A soft hum echoed in the distance.
Mist curled around Valentine's bare feet as she stood in a boundless white space.
A woman appeared before her — long black hair flowing like ink, skin pale as moonlight.
She reached out a hand, but a transparent barrier shimmered between them.
Valentine's heart thudded. She didn't speak, yet something inside her whispered, I know you.
The woman smiled — though she had no face.
Her voice, soft as wind, floated through the mist.
"Say my name."
The barrier pulsed. Light burst between them—
Dinggg!
Valentine jerked upright in bed, breath catching in her throat.
Sunlight spilled through the curtains, blinding her for a moment.
Pressing a hand to her racing heart, she blinked around the room, then sighed.
Just a dream. A weird one.
She reached for her phone.
6:00 a.m.
With a groggy sigh, she grabbed her towel and uniform, heading to the bathroom.
---
Minutes later, steam rolled out from the door as she stepped out, towel wrapped around her body, another over her hair. Her golden-embroidered robe caught the morning light — her mother's brand. She sat at her dressing table, rubbing her strawberry-vanilla body oil across her skin, when the doorbell chimed.
Ding dong.
Valentine frowned. Who would be at their dorm this early?
Before she could move, Rachel stumbled out of her bed in pink pajamas, hair messy, voice half-asleep.
"Who's at the door?" she asked — loudly.
Valentine winced. "We could just open it to find out."
She reached for the doorknob, but Rachel's hand shot out, stopping her.
"Don't open it."
"…Why?" Valentine asked, confused.
"Go get dressed first," Rachel ordered, still rubbing her eyes.
Valentine sighed. "Okaaay…"
She threw on her uniform, adjusting her pearl earrings, her short navy skirt, and her tie. A faint scent of vanilla followed her as she walked back.
Rachel was still by the door.
"Can you please explain what's going on?" Valentine asked, crossing her arms.
Rachel just whispered, "Watch this."
Then she yelled again, "Who's at the door?"
Silence.
Valentine frowned. "Rachel, maybe they can't hear you—"
"Fix your hair," Rachel interrupted.
"What—?"
"Do it. And smile."
Valentine gave her a what-is-your-problem look but did as told. Rachel nodded, satisfied.
"Alright. Open it now — and remember, be composed."
Valentine blinked, shaking her head at her friend's weird behavior. She opened the door—
Flash!
A blinding light hit her face.
She froze. A bear mascot with a camera around its neck stood there for a split second — and then bolted down the hallway.
Valentine just stood there, blinking. Slowly, she closed the door and turned to Rachel.
Rachel smirked. "You can thank me later."
Then she disappeared into the bathroom.
Valentine could only sigh, shaking her head. What just happened?
---
Later, both dressed, they walked toward class. Their arms linked, laughter echoing lightly down the hall — until someone called out:
"Valentine!"
Valentine turned. Maysha jogged up, her long dark hair bouncing.
Rachel tilted her head. "Who's she?"
"My classmate," Valentine said.
Maysha smiled warmly. "Hi. You must be Valentine's roommate."
Rachel nodded, offering a handshake. "Rachel."
"Maysha."
They shook. Valentine smiled faintly as she watched the two interact.
"Let's head to class," she said, checking her iPad.
As they walked, Rachel asked, "You're French, right?"
Maysha laughed. "Is my accent that obvious?"
Both Valentine and Rachel said, "Yes," at the same time, making Maysha giggle.
"This is my first time in Switzerland," she said. "It's beautiful."
"Yeah," Valentine replied softly.
Rachel leaned in. "So what brought you here? School or family business — like Val?"
"Both."
"Got it. Drop your number, we'll chat later," Rachel said, grinning.
As Maysha typed, Valentine's attention shifted to her phone. Her face fell slightly.
"Val?" Rachel called. "What's wrong?"
When Valentine didn't answer, Rachel grabbed the phone from her.
Her eyes widened as she read the message aloud:
'First punishment: Arrange the students library and meet me in my office after classes.
Failure to meet up = 40 points deduction.'
Maysha and Rachel exchanged glances, then turned to Valentine with matching pity.
Rachel patted her shoulder dramatically. "Our dear Valentine suffers from injustice."
Maysha nodded seriously. "Unacceptable."
Valentine exhaled, crossing her arms. "I'm going to tell him everything today. This isn't fair."
Maysha smirked. "Wait—what did you do exactly?"
Valentine sighed. "It's… a long story."
Rachel turned to Maysha. "Translation: the President is wicked, and our Valentine is the victim."
Maysha gasped, hand on her heart. "Then we'll help you after class!"
Valentine smiled. "Thanks, both of you."
Rachel grinned. "That's what we're here for."
The three girls walked down the hall together, sunlight glinting through the tall windows — unaware that someone, somewhere, was already watching.