Chapter 5: R.S High School

I've been here for a week now. Life here is surprisingly simple—almost too simple.

Every morning, I wake up to the scent of fresh bread and brewed coffee wafting through the halls. Breakfast is quiet, peaceful, and strangely structured, nothing like the chaotic mornings I was used to. After we eat, Jin leaves for school, disappearing through the mansion gates while I stay behind, wandering the vast halls or burying myself in the library, trying to absorb as much knowledge as I can.

Next Monday, I'll finally be attending the same school as Jin.

The Major… Father... told me to take things slowly, to focus on adjusting and familiarizing myself with this new environment before stepping into the real world. At first, I wasn't sure what to do with all this freedom. No missions. No orders. Just time—something I've never had before.

Sometimes, I go out, wandering the unfamiliar streets and stopping by the nearby convenience store. The city is so different from what I've known—bright neon signs, crowded sidewalks, the distant hum of car engines. It's overwhelming, yet… comforting in a way I can't explain.

Among everything I've tried from the store, my favorite so far is the soft, warm, white bun filled with savory meat inside. I especially love how comforting it feels when freshly taken from the store's steamer, the heat seeping through my fingers. Jin told me it's called a hot bun.

The Major once showed me how to eat it properly, peeling off the thin paper at the bottom with practiced ease. He watched with an amused expression as I fumbled with it the first few times, my fingers clumsily tugging at the stubborn wrapper. Sometimes, he even joins me on these little trips, standing beside me with a rare relaxed air as we pick out our snacks.

For the first time in a long while… life feels quiet. No running. No hiding. No killing.

I've learned a lot of things since coming here.

One of the biggest surprises I discovered was just how wealthy the Major truly is. His family owns a prestigious security firm specializing in providing elite bodyguard services, primarily composed of ex-soldiers—men who left the military after starting families, seeking a more stable life.

It makes perfect sense, considering the kind of person he is—disciplined, tactical, and always in control. Everything about him, from his presence to his connections, speaks of power and influence.

The Major insisted that Jin and I train with his men to correct our form—preparing us for a battle we know nothing about. It's as if he already foresees that this temporary peace he granted us will eventually shatter into something he dreads to imagine.

Neither Jin nor I have ever spoken about it, but deep down, we both know the truth—we can't run forever. One day, we will have to face what we left behind in that distant place.

The camp we grew up in never taught us proper techniques, only how to survive. It was brutal, unrefined, and relentless. Here, things are different. Every day, I go with Jin to the training grounds, where these former soldiers, men hardened by experience, take their time to correct our movements. Their approach is strict but patient—firm but never cruel. They're surprisingly kind to us, as if they understand the weight we carry.

Jin, of course, learned faster than anyone. Even with just the basics, he dominated almost every sparring match. I wasn't surprised—he had always been strong.

"Hey, kid! You'll be starting high school on Monday, huh?" Ally called out to me one afternoon.

Ally is a middle-aged man, an ex-soldier who now works as a bodyguard. He's rough around the edges but kind, always treating us like younger siblings rather than just trainees.

"Yeah," I responded briefly.

I had already decided—I wouldn't let anyone get close to me.

After everything that happened, I realized that opening my heart too easily was a weakness. Trusting the wrong people had cost us everything. It cost us Jin. So, just like him, I made sure to keep my guard up. No smiles. No warmth. Just a blank, unreadable mask.

I need to grow stronger. Strong enough to face whatever comes next.

Before the Major left to resume his duties, he handed us a card and told us to buy anything we wanted. "Don't push yourselves too hard," he said, his tone firm yet gentle, before walking out the door.

And just like that, Jin and I were left alone in this massive mansion—a place that still felt too grand, too unfamiliar. The only other people around were Ms. Amy, the Major's old nanny, who treated us with motherly warmth, and Sir Steve, his ever-composed butler and assistant.

The house was eerily quiet after the Major's departure, the ticking of the antique clock in the hallway louder than usual.

Ms. Amy was already 65 years old, a strict but caring woman who had raised the Major herself. Meanwhile, Sir Steve, who was in his forties, was a tall, well-built man with bright blond hair and piercing blue eyes. With his sharp features and lean muscles, he could easily pass as a model

I never thought there would come a day when I could live in such peace.

-

Morning came, and with it, my first day of school.

"Wake up! You're going to be late!" Ms. Amy's strict voice rang through the room.

She was terrifying in her own way—not the kind of fear that made us tremble, but the kind that made us feel like disobedient grandchildren being scolded by their grandmother. Jin and I both had a quiet respect for her, never daring to talk back.

Standing at the doorway, Sir Steve chuckled to himself, clearly amused by the scene. His posture was straight, dignified, yet relaxed.

"Hurry up and eat your breakfast, you two," Ms. Amy said firmly.

Jin and I obediently sat down at the dining table. We had learned by now that arguing with Ms. Amy would only result in a long, drawn-out lecture.

As I quietly ate, my mind drifted.

Would I fit in? Would people find me strange? I had always been on guard, always watching my surroundings, ready to react at any moment. I had never lived like a normal girl before. What if they thought I was weird?

Jin must have noticed my unease because he suddenly spoke.

"You'll be okay." he reassured me.

Despite being three years older than me, the Major had handled our school records so that Jin was officially listed as only a year older. According to our documents, we had been living abroad for years, unfamiliar with this country's culture and customs. It was the perfect cover—no one would question our lack of knowledge or strange behavior.

"Yeah," I replied, trying to sound confident.

-

After breakfast, Sir Steve handed me my school uniform. I held it up, running my fingers over the fabric.

A crisp white long-sleeved blouse with a small diamond-shaped logo embroidered on the upper right chest. R.S. High was written in elegant red letters. A cream-colored suit with red lining, a matching short skirt, high black socks, and white rubber shoes.

I never imagined I would wear something like this.

Once we were ready, Sir Steve drove us to school.

As I looked out the window, watching the world outside rush past, I took a deep breath.

This is it.

A life I had never experienced before.

I hope everything goes well.

- 

The sharp ringing of the school bell echoed through the hallways as students hurried into their classrooms, their chatter blending into a dull roar. The atmosphere was completely different from anything I had ever known—bright, lively, and filled with laughter.

Sir Steve led me through the wide corridors, guiding me toward the principal's office. The walls were lined with framed awards and photos of past graduates, their smiling faces frozen in time.

One of the school's major sponsors was Major Escosta. Because of that, my enrollment had been handled smoothly, with no questions asked.

"Good morning, Sir Steve," the principal greeted as we stepped inside.

The office smelled of old books and freshly brewed coffee. The principal, a well-dressed man in his late fifties, adjusted his glasses and gave me a polite smile.

I nodded slightly in acknowledgment, still trying to process the fact that I was here.

Just a few months ago, I was trapped in that dark forest, living every day in fear with my comrades at the camp. And now, I was standing inside a prestigious school, wearing a clean uniform, about to attend an ordinary class like a normal student.

It didn't feel real.

Sir Steve and the principal exchanged a few words, mostly small talk about my adjustment period. Eventually, they turned to me.

"Your homeroom teacher will take you to class now," the principal said.

I followed my teacher down the long, bustling hallway. Students walked past us, chatting excitedly, completely unaware of how foreign this environment was to me.

As I walked, I kept reminding myself—act normal.

There was no danger here. No reason to be on guard.

Just keep your head down. Blend in.

I didn't want to stand out. After my introduction, I planned to fade into the background, unnoticed and unbothered.

I wasn't here to make friends. I wasn't here to build relationships.

I was just here to attend school.

And that was it.

The homeroom teacher, Sir Kim, gave me a brief nod before stepping inside the classroom.

"Good morning, everyone. Please settle down," he said, his voice firm yet calm.

I stood outside the door, listening to the muffled rustling of students shifting in their seats.

"We have a new student joining us today."

A wave of murmurs spread through the room.

"I hope it's a girl," someone whispered, making a few students snicker.

Sir Kim ignored them.

"Please come in, Ms. Escosta."

I swallowed hard as he gestured for me to enter.

The moment I stepped inside, the classroom fell into silence.

Dozens of unfamiliar faces stared at me, their expressions ranging from curiosity to indifference. The weight of their gazes pressed down on me, making my skin prickle with unease.

I didn't like this.

I didn't want to be the center of attention.

"Please introduce yourself," Sir Kim prompted, his tone encouraging.

Relax.

I had been practicing this for a week. I knew exactly what to say.

I took a slow breath, forcing down the nervousness tightening in my chest.

Then, I opened my mouth to speak.

 "Hi everyone, I'm Ren Rava Escosta. Nice to meet you, and I hope we can all get along well."

I said it smoothly. Finally, I did it.

A few students smiled at my introduction, some nodding in acknowledgment. The atmosphere seemed friendly enough—for now.

But no matter where I go, there are always people who give off an unpleasant vibe.

My eyes flickered to a girl sitting in the second column, third row. She had her arms crossed, her manicured nails tapping against the desk, and was glaring at me with clear annoyance.

I sighed internally.

I didn't want to fight anyone here. This school was supposed to be a fresh start, a normal life. I could only hope she wouldn't do anything unnecessary.

She looked like a spoiled brat—dressed in expensive jewelry that was definitely against school rules, wearing a full face of makeup as if she were heading to a fashion show instead of class. Not that she needed it. She was already pretty. I had no idea why she was looking at me like I'd personally offended her.

Then, out of the corner of my eye, I noticed another student.

He was sitting at the back near the window, completely uninterested in everything going on.

His posture was lazy, his chin resting against his hand as he stared outside. His hair was a unique shade of gray, almost like ashes, and contrasted sharply against his pale skin. His dark brown eyes were half-lidded with boredom, framed by long lashes. A small silver piercing glinted on his left ear.

He was tall—probably around Jin's height—and undeniably handsome.

Yet, when I introduced myself, he didn't even spare me a glance.

Somehow, that made him stand out even more.

"Now, please sit in the vacant seat over there," the teacher instructed, pointing to an empty desk directly in front of the ash-gray-haired guy.

I walked toward my seat, feeling a few lingering stares burning into me. Some students were glaring openly, their expressions unreadable—curiosity, annoyance, or something else entirely.

I ignored them.

As I settled into my chair, I briefly glanced behind me, but the guy didn't react at all. He didn't even acknowledge my presence, as if I were just another speck of dust floating in the air.

The rest of the morning dragged on.

I wasn't fully focused during the first half of the day. The words written on the board blurred together, the teachers' voices sounding distant. I couldn't even remember what the lessons were about. My mind was too preoccupied—still adjusting, still wary.

And then, finally, lunchtime arrived.

The moment the bell rang, I let out a quiet breath. Just as I was about to stand, a familiar tall figure appeared in the doorway.

Jin.

He waved at me with an easy smile.

The entire classroom fell into stunned silence.

Murmurs rippled through the room, students exchanging surprised glances. Some were whispering, others blatantly staring—eyes wide with disbelief.

It was clear that Jin's presence here was unexpected.

But what seemed to shock them more was the fact that he came for me.

The glares I had felt earlier?

Nothing compared to the ones I was receiving now.

 "You."

A deep voice suddenly cut through the murmurs of the classroom.

I turned my head slightly, only to meet the sharp gaze of the guy sitting behind me—the one who had acted like I didn't exist just a while ago.

Now, however, he was looking straight at me, his dark brown eyes filled with something unreadable.

"You know Jin?" he asked, his tone carrying a hint of disbelief… or maybe irritation?

I didn't like the way he was glaring at me, so I didn't bother putting much thought into my response.

"Uhn," I replied simply before turning away and walking toward Jin.

Jin, completely unaware of the small exchange, smiled at me.

"Let's eat lunch together," he said casually.

I smiled back and nodded.

As we left the classroom, I could feel the weight of countless stares.

Whispers followed us, hushed but obvious.

The moment we stepped into the hallway, I noticed how some girls were blushing at the sight of Jin. Others, however, looked like they wanted to set me on fire with their eyes.

I ignored them.

In the cafeteria, we lined up to get our lunch, the stares and murmurs still lingering. Jin, as usual, acted unfazed.

"Hey, how's your class?" he asked, his voice carrying a hint of concern.

It was obvious he was worried.

I chuckled softly.

"No need to worry… for now."

We ate lunch together.

It felt surreal—like a dream I never thought I'd have.

Jin and I, sitting in a school cafeteria, eating like normal high schoolers. Laughing softly between bites. As if we hadn't spent years in the shadows, carrying out dangerous missions that nearly cost us our lives.

I found myself staring at him, my lips curling into a smile without realizing it.

Jin, sharp as ever, noticed immediately. His brows lifted in slight surprise before his expression softened. Without a word, he reached out and patted my head. A silent gesture—but I understood.

He was telling me, I know what you're thinking.

After lunch, we parted ways.

Jin returned to his class, and I made my way back to mine.

The moment I stepped into the room, all eyes turned to me.

The weight of their stares pressed down, but I ignored it. I walked to my seat, but before I could sit, a girl suddenly stepped in front of me.

"Hey, hey, what's your relationship with Jin?"

Her voice was sharp with jealousy, her eyes narrowing as if I had committed some crime.

I barely had time to react before she raised her voice.

"Answer me!" she demanded.

I blinked.

"He's famous here, you know!" she continued, her words laced with frustration. "We haven't even been able to talk to him since he transferred here! So how dare you eat lunch with him?!"

Ahh… so that's how it is.

I let out a soft chuckle, shaking my head slightly.

Jin, you're really popular no matter where you go, huh?

But my reaction only seemed to fuel her anger.

"What's funny, huh? Don't be so full of yourself!" she snapped, her tone venomous.

What the hell did I do to deserve this?

I barely spoke to this woman, and yet she was acting like I had personally offended her.

I simply ate lunch with my brother, for crying out loud.

With a serious expression, I locked eyes with her, silently warning her to back off.

Before she could say anything else, the teacher entered the room.

"Everyone, go back to your seats! First period for this afternoon is starting," he announced.

Just like that, the conversation was over.

I exhaled slowly, relieved. If this had gone on any longer, I would've lost my patience.

As I walked back to my seat, I felt another set of eyes on me.

The guy behind me—the ash-grey-haired dude—was staring again. His gaze was cold, almost hostile, like he saw me as some kind of enemy.

Great.

It's only my first day, and I've already made enemies.

I sat down, ignoring him, and tried to focus as class resumed.

But the entire time, I felt it.

That burning sensation at the back of my head.

Like someone was trying to bore a hole through it just by staring.

I clenched my jaw.

What is this guy's problem?

Does he know Jin? Did something happen between them?

The questions swirled in my mind, but I pushed them aside.

I needed to focus. I came here to study—not to deal with whatever this was.

The day finally ended, but I felt more exhausted than I should have.

Will I be okay from now on?

I sighed, grabbed my bag, and was about to leave when—

A strong hand suddenly grabbed my wrist.

Startled, I turned around.

It was him.

The ash-grey-haired guy.

His grip was firm, and up close, I could see that he was just as tall as Jin. Though he looked thinner, there was still muscle beneath his uniform—just not as refined as Jin's.

He stared at me for a few seconds, his dark brown eyes unreadable.

Then, he spoke.

"I'm Brent."

I blinked.

…Huh?

The atmosphere definitely wasn't right for introductions.

"You better remember that," he added before letting go of my wrist.

And then, just like that, he walked past me and left.

I stood there, confused.

What the hell was that?

Shaking my head, I made my way out of the classroom, only to witness another unexpected scene.

Jin was standing in the hallway, waiting for me.

But before I could reach him, Brent walked out and the two of them bumped into each other.

Then, Brent frowned.

"Tch."

He clicked his tongue in irritation before shoving past Jin and walking away.

Jin watched him go, his expression unreadable.

I sighed.

What a weirdo.

This day was really, really tiring.