─────── 𝐈 𝐍 𝐓 𝐑 𝐎 𝐃 𝐔 𝐂 𝐓 𝐈 𝐎 𝐍 ───────

[01 | 01 | 2023 , 10:00am]

Pendulin's spokesperson, head of the school's media team, took to the stage to announce this year's senior top 12 ranking students - aka the much sought after Diamond Division. Made up of 12 individuals who thrive and stand out from the 12 different categories offered at Pendulin Academy.

"Lee Heeseung, the school's ace and perfectionist from team sports."

"Kim Yeram, school's it girl and best gymnast from the acrobatic feats category."

"The young prodigy Nishimura Riki representing all dancers."

"Yang Jungwon, Taekwondo black belt from the school's martial arts classes."

"Talented Shin Hari for Beauty and Lifestyle."

"Ice Prince Park Sunghoon and his vintage skates for ice sports."

"The main character, the moment, the Kim Sunoo from Theater Arts."

"Infamous playboy Park Jongseong from the football team."

"Our graceful ballerina Min Aera for Performance Dance."

"Aussie boy Sim Jake from the volley team for Beach Sports."

"School's golden voice Rim Ahyeun for Vocal Delivery."

"And last but not least, Thai painter Huang Dana for Visual Arts!"

"Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you Pendulin's newest Diamond 12!!"

The crowd in the auditorium erupted in loud cheers and claps as everyone congratulated the highest achievers of last year's exams and the newest top class.

Heeseung, Yeram, Riki, Jungwon, Hari, Sunghoon, Sunoo, Jongseong, Aera, Jake, Ahyeun and Dana, in their respective rankings, stood proud and tall at front of the stage, facing their fellow students who were all in standing ovation for them.

 ─────── 𝐂 𝐇 𝐀 𝐏 𝐓 𝐄 𝐑   𝟏 ───────

[27 | 01 | 2023 , 3:15pm]

"Hey guys, I'm gonna head out for 10 minutes," Dana said to her friends as she stuffed her phone back into her pockets.

They all nodded, still looking at their papers and not paying her much of their attention.

"Actually you know what, why don't we all take a break?" Jungwon suggested, finally feeling tired after their non-stop brainstorming and planning for the last hour and a half or so.

"Ugh, that's actually a great idea," Hari, who sat next to him, groaned, banging her head on the table. "I'm fucking exhausted from this shit. I need to go and cool down."

Yeram on the other side of the room, grimaced at the girl. "Of course she does," she rolled her eyes as her and Heeseung made eye contact.

The two shared a knowing look; they were well aware of what she meant by 'cooling off'.

"Oh, well I'm going now." Dana fished out her wallet from her bag before waving one last time to them and heading for the door.

The remaining 11 bid her their goodbyes whilst packing their own things, not knowing this would be the last time they would see Dana alive.

"See you guys in a bit," was her last words to them.

[4:05pm]

Jake walked into the library, happily sipping on his drink; however when he looked up, he was met with an unpleasant scene. The rest of the Diamonds were sat down in the big middle desk, with policemen surrounding them.

"What's going on?" he asked, causing all 14 heads in front of him to turn simultaneously.

"Ahh Mr. Sim, we were waiting for you," one of the policemen said, raising his eyebrows.

"Why?"

"It's Dana," Ahyeun quickly said before the policeman could.

Jake's mouth hung open.

[28 | 01 | 2023 , 6:00pm]

Riki's mom turned on the TV for the evening news program. The boy's chopsticks stopped on his plate, as he looked up at the screen.

"Body of Pendulin student Huang Dana found lifeless near the prestigious school grounds.

Police say they have detained suspects, however they have been bailed out on probation.

The names of the students have yet to be released to the public yet due to confidential reasons.

We are standing by the Seoul National Police Station, waiting to get an update soon."

"I hope you realise how serious this is Riki," his father said, briefly looking up from the newspaper he was reading.

The latter put down his chopsticks, his mood souring up. "Yes, I do."

"Tell the police exactly what I've told you, hmm. I don't need another child of mine bringing shame to my family name," Mr. Nishimura looked back down at the black and white paper.

"Yes father," Riki gritted his teeth. His mother, sitting opposite him, cleared her throat.

"Keep calm," she mouthed to him.

Her son exhaled sharply, getting up. "I'll be taking my leave now, see you in the morning. Goodnight."

Mrs. Nishimura tried to protest but Riki was quick to rush out.

[6:45pm]

Aera stared at the photo frame she was holding, tears pricking her cat eyes.

Dana was her best friend, so it was no surprise her sudden death impacted the ballerina the most.

"Wh-who did this to you Dannie?" she whispered, caressing the glass covering 14 year old Dana's face.

Police said Aera was the least likely to do such a thing, since according to all her past records, the girl has nothing but good things written about her. Not even a little hiccup could be found in her papers.

The girl carefully put away the frame in the drawer of her bedside cabinet, and curled up in bed again.

[7:00pm]

"Bullshit don't you think? That we're being blamed for her death?" Jongseong snarled, lighting up his cigarette.

"First of all, lose the fucking cigarette, it's not good for you. And second, yeah, it really is," Yeram glared at him.

Jongseong paid no attention to her and continued to bring the cigar up to his mouth and breathe in the smoke that came out of it.

"I mean, we're the only ones that were at school that day. I'm pretty sure everyone was gone for the day," Hari explained.

"Ri, don't. You stink of weed every time you open your mouth," Yeram scrunched up her nose at the girl.

"Shut up!" Hari shouted in annoyance. "I ran out of gum you bitch."

Yeram clicked her tongue on her teeth, "Whatever." She turned her attention to the boy standing next to her, "Sunghoon? How come you haven't said anything?"

The brunette snapped back from his deep thoughts, still frowning. "I'm just thinking."

"About?" Jongseong blew out a gray cloud of tobacco vapor.

"Who killed her and left absolutely no evidence behind?"

"Some sneaky bastard," Hari mumbled under her breath, causing Yeram to jab her side. "Ow! That hurt."

"Hari's right, whoever did it is someone fucking smart," Jongseong added, throwing what was left of his cigarette down on the floor and using his heel to put of the little fire.

"We should wait till school tomorrow, and continue discussing with the rest," Yeram concluded.

"Do you think it could be one of them?" Hari suddenly said.

"Our friends? No, I don't think so," Yeram replied. She never thought about suspecting one of her friends, even though the police did.

"All I'm saying is that I don't trust anyone," Hari protested, putting her hands in the air.

It came to no surprise that she didn't. Hari was the bitchy type, who favored keeping to herself more than others.

But there's a reason behind every personality and Hari is no exception.

[27 | 01 | 2023 , 3:38pm]

"I-I don't want to die, p-please," Dana pleaded as she was held at knife point at the edge of the floor.

"Lovely Dana, you had this coming your way. I told you that you'd pay and that's exactly what you're doing now ahaha," her killer tightened their grip around her shoulders. "Say goodbye to this Earth bitch," the person sneered, just before kicking down the helpless girl.

Over the edge, down to the floor.

The deafening scream rippled through the air, and within seconds her body fell down from the 13th floor to the ground with a gruesome splattering squelch.

Her murderer smiled widely in competence.

"Good riddance."

The all-black dressed figure turned away from the scene, laughing to themselves as they disappeared down the stairs.

———

so first chapter!! what did we thinkkkk?

i dont know how to feel about this one tbh, its a bit ehh😬