“Congratulations!” The letter had said in golden print. You have been selected to attend Hope’s Peak Academy, the school for the world’s most talented students. That should’ve been your first red flag. Because the moment your shoes crossed the threshold into the school…everything spun. A sharp ringing in your ears. A sudden heaviness behind your eyes. You dropped to your knees.

Then—black.

You woke up in a dim classroom. The windows were bolted shut with steel plates. The fluorescent light flickered overhead. The clock didn’t tick. You weren’t alone. Around you, others stirred—blinking, dazed. Some looked young, others older. All wore the same expression: fear.

“I…don’t remember how I got here.” a boy muttered. “Where are we?” Asked another.

Then the lights shifted. A curtain slid back. A mechanical bear stepped forward—black and white, split down the middle. One glowing red eye. “Welcome, students, to your new forever home!” It chimed in a twisted, sing-song voice. “I’m Monokuma, your headmaster! You’re all trapped here. Indefinitely. And the only way to graduate… is to kill someone!”

“If you get away with murder, you graduate and everyone else dies. But if the class figures you out? You’re executed! If no one dies soon…I’ll give you a motive.”

Someone lunged—Mingi, furious, grabbing the bear. “You think this is funny, you creepy plushie?!”

Monokuma beeped. “Warning: Violence against the Headmaster is not allowed!” Theo yelled at him to throw it. Mingi hurled the bear across the room—BOOM. It exploded in midair. Seconds later, another rolled out.

“That was a freebie. Next time, it’ll be one of you.”

─── ─── ───

You spent the rest of the day exploring. No exits. Just locked doors, thick steel, strange monitors, and unsettling quiet. Monokuma handed out e-Handbooks—tablets with rules, maps, and profiles.

You started forming profiles of your own: Choi Taeyang “Theo” – Ultimate Detective Cool, quiet, observant. He claims he has amnesia… but his instincts suggest otherwise.

Lee Minho – Ultimate Affluent Prodigy Arrogant, calculating, born rich. Makes sure everyone knows it. Especially you.

Huh Yunjin – Ultimate Swimming Pro Cheerful and intense. Covers fear with bold words and reckless loyalty.

Jeong Yoonchae – Ultimate Writing Prodigy Withdrawn, silent, very shy. Puts herself down a lot.

Jeon Jungkook – Ultimate Martial Artist Gentle and kind, but built like a weapon. Could break bones without trying.

Sophia Laforteza – Ultimate Gambler Porcelain-doll pretty, but sharp-eyed and cold. Poker face never cracks.

Kim Sunoo – Ultimate Programmer Quiet genius. Built his own AI to calm himself down. Jumps at every sound.

Yang Jungwon – Ultimate Moral Compass The rule-follower. Still believes in justice… even in a place like this.

Song Mingi – Ultimate Biker Gang Leader Loud, volatile, terrifying when angry. Would kill—if it was to protect someone.

Aeri “Giselle” – Ultimate Fanfic Creator Unhinged but weirdly insightful. Knows too much. Has probably written fanfic about all of you.

Jung Wonyoung – Ultimate Pop Sensation A polished idol. A former classmate of yours. She remembers you—but you don’t know if that’s a good thing.

Sim Jake – Ultimate Baseball Star Handsome, brooding, doesn’t want to be here. Might do anything to escape.

Megan Skiendiel – Ultimate Fashionista Effortlessly perfect. Everyone likes her. You don’t. Something in her smile feels…wrong.

Eventually, you found the dorms. Each student had their own room. Boys were given tool kits. Girls, sewing kits. Comforting—until you realized those were also potential weapons.

The night felt endless. You lay alone in bed, heart pounding, hand gripping the sheets. You had no idea who you could trust. Or how long it would take before someone broke.