It started with a letter.
Plain envelope. School seal.
Sea's name printed cold and neat on the front.
He held it in his hand for a full hour before he opened it.
He already knew. Somehow, he already knew.
> "Due to ongoing disruptions and reputation risks surrounding the scholarship program, we regret to inform you…"
The words blurred as his eyes filled with disbelief. His chest caved in. The floor swayed.
They were taking his scholarship.
Just like that.
Because of rumors. Because of fear.
Because of Boss.
He stumbled out of the hallway like a ghost underwater, every whisper stabbing deeper than the last.
> "Told you he was trouble."
"The devil's toy doesn't belong here."
"He should've never been let into our school."
Sea didn't cry. Not yet.
He just ran—past the lockers, past the classrooms, past everything.
Until he slammed right into Nick.
Nick caught him before he hit the ground, eyes sharp and searching.
> "What happened?"
Sea tried to speak, but his lips were trembling. His hand was still gripping the letter like a lifeline.
Nick snatched it, read it… and his face twisted into fury.
> "They're pulling your scholarship…?"
A deep silence fell.
Then, low and dark, Nick said:
> "He's going to destroy this school."
Sea blinked up at him.
> "Who?"
Nick didn't answer. He didn't have to.
Boss was already there.
Leaning against the wall behind them. Watching. Listening. Silent like a lion before the kill.
His tie loose, his blazer undone, but his eyes?
Hellfire.
> "They took it?" he asked, voice too calm to be safe.
Sea didn't speak.
Nick stepped forward, blocking Sea, jaw clenched.
> "You did this. You crossed the line."
Boss didn't flinch. He just smiled that twisted smile—the kind that promised violence and vengeance.
> "They crossed the line. I warned them."
Then he turned to Sea.
> "You won't leave this school, Sea. If I have to buy the whole damn place and burn it down, you're staying. With me."
Sea's breath caught in his throat.
Not from romance.
Not from desire.
But fear.
Because what do you do when the devil says you're his?
---
To be continued