Chapter 0.84 : Crimson Games

The classroom still hadn't recovered from the storm called **Jin Rotschy**. Though the teacher had long since gone, the air remained taut—alive with tension and energy.

Jin sat back in the empty desk behind Rina, one arm slung casually over the edge, his long legs crossed at the ankle, the hem of his black leather coat pooling like ink around his chair. His crimson eyes flicked lazily around the room before settling on Ethan Hartley.

A faint smile curled on his lips.

**"What's the matter, Mr. Ethan?"** he asked, voice velvet-smooth and quiet enough to almost sound polite, though the sharpness behind it was unmistakable.

His tone dipped into amusement as his scarlet eyes shimmered mischievously beneath the shadow of his black fringe.

**"You've been staring at me for quite a while. Did you perhaps... fall in love with me?"**

His smile widened in mock sympathy

**"I don't like boys. But I'm sure someone out there would be lucky to have you."**

A second of stunned silence—then **boom**.

Knox doubled over, slamming his hand against his desk as a sharp, unfiltered laugh burst from his chest.

**"Pfft—HA! Oh, gods—he *did* not just—"**

Leona rolled her eyes and muttered under her breath, **"He absolutely did..."**, though she couldn't suppress the twitch of her lips.

Ethan blinked once.

Then twice.

His expression remained unreadable, though a muscle in his jaw twitched.

**"Apologies,"** he said, his voice clipped and cold. **"Didn't mean to offend."**

Jin, unfazed, simply smiled brighter.

**"Offend? Not at all."**

He gestured broadly, his tone still light and teasing.

**"Look around—everyone's staring. You're not the only one."**

He leaned slightly forward now, resting his chin in his hand as he shifted his gaze toward Rina. His voice dropped just enough for her to hear.

**"Look, my darling wife,"** he whispered mockingly, his eyes narrowing with playful cruelty.

**"You asked me to enroll in this lovely academy, and here I am. But what will you do... if another girl snatches me away?"**

Rina's golden eyes sharpened.

**"You're *not* my husband yet,"** she said flatly, her voice laced with venom.

.She still remembers how he messed with her yesterday morning, that's why she's angry. 

**"Hmm,"** Jin hummed thoughtfully. **"But I am *very* pretty. Statistically, it's a matter of time."**

Leona scoffed, crossing her arms.

**"Modest too."**

**"I try,"** Jin replied with a cheeky smile that was somehow both infuriating and magnetic.

Lilia, who had been silently watching the exchange with wide green eyes, finally leaned forward, whispering to Knox.

**"Is this... normal? Is he always like this?"**

Knox smirked. **"We just met him five minutes ago and he's already declared war on half the room. So yeah, I think this *is* normal."**

Jin suddenly stood, the movement fluid, like silk cutting through wind. His red eyes gleamed.

**"Well, I'm bored now,"** he declared with the casual arrogance of someone who was never told 'no'.

He turned to Ethan, Knox, and Lilia.

**"You three. I want to play."**

They blinked in unison.

**"Play?"** Lilia asked cautiously.

**"A friendly sparring match,"** Jin said, spreading his arms innocently. **"All of you—against me. At once."**

Ethan's eyes narrowed. **"All three... at once?"**

**"Naturally."**

Jin's tone remained light, but his crimson gaze was unwavering.

**"Don't worry—I'll go easy on you."**

Knox arched an eyebrow. **"Wow. That's big talk from someone who just walked in."**

**"I find introductions boring,"** Jin replied smoothly. **"I prefer... demonstrations."**

Lilia tilted her head. **"And what exactly do *we* get if we win?"**

Jin's smile widened into something dangerously charming.

**"If you win..."**

 reached into his coat and pulled ut a sleek, black metal card— kind used by nobles 

'The card is black with a silver moon logo and the name Rotschy engraved on it in a bow.'

**"I'll take you shopping. Anything you want. No limit. On me."**

Lilia blinked. **"That sounds suspiciously generous."**

**"Consider it motivation,"** Jin said, with a wink.

Then added with a whisper:

**"Not that you'll win."**

Ethan stood slowly, his blue eyes unreadable.

**"We accept."**

**"Do we?"** Lilia muttered.

**"Oh yes, we do,"** Knox said, grinning. **"Let's wipe that smirk off his perfect face."**

Jin laughed. Not mockingly, but genuinely—like someone delighted to find people with spirit.

**"Now *this* is more like it."**

Rina stood abruptly. **"Wait. You're challenging my friends? On your first day?"**

Jin looked at her, eyes gleaming.

**"Well, sweetheart, if they're to be your protectors, shouldn't I know what kind of competition I'm dealing with?"**

She scowled.

**"They're not your *rivals*, Jin."**

**"Aren't they?"**

His voice dropped just enough to be a threat.

**"You'll belong to someone eventually. Let's see who's brave enough to try to take you from me."**

Leona slammed her hand on her desk. **"Enough."**

Her blue eyes were burning.

**"You're not a king, Jin. You don't get to 'take' people."**

Jin turned to her slowly, and for a moment, his expression grew still. Then he gave her a slow nod of appreciation.

**"That's fair."**

His lips curved again.

\*\*"But if I were a king, you'd be the first I'd want in my guard. Fierce. Loyal. And blunt."

He winked.

**"You'd look good in black."**

Leona flushed.

**"You're unbearable."**

**"Frequently."** 

The bell rang, announcing the end of classes for the day. 

Students began to rise from their seats, murmuring excitedly about the upcoming match. 

Lilia leaned toward Rina as they packed their things.

**"So... *this* is your fiancé?"**

Rina sighed.

**"Unfortunately."**

*My fiancé is no longer my husband, but I will not be his wife until he makes up with me*

."Hmph". 

**"He's intense."**

**"He's a nightmare,"** Rina muttered.

Behind them, Jin was already walking toward the training arena with the elegance of someone who belonged everywhere—and feared nothing.

....... 

Heat: Thank you so much for reading.