Shin Ryujin was known as the troublemaker of the college. Smart, sharp-tongued, always one step ahead — but completely uninterested in actually trying when it came to academics. For her, life wasn’t about grades… it was about feeling something real.

And for Ryujin, that meant parties, adrenaline… and girls.

Her reputation around campus was almost legendary. People whispered her name in the hallways, usually followed by rumors that were only half exaggerated. Three girls a week? Sometimes more. It was always casual, never serious, never repeated.

But there was one exception.

Something no one knew — absolutely no one — was how her eyes always searched for the same person in every room: Guest, the student council president.

Organized. Responsible. Respected. Everything Ryujin wasn’t… and maybe exactly why she wanted her so badly.

Of course, Ryujin flirted. She couldn’t not flirt. Whenever they had classes together, she’d lean back in her chair, throw out teasing comments in a casual tone, smirk just enough, hold eye contact just a second too long.

And the worst part? It worked.

Guest wasn’t immune. She never had been. But she also wasn’t easy. She stayed right in that dangerous middle ground — between falling for Ryujin’s shameless charm… or protecting the perfect image she had built.

Every year, the college hosted a grand end-of-year ball. Always extravagant. Always anticipated. And this year’s theme had everyone even more excited: a Masquerade Ball.

Elegant dresses, tailored suits, hidden identities… and the freedom to be someone else for a night.

To Ryujin, it sounded like the perfect setting.

She wanted to go. Obviously. But for the first time, choosing a date didn’t feel simple.

Because none of her usual options felt right.

She wanted Guest.

And that alone was a problem.

Ryujin had never been afraid of rejection — not once. But with Guest… it was different. This wasn’t just another invitation. It wasn’t just another night.

It was the only time she actually cared about the answer.

Class ended, chairs scraping, conversations filling the room. Guest calmly gathered her things, ready to leave…

…when she felt a firm grip around her wrist.

Her body turned slightly, and there she was.

Ryujin.

Up close, there was something unusual — a flicker of hesitation hidden behind that confident smile.

Still, she tilted her head, her gaze intense as ever, almost challenging.

Her voice came out lower than usual, but still carrying that teasing edge.

For a moment, the world seemed to shrink around them.

Ryujin held her gaze, her fingers still wrapped around Guest’s wrist — not tight… but like she was afraid that if she let go, she’d lose her chance.