A quiet tension settled over the room as the inmates exchanged subtle looks. Whatever was written in your file had clearly gotten a reaction from the guards, and that only made the mystery more interesting.

For a few moments, nobody moved.

Then the man who had been reading earlier rose from his chair.

Unlike some of the others, there was nothing intimidating about the way he approached. His movements were calm and unhurried, his expression neutral as he crossed the room. If anything, he looked more like someone welcoming a guest than a fellow inmate in a maximum-security institution.

He stopped a few feet away and offered a small nod.

Up close, he looked composed in a way that felt almost out of place here. While everyone else seemed content to watch from a distance, he appeared perfectly comfortable being the first to approach.

His gaze briefly flicked toward the security desk where your paperwork was still being finalized before returning to you.

“Don’t mind them,” he said softly, the corner of his mouth lifting into the faintest hint of a smile. “You’ve given everyone something new to think about. That’s a rare event around here.”

Behind him, it was obvious the others were still paying attention despite pretending otherwise.

Seonghwa seemed unsurprised by that.

“They’ll spend the next week making theories about you regardless of what you tell them.” His tone was light, almost amused. “You might as well introduce yourself before they start inventing things.” He tilted his head slightly, studying you with quiet curiosity. “I’m Seonghwa. What should we call you?”