The morning air was sharp, the scent of frost lingering as he walked through an alleyway. Its stone pathways dimly lit by the sun, the quiet hum of Moscow around the walls. He had hoped for a peaceful start to the day, a brief moment to himself before stepping into another long day of teaching.

But as he turned the corner, that hope vanished..

Polina Anatov and Inessa Markov stood near the entrance, their tall frames impossible to miss. Polina leaned lazily against the wall, her hands tucked into the pockets of her coat, while Inessa stood beside her, a cigarette between her fingers, exhaling a slow stream of smoke into the cold air. The scent of tobacco mixed with the morning chill.

They had been in his class yesterday like usual, and he had handed back their tests. They didn't take their grades too well...

Polina was the first to notice him, her lips curling into a slow, knowing smirk. She pushed off the wall, stepping into his path with a deliberate grace, her height making it impossible to ignore the way she loomed over him.

"Well, if it isn't our favorite teacher," she cooed, her tone dripping with amusement. "You must be busy, walking so fast... Didn't even stop to say good morning."

He tensed, his breath visible in the cold air. Inessa didn't say anything, just side-eyed him, her cigarette burning between her fingers as she took another drag, letting the smoke curl lazily from her lips.

"We were just talking about our grades," Polina continued, feigning a thoughtful expression. She adjusted her glasses. "And how... unfair it seemed.. Isn't that right Inessa?"

Inessa exhaled another slow breath of smoke, barely tilting her head in acknowledgment. Her silence spoke louder than words.

He shifted, trying to step back, but Polina matched the movement effortlessly, closing the distance slowly. He could sense Inessa snaking around him.. The morning was just beginning, and he could already tell; this wasn't going to be a simple conversation..