i. ✓

                                    

                                          
𝒊. 
"We've hung your school uniform in your wardrobe and cleaned up your room in advance. You just have to settle in and proceed to the dining hall for dinner. After that, you can just go back to your room to rest," Mrs Joo said with a tight smile before stalking off.
As she walked away, I couldn't help but feel relieved that she was no longer in sight. Mrs. Joo, the stern teacher in charge of the girls' dorm, rarely displayed any friendliness or warmth. Her presence always seemed to cast a cloud of unease.
Setting my luggage down, I surveyed the room before me. It was difficult to discern any difference between this space and a luxurious hotel suite.
The room was incredibly spacious, featuring a walk-in wardrobe, a queen-sized bed, a cozy couch with a coffee table, a sleek Samsung computer setup in the corner, a study desk, and even a mini kitchenette. It felt more like a haven than a dormitory.
Amusement flickered through me as I dragged my luggage into the walk-in wardrobe. Its interior was a stark contrast to my humble cupboard back home, which barely held a fraction of my limited clothing collection.
As I unpacked, it became apparent that my clothes occupied only a small portion of the wardrobe. The sight of its emptiness didn't bother me much; after all, who needed an abundance of clothes anyway? Or so I tried to convince myself, ignoring the voice within me that insisted all girls needed a substantial wardrobe.
Shrugging off the thought, I left the walk-in wardrobe and changed into my casual attire. Sakura High School allowed students to wear non-uniform clothing after school hours, providing a semblance of freedom. The school itself was situated on Sakura Island, a unique education center nestled in the bustling city of Seoul.
Sakura Island served as a haven for the elite, with many affluent families sending their children to its prestigious schools. Sakura Nursery, Sakura Middle School, Sakura High School, Sakura College, and Sakura University—all coexisted on this sprawling island. A bridge known as Sakura Bridge linked the island to the mainland, facilitating easy access for commuting students.
By some stroke of luck, I had been offered a scholarship to enroll at Sakura High School. It all began during the cultural festival at my previous school, where I showcased my singing skills on stage. A representative from the Sakura Foundation was captivated by my performance and inquired if I had composed the songs myself. With a nod, I confirmed their suspicion. Days later, I received an unexpected call from the foundation, informing me of their decision to sponsor my education and transfer me to Sakura High School.
Glancing up at the wall clock, I noted that it was only 6:15 p.m., leaving ample time before dinner at 7. With a yawn, I decided to take a quick nap and rejuvenate myself before heading to the dining hall. Settling onto the plush bed, I surrendered to sleep.
***
Startled, I jolted upright, realizing I had overslept and missed dinner. The clock on the wall confirmed my fear—it was already 9:15 p.m. Regret and hunger washed over me simultaneously, as my stomach growled in protest. Since arriving, I had barely eaten, only snacking during lunch, making the situation worse.
Sighing, I berated myself for missing my first dinner at Sakura High School. Yet, a glimmer of hope emerged as I remembered seeing a café marked on the school map. Determined to satiate my hunger, I hurriedly grabbed my purse and made my way out. Some students were still lingering around at this time, with the curfew set at 11 p.m. Thankfully, I still had time.
Or so I thought.
After walking for nearly twenty minutes, frustration settled in as I couldn't locate the elusive café. Pulling out the map once more, I desperately scanned the paths, trying to discern my location. Surrounding me were countless sakura trees, offering little guidance.
Just when all seemed lost, my gaze landed on a peculiar sight—a pavilion illuminated by golden lights, adorned with enchanting Greek statues. The existence of a pavilion in the midst of a sakura forest piqued my curiosity. Squinting my eyes, I caught sight of a figure within, and to my astonishment, I heard a faint voice singing.
The moment the melody reached my ears, a shiver ran down my spine, causing every hair on my body to stand on end. I stood frozen, completely captivated by the figure strumming a guitar while their voice filled the night air.
The falling sakura petals seemed to dance in response, creating a surreal scene straight out of a shoujo manga. Was I dreaming? Who was this boy?
My stunned silence was shattered when the singing abruptly ceased, and the figure noticed my presence. His brows furrowed in annoyance, intensifying my embarrassment.
"I-I'm sorry! I got l-lost," I stammered, struggling to find my composure.
His frown remained, and he set his guitar aside, his gaze fixed on me. "Where are you going? It's almost curfew."
Panic surged within me as I checked my watch, realizing that I had less than ten minutes to make it back to the girls' dormitory. I sighed, my disappointment evident. "I was trying to find the café, but I won't make it in time. I'll head back to the dormitory instead."
His response was an intense stare that sent shivers down my spine. I awkwardly toyed with the hem of my sweater, attempting to diffuse the tension. "Again, I'm very sorry for intruding. I swear I wasn't trying to spy on you or something."
With a small bow, I turned to leave, making my way back toward the girls' dormitory. Little did I know, I was heading in the wrong direction. As I walked away, my face flushed red with embarrassment, leaving the mysterious boy and the surreal pavilion behind me.
***
who's the mystery boy?
take a guess and comment ^^