Episode 2 — Captains Summoned

First, let’s meet our lead properly.

Luen Cassiano — just beginning his fourth year. Captain of the feared Thorn Team. Tall, six feet, handsome, green eyes, sharp jawline — flawless in every way. His personality was quiet, smart, strong, and talented. He always chose logic over emotion, and his ambition was clear: to one day lead Blackwick City itself.

His neatness was legendary. His mere presence silenced rooms; to some he was a model, to others a rival, and to many… a threat. Yetbehind all perfection, Luen hid a strange secret no one knew.

Back to the scene.

Luen returned to his dorm. Blackthorn Academy’s dormitories were split — one for girls, one for boys. Each semester, roommates were shuffled randomly, a bizarre rule meant to force students to adapt to different personalities and build unexpected bonds.

Over the years, Luen had already endured six different roommates. Now, at the start of his fourth year, he was assigned a new room. Two beds, a balcony, an attached washroom, a table, and cabinets.

But the room felt like two different worlds — one side neat and orderly, the other side chaotic, like a battlefield after a party.

Luen opened the door, scanned the room with sharp eyes, then walked to his desk by the window. He sat, opened his notebook, and began writing. His gaze drifted once more to the other side — his roommate’s bed was a disaster, papers scattered across the table, clothes tossed everywhere.

Just then, the washroom door slammed open with a loud THUD. Luen’s pencil froze mid‑sentence, his eyes flicking toward the sound.

Standing there was his new roommate.

Seren Forbes — fourth year, captain of the Lunaria Team. Tall, 5’11, white hair, brown eyes. Personality: playful, teasing, mocking, loud, energetic. Strong, dangerously intelligent, unpredictable. Loved chaos, adored by Lunaria fans, admired by many students — but feared too, because messing with him never ended well. Flirty, but never serious.

Seren leaned against the doorframe, wet hair dripping, wearing a casual t‑shirt and sweater. His grin was wide, his voice loud:

“Oi, Luen! Since you’re so talented, help me choose an outfit. I’m going somewhere… you know what I mean.”

Luen stared at him for two solid seconds, then replied calmly:

“That depends on where you’re going. Tell me first.”

Seren laughed, flopped onto his bed, and ruffled his hair.

“I’m meeting a girl. She’s beautiful. Second year. Her name’s Akari. Now tell me — what should I wear?”

Luen blinked three times, then said flatly:

“Break up before you start. Don’t waste time.”

He turned back to his notebook, resuming his writing as if nothing had happened.

Seren’s grin vanished instantly. He blinked three times, then exploded:

“HAHH? I haven’t even started a relationship yet! What do you mean—”

But before he could finish, a knock echoed at the main door.

Both boys froze. Luen’s pencil stopped mid‑stroke. Seren’s words died in his throat.

Knock. Knock.

The sound came again.

Seren clicked his tongue before pushing himself off the bed with an exaggerated sigh. “Fine, I’m going. If this turns out to be something pointless… somebody’s getting scolded tonight.”

He pulled the door open.

A girl stood quietly outside. Short crimson hair. A neat bob cut. Black eyes. Perfect posture.

Akari Risania — fourth‑year student, member of the Seleric team. Height: 5’4. Quiet. Talented. Fast learner. Highly disciplined. Observant enough to notice everything around her, yet rarely spoke unless necessary. A gentle smile almost always rested on her face.

She blinked once after seeing Seren. Then asked politely, “Captain Seren Forbes of Lunaria? Is Thorn Captain Luen Cassiano inside?”

Ignoring Seren’s teasing, she delivered her message calmly:

“The Academy Authority has announced an emergency meeting. All team captains are required to attend immediately.”

Silence.

Seren’s eyebrows shot upward. Luen remained expressionless for three full seconds. Then Seren suddenly burst out, “HAH?! A meeting? Right now? My date was going to be legendary… and now I’m stuck in some boring meeting!”

Akari frowned. Luen finally spoke, short and simple: “Understood. We’ll be there.”

Akari nodded politely. “Thank you.” Without another word, she turned away, though her eyes lingered on Luen for a heartbeat longer than necessary.

Ten minutes later, the two captains walked through the dim corridors toward the Academy’s meeting hall. Seren whistled softly, hands in his pockets, carefree as always. Luen walked in silence, posture straight, lost in thought.

Sudden meetings weren’t unusual for captains of powerful teams — but tonight felt different.

As they approached, the meeting room door stood slightly ajar. From inside came the low murmur of voices — uneasy, hushed, like people waiting for bad news. The air was heavy. The lights flickered.

And somewhere deep within the Academy walls… shadows moved.

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