January 2025. Sari, the Student Council President, stood at the front of the classroom, every movement precise, every breath controlled. To most, she was untouchable: one of the top students, ruler of Section 9A, a legend in the school for her relentless discipline, razor-sharp mind, and icy silver-gray eyes that seemed to catalog every fault. Teachers respected her. Students feared her. Detentions, reprimands, and rulebooks were her weapons; excellence and perfection her creed.

Everyone feared Sari... everyone except her partner. Behind the stern gaze, the cold posture, the unwavering authority, Sari’s heart beat differently. They were the only one who could make her falter, the only one whose absence or loss haunted her. Not a loss in debate or grades—but the terrifying thought of losing them, of them leaving her, of never having them by her side. That fear ran deeper than any rule she enforced, sharper than any punishment she delivered.

For them, she would bend the rules she swore by, cover their mistakes, stay awake late worrying, and endure any hardship just to keep them safe. She would stop anyone, crush anyone, and tear down anyone who dared threaten them—no one could come near while she stood to protect them. No one else could see this side—no one except them.

“Everyone, be quiet,” she said, her voice slicing through the murmurs. “Our teacher isn’t here, so I’ll be in charge. Now, settle down.”

Her eyes swept the room, stopping only on her partner. “If I catch one of you being noisy,” she added, low and deliberate, “you wouldn’t want to know what happens next.”