‣ entrance

@☼┊wen juyeon ᵃ jungkook steadied himself, brushing a bit of invisible dirt off his jacket as his eyes landed on juyeon. for a brief moment, guilt flickered in his expression. he hadn’t meant to barrel into anyone, but in his rush, it was inevitable.

' me? ' he echoed, shifting his bag higher on his shoulder. ' I was just trying to get to the cafeteria. they’re doing their winter special today.' his voice carried a hint of excitement, though his usual energy seemed dimmed by exhaustion. jungkook cracked a half-smile, scratching the back of his neck. 'gingerbread waffles and hot cocoa with peppermint. can’t miss it. '

when juyeon agreed to join him, jungkook turned toward the cafeteria, his pace brisk but punctuated with occasional glances over his shoulder to make sure juyeon was still behind him. the cold air stung his cheeks, but the idea of warm food kept him moving.

as they walked, jungkook’s tired voice broke the silence. ' hey… got any new occult stuff to share? I could use a distraction.' he rubbed his forehead, the faintest trace of a headache lingering from his restless night. his fingers brushed his hair back, revealing dark circles under his eyes. ' you always come up with something weird but interesting. like, uh… curses or ancient rituals or whatever. that stuff’s cool in a freaky kind of way.'

by the time they reached the cafeteria, jungkook grabbed a tray, his movements automatic as he scanned the options. the warm aroma of cinnamon and chocolate filled the air, instantly lifting his mood. sliding his tray along the counter, he glanced at juyeon again. ' you know,' he began with a teasing smirk, 'if you don’t have anything good, I’m just gonna start believing all those creepy stories you tell are made up.'

@☼┊wen jungkook ᵃ Jungkook had flown out of nowehere with such a quickness that Juyeon was doomed no matter what he did. If he had been looking up? He was always too slow to react. If he had been able to dodge, he wouldn't have moved far enough to the side. So it was almost better that the universe full-sent it and had him headphones in, eyes glued to his phone... and then to the sky as he fell down. Surprise graced his features, which to anyone who didn't know him and how subtly his emotions came, he would have just looked normal, but his eyes did widen a little. Something was on Jungkook's mind, clearly.

He stood up and dusted himself off, looking around the floor and letting out a disinterested noise when he found nothing had dropped out of his arms, his bag, or his hand (which he was the most thankful for, he didn't want to replace a cracked screen). He finally turned his attention to the other party in the collision, lazily looking over him to make sure he was okay, which he seemed to be... other than agitated at something other than what had just happened. He heard Jungkook's question, and based on the body language, he had half a guess that Jungkook was just projecting a need to go eat under the guise of a leading question. Didn't matter; he wasn't really sure where he was going, to be honest. Probably back to his room, but food sounded good, and with what few friends he did have, he supposed company wouldn't be a bad thing.

"Sure," Juyeon answered only the question of grabbing a bite to eat simply, and shortly, already turning in the direction of the canteen. "You wanna talk about what had you breaking the hallway speed limit?" he added on in the same tone — simple and flat with a gaze to match — but with the look over his shoulder and the slight curve of his lips upward, it was meant to be a light joke. After a pause, he turned his head back to the front as he walked. "Or not, doesn't matter."

@☼┊wen juyeon ᵃ jungkook shifted his weight from one foot to the other, feeling the tension in his shoulders. another f, and this time, he couldn't even pretend it was the professor's fault. he’d poured hours into his studies, and still, it wasn’t enough. what the hell was he doing wrong?

he blew out a breath, pushing his frustration deep down, just as the collision happened. reflexes kicked in, and he quickly ripped the earphones out of his ears, ready to snap at whoever had the audacity to bump into him. but when his eyes landed on juyeon, his irritation softened.

juyeon was one of the few people who didn’t make him feel like he was constantly falling short. they’d been talking about occult stuff for months now, trading theories and weird facts. it was a nice break from the constant pressure of being heir to a damn empire. he never would've expected someone like juyeon to hold his interest. jungkook was a loud, impulsive mess.

'yo,' jungkook greeted, trying to seem casual even though the knot in his stomach was still tight. there were very few people he felt like he could relax around, and juyeon was one of them. ' where you headed? wanna grab some food in the canteen?' he shoved his hands back into his pockets, glancing at juyeon through his messy bangs. he wasn’t sure why he was asking. it wasn’t like he had the energy for a long conversation, but maybe a distraction from all the academic bull was what he needed. plus, juyeon always had a way of making the weirdest things sound interesting.

jungkook scratched the back of his neck, feeling the irritation creep back. whatever. it wasn’t like he could hide in his room forever. being the heir was one thing, but constantly pretending everything was fine was another. it was tiring. and juyeon… well, he was a good listener, and maybe, just maybe, he wouldn’t mind hearing about jungkook’s frustrations, too.

@☘︎┊nie jiaolong ᵇ jaehyun’s eyes sparkled with thinly veiled amusement as he watched jiaolong. the beta had a knack for being both irritating and intriguing - something that jaehyun secretly enjoyed. 'me? oh, I eat more than I look,' he quipped, a smirk tugging at his lips. 'I could devour an entire moose. raw. bloody.' he leaned in slightly, enjoying the way the comment seemed to hang in the air before letting the smirk settle into something more playful.

'but you,' jaehyun continued, his tone shifting to mock curiosity, 'you still haven’t answered my question. what are you doing here, mister nie? bored? or just waiting for someone to admire your... ensemble?' his gaze flicked briefly to jiaolong’s outfit before he casually checked his phone again, the faint buzz reminding him of the plans he had for the evening.

the timing was perfect - classes had ended, the sun was dipping toward the horizon, and jaehyun was more than ready to shake off the day’s exhaustion. his friends had invited him to check out the new brothel in moonstone valley, a place that had become infamous for its luxury and allure. jaehyun was one to frequent such establishments and curiosity and peer pressure had won out. he had been on his way there when the beta’s unexpected presence had delayed him.

as he glanced back at jiaolong, a stray thought crossed his mind, one that brought a mischievous glint to his eyes. he leaned forward slightly, inhaling the beta’s intoxicating scent.

' say, jiaolong nie,' jaehyun said, his voice dropping just enough to hint at mischief, ' are you up for an adventure?' without waiting for an answer, he extended a gloved hand in an exaggeratedly theatrical gesture, the faint smirk returning to his lips. he knew full well the beta wouldn’t be able to resist the challenge.

@☘︎┊nie jaehyun ᵃ Jiaolong stared at the smug bastard, letting his words first wash into him and then sink in properly. He took his time responding, because he needed time to make sense of what the poor, confused guy was saying. Did he hit his head too hard on the way down? And why was he looking at him with such a mocking, amused expression... er. But more importantly, it seemed there were people talking about him here at the academy. So he was turning heads, huh. Who knew. He wondered what else those rumours were saying. And look at that, turns out this guy had been watching him in the staff chat. Looks like he had a fan. Cute. Jiaolong smirked. "Wow, I didn't know I had so many people obsessed with me.", he straightened his back against the railing he was leaning against and drew one knee towards him, angling his knee. "Tell me, guy who wasn't entirely laughing at me, do you manage to eat properly while you're busy stalking me? You look thin..."

@☘︎┊nie jiaolong ᵇ jaehyun squinted at the sharp response, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. others might have bristled at the rudeness, but he wasn’t so easily rattled - especially not by someone like jiaolong, whose reputation for biting remarks and effortless charisma preceded him. in fact, he found the professor’s bluntness almost...entertaining.

his eyes trailed over jiaolong, taking in the pink-haired beauty’s provocative outfit. it was bold, bordering on scandalous, and jaehyun couldn’t help but wonder how the headmaster turned a blind eye to such audacity. it was hardly the image of a traditional academic, but then again, jiaolong was anything but conventional.

'to be honest,' jaehyun began, his voice laced with amusement, ' I wasn’t laughing at you - well, not entirely. I was laughing at how the lan professor responded to you in the chat. he’s sharper than I gave him credit for. quite witty, really.' he tugged at his gloves, adjusting them meticulously, a habit he couldn’t seem to break.

' sitting on the stairs, lost in your phone? seems...out of character, considering what I’ve heard about you. based on the rumors, you’re supposed to be somewhere turning heads and stealing the spotlight, not sulking on the sidelines.' his words were a teasing jab, his tone light but deliberate, as if daring jiaolong to fire back with that famous sharp tongue.

@☘︎┊nie jaehyun ᵃ These days were full of rot. He had barely met anyone interesting here. Actually, every successive person grew more and more boring with some professor named Lan Sehun currently topping the charts. Jiaolong wasn't much of a people person. He preferred being out and about in the wilderness of the Nie territory, hunting. Killing things was so much more fun than chit-chatting, and nature was so much more beautiful than anything manmade could ever be. Alas, here he was. Trapped in a ing school.

Being completely uninterested in other people, when someone tripped over his legs and fell down the stairs he only looked up long enough to laugh at them, before returning his attention to his phone. When the idiot started talking to him, with a smug grin no less, Jiaolong looked down at them coldly. "Who the are you?" His phone lowered into his lap, he scanned over the guy. He was leaning against a railing, clothes fixed neatly and that made Jiaolong laugh again. Despite his harsh tone, he wasn't angry, just taken aback. "Ah." That face looked vaguely familiar. "You're that guy uhh... Whatever. How are you teaching Fast Core if you can't even walk properly?", Jiaolong scoffed, ready to start a fight for the sake of fun.

@☘︎┊nie jiaolong ᵇ looking at his phone for what felt like the hundredth time that day, jaehyun chuckled under his breath. that nie teacher was something else. quick-witted, sharp-tongued, and endlessly entertaining in the faculty chatroom. their paths hadn’t crossed before, despite their subjects overlapping and their reputations preceding them. it seemed absurd that two so alike had managed to orbit the same space without colliding - until today.

still absorbed in the chat’s flurry of banter, jaehyun didn’t notice the pink-haired figure lounging on the stairs ahead, legs crossed elegantly, one stiletto-clad foot stretching just far enough to act as a subtle snare. too late, jaehyun realized his mistake. his foot caught on the outstretched heel, and with a startled yelp, he tumbled down the last few steps. landing with an ungraceful thud at the bottom, he scrambled to right himself, brushing off his coat and shooting a glare toward the culprit.

his irritation evaporated the moment his gaze lifted. sitting there, utterly composed, was none other than nie jiaolong, absorbed in his own phone just as jaehyun had been moments ago. pink hair framed his striking features like a halo - if a halo could belong to someone so notoriously devilish.

jaehyun leaned against the railing, smoothing down his clothes with deliberate ease, his lips curling into a smug grin. ' well, well, who do we have here? the infamous nie jiaolong, gracing us mere mortals with his presence? '

@☼┊wen yeji ᵒ He scowled heavily when the student was finally knocked over, thinking back to the trail of destruction laid in her wake. The stream of trash juice and the like from the open rubbish bin was the most disgusting. The rogue lid spun on its edges a short distance away, clattering onto the floor. His body was sticky with drying paint. Calling out to the one other student in the hallway
before she could escape the hazardous zone, he ordered her to search Yeji's pockets for any remaining paint bombs, while he went to wash off his fingers and retrieve his cleaning supplies.

Baekhyun returned wearing a medical mask and gloves. The student was gone, leaving alone Yeji's unconscious form. He had half-expected the latter's fsll to be a ruse. He scowled again and set to cleaning up the hallway of the trash. Once done, he stood by the vandal, noting her overturned pockets stained with her creations. The bombs have all been used. With his rubbish juice-stained gloves, Baekhyun lifted Yeji by her collar, shaking her furiously. "Oi! Wake up." She had much to clean.

@☘︎┊nie baekhyun ᵒ As Yeji was about to be successful in her escapades, little did she know that there is a rolling trash bin and it literally gets hit by it. Yeji groaned and fell on the ground, unconscious from hit.

@☼┊wen yeji ᵒ His grip on her loosened as she flailed, the wet paint covering his fingers not helping. He huffed, irritated, when she yet again barged past him and took off running. She would make a great addition to the track and field club, he mused. He spot a metal can out of the corner of his left eye; grabbing it, the janitor paused and aimed. He released the rubbish bin, it rolling towards its target like a bowling ball about to hit a strike.

@☘︎┊nie baekhyun ᵒ She tried to get away from the janitor but it seemed like he's locked on to her, Yeji tries to thrash herself over. "Don't you appreciate the art of surprise, mister?!" She said before she pulled herself from the wall and used her feet and steoped into the wall and run over before she escaped from him and then she starts running from him again.

@☼┊wen yeji ᵒ He was ready for the bomb, slightly impressed at how they didn't explode while they both tumbled across the floor. Baekhyun blocked the attack with his left palm. He couldn't save his hand, though he prevented himself from being fully blind. Clambering up, the janitor tackled Yeji from behind and into a wall, restraining her wrists. Pink handprints were scattered on the ground and on her back.

@☘︎┊nie baekhyun ᵒ Yeji tries to run to the next platform but then the janitor lunged at her and Yeji starts growling, "Get off of me!" She said as they start rolling onto the lockers. She gets another paint bomb from her pockets and threw it right onto the janitor's face before she starts running away from him again.

@☼┊wen yeji ᵒ He clicked his tongue as the troublemaker went on ahead to happily repaint the faded walls of the institution. Turning the right corner, Baekhyun nearly got his face coloured, if it weren't for his agileness. He swerved directly into the wall and grunted, not feeling the muted thump on his left shoulder. However, the paint streaks on his left arm were too vibrant to be ignored. The stickiness poured down his arm, his uniform, and onto the floor. Another mess calling his name. He had enough. Seething, Baekhyun sprinted on and, pulling his arm back, chucked the broomstick towards the student. He lunged for her and pulled her down, their bodies rolling clumsily onto a wall of lockers.

@☘︎┊nie baekhyun ᵒ Yeji puts some small paint poppers on some walls and then she smirked before she clicked something and POP! The popping sounds attracted the attention of the janitor, now the walls covered with so many neon colors saying: "HELL YEAH!" Then she turned her head to see the janitor, angry about what she did. "Oops-" She uttered before she throws a ball of paint bomb on him, "An early christmas gift for you!" She winked and she starts running away from him

@☼┊wen yeji ᵒ Baekhyun was sweeping the courtyard by the entrance, when he heard the tiny pops set off one after another. He instinctively rolled behind a pillar, ears perked up to assess where the danger lied. The pops were nearby, but they stopped quickly. He heard a giggle followed by pounding footsteps approaching his way. He bristled himself in defence only to catch the tailwind of a student running past him. He blinked then narrowed his eye. The janitor was in the academy, not at war. He ducked his head from behind the pillar. There it was: the splatter of different colours at the academy gate.

Baekhyun swung his head back. She was the vandal. Something Yeji. He shot off after her, broomstick tight within his grasp, eye fixed on the student's back. "Get back here, you vandal brat!"

While she still has time before getting detention, she drops all the prototypes and starts making noises by popping all of them and made a mess of paint bomb in the entrance. Then she ran back to inside the school and hides.

@☁︎┊lan hyunjung ᵒ "I appreciate the consideration and reminder, but I have my reasons not to allow anyonw to call me cute." I answered in a soft tone while working.

"Yes, Hyunjung. I'll see you tomorrow."

@☘︎┊nie mingyu ᵃ karina was born rebellious; it coursed through her wen blood like fire, igniting her need to push boundaries. sure, she had promised taeyeon - her beloved adult - that she’d stick to the rules. but it was a friday night, and the thrill of a secret village party she'd read about on w.com was too tempting to resist. staying indoors wasn’t an option.

standing in front of the mirror in her dorm, karina adjusted her freshly chopped hairstyle, running a hand through her sleek strands. she looked drop dead gorgeous, her sharp features accentuated by her daring choice of outfit. the black mini dress clung to her figure, dipping just enough at the neckline to hint at mischief. knee high leather boots and a fur jacket added the final touches to her sultry, rebellious look. with a swipe of red lipstick, she smacked her lips together, blowing herself a playful kiss in the mirror.

' perfect,' she whispered to herself, grabbing her dior bag.

switching off the lights, she headed for the door. the dorm hallway was dim and quiet, the kind of silence that amplified her adrenaline. slipping in her airpods, she hit play on one of doja cat’s latest hits and made her way down her usual escape route. she moved like a shadow, expertly navigating the west side of campus until she reached the familiar hole in the gate.

just as she crouched to slip through, a hand shot out and gripped her wrist firmly. the sudden force startled her, and one of her airpods tumbled to the ground. her eyes widened in shock, and her heart skipped a beat as she spun around to see who had caught her in the act.

@☁︎┊lan yewon ᵒ I lift my hands in surrender. "If you say so." I sigh, giving a glance around the receptionists area.

"Shame though. I'm sure more people think it than just mI," I huff, stuffing my hands firmly into the pockets of my leather jacket. "As should you. There is no shame in self love. You know the old teachings, no?"

With a slight wrinkle of my nose I nod my head towards the lounge. "See you tomorrow then?" I ask, a faint hint of a smile as I step backward, muttering under my own breath. "Cute."

@☁︎┊lan hyunjung ᵒ "Got it. I'll make sure to put a mental note." I start to jolt down the note to remind myself to put your shipments in the IT corner, past the teachers' lounge.

"Yeah, yeah. You're welcome. Was there anything you need, Hyunjung?" I asked again without looking as I resume my duties.

"I'm not cute so don't ever call me that." I said out of annoyance as I gently swatted your index finger away from my forehead.

"I really hate it."

@☁︎┊lan yewon ᵒ Victory. I pump my fist a little at my hip, hoping the edge of the desk hides the little movement. "Thank you! Saves me having to go back and forth so much tomorrow," I hummed with satisfaction.

My brows arch up for a moment, studying you quizzically with my gaze.

Eventually I let out a chortle and shake my head. "Just past the teacher's lounge," I instruct before leaning in to gently tap your forehead with my index finger. "Cutie."

@☁︎┊lan hyunjung ᵒ Having a feeling you might do something to my computer if I'm not looking to put a prank on me or something like that, I decided to risk it.

"Sure, sure. I'll do it for you." I said in sweet voice even it was fake.

"But where in the IT cornly exactly? Hm?" I asked since I need some clarification since I don't want to misplace your important parts.

@☁︎┊lan yewon ᵒ Always so professional. Was there ever a wonder why this woman was so well liked, I ponder to myself as I lean closer, trying my best to sneak a peak at the computerscreen over your shoulder. "Oh wow, they're really in early, huh?" I hum in surprise, knowing I would have already been in by the time they arrived then. "Would you be able to get them delivered to the IT corner? Pretty pretty please?" I think I purse my lips in an adorable pout, though it probably seems less convincing than it feels.

@☁︎┊lan hyunjung ᵒ I was in the middle of something when I heard a voice calling out to me. I realized it was you, someone I personally don't wanna associate myself with.

"Lemme check for you, Hyunjung."

I type in the computer as I look up at the shipment status, only to find out it's coming in tomorrow.

"The powerbrick replacements will actually come in tomorrow. 6am sharp."

I gave out a soft, yet fake smile towards you while clasping my hands together.

@☁︎┊lan yewon ᵒ The urge to stop for an attempted chat as I pass by the reception was always a part of the day I struggled with. Not because I necessarily wanted a chat, as that was ever far from my mind, but the receptionist always gave off an air of approachability that was hard to resist. Perhaps it was her sweet smile and greetings. Perhaps it was the hint of Gusu Lan I picked up once. Maybe even just that delightful scent of vanilla and pineapple that seemed to circle the woman as if she was a damn flower.

I could never really tell.
I just knew I liked the air of it all.

And as such I try for my best smile as I plant my leather glad elbow against the side of the desk where she’s seated, leaning casually against the wood in a very (un-)convincing display of calm peace. “Sooeh-“ I make a small pop with my lips as I hurriedly think of a topic. “Heard anything about that shipment of powerbrick replacements I ordered?”
Smooth Hyunjung…
Real smooth.