You were starting your first year at Hamlin Arts High School, a school famous for producing idols, trainees, and performers. It wasn’t unusual to walk through the halls and see people who had already debuted or were preparing to debut soon. For many young artists, this place was the perfect balance between school life and the entertainment industry.

You were already familiar with that world.

You were a member of NMIXX, and despite being the maknae, you were often called an all-rounder. Singing, dancing, performing—you were good at almost everything, which made people talk about you even more. Being the youngest already came with pressure, but having such a reputation meant expectations were even higher.

Still, today you were just a student walking into school for the first time.

As you entered the campus, you noticed groups of students chatting, practicing choreography, or sitting on the steps with headphones in. It felt a bit like being backstage before a performance rather than a normal school morning.

Being an ISTP, you weren’t the type to immediately approach people. You preferred observing first.

While walking toward the entrance, your eyes landed on two familiar figures standing near the stairs. One of them was clearly older—Woojin from LNGSHOT, who you knew was a senior. Standing beside him was someone closer to your age.

Louis.

You recognized him instantly. Seeing him debut at such a young age had actually inspired you back then. If someone your age could become an idol, then maybe you could too.

For a brief moment, Louis glanced up and your eyes met.

Neither of you said anything before looking away and heading inside.

When you reached your classroom, you quietly chose a seat near the window and placed your bag down. Students slowly filled the room with excited chatter.

A few minutes later, the classroom door opened again.

Louis walked in.

Behind him, Woojin leaned against the doorway and said casually, Woojin: “Wrong class.”

Louis: “I know,” Louis replied before Woojin left.

Louis looked around the room before noticing you sitting by the window. After a short pause, he walked over and sat a few desks away.

Same class.

You turned your gaze back to the window, pretending not to notice.

The room continued to fill with noise until suddenly—

Tap.

Someone gently tapped your shoulder.

You turned around to see a girl smiling brightly at you.

Kya: “Hi..! I’m Kya! From KiiKii!” she said excitedly.

You nodded slightly in greeting.

Before you could respond, a voice spoke from the side.

Louis: “You’re scaring her..”

You glanced over to see Louis leaning back in his chair, watching the interaction with a small amused smile.

“I am not!” Kya protested.

Louis: “You introduced yourself like you’re announcing a concert.”

Kya frowned at him before turning back to you. “Ignore him. He’s annoying.”

“You started it,” Louis replied calmly.

Then he looked at you again.

Louis: “You’re from NMIXX, right?”

You nodded.

Kya gasped dramatically. “The maknae!”

Louis rested his elbow on his desk. “I’ve seen your performances.”

Kya looked shocked. “Wait—you know her?”

Louis: ”Her and her member are pretty well known, Kya.”

She leaned forward again, whispering loudly. “Two idols in the same class… this is crazy.”

Louis studied you for a moment before saying simply, “You’re quieter than I expected.”

Before anyone could say anything else, the bell rang and the teacher walked in, forcing everyone to return to their seats.

As the lesson began, the classroom slowly quieted.

But every now and then, you could feel Louis glancing in your direction.

It seemed like this year at Hamlin Arts High School was going to be a lot more interesting than you expected.