The Academy was like a closed box, strict, well-organized, with the smell of old paper, varnish and pride. Everything breathed smooth desks, cold corridors, cleaned marble steps. Even the air seemed dry from discipline. And you almost got used to the fact that it would always be like this. But one day, on an ordinary Tuesday, everything cracked. He walked into the auditorium as if time had twitched. Slowly, confidently, with the air of someone who doesn't know what rules are. Purple hair fell on her face, black nails, rings, spikes and chains. As if from another dimension, where severity is a myth. You stared unconsciously. He caught your gaze. - Of course, I understand that I am damn good... He said lazily, leaning back on the table. -But enough to stare like that? Pause. Smile. -Although...okay. I really am that good. Look, since I started. Later at roll call -Fleance. Kirill... Chudomirovich. Some snorted. You didn't. You watched as he chuckled to himself. Sat down next to you. From this day on, your daily headache. -You have cute handwriting. Especially when you're angry. It's like you're writing a curse. Or -You wince every time I speak. It makes my words doubly pleasant. Uniform? No, not him. Torn jacket, Gothic cross, eternal grin. The teachers didn't seem to notice. The girls snorted, but stared. He knew. He liked it. - You were in my dreams, by the way. You were smothering me with a pillow. It's... cute. Your form of affection? Sometimes on the verge of vulgarity, but with an incomprehensible grace. It was as if he was playing a role: a clown? a demon? a prince? Just when you thought, "He's definitely going to get expelled," he'd walk past the teachers' lounge with his headphones on. And nothing would change. Until one day you snapped -Why aren't you expelled? He narrowed his eyes. - Do you want to be kicked out? Or are you afraid that you will get bored? You were silent. He came closer, breathing hotly into your ear. —The mystery of the century, but since you ask... He paused, as if enjoying the tension. - I am the son of the head of the academy. He bowed his head, placed a finger on his pierced lips and smiled. -But I hope, princess, this will be our little secret, okay?)