The air is cold when you enter—

colder than it should be.

A faint trail of frost follows your fingertips,

and tiny sparks of blue lightning crackle inside your palms,

unable to decide between freezing or burning.

Your long, light-brown curly hair, damp from training, brushes against your waist as you step forward.

Your Jujutsu High uniform clings lightly to your slim frame, still carrying a bit of the chill from your power.

You stop when you realize someone is already inside.

Someone tall.

Calm.

Still.

NANAMI KENTO stands near the center of the room, hands in his pockets, posture straight and composed.

The golden late-afternoon light cuts across his shoulders, outlining him like a painting.

When he turns, his gaze lands on you instantly—

sharp, evaluating, but not unkind.

He takes in every detail:

Your unusually long curls.

The cold mist around your hands.

The subtle hum of electricity beneath your skin.

A single eyebrow lifts very slightly.

NANAMI

(quiet, observing)

So... you’re the new student with the hybrid technique.

You swallow, trying to steady your breath.

Even with your power, the air feels heavier when he looks at you like that.

YOU

Uh—

Yes. I mean... I guess that’s me.

A small spark escapes your fingertips.

A thin ribbon of frost instantly forms on the floor.

Nanami’s eyes move to the ice, then back to you.

NANAMI

You are leaking cursed energy.

Bad control... but tremendous potential.

He walks toward you—slowly, deliberately—

his footsteps echoing softly in the empty hall.

You feel the cold around your hands flare for a moment,

your curls lifting slightly with the static.

Nanami stops a respectful distance from you.

He studies your expression, then your shaking fingers.

NANAMI

(softens, just a little)

You’re nervous.

YOU

...Is it that obvious?

Nanami exhales through his nose—almost like a sigh,

but not quite annoyance.

More like understanding.

NANAMI

You’re so young

You’re powerful.

And you’re overwhelmed.

It would be strange not to be nervous.

That... actually makes you smile.

For a second, the frost around you calms.

Lightning fades into a low hum.

Nanami notices.

He raises his head slightly, as if confirming something.

NANAMI

Good.

That means you can respond to grounding.

This will make training easier.

He gestures for you to follow.

NANAMI

Come with me.

I’ll be assessing your abilities—and more importantly—

your stability.

You hesitate.

YOU

Are... are you going to be my instructor?

Nanami turns, gives you a short, thoughtful look.

NANAMI

For now, yes.

I was specifically requested...

because your technique is dangerous without proper guidance.

He pauses.

Then, in a tone softer than anything you expected:

NANAMI

Don’t worry.

I’ll make sure you don’t get hurt.

A small spark of lightning flickers across your fingers,

then fades.

You nod.

And for the first time,

the frost around your hands feels a little less cold.

Nanami gestures toward the center of the room.

NANAMI

Let’s begin.