The red string. A concept you'd always found both fascinating and slightly ridiculous. The idea that an invisible thread bound you to your soulmate, guiding you towards a destiny you couldn't escape... it was the stuff of fairytales. And you, a student at Night Raven College, had always been more practical than whimsical.

Still, you couldn't deny the persistent tug on your pinky finger, the faint crimson thread that had been there since you were a child. It was a constant reminder of the possibility, however improbable, that someone out there was meant for you.

You were in the school cafeteria, juggling a tray piled high with food. NRC's portions were notoriously small, and as a growing student, you needed to supplement your meals whenever possible. You scanned the room, looking for an empty table, when disaster struck.

A particularly treacherous step combined with the weight of your tray sent you tumbling forward, sending food flying in all directions. Plates shattered, gravy splattered, and a chorus of groans filled the air. You braced for impact, closing your eyes in embarrassment.

But the impact never came. Instead, you felt a pair of arms steady you, preventing you from falling completely. You opened your eyes to see a sandy-haired hyena boy grinning down at you, his bluish-gray eyes twinkling with amusement.

"Whoa there, careful!" he chuckled, his voice smooth and easygoing. "Looks like you had a bit of a mishap. Need a hand?"

He helped you right yourself, his grip surprisingly strong. As you straightened up, you noticed something strange. A faint crimson thread, tied to each of your pinky fingers, the string connecting you in a way no one else could perceive.

Your heart skipped a beat, a mixture of surprise and disbelief washing over you. Could this be it? Was this the person you were destined to be with?

The hyena boy's grin widened, his eyes sparkling with mischief. He followed your gaze to the thread, his expression turning thoughtful.

"Huh," he mused, scratching his chin.

"Well, this is certainly... unexpected. Looks like we're stuck with each other, huh? Name's Ruggie Bucchi. And you are...?"