Im'the son of the Villainess's at the Academy

Renas crimson eyes flickered with amusement as he felt the delicate touch of Rina's hand graze against his. It was a brief moment, almost accidental — yet it sent a subtle spark along his nerves. The noise of the bustling mall, the flickering lights, the excited chatter of their companions — all of it blurred into insignificance as he turned his head slightly toward her.

She flinched just a little, her golden eyes narrowing, still stubborn and smoldering with unspoken indignation. Yes, she was angry. She had every reason to be. Jin had teased her mercilessly, flaunted his charm, and flirted with danger like he always did. But beneath that cold front… he saw it. The warmth. The fire. The possessiveness. She was his — and he was hers — and that truth clung to her like the perfume she wore: bold, intoxicating, unyielding.

With a languid ease, Jin leaned in close, his breath brushing against the shell of her ear. Warm. Soft. Dangerous.

> "Rina," he whispered, his voice a velvet purr, "you look *adorably dangerous* when you're angry. I think I might have a problem… because right now I have this *burning desire* to drag you somewhere private and kiss those stubborn lips of yours until you forget what the word *anger* even means."

His breath, hot and deliberate, lingered for just a second longer before he drew back with a faint chuckle, letting his words simmer in her ears like embers left in the hearth. Then, with all the nonchalance of a rogue prince, he turned and walked ahead of the group, hands casually in his pockets, the faintest grin carved on his perfect lips.

Rina blinked. Her cheeks flushed crimson. Her heart? It betrayed her — thudding in her chest like a war drum. She bit the inside of her cheek, mentally cursing him, and herself, for how easily he could tilt her entire world with a single breath.

> "You bastard…" she thought, fists clenching the handles of her shopping bags.

> But she couldn't stop the smile curling at the edge of her lips.

As if on cue, Jin turned toward the group, ignoring the storm he'd just left behind in Rina's mind, and said with his usual smirk,

> "Alright, you lovely people. I believe you owe me one thing more — dinner. Somewhere fancy. The most prestigious place this academy town has to offer. My treat, of course. Consider it a gift… from my *tiny, wicked heart.*"

Ethan rolled his eyes but smirked.

> "You're full of contradictions, Jin."

Rina muttered under her breath, just loud enough,

> "First time I've seen a villain with such a generous soul."

Jin turned to her, brows lifted, faux shock on his face.

> "Tsk tsk, Lady Wife… you wound me. I would think you'd have started understanding your husband by now. Or do I need to give you… *lessons*?"

She narrowed her golden eyes, meeting his gaze with mock sweetness.

> "Oh, don't worry. I'm taking notes."

The two stared at each other, sarcasm and heat weaving a tension around them that the others felt even if they didn't understand it. The others exchanged glances — this was going to be one hell of a ride.

But then—

"Jin," Liliah interrupted, arms crossed as they walked, eyes curious and piercing, "Do you… actually love Rena?"

The world stilled for a moment.

Even Rina stopped breathing.

Jin… blinked.

Of all the things he was used to — praise, admiration, fear, flirtation — this… this was new. A direct question. One he wasn't sure how to answer. Not because he didn't know the answer, but because the answer was terrifying.

He'd lost love before. When Estelle died, something in him had gone cold, hollow. He'd sworn to never feel that vulnerable again. And now… now someone was daring to shine a light into that scarred space.

He looked at Rena. She wasn't staring at him, not directly — but he knew she was listening. Every heartbeat in her chest, every breath she took, screamed for his reply.

Then, Jin did something none of them expected. He smiled. Softly. No sarcasm. No arrogance. Just… quietly.

> "Who knows," he said, his voice calm, almost melancholic. "That's a secret I haven't quite figured out myself."

Then, in a heartbeat, he pivoted, his grin sharpening again like a blade of charm.

> "Unless… Liliah… you're asking because *you* fell for me?"

She scoffed, flicking her long green hair over her shoulder.

> "Please. You're attractive — annoyingly so — but I'd never fall for my best friend's future husband."

> "Wife," Jin corrected casually, lifting his gloved hand — then slowly pulled it off, revealing the elegant wedding band gleaming against his pale skin. "We got married two nights ago. Rather eventful ceremony… lots of wine, someone got drunk." He glanced at Leona.

Leona, completely shameless, raised her hand.

> "That would be me. And I regret nothing. Your mother is a terrifying woman, Jin, but her wine cellar? Absolutely divine."

> "I'm glad you enjoyed yourself," Jin said, handing her a mock-serious look. "Which is why I gave you that device. Use it anytime. You have unrestricted access to our estate. Drink yourself to sleep as much as you like."

> "Tempting," Leona smirked. "Don't regret it."

Jin turned to Ethan, who was silently watching, clearly deep in thought.

> "What about you, Ethan?" Jin asked. "Do I pass your test?"

> "You're… not what I expected," Ethan admitted, offering a small, almost reluctant smile. "But I think I understand why Rina… cares for you."

That word — "cares" — echoed in Rina's chest.

Jin gave a dramatic bow.

> "How gracious. Shall we go eat, then? I'm suddenly starving. Being married, loved, feared, and admired all at once is exhausting."

Laughter broke out among the group as they made their way toward the restaurant.

And behind them, under the gentle glow of the silver city lights, Rena stared at Jin's back — tall, confident, a little too arrogant for his own good — and felt something warm bloom in her chest.

She didn't say a word.

But her heart whispered,

> "Maybe… just maybe… I love him too."