Sylvania || jjk

2

“...Please get seated without making any noises.”

Mrs. Harley’s voice sliced through the buzz of conversation in the dining hall.

She stood at the front of the hall – tall, poised, and composed. Her ice-blue eyes scanned the room, and for a second, I swear they landed on me. A chill ran down my spine.

“She’s scary,” I muttered under my breath.

Eun tugged my sleeve. “And probably psychic. Don’t make eye contact.”

Despite the warning, I stole one last glance. Mrs. Harley didn’t speak loudly, but somehow her presence filled every inch of the space. Like she knew all our secrets – and was daring us to keep them. What? What am I thinking?

Eun, practically dragging me by the wrist now, led us towards the serving stalls.

The smell of warm croissants, sizzling sausages, and something cinnamon-laced made my stomach growl embarrassingly loud.

“This is heaven,” Eun whispered, grabbing two plates like a soldier in battle.

Laughter and chatter bounced off the stone walls. Students swarmed the buffet tables like bees to honey, their trays loaded with color and flavor. We nudged our way through, exchanging polite smiles and the occasional “sorry” when someone bumped into us.

And then–

The atmosphere shifted.

A soft hush fell over the front section of the hall. I turned just in time to see them coming down the grand staircase.

Three guys. Confident strides. Perfectly tailored, crisp uniforms.

One had sandy blonde hair and lazy, amused eyes – like he’d just woken up from a dream and found the world boring.

The second was taller, with jet-black curls and a razor-sharp jawline.

And the third–

“Oh my god,” Eun whispered. “It’s him.”

My heart stuttered.

The hallway guy. The forehead-flicking menace.

He looked even more annoying from a distance – smirking as a bunch of people practically parted for him. A few girls waved, called his name, some even offered up their tables like sacrifices. He didn’t acknowledge them. Just walked to the far corner table with his two wingmen.

I leaned in to Eun. “What’s the big deal about them?”

“No idea,” she muttered, not blinking. “But clearly, this school’s already got a royal court.”

I chewed the inside of my cheek, eyes narrowing. “Do people... really like them?”

Eun snorted. “I guess so. Welcome to Sylvania.”

Just as my curiosity pulled me into another gaze-war with the boys in the corner, a familiar voice cut through the noise.

“Hey, guys!”

I spun around in relief. Rosé. Standing confidently in her burgundy blazer, one hand on her hip, the other waving like she owned the room.

“Oh, thank god,” I muttered under my breath. “Hey, Rosé.”

She weaved through the crowd, linking her arm through mine. “You looked like you were either about to faint from hunger or punch someone.”

Eun snorted. “Bit of both.”

Rosé grinned. “Come on. You’re new, which means you’ve got no clue how vicious breakfast can be. I’m gonna save your life.”

“Save our lives?” Eun raised a brow. “It’s food, not a warzone.”