The principal's office was unnaturally quiet for a school that usually buzzed with noise. Heavy curtains filtered the afternoon light, casting long shadows across the polished wooden floor. The walls were lined with plaques—academic achievements, trophies, framed photographs of former students who had gone on to do remarkable things. Seated from across the principal's desk were four men who made the room feel too small.
The Q4.
Vic sat in the center of the couch, posture relaxed but commanding, his presence alone shifting the balance of the room. To his right, Jax leaned back with one ankle resting casually over his knee, fingers tapping lightly against his thigh as if composing a song in his head. Foxy sat forward, elbows on his knees, ginger hair falling over his eyes as he glanced around with quiet observation. Jeremy, the youngest, sat quietly at the end, hands folded, eyes wide as he studied everything with curiousity.
Mr Han stood beside them, he wore a sharp blue suit, his gaze were sharper, and a tablet clutched firmly in his hand.
The principal cleared his throat.
"So," he began carefully, "this is… quite an opportunity for our institution."
Mr Han smiled politely. "It is indeed." He tapped on his tablet, bringing up a document. "As discussed, Q4 will be conducting a three-month creative residency here. During this period, they'll be using selected facilities to prepare for their upcoming project."
The principal adjusted his glasses. "And this project includes…?"
"A hybrid production," Mr. Han replied smoothly. "A live showcase series, behind-the-scenes documentary footage, and preliminary filming for a youth-centered musical film."
Jeremy's eyes lit up slightly.
Vic spoke up, his voice calm, deep, controlled. "We're not here to disrupt your school. We just want inspiration, a conducive atmosphere, and reality."
Jax smirked. "Teen chaos helps."
The principal swallowed.
"In that case we'll need strict boundaries," he said. "Our students—"
"—will not be treated as fans," Mr. Han cut in gently but firmly. "No exclusive access. No special privileges. The boys will attend selected creative classes only as observers or collaborators. No interference with academics."
"And security?" the principal asked.
"Handled" Mr Han said.
"The media would be involved?".
"Definitely". Foxy said lazily. "We breathe paparazzi."
Mr. Han slid the contract across the desk. "Three months. Controlled access. Mutual benefit. Your school gains global exposure. Q4 gains a grounded environment to create."
The principal stared at the document and sighed.
"This is a huge project, the school has never hosted something like this before". He admitted.
Mr Han's lips curved faintly. "Then let's make history."
A huge smile appeared over the principal's face, he looked really excited. "The school already prepared a place for your stay, to allow easy movement within the school, I hope it meets your tastes". He said happily.
"We look forward to working with you". Mr Han said stretching forth his hand for a handsake.
The principal happily received it.
The apartment the school prepared for the Q4 did not look like something meant for students, it was meant for royalty.
Large glass windows stretched from the floor almost to the ceilings, letting in warm afternoon light that made the polished floor shiny. The furnitures were expensive-looking, modern, and arranged in a way that somehow felt stylish and comfortable at the same time.
Soft grey couches circled a sleek black center table, a large TV was mounted against the wall. Framed artworks already hung in perfect alignment as if someone had measured every inch twice just to impress them.
The place was quiet...except for the occasional sound of staffs moving in boxes, luggages and framed pictures.
Clearly the school really tried very hard with this one.
Very, very hard.
The Q4 sat comfortably on the couches, discussing and laughing, Vic watched as two staffs carefully carried in a large frame poster of Q4 last album cover.
"They even printed our faces". Jeremy said, amused. "Trying really hard to impress us that's commitment".
Jax leaned back... His arms stretched lazily across the backrest. "At least they chose my good angle this time".
Foxy rolled his eyes. "You only have one angle."
"Nope, I have many angles," Jax corrected calmly. "Some are just more expensive."
Jeremy chuckled quietly, glancing around the apartment again. " I can't believe this is inside the school, some student are probably sharing rooms while we are here arguing about angles".
"Benefit of being loved". Foxy said.
"Benefit of being stressed". Vic corrected.
"You are stressed? Really? I totally forgot you are human". Foxy responded sarcastically.
Jax grabbed a bottle of water from the table, taking a sip as he loooked around.
"They really don't want us leaving this premises". He muttered. "Everything we need is in here".
"What's the point? It's still for work". Jeremy replied, leaning forward slightly, resting his elbows on his knees.
"At least it saves Mr Han from having heart attack anytime we step outside". Jax said jokily.
As if summoned by his name, Mr. Han appeared briefly near the entrance, supervising where a staff member should place one of the last suitcases.
"Handle it carefully," he said firmly, before disappearing again.
The moment he was gone_
Jeremy smirked.
"Speaking of heart attack... I still can't believe that girl called us Quack four".
Vic and Foxy immediately burst into laughter.
"Q f**k," Jeremy repeated. "We sound like a group of confused ducks."
"She said it with so much confidence, not even a little hestitation". Foxy added.
Jax leaned back, unimpressed.
"She knew exactly who we were".
Foxy raised a brow. "You think so?".
"Obviously". Jax responded "Nobody says 'Quack Four' by accident".
Jeremy laughed. "You'd be surprised".
"I'm serious". Jax continued. "Can't you all see it? She is pretending".
Vic titled his head slightly. "Pretending not to know us?".
"Yes"
"Why?".
Jax adjusted his seating posture and leaned forward. "What else? Attention".
Vic frowned thoughtfully. "I don't think so."
Jax looked at him. "Of course you don't."
"She didn't even look impressed," Foxy continued. "Most people at least try to act normal badly around us but she actually looked… uninterested."
Jeremy nodded slowly. "She didn't care."
Jax scoffed lightly. "That's the trick, I mean with that simple act, here we are talking about her."
Vic smiled a little . "Not everyone is trying to get something from us Jax."
Jax gave him a knowing look. "That's what they want you to believe."
Foxy sat up slightly.
"I don't know… she wasn't giving that vibe at all."
Jeremy snapped his fingers. "Exactly! No screaming, no staring, she hardly even looked at us."
"Calling us Quack Four was something a real fan wouldn't do and she doesn't seem like a hater too," Foxy reminded.
"She was so brave," Jeremy said.
"That was disrespectful," Jax corrected.
Vic leaned back, his arms are crossed. "You really think she's pretending just to get closer?"
Jax nodded calmly. "Yes definitely, I've seen her type before."
Foxy laughed softly. "You say that like you are some kind of love expert, you can tell when it's real and fake."
"I understand patterns," Jax replied confidently.
Jeremy grinned, rolling his eyes."Yeah right, this is out of topic but I must admit she is pretty".
Vic nodded in agreement.
"No doubt about that". Foxy said.
Jax ignored them. "Doesn't change anything".
Foxy shook his head.
"Just drop it already… she cares? Fine, if she doesn't, that's fine too. Not compulsory for everyone to know us or like us."
Jax smirked slightly.
"Yes i know that, but the problem I have here is she was pretending..." He paused, then continued. "You all don't believe me right?... Fine I'll prove it."
Jeremy leaned forward immediately.
"Oh? How?"
Jax took another sip of water, completely relaxed like he was certain. "She will show interest soon."
Vic sighed quietly. "Please don't start an experiment on a random student."
"I'm not starting anything," Jax replied calmly. "I'm just observing."
Foxy chuckled. "You sound like a documentary narrator."
Jeremy lowered his voice dramatically:
"In their natural habitat, the celebrity observes the female student…"
Vic pressed his fingers against his forehead.
"Please don't make regret moving here."
Foxy smiled lazily.
"If she really doesn't know us, that's actually refreshing."
Jeremy nodded. "Very refreshing."
Jax remained unconvinced.
"She doesn't know Q4? Lies."
"Quack Four, not Q" Foxy corrected again.
Jeremy laughed loudly this time.
"I still can't get over that."
Vic shook his head.
"If that name trends online, I'm blaming all of you".
"You are the leader," Jeremy said. "You represent the ducks."
"I represent nothing".
"You lead the ducks."
Foxy nodded seriously. "Head duck."
Jax smirked slightly.
Vic stood up immediately.
"I am leaving this conversation."
Jeremy pointed toward the large framed album cover the staff had just placed against the wall.
"At least the duck looks good here."
Vic stared at the photo. "That is a very good picture."
Jax folded his arms proudly. "Exactly what I've been saying."
Jeremy shook his head slowly. " What a day".
Despite the jokes, something lingered quietly in the air.
Curiosity.
Because whether Mishell knew who they were or not…She had definitely left an impression and Jax was already planning to prove his theory.
Soon.