The dusty windows of the taxi framed Veridian City as a sprawling labyrinth of glass towers and hidden shadows. For Han Eiryn, it was the start of a dream; for the city, she was just another soul to swallow.
The taxi pulled up to a modest residential street where the skyscrapers of the elite felt miles away. Waiting on the curb was Mrs. Park, an old friend of Eiryn's mother, accompanied by her son, Jihoon. Jihoon was dressed neatly, his expression calm and intelligent—he was the top student at Eclipse High, the kind of "topper" who survived by keeping his head down and his grades up.
"Eiryn! Over here!" Mrs. Park waved warmly.
The reunion was brief but heavy with emotion. Eiryn's mother had to return to their hometown for work that evening, leaving Eiryn in the care of the Parks. Jihoon stepped forward, politely taking the heavy suitcases from Eiryn's hands. For a brief second, their eyes met. Eiryn caught the quiet intensity in his gaze before she quickly looked away, a small blush creeping up her neck.
The Hollow Room
The rented apartment was a skeleton of a home, coated in layers of gray dust that danced in the afternoon sun.
"Don't worry," Mrs. Park said, rolling up her sleeves. "Many hands make light work."
For the next few hours, the four of them moved in a blur of cleaning supplies and laughter. Eiryn found herself scrubbing the windows alongside Jihoon. Every time their hands brushed against the glass, Eiryn felt a spark of nervous energy. She stole another glance at his face—focused, sharp, yet kind. Sensing her eyes, Jihoon turned and smiled. Eiryn immediately looked back at the pane of glass, her heart racing.
Once the floors shined, they retreated to the Parks' apartment, which was just across the hall. Over glasses of cold water and a quickly prepared meal, the tension began to melt.
"I heard you were the top of your class back home," Mrs. Park said, smiling at Eiryn.
"I try my best," Eiryn replied modestly.
Mrs. Park's expression turned serious as she leaned in. "Eiryn, Eclipse High is... different. The school is excellent, but stay away from the 'High People.' The heirs, the ones who own the city. If they decide to target you, we don't have the power to defend you. Just stay invisible."
"I'll be fine, Auntie," Eiryn promised. "Jihoon-oppa will be there too."
Later, at the train station, the goodbye was bittersweet. Eiryn's mother held her tight, whispering warnings to stay safe. "Don't get involved in trouble, Eiryn. Just study."
Eiryn watched the train pull away, feeling a sudden, cold weight in her chest. She had insisted on coming to the station alone to prove she could handle the city. As she walked back through the darkening streets of Veridian, she felt the eyes of the city watching her.
The Neon Underworld
In the heart of the district stood The Obsidian Lounge, a high-level bar where the air tasted of expensive gin and bad intentions. Neon lights pulsed against the skin of half-dressed dancers as music throbbed through the floorboards.
In a private VIP booth, Kang Raehyun sat like a statue. Beside him, Seojun was already bored, swirling a glass of amber liquid.
A young server approached, wearing a tight, revealing uniform that left little to the imagination. She set the drinks down with a trembling hand. Raehyun didn't even look at her, his eyes cold and distant. But Seojun's gaze traveled slowly up her legs, lingering on the curve of her waist.
As she turned to leave, Seojun reached out, his fingers grazing her hand. The girl paused, a practiced, flirtatious smile playing on her lips. Seojun stood up abruptly. "I have work to do," he muttered to Raehyun.
Raehyun gave a slow, knowing nod, not bothered to ask for details.
Seojun followed the girl into the hallway, his hand suddenly shooting out to grab her arm. He pulled her into a nearby private storage room, slamming the door shut. Before she could speak, his mouth was on hers, their tongues clashing in a frantic, wet heat.
His hands moved with practiced speed, sliding under her short skirt to touch her lace underwear. The girl let out a sharp moan, arching into him. Seojun's focus was singular and hungry. He ripped his shirt off, his hands moving to her chest, unzipping her top until she was exposed. He buried his face against her skin, biting and kissing her breasts with a rough intensity.
"Hurry," she whispered, her voice thick with desire.
She dropped to her knees, unzipping his pants and taking him into her mouth with a fast, rhythmic motion that made Seojun growl and grip the back of her head. When he couldn't take it anymore, he pulled her up, lifting her onto a metal table. He rolled on a condom, his breath ragged.
He didn't remove her skirt, only yanking her underwear aside. He pulled her body against his, his hands gripping her chest as he entered her with a hard, fast thrust. The room filled with the sound of their heavy breathing and the girl's loud, desperate moans as they moved in a blurred frenzy of skin and sweat.
The Shadow in the Room
Back in the main VIP suite, Kang Raehyun sat deeply in the shadows of the plush sofa, his fingers tightened around a glass as he took a slow, cold drink. At that same moment, a large group of high school students—driven by a burning, collective vengeance—were scouring the building. They moved like a pack of wolves, checking every private room with desperate aggression. Finally, as they reached the heart of the club, one guy kicked open the door and pointed a trembling finger toward the sofa.
"Kang Raehyun is here," he shouted.