The evening had settled upon Crown Lake Academy, enveloping the campus in a mysterious twilight. In the dorm room shared by Jieun and her roommate Yeongja, a contrast of decor prevailed.

The opulent surroundings clashed with Jieun's minimalistic belongings, creating a blend of luxury and simplicity.

Jieun was in the process of arranging her belongings when she placed her favourite blue glass bird on the top shelf. While doing so, she stumbled upon a book in one of the drawers.

Its timeworn cover bore the title, "Decoding the Enigma: Guidelines for Navigating Crown Lake," scripted in faded gold.

Intrigued by its name, she flipped open its pages and discovered handwritten musings and arcane counsel penned by a former student named Heather. The book was revealed to be a guide, offering to lead its reader through the mysterious labyrinth of Crown Lake.

Sitting in her shared dorm, Jieun immersed herself in the mysterious guidebook that she had found. She was trying to decode the intricate advice it held on thriving in Crown Lake.

Just then, Yeongja swept into the room, emanating an air of superiority that dripped from her every word. "What's this?"  Yeongja's voice dripped with disdain as she eyed the worn book.

"It's a guidebook I found. Seems to hold advice for thriving in Crown Lake," Jieun replied, attempting to ease the tension that had threaded itself into the room.

"Thriving? This place isn't some enigmatic puzzle!"  Yeongja scoffed, her secretive laughter echoing off the walls.

"You don't need cryptic advice to succeed here. It's all about connections and background. Something you wouldn't comprehend." Jieun's composure wavered, feeling the weight of Yeongja's mysterious words. "It's not just about that. This book- it's intricate, yet it unravels the complexities here. Understanding the secretive symbols and implicit rules."

Yeongja's mysterious laughter echoed again. "And you believe following advice from a book will assist? You're just a secretive outsider trying to fit into a world beyond your comprehension!" The tension lingered, the enigmatic silence weaving a web within the room.

Jieun's determination surged amidst the mystery that penetrated the atmosphere. She refused to be belittled by Yeongja's enigmatic arrogance.

"Perhaps you're right, Yeongja. Maybe I don't fully grasp it yet. But that won't stop me from trying," Jieun retorted, gathering her resolve.

Yeongja sneered and turned away. "Suit yourself,"  she said monotonously. Feeling curious, Jieun decided to ask Yeongja about her previous roommate. "By the way, what happened to your previous roommate?"

Yeongja turned back around, her eyes glinting with a hint of malice. "I kicked her out because I didn't like her," she replied in a monotonous tone.

Jieun felt a chill run down her spine at Yeongja's response, but she remained resolute in her quest to understand the complexities of Crown Lake.

Turning back to the enigmatic guidebook, Jieun delved into its pages, determined to decode its intricate advice. As Yeongja left the room, Jieun found solace in the inscrutable wisdom left behind by Heather.

"Hey there, to the one finding this book, I'm Heather Kim, and I know how tough it can be at Crown Lake. But trust me, if you can handle it, your life will be amazing. I've been where you are, and I promise to guide you through. It's not just about the rules they tell you. I'll spill the secrets I wish I'd known back then about Crown Lake."

Jieun was initially hesitant about trusting the book, but Heather continued, "I get it, you might be wary. I mean, if I were you, I wouldn't trust me either. But, what do you say? Are you in for unravelling this mystery, or do you prefer to stay out of this secret world?"

 As the night deepened, Jieun immersed herself further in the enigmatic advice, absorbing the intricate clues etched within the pages. She discovered that Crown Lake Academy was more than just a school; it was a secret society, with its own set of rules, customs, and a hierarchy that she was yet to understand. 

She felt like Heather was conversing with her and guiding her every step of the way. Heather's words gave her the courage to navigate the enigmatic maze of Crown Lake, armed with the puzzling insights from the guidebook. She discovered that connections and background were only part of the equation. 

One needed to understand the secrets of the school and the people that run it to succeed. As she continued reading the guidebook, Jieun realized that Crown Lake was a complex puzzle, and the guidebook was the key to unlocking its mysteries. 

She found herself drawn into Heather's musings, eagerly soaking up every piece of advice, every coded message, and every hidden clue. Jieun was determined to decode the labyrinthine mysteries and forge her path amidst the cryptic intricacies of the prestigious academy, and Heather's words fueled her determination. 

Yeongja's mysterious dismissal only strengthened her resolve to uncover the hidden truths of Crown Lake and emerge victorious. She knew that with Heather's guidance, she had what it took to make her mark in the history of Crown Lake. 

As she read on, Jieun couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and apprehension. She knew that the journey ahead of her would be tough, but she was ready to face it head-on. She was determined to unlock the secrets of Crown Lake and emerge victorious. As the night wore on, Jieun slept with the guidebook by her side, trying to focus on the mysterious boys she had met that day on the campus. She knew that with the guidebook's help, she would be able to navigate the complexities of Crown Lake and thrive in this enigmatic world.

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Hello my fellow readers, if you're wondering what the blue glass bird looks like then here's an original picture of it!!

Isn't it cute? I really wanted to buy it but it's kinda expensive so nvm. Anyways if you like the story so far don't forget to vote and comment your thoughts about it. Take care of yourself and don't catch a cold!!! Byeeee.