like that. And I'll keep quiet, I promise."

Gwen didn't even glance back at him, her pace steady as ever. But there was a subtle uptick in her step, just the slightest shift, as if his apology had affected her more than she was willing to admit.

Javi followed in silence, the tension between them still palpable. The dark halls stretched out ahead of them, and he couldn't shake the feeling that this was just the beginning of something much harder than he had anticipated. The silence in the air felt oppressive, like a thick fog that wouldn't lift.

"One thing's for sure," he muttered under his breath. "I definitely don't want to get on her bad side."

-

Javi quickly fell into step beside Gwen again, staying quiet as he followed her down the seemingly endless, dimly lit hallways. The silence around them was only broken by the sound of their footsteps echoing off the polished floors, amplifying the eerie stillness of the place.

Every now and then, Javi stole a glance at Gwen. Her short hair framed her face, and her posture was rigid with authority—like someone who always had to be in control. It was painfully clear that she wasn't the most talkative—or friendly—person.

They walked in silence until Gwen abruptly stopped. Javi nearly ran into her, his brain scrambling to catch up before realizing they had reached a large signboard that read:

BOYS' DORM.

Javi blinked. "Wait… we're already here?"

Without warning, Gwen cupped her hands around his ear and shouted, "YES, WE'RE HERE, MR. LOST BOY!"

Javi yelped, jerking away as he rubbed his ear. "Oww! What was that for?!"

Gwen crossed her arms. "That was for being slow and for acting like a jerk."

Javi scoffed, mirroring her stance. "Oh, come on. I was just stating facts. Can't handle a little truth? And I'm not a jerk, just curious, okay?"

Gwen raised an eyebrow, scrutinizing him like he was a bug under a microscope. "You really don't have any sense of respect, do you? You just blurt out whatever pops into your head."

Javi smirked. "Oh, so now being talkative is a crime?"

Gwen huffed, clearly exasperated. "Being an insufferable blabbermouth is definitely a sin."

Then, unexpectedly, she smiled—a small, fleeting smirk that caught Javi off guard.

Javi's eyes widened. So she could smile after all? Was that a faint blush on her cheeks? He brushed off the thought quickly.

"You could at least try to say something nice," he muttered.

Gwen shot him a look so dry it could turn the air to dust. "Fine. You want nice words, Lost Boy? I. Am. Beautiful."

Javi let out an incredulous laugh. "Yeah, yeah, what a lovely choice of words." He said it sarcastically, but he couldn't deny that she was pretty—something he quickly shoved to the back of his mind. Not that it mattered. She was clearly the most infuriating person in existence.

Gwen rolled her eyes dramatically. "It's nice, isn't it? Or were you expecting me to act like some sweet, blushing puppy?"

Javi snorted. "No, no, it's fine. Just… don't yell in my ear again, got it?"

Gwen shook her head with a sigh but didn't argue. Instead, she turned toward the dorm entrance and pushed open the heavy wooden door. "Come on, let's get this over with. Oh, and just so you know—I'll yell whenever I want. Especially at you."

Javi raised an eyebrow, his patience thinning. "Am I that special?"

Gwen ignored him, proving her title as the meanest girl in the universe.

Javi sighed and followed her inside. The hallway they stepped into was even quieter than before, the air thick with a strange stillness. He glanced around, half-expecting to see groups of students moving in and out of rooms, but there was almost no movement—just a few lone figures walking in eerie silence.

He frowned. "It's really quiet here."

Gwen didn't even glance at him. "You'll get used to it, Lost Boy."

Javi raised an eyebrow at the nickname but chose not to comment. Curiosity nagged at him. "Where is everyone?"

Gwen shrugged. "This dorm is for first-years only. The people you see here? They're the only ones you'll be seeing."

Javi furrowed his brows, surprised by how small their group seemed. "Wait, you mean that's it? Just a handful of students?"

Gwen nodded, her voice softer. "Yep. No upperclassmen, no juniors, not even seniors. It's just us rookies."

For the first time since meeting her, Javi felt a little more at ease. At least she wasn't completely heartless. Beneath her prickly exterior, there was something almost normal about her.

He glanced at her, curiosity sparking again. "So where are the upperclassmen?"

A smirk tugged at the corner of Gwen's lips, the first hint of amusement Javi had seen from her. "They have their own dorms on the other side of the school. They don't stay with us."

Javi's eyebrows shot up. "That's kinda weird, don't you think? I mean, they're still part of the same school. Why separate them?"

The moment the words left his mouth, Gwen's expression darkened. Her brows knitted together, and she stopped walking for a moment, her patience snapping like a brittle twig. "Would you please stop asking so many questions?!"

Javi flinched, hands going up in surrender. "Whoa, okay, I'm stopping! No need to bite my head off—again."

As they walked deeper into the dormitory, Javi sighed inwardly.

This girl is a force to be reckoned with. I seriously need to learn when to shut up.

After what felt like an endless walk through dimly lit, echoing hallways, they finally stopped in front of a door labeled 206.

Gwen turned toward him with a curt nod. "This is your room, Lost Boy."

Javi couldn't help but smile in relief, despite the nickname. "About time," he muttered, reaching for the doorknob, already imagining the comfort of getting inside, maybe getting a little rest.

But just as his fingers were about to touch the cool metal, Gwen's hand shot out, smacking his away with surprising speed.

Javi blinked in shock, a mix of confusion and irritation running through him. "What the—?"

"Phone," she said flatly, holding out her hand.

Javi froze, looking from her to his pocket where his phone sat. He could feel the familiar weight of it, the device that kept him tethered to the outside world. For a moment, he considered ignoring her—he was in his room, after all. But something about Gwen's unwavering stare made him hesitate.

"Huh? You want my phone?" he asked, his voice laced with disbelief.

Gwen didn't answer at first, just stared at him with that unblinking, intense gaze. Her hand remained outstretched. "Give it to me."

Javi's stomach sank, his protective instinct kicking in. His grip tightened around the phone in his pocket as he felt his heart rate pick up. The idea of just handing it over, without a second thought, rubbed him the wrong way. It was his phone, and no one was taking it from him without a good reason.

"Why?" he asked, his voice tight with suspicion. "What do you need it for?"

Gwen's expression darkened, her eyes narrowing with a coldness that made him feel small in an instant. "Because I'm confiscating it."

Javi blinked, a bewildered chuckle escaping his lips. "You're what?"

Gwen didn't blink, didn't even flinch. "No phones allowed in this school. You'll spend your entire high school life without one. We all do."

Javi gaped at her for a second, his mind trying to process what she was saying. "Wait, wait… You're seriously telling me that I can't have my phone at all? No exceptions?"

Gwen crossed her arms, clearly not in the mood for his disbelief. "That's right. No phones. No loopholes. It's for your own good. Now, hand it over."

Javi's frustration bubbled up, mixing with a touch of embarrassment. "Yeah, no. I refuse."

Her eyebrow arched slightly, as if she hadn't expected him to push back. "And why is that?"

Javi huffed, irritation lacing his tone. "How do I know you're not just messing with me? I've seen enough 'jokes' from people like you to know not to trust it."

Gwen's lips curled into a slight smirk, though it didn't reach her eyes. "Messing with you? What are you even talking about?"

Javi gestured around them, his voice rising in exasperation. "I mean, what proof do I have that you're not making this up just to steal my phone? Maybe you just like bossing people around and taking their things."

For the first time, a hint of amusement flickered in Gwen's eyes. "You think I want your phone? Please. Don't flatter yourself."

Before Javi could even register what she was doing, Gwen moved faster than he could react. In one swift motion, her hand shot out and snatched the phone from his pocket, her fingers closing around it with practiced ease.

Javi's jaw dropped, his eyes widening in shock. "HEY! Give that back!" he shouted, trying to grab it, but she was already holding it out of his reach.

She twirled the phone between her fingers with a nonchalant smile. "Oops," Gwen said, her voice dripping with mock sweetness.

"That's mine!" Javi protested, his hands still trying to swat it from the air. "Give it back, Gwen!"

Her smirk widened. "Futile, Lost Boy."

Javi clenched his fists at his sides, his frustration reaching a boiling point. "Stop calling me that!"

Gwen paused for a moment, letting the silence stretch between them. Then, with deliberate slowness, she spoke, her voice low and teasing. "Why should I?"

Javi's face flushed with anger. "Because it's my phone!" he snapped, his patience officially gone.

Gwen sighed dramatically, as though his annoyance was tiresome. "Do you really want detention on your first night here?" Her eyes locked onto his, sharp and unblinking.

Javi froze, her words hitting him like a bucket of ice water. "Wait—what? Who are you to threaten me?"

Gwen wagged the phone in the air just enough to taunt him before adding, "If you don't cooperate, I can report you. And trust me, you don't want to see what detention is like here."

Javi stared at her, his mind racing. He had no idea what kind of punishment she was referring to, but something in her tone made it clear that this wasn't a game.

He let out a defeated sigh, slumping his shoulders. "Fine. Whatever. Take it," he muttered, watching as she tucked his phone into her pocket with a triumphant grin.

Gwen leaned back slightly, clearly savoring the victory. "Smart choice," she said, looking as if she'd just won a battle she'd been itching for.

Javi scowled, rolling his eyes as he stood there, a sense of annoyance settling over him like a heavy fog. "Great. Now I've got nothing."

Gwen's eyes sparkled with amusement as she noticed his expression. "What's wrong, Lost Boy? You looking for your precious phone?"

Javi threw his hands up in exasperation. "Cut it out with the nickname, okay?"

Gwen tapped her finger thoughtfully to her chin, pretending to consider his request. "Would you prefer… Baby Boy?" she teased, her voice dripping with mock innocence.

Javi's face immediately went red. "Absolutely not!"

Gwen chuckled darkly, clearly enjoying every second of his discomfort. "Alright, alright. Enough fun. If you're wondering why I'm in charge of this whole thing… I'm your class president. Got it?"

Javi blinked, genuinely shocked for a moment. "Wait—you're the class president?" He couldn't help the surprise that crept into his voice. This girl, the one who had just stolen his phone, was in charge?

Gwen grinned, giving him a mischievous wink before reaching for his ear—again. "YES! I AM!"

Javi winced, jerking away from her before she could grab him again. "Would you quit doing that?!"

Gwen shrugged casually, completely unbothered by his reaction. "Just making sure it sticks. You'll get used to it, Lost Boy."

She stepped back, crossing her arms in a way that screamed satisfaction. "Well, I'm off now. Enjoy your first night. See you around."

Javi stood in stunned silence as she turned on her heel and walked away, her confident strides disappearing down the hallway. He stood in front of his door, staring after her in a mix of frustration, disbelief, and—if he was honest with himself—a little bit of admiration.

The door to his room was cold to the touch, its heavy wood creaking under his fingers as he reached for it. He let out a slow exhale, rubbing his temple as his mind tried to make sense of everything.

"That girl is… something else. Also, that explains everything."

Javi sighed as he leaned against the door. "I guess I should rest here outside for the meantime."

[Suddenly]

The boy spoke up beside Javi's ear, his tone light and almost amused.

"Yeah, she does that every time."

Javi flinched, turning sharply. His heart pounded for a second before his eyes locked onto the speaker—a boy about his age, casually leaning against the hallway wall. His posture was relaxed, one shoulder propped against the stone surface, arms loosely crossed over his chest. His dark brown hair was slightly tousled, as if he had just rolled out of bed, and an easy grin played on his lips, as though the whole situation amused him.

Javi frowned. "What? Who…?" His brain was still catching up to the sudden presence.

The boy smirked, tilting his head slightly. "Yo."

Javi narrowed his eyes. Great, another one. His instinct told him to be on guard, but he settled for a casual greeting, testing the waters. "Sup."

The boy nodded toward the direction Gwen had disappeared down the hall. "I saw it all."

Javi's expression darkened with suspicion. His arms crossed over his chest, shoulders squaring up as he studied the stranger. "You saw what exactly?"

The boy made a lazy gesture with his hand, flicking his wrist as if swatting away a fly. "The whole thing—your little run-in with Gwen, the 'Lost Boy' nickname, the ear-grabbing, the arguing. Pretty entertaining, honestly."

Javi's jaw slackened. His eyes flickered between the boy's smug expression and the empty hallway. "And you just stood there? Didn't think to step in?"

The boy chuckled, his shoulders shaking slightly with amusement. "Step in? Nah. You handled yourself just fine. Besides, interrupting Gwen mid-rant is like trying to wrestle a rabid wolf—suicidal, really."

Javi huffed through his nose, running a hand through his hair before shaking his head. "Tch, alright, alright. I'll take that as an apology."

The boy's smirk widened, his dark eyes glinting. "You'll get used to it. We all do."

Javi arched an eyebrow. "You sure about that? I mean, she's fearless."

The boy let out a small hum, tapping a thoughtful finger against his chin. "That's one way to put it." Then, as if shifting gears, he nodded toward the book still clutched in Javi's hands. "I'm guessing you met Mr. Graves too, right?"

Javi blinked, thrown off by the sudden change in topic. He followed the boy's gaze, glancing down at the thick, well-worn volume in his grasp. The weight of it seemed heavier now, as if it carried something more than just ink on paper—expectations, tradition, maybe even fate.

"Yeah," he answered cautiously. "Why?"

The boy tilted his chin slightly toward the book, a knowing look in his eyes. "'Basics of Deduction.' The book where it all begins."

Javi frowned at the way he said it, as if there was something ominous hidden between the pages. He ran his fingers along the spine absentmindedly. "Ah… this thing."

The boy smirked knowingly, then turned and pushed open a door with one hand.

Javi hesitated. Then his eyes widened.

"Hey—wait. That's my dorm."

The boy glanced back at him over his shoulder, looking amused. "Yeah? Well, it's mine too."

Javi stopped dead in his tracks. Wait. Hold on. His brain took a second to catch up. "Oh. Wait. That means—" His eyes widened slightly. "I have a roommate."

The boy chuckled, stepping fully inside. "Looks like it."

Javi hovered at the doorway for a moment, trying to process the revelation. With a sigh, he finally stepped in after him.

The dorm was standard—two beds, two desks, a single window overlooking the school grounds. One side of the room already showed signs of life: books stacked neatly on the desk, a half-full coffee mug, a notebook left open with hastily scribbled notes. The scent of paper, ink, and faint traces of coffee lingered in the air.

Javi dropped his bag onto the unclaimed bed, stretching his arms behind his head as he glanced toward his new roommate's side of the room. He nodded toward the books. "Looks like you're the studious type."

The boy chuckled, moving toward his desk and flicking open his notebook. "Everyone is. This is a detective school, remember? No slacking off."

Javi arched an eyebrow, sinking onto his mattress. "No slacking off, huh? That the school's motto or something?"

The boy shrugged. "Might as well be." He flopped onto his bed, stretching out with an ease that suggested he'd already made himself at home.

Javi crossed his arms. "So… how's this gonna work between us?"

The boy tilted his head, as if considering. "Simple. Respect each other's space, don't steal my food, and don't leave your laundry everywhere. Basic survival rules."

Javi let out an exaggerated sigh of relief, arms flopping onto his bed. "Finally, someone who isn't yelling at me."

The boy smirked, propping himself up on one elbow. "Glad to be of service."

Javi studied him for a beat before tilting his head. "So, do I get a name, or should I just call you 'That Guy Who Watches Instead of Helping'?"

The boy snorted. "Richard Doyle. First-year. We're classmates."

Javi extended a hand. "Javier Garcia. Nice to meet you, Richard."

Richard took his hand, shaking it firmly. "Likewise, Javier."

Javi let his gaze drift back to the books on Richard's desk, but his thoughts wandered.

"So… does the grump always act like that?"

Richard smirked. "Gwen? Oh yeah. That's just how she is. Plays up the whole 'mean girl' act, but she's not as bad as she makes herself out to be."

Javi scoffed, rubbing his ear pointedly. "Not as bad? She yanked my ear multiple times. You call that not bad?"

Richard chuckled. "Yeah, that sounds like Gwen. She can be… pushy."

He leaned back against the desk, considering. "But don't let her attitude fool you. She's sharp as hell, and once you get past her rough edges, she's actually loyal to a fault."

Javi wasn't convinced. "I seriously doubt that."

Richard smirked. "Give it time. You'll see."

Javi squinted at him. "Wait. You ever been on the receiving end of her wrath?"

Richard exhaled dramatically. "Oh, definitely. One time, she caught me doodling in class instead of taking notes. She didn't just scold me—she wrote a whole report about why I was 'wasting my potential.' And the worst part? The teacher actually agreed with her."

Javi groaned, dragging a hand down his face. "Ugh! That woman!"

Richard laughed. "Yeah, she's a force of nature. But trust me, once you get used to her, it's… oddly reassuring."

Javi flopped onto his bed. "Well, Richard, looks like we're in for an interesting year."

Richard grinned. "No doubt about that, Lost Boy."

Javi bolted upright. "Hey! Not you too!"

Richard smirked. "Sorry, man. Once Gwen gives a nickname, it never… goes away."

Javi groaned into his pillow. "This school is gonna be the death of me."

Richard laughed. "Nah. Just the start of something fun."

Meanwhile, in the girls' dorm, Gwen sat cross-legged on her bed, her nose buried in the book she'd been reading. As her eyes skimmed the pages, she suddenly bit down on her tongue a little too hard, and she winced, the sharp pain making her freeze for a moment.

"Ow," she muttered, rubbing her tongue absently as she glanced down at the book.

Diana Marville, Gwen's roommate and fellow first-year student, sat across the room, casually flipping through a textbook. Hearing Gwen's small outburst, Diana looked up with a raised eyebrow.

"Are you okay, Gwen?" she asked, her voice a mixture of concern and curiosity.

Gwen looked up, trying to act casual, though the discomfort on her face gave her away. She rubbed her tongue again and sighed. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just bit my tongue on accident," she said, her tone light, hoping to brush off the pain.

Diana's lips curled into a sly smirk as she leaned back against her pillow. "Looks like someone is talking about you."

Gwen's eyebrows shot up, clearly puzzled. She set the book aside and glanced at Diana with an unreadable expression. "What are you talking about?" she asked, genuinely confused.

Diana gave a knowing look, her eyes glinting with mischief. "People say, if you suddenly bite your tongue by accident, someone's talking about you."

Gwen blinked, her disbelief clear. "Really? Is that a thing?" she asked, leaning forward slightly, intrigued but skeptical.

Diana nodded confidently, a playful smirk on her lips. "Oh yeah. It's an old superstition. It's like... the universe's way of saying 'someone's got you on their mind.'"

Gwen huffed, crossing her arms over her chest as she sat back. "Hmph, whatever. But if it's true, I'm going to bite their heads off," she declared, her tone deadpan yet laced with her usual fire.

Diana couldn't help but laugh at the dramatic statement, clearly entertained by Gwen's reaction. "Well, I wouldn't recommend going too far with that," she teased, still chuckling. "But seriously, if it is true, someone's probably getting an earful from you at some point today."

Gwen rolled her eyes, but the corners of her lips twitched upward in a reluctant smile. "I'm sure I'll survive. It's just... funny to think about."

Diana leaned back against her pillows, still amused by her roommate's response. "Funny? You're planning on making someone's day miserable. Sounds like you're already on the warpath."

Gwen shot her a sideways glance. "When am I not?"

Diana chuckled again, shaking her head. "True. But hey, maybe it's just a sign that your little 'Lost Boy' has his own ideas about you." She winked, clearly enjoying the teasing.

Gwen raised an eyebrow, the mention of Javi's nickname making her pause. "He's not worth it," she muttered, but her expression softened a little. "Maybe I'm just going a little overboard with the whole 'mean girl' act."

Diana raised an eyebrow, teasing her as always. "Maybe. But don't worry—you're still the fiercest one in the room. Even if you bite your tongue every now and then."

Gwen sighed, leaning back and trying to relax. "Yeah, well, I guess it's just hard to let my guard down. Especially with new people."

Diana, sensing a rare moment of vulnerability in Gwen, nodded understandingly. "I get it. New place, new people. But you're doing just fine. Besides, who else could make biting someone's ear off sound so fun?"

Gwen gave her a sideways glance before breaking into a small, genuine smile. "True. Nobody else does it quite like I do."

Diana leaned forward, grinning. "Exactly. And besides, if anyone's got their eye on you... they better be prepared for a bite back."

Gwen raised an eyebrow, feeling slightly more relaxed than she had been earlier. "You're right. They better."

---

Back in the boys' dorm, Javi and Richard were still chatting, enjoying the rare moment of peace before the real challenges of the school began.

Richard leaned against his bed, hands behind his head as he regarded Javi with curiosity. "So, what have you been up to since you got here?"

Javi sighed, shifting on his bed and glancing down at the thick book in his hands. He ran a thumb over the spine, frowning. "Just thinking about this thing."

Richard smirked knowingly. "Do you know how many pages are in it?"

Javi shook his head, squinting at Richard in mild suspicion. "Nope, no idea. Why do you ask?"

Richard's smirk widened. "A thousand. And let me guess—Mr. Graves wants you to read it all in a month?"

Javi's jaw dropped. "A THOUSAND!?" He practically choked on his own disbelief, flipping open the book as if the number might magically change. "You gotta be kidding me. That's insane."

Richard nodded, clearly amused. "Yep. Basics of Deduction. Been there, done that."

Javi exhaled loudly, dragging a hand through his hair. "Should've known. Strict teacher means ridiculous workload. Guess I better get used to suffering." He shifted the book aside, sitting up straighter. "Since you seem to know your way around, tell me more about this place."

Richard tapped his fingers against his knee, considering. "Well, this school has a reputation for being one of the most advanced—and secretive—learning institutions in the world."

Javi frowned. "Can you be more specific?"

Richard chuckled. "Right, right. Let me break it down for you. This place is all about deduction. More specifically, sharpening observation, intuition, and reasoning skills to solve mysteries."

Javi nodded slowly, taking it in. "Alright, alright. That makes sense… but why are there so few students around?"

Richard smirked, as if he had been waiting for that question. "Every level has a different curriculum. Freshmen—like us—spend a full year on the basics. Sophomores get to apply what they've learned through simulations—controlled crime scenes and puzzle scenarios. Juniors and seniors? They solve real cases."

Javi's eyebrows lifted. "Wait… real cases? Like with actual crimes?"

Richard nodded. "Yep. They work with real investigators, handling real mysteries. That's why the student count is low—this place isn't your average academy. Only the best get in. And even fewer make it to graduation."

Javi sat back, rubbing his temples. "So, survival of the fittest, huh? Sounds… intense."

Richard gave a half-smile, his expression unreadable. "Pretty much. It's a highly competitive environment, but if you make it through, the rewards are huge."

Javi tilted his head. "And what do you mean by 'rewards'?"

Richard's fingers drummed against the mattress. "Graduates from this school are highly sought after. They can go into law enforcement, private investigation, intelligence work—some even get recruited by government agencies. If you prove yourself, you'll have a future most people can only dream of."

Javi let out a low whistle. "Alright. That's kinda impressive. I can't believe I never knew about this place before coming here."

Richard chuckled. "Don't get too excited—we're still first-years. And you know what that means."

Javi groaned, rolling his eyes. "Yeah, yeah… study, study, study."

Richard smirked. "Hey, don't groan like that. Studying is the key to being successful here."

Javi sighed dramatically. "I know, I know. I'm just not looking forward to all the memorization."

Richard leaned back, crossing his arms behind his head. "Little tip for you—eat dark chocolate before studying."

Javi raised an eyebrow. "Why dark chocolate?"

Richard shrugged. "It's a proven fact that dark chocolate contains antioxidants, which help improve memory and cognitive function. Plus, it curbs your appetite before hitting the books."

Javi nodded thoughtfully. "Huh. Okay, I'll have to try that. Thanks for the tip."

Richard grinned. "One last thing before you sleep—this school has no bell system."

Javi blinked. "Wait… no bells?"

Richard smirked, clearly enjoying Javi's reaction. "That's right. No bells, no alarms—it's up to us to wake up on time for classes."

Javi groaned, flopping onto his back. "Now I get why there's a no-phone policy here. It's all about discipline, isn't it?"

Richard chuckled. "Exactly. No phones, no internet—just pure focus and self-discipline."

Javi shook his head with a small laugh. "Sounds a bit extreme, but I guess it makes sense for a school like this."

Richard stretched his arms and nodded toward the other bed. "Alright, time to sleep. That's your spot."

Javi glanced at the empty bed before turning back to Richard. "You sure you don't mind sharing the room?"

Richard grinned, patting his own mattress. "Nah, it's all good. Go ahead and crash there—I don't bite."

Javi chuckled, relieved. "Thanks, man. Seriously."

Richard shifted slightly, getting comfortable. "No problem. Now get some sleep—we've got a long road ahead of us."

Javi sighed as he settled onto his bed, staring at the ceiling for a moment. "Yeah… something tells me this place is gonna be one hell of a ride."

Richard smirked from his side of the room. "At least you're not alone."

Javi sighed and sat up, still restless despite the long day. He glanced over at Richard, who was already half-buried under his blankets. But one last question lingered in his mind.

"One last thing—are there any other rookies around, or is it just me?"

Richard groaned, rolling onto his side. "Oh, come on, dude. Can't this wait until morning?"

Javi shook his head, leaning forward. "Nope, can't wait. I need to know now."

Richard exhaled sharply, rubbing his face. "Man, you're way too eager for someone who was just whining about reading a thousand-page book."

Javi shot him a dry look. "I can multitask."

Richard chuckled and sat up slightly. "Alright, alright. If you're so desperate to know... yeah, we got another one. He just arrived yesterday. And guess what? He handled Gwen pretty well."

Javi perked up, intrigued. "Handled Gwen? What do you mean?"

Richard raised an eyebrow, smirking. "Oh, you'll love this. He basically just stood there and stared at her. No expression, no reaction—just pure stoic silence. It was actually impressive to see. No one ever manages to do that with her."

Javi's brows furrowed as he tried to picture it. "Wait, wait, wait. So you're telling me that Miss No-Nonsense, Tough-as-Nails Gwen Watson tried to intimidate this guy… and he just stood there?"

Richard nodded, amused. "Yep. Didn't flinch, didn't react—just let her rant and stayed cool the entire time."

Javi scoffed, leaning back against the wall. "And what, you're saying he handled it better than I did?"

Richard chuckled, seeing Javi's competitive nature bubbling up. "I mean, he didn't back down. He kept his cool and stood his ground. Gwen wasn't used to that. But hey, you stood up to her too. You've got your moments. You're just… completely opposite of him."

Javi's eyes narrowed slightly. "Completely opposite? What are you—"

Richard cut him off with a knowing grin. "Just stating facts, dude. You—you're loud, expressive, and wear your emotions on your sleeve. This guy? Ice cold, unreadable. He and Gwen were like a boulder and a storm. Meanwhile, you? You're more like—"

Javi pointed a warning finger at him. "Finish that sentence, I dare you."

Richard smirked, but raised his hands in surrender. "Alright, alright. All I'm saying is, you two are both rookies, but I'd love to see who's better."

A silence settled between them.

Oh, Richard, what did you just do?

Javi's eyes gleamed with something fierce. Not anger—something stronger. A challenge had just been issued, whether Richard realized it or not. He suddenly sat up straighter, his energy shifting.

"Then it's decided."

Richard blinked. "Wh-what's decided?"

Javi rolled his shoulders, stretching slightly as if preparing for battle. "There's no way I'm letting some guy outshine me, Doyle. No chance."

Richard sighed, shaking his head. "Relax! You haven't even met him yet. You can't just declare him your rival out of nowhere."

Javi scoffed. "Of course I can. The moment you told me he stood up to Gwen like that, he became my rival. That's how it works."

Richard dragged a hand down his face, clearly regretting saying anything. "Man, you're impossible."

Javi smirked. "No, I'm just competitive. There's a difference."

Richard let out a long, exaggerated sigh. "Fine, fine. You want his name?"

Javi nodded, eyes sharp with determination. "Go on. I'm all ears."

Richard exhaled before speaking. "Rukawa Hiroshi." He flopped back onto his bed. "Now, can we please sleep?"

Javi leaned back against the wall, repeating the name in his head. Rukawa Hiroshi.

It had a nice ring to it—sounded strong, formidable. But that didn't mean anything. He'd see for himself soon enough.

Javi rolled his eyes at Richard. "Yeah, yeah, we can sleep now. But just you wait—when I meet this Rukawa guy, we're going head to head, and I'll show him who's really the better rookie around here."

Richard groaned again, stuffing a pillow over his head. "What a roommate."

Javi chuckled, completely unbothered. "Hey, I take pride in my competitiveness. It's one of my defining traits, you know."

Javi sighed, finally laying back onto the bed. He stared at the ceiling, his mind still racing.

Today had been… eventful. A whole new world had opened up before him, and he'd been thrown right into the deep end. He met Desmond Graves, a teacher with a presence so sharp it cut through the room. He faced off against Gwen Watson, the girl with enough fire to set a room ablaze. And Richard Doyle, his roommate, who—despite his groaning—already felt like a reliable friend.

But among them all, one person now stood at the forefront of his mind.

Rukawa Hiroshi.

Javi had no idea what this guy was really like, but it didn't matter. He had already decided—Rukawa was his rival now, whether he knew it or not.

Because Javi wasn't going to be second-best. Not here. Not anywhere.

And beyond that?

A darker, deeper truth lurked beneath the surface of his thoughts. A wound that hadn't healed.

His parents' deaths. The mystery surrounding them.

He clenched his fists, feeling the weight of it settle over him again.

He would find the truth. No matter what it took.

And this school?

It was just the key to unlocking it all.