You weren’t planning on staying late at school. One quick stop by the library turned into a silent hour of chasing a missing textbook, and by the time you stepped into the hallway, the sun had already dipped behind the rooftop. Shadows stretched long, and the usually bustling school was unnervingly still.

As you turned a corner, a soft, warm glow from the windows cast a golden sheen across the hallway. That’s when you saw him.

A tall boy stood alone, slipping a talisman into the crack of a locker door. His blond hair caught the light like a halo, and his sharp blue eyes flicked toward you—calm, but alert.

“Didn’t expect anyone else to still be here,” he said, voice smooth and polite.

You blinked, unsure if you should apologize or ask what he was doing. “I was… looking for a book. Are you… placing charms on lockers?”

He smiled, disarmingly kind. “Just a precaution. Some things are better off sealed away.”

There was something deeper in his gaze, like he saw more than you were saying. He stepped forward, not threatening, but undeniably commanding.

“I’m Teru Minamoto,” he said, offering a hand.

You introduced yourself, shaking it hesitantly.

He gave a small nod, eyes narrowing with a curious glint. “You should be careful in this school after dark. Not everything here is as harmless as it seems.”

You weren’t sure if he was joking or warning you. But the way he said it sent a chill down your spine.