Chapter 8 – First Step into the Co-Ed School
The morning light spilled gently across my room, golden rays sneaking through the curtains and landing on my face. I yawned and sat up, rubbing my eyes slowly.
"Ahh… another day," I murmured, stretching my arms toward the ceiling.
It still felt unreal—the warmth of family that had returned just yesterday. My three eldest sisters had finally come home from university for a short holiday. For the first time in years, our villa was filled with laughter again. It had been awkward at first, especially after how rude and distant I'd always been to them before. But somehow… things were changing. Maybe I was changing.
The memory of yesterday's reunion still floated in my head. Their surprised faces when I bowed my head and greeted them politely—it was priceless. I had never seen my sisters look that shocked before. I almost laughed remembering it.
But today was different.
Today wasn't about family.
Today was about the first step toward my new life.
Mom had spent all night on the phone arranging my school transfer. I didn't expect it to happen so fast, but well, that's Mom. When she decides something, it's done before sunrise. She called the principal of one of the top co-educational schools in the city—a rare kind of school where both boys and girls studied together. In this world, where men were so few, even the word "co-ed" sounded like something out of a fairy tale.
I could still hear the echo of her call from last night.
"Yes, Madam, of course! We'll take full responsibility for your son's safety," the principal had said almost instantly.
Mom smiled while talking. "He's a bit shy but very polite. I'm trusting you with him."
The principal's voice softened. "No worries, Madam. We'll give him special privileges and personal protection. No female student will be allowed to bother him. You have my word."
It took just two minutes. Two minutes for my admission to be finalized.
When Mom told me, I couldn't help but grin like a child. Finally—finally, I was going to a co-ed school. A place where I could meet girls my age, experience normal student life, and maybe… start my plan.
My plan to create my own circle—my own harem, in a world where men were treated like treasures locked behind glass.
Not because I wanted power or fame, but because I wanted connection. Real connection.
I wanted to prove that even in a world ruled by women, a man could stand proudly and win hearts with sincerity, not just because of rarity.
Morning arrived faster than I expected. My alarm rang, pulling me out of my thoughts.
"Time to go," I whispered to myself.
After a quick shower, I put on my new uniform—white shirt, dark blue blazer, matching trousers, and a school badge shining neatly on the chest pocket. I adjusted the tie twice until it looked perfect. The mirror reflected a young man who, for once, looked confident.
Downstairs, breakfast was already waiting. Mom had woken up early to cook it herself—something she rarely did since the maids usually handled it. The table was filled with fruit, toast, omelette, and a glass of warm milk.
"You look very beautiful like an angel," Mom said softly, eyes filled with emotion.
"Thanks, Mom." I smiled awkwardly, sitting down to eat.
She kept watching me like she was memorizing every second.
"Mom, I'm just going to school, not to another country," I said jokingly.
But her smile faltered. "You don't understand… It's the first time you'll be out there, surrounded by so many people. And most of them are girls. You know how rare boys are in this world, right? Just… promise me you'll be careful."
I nodded. "I will, Mom. Don't worry."
Outside, a black luxury car was already parked near the villa's main gate. Two professional-looking female bodyguards stood beside it, dressed in dark suits with earpieces glowing faintly. Their expressions were sharp, serious—like soldiers on duty.
"This is too much," I whispered. "Mom, really? Bodyguards?"
She crossed her arms. "I'm not taking any chances. If something happens to you, I won't forgive myself."
A female driver stepped forward and bowed slightly. "Young Master, we're ready to depart whenever you wish."
Hearing her call me Young Master still made me feel weird.
Mom's eyes glistened with tears. "Message me after every class ends, okay? And call your sisters too. They'll worry."
"Alright, alright, I will."
I smiled, trying to lighten her mood. "Mom, I'll come back before evening. Please believe in me."
She gently held my face in her hands. "My, my baby. Just… don't let any woman come too close."
Her voice was half-serious, half-love, but filled with real worry. I hugged her tightly. "You've raised me well, Mom. I'll be fine."
She patted my head, and for a moment, everything felt peaceful.
Then I turned, took a deep breath, and walked toward the car.
The guards opened the door, and I sat down inside, watching as the villa slowly faded behind me.
Outside the window, the city buzzed with life—women walking in groups, shops opening, bright advertisements flashing across tall buildings. Everywhere I looked, I could feel the imbalance of the world. There were hardly any men on the streets. Even after living here for years, I still couldn't get used to it.
As the car moved closer to the school, I began to imagine what it would be like there. A co-ed school. Girls who had never even talked to a boy before. Teachers who might treat me like a royal guest.
It was exciting… and a little terrifying.
"Maybe this is where everything begins," I whispered.
The car stopped in front of the grand gates of Edelweiss Co-Ed Academy. The school looked like a blend of modern design and old European architecture—tall stone pillars, beautiful gardens, and fountains sparkling under the sunlight.
Students were already gathering inside the gate, most of them girls in elegant uniforms. As soon as I stepped out, hundreds of eyes turned toward me.
Whispers filled the air instantly.
"Is that… a boy?"
"Wow, he's so cute!"
"He is like an porcelain doll, very cute!"
"Look at his uniform! He must be the new student!"
I could feel my heartbeat quicken. The guards behind me tensed, but I raised my hand slightly, signaling them to relax.
"It's fine," I said with a small smile. "Let them look."
Because for the first time in my life, I didn't want to hide.
I wanted to live freely—even if the world around me was upside down.
As I walked through the gate, I silently promised myself something:
I wouldn't be just another rare man protected by others.
I'd become someone worth remembering.
Someone strong enough to change this world.
To be continued…