PRETTY PROBLEMS

After saying goodbye to Felix, Jungwon adjusted his watch and fell into step beside Sunoo.

"Ready to see the rest of the campus?" Jungwon asked, glancing at the fountains reflecting the morning sun.

"Yeah," Sunoo said, his eyes taking in the sprawling courtyard, the gleaming glass buildings, and the vintage cars parked along the drive. "It's... bigger than I imagined."

A butler appeared, perfectly dressed, carrying a small tablet. "Jang and Kim, Lee Heeseung has requested your presence."

"why" Jungwon replied calmly.

"he wants to have a important conversation" the butler said

sunoo and jungwon looked at eachother  "we will come" sunoo said

As they followed, they passed groups of students lounging near the cafes. Some were sipping coffee from gold-trimmed cups, others tossing credit cards across tables to pay for ridiculously expensive pastries without even looking. A few students casually opened designer handbags, taking out stacks of cash to hand to their friends, like it was nothing.

Sunoo raised an eyebrow. "thats really impressive"

Jungwon smirked. "ikr"

Finally, they reached a large door. The butler knocked lightly. "I have Jang and Kim, sir. May I come in?"

"Yes, let them come in," came the crisp voice.

Inside, the room was enormous, with polished floors reflecting crystal chandeliers. Three boys and Jake were already there. Heeseung stood near the back, observing, while Jake lounged on a velvet chair, a stack of high-end invitations in his hand.

Heeseung laughed lightly. "ah, Welcome."

He gestured to the others. "These are my friends: Jay, Sunghoon, and Ni-ki, take a seat."

Ni-ki immediately stared Sunoo down. "You're the guy who asked for my name earlier," he said, smirking. "really stupid of you"

Sunoo ignored him, keeping his posture straight and calm.

Sunghoon noticed. "Can't you fucking answer? Someone's speaking to you," he said, smooth but sharp.

Sunoo met his eyes but stayed silent. Sunghoon's scent  energy flared subtly, a quiet tension filling the room.

Jungwon turned to Jake. "Jake, why are we here?"

before jake could even speak heeseung came in

"I thought you two should meet some people who actually MATTER here. You're some of the richest students—I figured you might as well know who's really in charge."

Jay's eyes flicked to Jungwon, recalling the bump earlier and the way Jungwon had rolled his eyes casually. A small, knowing smirk crossed his face.

Ni-ki's glare at Sunoo sharpened—he clearly didn't like being ignored.

Heeseung clapped lightly, his voice echoing in the hall. "Sit, everyone. Welcome to a school where money isn't just money—it's power. Influence. Control. Some of you already have it; some will fight to get it. Watch closely. Learn carefully. And remember..."

Heeseung's eyes swept the room, cold and calculating. "...even the richest can fall if they underestimate the game."

The room settled into silence once everyone was seated. The kind of silence money could afford—thick, controlled, intentional.

Heeseung didn't smile. "Introductions," he said simply. "Brief."

Jungwon spoke first, crossing one leg over the other. "Jang Jungwon. My parents are idols."