Breaking Her Innocence

The Captain of the Levesque Volleyball Club, Alexi, was currently absent from the team. She was recovering in the hospital after a harrowing incident. While driving home late at night, a group of masked motorcyclists ambushed her car, blocking her path. They began smashing her vehicle with baseball bats. Despite her bravery in attempting to communicate with the attackers, they turned their violence on her, striking her arms and legs—the very parts she relied on most as a volleyball player.

The incident sent shockwaves through the team, and it was clear to everyone that this attack was no random act. Someone was trying to ensure Alexi couldn't return to the court.

"I'll visit Captain after class," Reign announced, breaking the silence in the clubroom. "Who wants to come along?"

Sharon, the team's vice-captain, was momentarily lost in thought. She recalled the day she received the news of Alexi's accident. The horrifying phone call had caused the entire team to cancel their vacations and rush to the hospital to support their captain.

Snapping back to the present, Sharon spoke up. "I stayed with her all night last Sunday. Today's her last day in the hospital, so all of you Michaelis cousins should visit her. She'll be recovering at her parents' house after this."

The Michaelis cousins, a trio of players who were inseparable on and off the court, nodded in agreement.

As lunchtime approached, the volleyball team's recruitment drive was finally winding down. The line of students eager to join had dwindled, and the team began packing up their belongings.

Just then, a tall, cold-looking student with an air of elegance appeared at the doorway. Her striking beauty caught everyone's attention, and the room fell silent as she knocked lightly on the open door.

"Can I still sign in?" she asked, her tone neutral and almost emotionless.

The team collectively turned to assess her, their gazes scanning her athletic frame and tall stature. They exchanged glances, silently debating whether to entertain her late arrival.

As if sensing their hesitation, the tall student added, "I was a player at my old school."

Her statement immediately piqued the team's interest. With Alexi out of commission and their roster already thinned by graduating seniors, they were in desperate need of players. Specifically, they needed another setter, just in case Alexi's recovery took longer than anticipated.

Sharon stepped forward, her sharp eyes narrowing as she appraised the newcomer. "You're tall, and you have the posture of an athlete," she remarked, her tone cold yet curious. "But you're late."

"Senior, please give me a chance to prove my ability," the girl replied, her tone firm yet respectful. Though her voice lacked warmth, it was clear she wasn't being dismissive—it was simply the way she spoke.

The Michaelis cousins glanced at Sharon, silently pleading for her to say yes. They, like the rest of the team, knew how dire their situation was.

After a moment of contemplation, Sharon sighed. "Alright. Prove yourself during the tryouts this Friday."

The tall student's neutral expression softened slightly in gratitude. She bowed politely. "Thank you."

Zoren, another member of the team, gestured for her to come closer. "What's your name?"

"Yuzu," she answered simply.

The team nodded collectively, silently acknowledging her potential.

"You look strong," Kane commented, giving her an encouraging smile. "Good luck on Friday."

"I'll give it my all," Yuzu responded confidently, her calm demeanor unwavering.

The tryout on Friday was already shaping up to be one of the most anticipated events for the volleyball club. The team needed fresh talent, and Yuzu's unexpected arrival had sparked a small flame of hope. But as the team prepared to leave the clubroom for lunch, Sharon couldn't shake a nagging feeling.

The attack on Alexi still weighed heavily on her mind. As vice-captain, it was her responsibility to hold the team together in Alexi's absence, but the uncertainty of her recovery loomed large. Sharon glanced at Yuzu, who was now speaking quietly with Zoren and Kane

Can we really rely on her? Sharon wondered. She had always been cautious about new players, especially those who arrived unannounced. But something about Yuzu's calm confidence intrigued her.

Shaking off her doubts, Sharon resolved to give the tall newcomer a fair chance. For now, the team's focus was on supporting Alexi, preparing for the upcoming tryouts, and ensuring they remained united in the face of their challenges.

That evening, the volleyball team members made their way to the hospital to visit Alexi. Despite her injuries, she greeted them with her usual warmth and humor, determined not to let the attack dampen her spirit.

As the team gathered around her bed, the room buzzed with conversation and laughter. For a brief moment, it felt like everything was normal again. But beneath the surface, everyone knew that the road ahead would be anything but easy.

Sharon stood near the window, her gaze focused on the city lights outside. She couldn't shake the feeling that the attack on Alexi was only the beginning. Whoever had targeted their captain wasn't just trying to take her out—they were trying to destabilize the entire team.

"Sharon?" Alexi's voice pulled her from her thoughts.

Sharon turned to face her captain.

"You're doing great," Alexi said with a reassuring smile. "I know you'll keep the team together."

Sharon nodded, a determined glint in her eyes. "We'll make you proud, Captain. No matter what."

As the team left the hospital that night, they were more resolved than ever. They would face whatever challenges came their way—on and off the court. And with the upcoming tryouts, Sharon silently hoped that Yuzu might just be the key to rebuilding their team's strength.

. . .

The massive dining hall in the campus buzzed with life. The noise escalated as the Volleyball team from Business Administration (BA) made a grand entrance. Leading the group were Zoren, Reign, Kane, and Dein—the Michaelis cousins.

"The Michaelis cousins are here!"

The students of Business Administration and Law couldn't help but chatter excitedly.

"Damn, they look so fine. I just lost my appetite," one student exclaimed.

"Girl, they're not food," another chuckled. "But I get it!"

"Look at those long legs and perfect curves!"

"They look physically ready," commented one of the Law students with a mix of admiration and worry. "How are we supposed to win against them in the upcoming festival?"

"Let's just enjoy the game," another Law student replied. "It'll be an honor to play against them."

"Right."

The buzz of conversations followed the Michaelis cousins as they passed through the tables. Students couldn't take their eyes off them, admiring the athletes as they claimed a table.

Soon after, the superior officials of the campus entered—members of the Supreme Student Government of Business and Law. Heidi, Seige, Snow, Eirene, and Hann walked in confidently, accompanied by the new student, Katarina.

The chattering resumed, but this time, there was an added element of surprise.

"Hey, look over there!"

"President Eirene is here—wait, who's that girl with her?"

"That's the new girl we've been seeing all over the internet."

"The French girl? Sharon's sister?"

"None other than."

"My goodness, she's even more adorable in person."

This time, it was the Law students leading the conversation.

"How do they know each other?"

"President Eirene studied in France before, right? Maybe they were friends back then."

"You've got a point."

"Also, isn't it great to see Corps Hann today? She looked so cool in her military uniform, but she's even hotter in civilian clothes!"

"Château, you said it, girl!"

Eirene asked Snow if she could have a private table with Katarina to discuss personal matters. Meanwhile, the Michaelis cousins reunited at a table nearby, close enough to observe Eirene and Katarina from a distance.

Reign, ever playful, greeted Snow with a warm hug. "Cómo estás, my love?"

Snow let them baby her, even though Dein, the youngest, refused to be pampered in the same way. "Not great," Snow admitted. "It's only the second day of planning, and we're already overwhelmed with preparations for the festival."

Zoren gently patted her head. "Don't stress too much. Rest if you can."

Reign added, "Let us know if there's anything we can help with."

Snow nodded, her heart warmed by their support.

Kane chimed in, "Just don't hide anything from us again, okay?"

Dein, despite her usual nonchalant demeanor, spoke up with unexpected maturity. "And inform us if you're meeting someone new. We'll protect you. Don't trust people too easily—especially people like that."

Their attention shifted abruptly to the dining hall's entrance.

The "Fuccgirls," as they were notoriously nicknamed, made a dramatic entrance that shook the hall. Meira and Seira led the group, followed by Navia and Sharon.

The noise level in the hall skyrocketed—chattering, squealing, and even a few whistles echoed as the most popular girls on campus strode confidently down the aisle.

"Sharon, Navia, Seira, Meira, why are you so gorgeous?!" one student shouted.

Seira and Navia responded cheekily, "We eat healthily!"

As Seira and Navia flirted shamelessly with the students, taking their time to bask in the attention, Meira and Sharon made their way straight to the counter.

Meanwhile, Sharon's sharp eyes scanned the hall until they landed on a familiar figure sitting with the Michaelis cousins. Without hesitation, she approached Snow's table.

"Hey," Sharon greeted curtly.

Snow looked up, her tone plain as ever. "Yow."

"Where's Katarina?" Sharon asked, glancing around.

Snow smirked slightly. "With her girlfriend."

Sharon frowned. "Huh?"

Snow gestured toward a corner table where Eirene and Katarina were seated, chatting animatedly. Eirene, known for her cold and reserved demeanor, was smiling warmly, a sight that left the onlookers stunned.

"Over there," Snow said. "They seem pretty close."

Sharon's eyes narrowed as she observed the pair. She had never gotten along well with Eirene, and seeing her sister smiling so brightly at the President of Law stirred something unnameable within her.

"What's going on?" Sharon muttered, turning to Hann for answers.

Hann shrugged. "As you can see, they're just friends catching up after a long time. Eirene mentioned a special friend before—looks like it's your sister."

"Special friend, huh," Sharon murmured under her breath. Her jaw tightened as she tapped Snow's shoulder in thanks and walked back to the counter to help Meira.

At the counter, Meira asked, "Where'd you go? And where's your sister? We want to meet her."

Sharon ignored the questions, her voice clipped. "Let's eat at my place. Mrs. Kim will be there."

"Mrs. Kim? Yass! Her homemade food is the best!"

"You haven't paid yet. Go tell the others about the plan. I'll grab a drink."

Meira nodded and went to relay the message to the rest of the group. Sharon, meanwhile, ordered a bottle of fresh strawberry milk. After paying, she made her way to Katarina's table.

Katarina, with her back to Sharon, didn't notice her approach until she felt someone standing impossibly close behind her. The unexpected proximity sent a jolt through her as Sharon leaned down slightly, her toned abs brushing against Katarina's back.

"So, you've decided to eat without waiting for me?" Sharon's voice was calm, yet it carried a faint hint of reproach.

Katarina turned to face her sister, her wide eyes meeting Sharon's sharp gaze. "Sharon."

Their faces were mere inches apart, the tension palpable between them. Katarina felt her cheeks flush under Sharon's penetrating stare.

"I'm hurt," Sharon said flatly, though her voice lacked any real emotion.

"I'm sorry," Katarina replied softly. "I completely forgot. It's been so long since I've seen Eirene. We were just catching up."

"Yeah?" Sharon raised an eyebrow. "So, it's her—your Prince Charming?"

Katarina looked away, her blush deepening. Sharon's gaze flicked to Eirene, who was now watching them with a cool, unreadable expression. The silent exchange between the two carried a tension that no one else in the hall could understand.

Breaking the eye contact, Sharon set the bottle of strawberry milk on the table.

Katarina blinked at the gesture. "Strawberry—it's my favorite." She looked up at Sharon, surprised. "Is this for me? How did you know I like strawberry?"

"You mentioned it this morning," Sharon replied, her voice softening slightly.

Katarina's face lit up. "You remembered! I thought you weren't listening. Thank you, Sharon." She smiled brightly, her dimples on full display.

For a moment, Sharon was caught off guard by the younger girl's sheer adorableness. Unable to resist, she leaned down and placed a gentle kiss on Katarina's forehead before walking away without another word.

As Sharon rejoined her group, Navia grinned mischievously. "What was with the kiss?"

Seira teased, "Didn't know you could be that soft, Sharon."

Meira added with a laugh, "Jeanne d'Arc the Barrier Breaker strikes again."

Sharon rolled her eyes, refusing to answer. She didn't know why she did it either, but one thing was clear—she now had the perfect weapon to get under Eirene's skin.