Hell & Back

1: Welcome To Hell!

Lee Minho, 22, was on the brink of a new adventure. The vibrant city of Sydney, Australia, stretched out before him, filled with promise and the thrill of the unknown. His heart raced as he unloaded the last of his belongings into his new apartment, the smell of fresh paint mingling with the salty sea air.

Minho had moved to Australia to attend a prestigious college known for its exceptional music and dance programs. It was a dream come true for him, a chance to refine his skills and pursue his passions. As he settled in, he couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and nervousness about the journey ahead.

The next morning, Minho found himself navigating the bustling campus. The energy was infectious, with students from all walks of life rushing to classes, chatting, and laughing. Minho was so engrossed in the sights and sounds that he didn't notice the figure approaching until they collided.

"Watch it!" the stranger snapped, then his eyes widened in recognition. "Minho? Is that you?"

Minho looked up, equally surprised. "Seungmin? I can't believe it!"

Seungmin, an old friend from Korea, had been one of Minho's closest companions during their high school years. They hugged tightly, and for a moment, the chaos of the campus seemed to fade away.

"It's been so long," Minho said, grinning from ear to ear. "What are you doing here?"

"I'm studying too," Seungmin replied, his smile faltering slightly. "But listen, I need to warn you about something."

Minho's brow furrowed. "What is it?"

Seungmin glanced around, lowering his voice. "There's a gang here called Hell's Strays. They've been causing a lot of trouble, scaring people all over the city. You need to be careful, Minho. They're not just a typical gang; they're dangerous."

Minho's excitement dimmed a little at the news. "Hell's Strays? What do they want?"

"Power, control, chaos," Seungmin explained. "They thrive on fear. Just stay out of their way, alright?"

Minho nodded, though his curiosity was piqued. He had always been one to stand up to bullies, and the idea of a gang terrorizing his new home didn't sit well with him. But for now, he decided to heed Seungmin's advice.

"Thanks for the heads up," Minho said, clapping Seungmin on the back. "Let's catch up later, okay?"

As Minho walked away, he couldn't shake the feeling that his new life in Australia was going to be more complicated than he had anticipated. Little did he know, this was just the beginning of an adventure that would test his courage and determination like never before.

Minho sat in his first class, a mix of excitement and nerves buzzing through him. The lecture hall was filled with eager students, all chatting and preparing for the lesson. Minho adjusted his seat, pulling out his notebook and pen. He scanned the room, his eyes landing on the professor who had just walked in.

"Good morning, everyone," the professor began, her accent distinctly Australian. "Welcome to Music Theory 101. I'm Professor Collins, and I look forward to getting to know each of you this semester."

Minho's heart pounded as he tried to follow her words. Although he had studied English in school, the rapid pace and unfamiliar slang made it difficult to keep up. He found himself clinging to every word, hoping he wouldn't fall behind.

Throughout the class, Minho scribbled notes furiously, occasionally glancing at his classmates to see if they were struggling too. Some seemed perfectly at ease, while others, like him, wore expressions of concentration and slight confusion. Minho took a deep breath, reminding himself that everyone had their own challenges.