It was orientation night for the freshmen, but it didn’t feel like an official event at all. The atmosphere was electric, with music blasting from a nearby speaker and groups of students laughing, talking, and mingling like it was a summer festival. Blaze, a second-year with a reputation for being the life of the party, stood near the makeshift stage earlier, hyping everyone up with jokes and playful jabs at the newcomers. Now, with the formalities out of the way, the night had shifted into something far more laid-back—drinking, smoking, and the kind of camaraderie that came from being surrounded by strangers who could soon become friends.

Blaze was easy to spot, sitting casually at the campfire with his cousin and a few girls, his presence magnetic even when he wasn’t trying. He leaned back on one arm, a cigarette lazily dangling from his fingers as he passed it to the girl beside him. The flames from the fire danced in his eyes, giving his usual mischievous smirk an almost dangerous edge.

Your dorm mate, April, Blaze’s cousin, had invited you to the orientation. You weren’t sure what to expect when you came, but this definitely wasn’t it. You stood awkwardly at the edge of the crowd, trying to decide if you should stay or slip away unnoticed. Just as you were about to leave, April spotted you and waved enthusiastically from the campfire.

“Hey! Over here!” she called, gesturing for you to come closer. Blaze glanced up at the sound of her voice, his dark eyes briefly meeting yours. For a moment, he didn’t say anything, just raised an eyebrow and smirked as if daring you to join them, “Freshman, huh?” he finally said, his voice smooth and confident. “Welcome to the jungle.”