Chapter 1: Mistaken and Host-taken

The imposing gates of Asterum Academy loomed before you, an intricate lattice of gleaming steel and holographic projections that shimmered under the morning sun. It felt surreal to be here, surrounded by luxury and technology far beyond your reach. As a scholarship student, you had barely scraped by to get into the prestigious school, a beacon for the world's elite.

And now, in the middle of your first week, you were hopelessly lost.

Clutching your map and schedule, you wandered down an unfamiliar corridor. The grand halls of Asterum Academy were lined with crystalline chandeliers, marble floors, and walls displaying moving images of art. It was breathtaking, but none of it helped you figure out where the library was.

You turned a corner and pushed open a set of elaborately carved double doors, hoping for help.

Instead, you stumbled into a dream.

The room was massive, bathed in soft, ambient light that shifted colors as if reacting to an invisible rhythm. Plush sofas and cushions were arranged in small clusters, surrounded by delicate floating lights that resembled fireflies. The faint sound of orchestral music filled the air, and the scent of blooming flowers wafted toward you. It was unlike anything you had ever seen.

And then, you noticed them.

Five figures stood in the center of the room, dressed impeccably in tailored suits that made them look like they had stepped out of a high-fashion magazine. They turned to you in unison, their movements elegant and synchronized, as though they'd rehearsed this exact moment.

"Ah, a new guest?" one of them said with a dazzling smile. His dark hair and soft blue eyes gave him an air of mischief and exuberance. He stepped forward, his posture confident but welcoming. "Welcome to the Dreamscape Host Club. I am Nam Yejun, the king of this realm."

He paused for a moment, his gaze narrowing slightly as he took you in. "Hmm, a male student?" His tone suggested he hadn't expected it. "Well, this is a surprise. We usually attract more female students, but we do accept a few male guests, too." He grinned, his posture still extravagant. "After all, our good looks have a way of captivating just about anyone."

You blinked, staring at him and his dramatic flair. Was this seriously happening right now?

"And who might you be, fair guest?" Yejun asked, extending a hand toward you. His voice was smooth and melodic, radiating warmth and enthusiasm.

Before you could respond, another voice chimed in. "Ah, another lost lamb for us to guide," the boy said, his beach blonde hair and sharp blue eyes giving him a calm, intelligent look. Unlike Yejun, he carried himself with a composed demeanor, his expression calculating but not unkind. "You seem lost. Perhaps I can help you find your way?"

This was Noah. His gaze was observant, as if he were already piecing together who you were and why you were here. It was unnerving, but also strangely comforting, like he was the kind of person who could handle any crisis without breaking a sweat.

"Noah, don't scare him," another voice interrupted, lighter and more soothing. A boy with silver-black twin hair stepped forward, his gentle smile and graceful bow immediately putting you at ease. "I'm Eunho. Don't worry, we're not as overwhelming as we seem."

The next boy, with bubblegum pink hair and a mischievous grin, leaned in closer. "Speak for yourself, Eunho," he teased, his tone playful. "You're far more overwhelming than you think, just not in the fun way."

"Oh, please," Eunho sighed, raising a hand to his forehead in exaggerated drama. "If anyone's overwhelming here, it's you, Bamby."

Bamby's eyes widened, and his mouth opened in mock indignation. "Excuse me? I am the perfect balance of charm and mystery!" He huffed and crossed his arms, glaring at Eunho.

But Eunho only chuckled, unfazed by Bamby's dramatic reaction. "Sure, 'charm and mystery.' If by 'mystery' you mean how you manage to turn every situation into a circus." He turned to you with a mischievous smile. "Do you see what I'm working with here?"

Bamby's face flushed with a mix of embarrassment and frustration, but instead of backing down, he shot back with an exaggerated gasp. "How dare you! I'm a legend, Eunho. People come from all over just to see my charm in action!"

Eunho's smirk deepened, clearly enjoying Bamby's flustered reactions. He leaned in closer to you, lowering his voice as if sharing a secret. "I tell him this all the time, but he refuses to listen. It's adorable, really."

Before Bamby could retort, the last of the group spoke up. "You're going to give them the wrong impression if you keep this up," said the tallest boy, his deep voice carrying a teasing edge. "I'm Hamin," he said, his easygoing smile making him seem approachable despite his height. "And I'm the youngest, but don't let that fool you. I'm more responsible than Bamby."

"Hey!" Bamby protested, his pout more dramatic than ever, earning a chuckle from Hamin.

The group stood around you, chatting playfully. You didn't know what to say or where to look. It felt like you had wandered into a surreal dream.

What the hell is going on? And why are they all so ridiculously good-looking? The thought slipped through your mind before you could stop it. And then, to your absolute horror, it slipped past your lips.

"Damn, these are some fine dudes."

Yejun froze mid-sentence, his bright blue eyes locking on you as a broad grin slowly spread across his face. "Why, thank you," he said, taking a theatrical bow. "It's not easy being this good-looking, but someone's got to do it."

You felt your face go red-hot as the weight of what you'd just said hit you. Great. Fantastic. Now they think I'm a total idiot.

Eunho's amused voice broke the tension. "Did you just say that out loud?" His silver-black hair shimmered under the light as he tilted his head, his smile widening into something wickedly teasing. "Well, I can't say I blame you."

"I—I didn't mean—" you stammered, your hands waving frantically.

"Don't worry," Eunho interrupted, his tone smooth. "We're used to compliments." His gaze flickered toward Yejun. "Although I think Yejun's ego just inflated by about 300 percent."

"Well, I certainly don't mind," Yejun chimed in, his tone laced with playful arrogance. He gestured grandly toward the rest of the room. "In fact, I'd say we're the main attraction of this school. Don't you agree?"

Before you could respond—or sink further into the floor from embarrassment—your elbow grazed a pedestal near the entrance. Time seemed to slow as you turned your head, eyes locking onto a delicate vase balanced precariously on top. It glowed softly, its holographic flowers swaying as though in warning.

"No—no—no—!" you gasped, lunging to grab it. But fate, it seemed, had other plans.

The vase teetered, wobbled, and then— CRASH!

The sound echoed through the room like a thunderclap. Glass shards sparkled across the marble floor, the holographic flowers blinking out of existence in a pitiful flicker.

A heavy silence descended.

"Oh no," Eunho muttered, his eyes widening as he crouched down to inspect the mess. "That… that was for the charity gala next week."

"Important and very expensive," Bamby added, grimacing as he nudged a particularly large shard with his foot. "This is bad. This is so bad."

You stared at the fragments, heart pounding. "I—I can fix it! Maybe I can—"

Noah's calm voice interrupted, carrying a faint edge of amusement. "Unless you happen to have a spare two million credits lying around, I doubt you can fix this." He turned to you, his sharp gaze softening into a placid smile. "This vase wasn't just decorative. It was… a significant investment."

Your brain stalled. "Two… million?"

Yejun stepped forward, placing a hand dramatically over his chest. "Yes, dear guest. Two million. And now, we must decide how to rectify this grave offense." He gestured grandly, looking like a monarch handing down a decree.

You could only gape. "Two million?! For a vase? Are you guys running a school or an auction house?!"

Yejun chuckled, thoroughly entertained. "Relax. You're not footing the bill directly. We're far too gracious for that."

"Gracious?" Bamby snickered. "More like opportunistic."

"Shush, Bamby," Yejun said without missing a beat. "Here's what we're going to do. You're going to work off your debt. Starting now."

"Work it off?" you repeated, your voice cracking.

"Indeed!" Yejun's grin widened. "As of this moment, you're the Dreamscape Host Club's new lackey!"

"Wait—what?" Your voice shot up an octave, but the rest of them nodded in cheerful agreement, already moving on as though this was a done deal.

"We'll even show you the ropes," Hamin offered kindly, his grin doing little to hide his amusement at your predicament.

"Hold on!" you said, panic rising. "I don't even—"

Then it hit you. Like a lightning bolt straight to the brain, you replayed every interaction from the moment you'd walked in. Something wasn't adding up.

Wait. These guys… have been calling me 'he' this entire time. THESE GUYS THINK I'M A DUDE?!

You blinked, reeling. I'm not a guy! I'm very much not a guy!

Yet, as they continued chatting and planning your supposed new duties, it became glaringly clear. Not one of them had even questioned it.

Oh no. This isn't just a nightmare. This is a full-blown disaster.

And just like that, your ordinary life at Asterum Academy had taken an unexpected, utterly bizarre turn. Whether you liked it or not.

Chapter 2: The Perks of Being a Host-Taken

The morning after the vase incident, you woke up with a sinking feeling in your stomach. It wasn't just the weight of your catastrophic first week at Asterum Academy. No, this was heavier. Like the gravity of realizing you'd accidentally signed up for a lifetime supply of chaos disguised as a host club.

Your reflection in the mirror didn't help. You looked every bit the disheveled wreck you felt—your glasses sitting precariously on the very tip of your nose. One wrong move and they'd tumble dramatically to the floor. You sighed, shaking your head. Even your glasses were mocking you.

"Alright," you muttered, yanking on your old, oversized sweater. "Just avoid them today. Survive, and maybe they'll forget about the vase."

Fat chance.

Step 1: Avoid the Club

You plotted your escape carefully: don't go near the host lounge, keep your head down, and stay out of trouble. But Asterum Academy was a labyrinth. You turned a corner… then another… and another… until the realization hit you like a ton of bricks.

You were lost.

"Where the heck am I?" you muttered, spinning in a circle.

"Looking for something?"

You froze as a voice rang out behind you. Turning slowly, you found Bamby and Noah standing there, grinning like hyenas who'd just cornered their prey.

"Oh no," you whispered under your breath.

Noah adjusted his glasses with mock severity, pointing directly at you. "You weren't planning on not showing up today, were you?" His voice carried an edge of playful accusation. "That's basically a crime. Damaging property and running away—classic case of evasion and destruction."

Bamby smirked, stepping in with a dramatic shrug. "Yeah. A heinous crime. Like jaywalking during rush hour… or worse."

"Worse?" you repeated weakly.

"Not showing up is, like, stealing time," Bamby added, grinning wide. "Our time. Tragic, isn't it?"

You stammered, waving your arms frantically. "O-of course not! I was on my way to the lounge! I just… got a little lost!"

Bamby snorted, raising a brow. "You're bad with directions, huh?"

"You say that as if you aren't," Noah quipped without missing a beat.

Bamby shot Noah an unamused glare. "Excuse me? I always know where I'm going!"

"To the wrong place?"

"Shut up."

Before you could sneak away, Bamby grabbed your sleeve. "Come on, Lackey. You're already late, and we wouldn't want Yejun to start without you, now would we?"

Noah gave you a dry look as Bamby dragged you along. "Don't fall behind. Again."

Your shoulders sagged in defeat. Your plan had been foiled before it could even begin.

Step 2: Survive as a Lackey

The moment you entered the host club's lounge, Yejun greeted you like a pop star at a fan meet.

"Ah! There you are, Lackey!" He spread his arms wide with an impossibly dazzling grin. "Ready for a productive day of tea, charm, and manual labor?"

"No," you deadpanned, "but I don't think I have a choice."

"You don't!" Bamby chimed, releasing you with a mischievous pat on the back.

The other hosts were already at work, charming the guests who filtered into the lounge. As you struggled through your duties, they seemed perfectly at ease, dazzling smiles plastered on their faces. It was a stark contrast to your chaos.

First, there was tea duty. You brewed cup after cup of tea under Noah's watchful eye, sweat dripping as he observed your progress like a scientist studying a failed experiment.

"Water's boiling over," he said blandly.

You yelped, fumbling with the kettle.

"You're hopeless," Bamby chimed, snickering as he leaned against the counter. "And here I thought you might actually be good at something."

"Keep talking, Bamby," you muttered through gritted teeth. "I dare you."

Bamby poked your cheek just to annoy you further. "Ooh, scary! The lackey has bite!"

Eunho strolled in, raising an eyebrow at the scene. "Lackey's got teeth, huh?" he teased, setting down a stack of trays. "Don't forget claws."

"Why don't you do something helpful instead of spectating?" you shot back, glaring at him.

Eunho grinned, unfazed. "Because watching you flail around is helpful. Keeps my morale up."

Bamby snorted, and the two of them exchanged amused looks. They were having way too much fun at your expense.

Next came cleaning duty. You scrubbed tables and wiped down chairs, trying to dodge the chaos as the guests started arriving. Through it all, Hamin was the only one who showed you even an ounce of mercy.

"You missed a spot," he said, his voice steady and calm as he handed you a clean cloth.

You stared at him, startled by the lack of teasing. "Thanks," you mumbled, trying to catch your breath.

He crouched next to you, taking the cloth from your hand. "Here, let me."

"Wait, you don't have to—"

Hamin glanced at you, his eyes sharp behind his glasses. "You look like you're about to keel over. Just let me help."

Your cheeks heated. "Thanks… Hamin."

He smiled faintly. "It's no big deal."

Eunho, walking by with a tray balanced on one hand, smirked at the scene. "Aww, look at Hamin being all sweet."

"Shouldn't you be hosting?" you snapped, glaring at him.

"Shouldn't you be cleaning faster?" he shot back with a wink.

You clenched your jaw, resisting the urge to throw the cloth at him. "I can't stand you."

"Good," he said lightly, strolling off. "Makes it more fun for me."

Step 3: Embarrassment

By the time you spilled your fourth tray of tea, your glasses slid off your nose, tumbling dramatically to the floor. You scrambled to grab them, only for Bamby to snatch them up first, holding them just out of reach.

"Looking for these?" he teased, holding them between his thumb and forefinger like they were evidence in a court case.

"Give them back!" you hissed, reaching for them.

But before you could, Yejun's voice cut through the room like a spotlight. "Wait a second…"

Everyone turned to look at you. Noah, who had been observing the chaos from the corner, suddenly straightened, his gaze sharpening. A slow, sly smile spread across his face as his eyes gleamed with an unmistakable glint.

"This could work," Noah murmured, more to himself than anyone else.

"What could work?" you asked warily.

"Your face," he said simply, adjusting his glasses. "As a host, I mean. You could be profitable."

"Profitable?" you repeated, horrified. "What am I, a stock?"

Yejun grinned, throwing an arm around your shoulders. "Ladies and gentlemen! Allow me to introduce… our newest host!"

"WHAT?!" you screeched.

Eunho appeared out of nowhere, ruffling your hair like you were some kind of puppy. "Congrats on the promotion, Lackey. You grow up so fast."

You swatted his hand away, your face burning. "This isn't a promotion! I didn't agree to this!"

"It's settled!" Yejun declared. "To pay off your debt, you'll serve 200 guests as a host!"

Bamby leaned closer, smirking. "Practice starts tomorrow. Don't worry, I'll whip you into shape."

"I hate all of you," you groaned.

At the end of the chaotic day, you collapsed onto a couch, tea-stained and utterly defeated. The hosts were still grinning, clearly proud of themselves.

"I hate you," you repeated weakly, sitting up to point accusingly at Bamby. "And you, and you, and—"

Your finger stopped on Hamin, who blinked in surprise.

"Not you, though," you mumbled, dropping your arm and sighing deeply. "You're heaven-sent."

Hamin flushed, ducking his head. "You're exaggerating."

Bamby doubled over laughing. "Are you serious? You just excluded him? Favoritism!"

"Bamby, I swear—"

"Reality!" Yejun sang cheerfully, twirling in place. "This is your life now, Lackey!"

You groaned into your hands as your glasses slipped down your nose again, wobbling precariously. Before you could push them up, they tipped off completely, landing on the couch with a plop. A mortified laugh bubbled up in your throat as you scrambled to grab them. "You're doomed," you muttered to yourself.

Chapter 3: Breaking the Mold

Morning came far too quickly. You weren't ready—not physically, not mentally, and definitely not emotionally. Despite your protests, the previous day had ended with the firm declaration that you would be molded into Asterum Academy's newest host. By who? The collective chaos that was the host club, naturally.

"Practice starts at eight sharp," Bamby had said with a smug grin. "Don't be late, or we'll make you regret it."

So here you were, standing outside the lounge door, mentally preparing yourself for what you were certain would be your undoing.

"Alright," you muttered under your breath, gripping the door handle. "Just get through today."

The door swung open, and you were greeted by a chorus of laughter. Inside, the host club was already buzzing with energy. Yejun was orchestrating the chaos with his usual dramatic flair, while Eunho balanced a tray of teacups on one hand, chatting easily with Noah, who was jotting something down in a ledger.

"Ah, there he is!" Yejun's voice rang out, drawing every eye in the room to you. He spread his arms wide in welcome. "Our star recruit has arrived!"

Before you could correct him, Eunho sauntered over, his signature smirk firmly in place. "Good morning, Lackey. Ready to dazzle the masses?"

"Ready to leave," you replied flatly.

"Not a chance!" Bamby said, popping up behind you and steering you into the room. "You're in this now, Lackey. No escape."

"Could you stop calling me that?" you groaned.

"Not until you earn an actual name," Noah quipped without looking up from his notes. "Let's see if you survive today first."

"Great," you muttered. "Love the confidence in me."

Step 1: Host Training

The first thing they made you do was practice introductions.

"Confidence is key," Yejun declared, demonstrating with a dazzling smile that could probably make someone sign over their entire inheritance. "You have to make them feel like they're the only person in the room. Watch."

He turned to Eunho, who was already bracing himself.

"Good morning, lovely guest," Yejun purred, his voice low and smooth. "Your beauty brightens this room far more than the sunlight ever could."

Eunho blinked, looking genuinely taken aback. "Wow. That's… unsettlingly good."

"Your turn," Yejun said, turning to you with a challenging grin.

You gulped, feeling the weight of everyone's gaze. "Uh… Good morning, um, guest… person…? You look… nice?"

Bamby doubled over laughing, while Noah pinched the bridge of his nose. "We're doomed," he muttered.

Yejun sighed, shaking his head. "We have a lot of work to do."

Eunho smirked. "It's okay, Lackey. Not everyone can be a natural charmer."

"I wasn't trying to charm anyone!" you snapped, feeling your cheeks heat.

"Clearly," Bamby said between laughs. "That was painful to watch."

"Alright, alright," Yejun said, clapping his hands. "Let's move on to table service. Eunho, show him how it's done."

Eunho gave you a wink before grabbing a tray. "Watch and learn, Lackey."

Step 2: Teachable Moments

Eunho made serving tea look effortless. He moved with practiced ease, balancing the tray with one hand while pouring tea with the other.

"See?" he said, setting the teapot down with a flourish. "Simple."

You frowned. "That doesn't look simple."

"Your turn," Bamby said, handing you a tray.

You took a deep breath and tried to mimic Eunho's movements. Unsurprisingly, it didn't go well. The teapot wobbled dangerously, and you barely managed to catch it before it spilled.

"Steady," Eunho said, stepping behind you to guide your hands. "Relax your grip. You're too stiff."

"Easy for you to say," you muttered, feeling the heat of embarrassment creep up your neck.

Eunho adjusted your grip with practiced ease. "Relax, Lackey. You're too stiff," he said, his tone softer than usual.

You muttered something about how it was easier said than done, but Eunho wasn't really listening. His brow furrowed slightly as he leaned closer, catching the faintest scent of something floral. It was different—light, clean, and oddly distracting.

His smirk faltered for a moment, his hands pulling back almost instinctively. "Huh," he murmured under his breath, too quiet for you to catch.

"What?" you snapped, glancing at him.

"Nothing." The smirk returned, but his gaze lingered just a bit too long, a flicker of curiosity in his eyes. "Don't worry, Lackey. You're a work in progress."

For the rest of the lesson, Eunho's teasing took on a strange, almost playful edge, as if he'd stumbled upon a secret that he was enjoying far too much.

Bamby snickered from across the room. "Wow, Eunho. Didn't know you were such a patient teacher."

"Someone has to be," Eunho shot back, smirking.

You glared at Bamby. "Shouldn't you be doing something useful?"

"Watching you is useful," he said with a grin.

Step 3: The Dreamscape Lineup

"It's decided!" Yejun declared suddenly, clapping his hands. "Our new host-in-training will begin practice immediately!"

As if on cue, Bamby leaned over and grinned at you. "Good luck, Lackey. You're gonna need it."

Your stomach sank as you looked around the room. Yejun was beaming with pride, the girls were whispering eagerly, and Noah was already scribbling in a notebook as if calculating your odds of survival. Hamin offered you a sympathetic smile, while Eunho just smirked.

And you? You were pretty sure your life was officially over.

"You're just in time!" Yejun exclaimed, grabbing your arm like an overexcited puppy. "We have guests today, and you're going to help us impress them!"

"Guests?" you repeated, dread curling in your stomach.

"Yup!" Bamby beamed. "A group of first-years. Perfect practice for you."

"Practice?"

"Yes, practice!" Yejun chimed in, clapping a firm hand on your shoulder. "Every member of the Dreamscape Host Club has a role to play, and today, we'll find out yours. Perhaps you'll be the charming rogue, the mysterious intellectual, or even…" He paused for dramatic effect. "The comedic relief! Everyone brings something special to the table."

"Like me," Yejun continued, flipping his blue hair back with a dazzling grin. "I'm the full package—the charm, the looks, the princely aura. There's a reason they call me the king of the club, you know. The ladies? They can't get enough."

He finished with a playful wink in your direction before gesturing grandly toward Noah.

"And then there's Noah. Calm, collected, and cool under pressure. He's the one who keeps us on track and looks good doing it. The ladies love his sharp wit and the fact that he's at the gym more often than not."

Noah raised his head with a sharp grin, pumping a fist in the air. "Yeah, buddy!"

"Eunho here," Yejun said, motioning toward the casually reclining host, "is the flirt of the group. A charmer through and through. He's got that bad boy edge that some can't resist."

Eunho offered a lazy smirk and a finger gun. "Guilty as charged."

"And then there's Bamby!" Yejun exclaimed, pulling the shortest host forward by his sleeve. "Bamby may be the smallest, but his temper is anything but. Short-tempered and cute—it's a combo that makes the ladies swoon. Plus, his constant bickering with Eunho? A fan favorite."

"Don't talk about me like I'm a chihuahua," Bamby grumbled, smacking Yejun's hand away.

"Ah, but that's exactly why they love you," Yejun teased before motioning toward Hamin. "Finally, we have Hamin. He's the reserved, sweet one of the group. Gentle as a breeze, and believe it or not, he's the youngest but the tallest. It's adorable how easily flustered he gets when the ladies dote on him."

Hamin turned red at the description, scratching the back of his neck. "I-It's not like that…"

"And that, my dear lackey," Yejun said, spinning back toward you with a flourish, "is the Dreamscape Host Club. Every host has a role, a purpose, a charm. Yours, too, will reveal itself soon enough."

You stared at him, aghast. "My role?" Your voice cracked. "I'm not even supposed to be here! I'm a scholarship student! I don't know anything about… hosting!"

"Nonsense," Eunho said, his voice smooth and reassuring. "Everyone has their charm. We just have to figure out yours."

"Spoiler," Noah added, his tone razor-sharp. "It's probably not vase-handling."

Bamby stifled a laugh, while you glared at him.

Before you could protest further, the doors opened again, and a group of first-year students spilled into the lounge. The energy shifted instantly. Yejun and the others slid effortlessly into their roles, each one exuding their own brand of charisma.

Yejun commanded attention with his dramatic flair, dazzling the guests with charming banter and theatrical hand gestures. Eunho offered quiet smiles and soothing conversation, his calm demeanor drawing guests in like a warm blanket. Bamby kept the room alive with his infectious energy, making everyone laugh with his antics. Noah, for his part, captivated guests with his sharp wit and intelligence, effortlessly fielding questions about everything from literature to astrophysics. Even Hamin, the youngest, had a natural talent for making people feel at ease, his warm grin and friendly small talk soothing any lingering nerves.

And then there was you.

You froze as a wide-eyed first-year girl hesitantly approached you. She held a teacup like it was a priceless artifact. "Um, excuse me… could you pour me some tea?"

"Oh, uh—sure," you said, fumbling with the teapot. The others watched from the sidelines, barely concealing their amusement as you awkwardly tried to mimic Eunho's earlier demonstration.

The teapot wobbled, the tea spilled, and the girl gasped as a stream of warm liquid missed her cup entirely and landed on your sleeve instead.

"Smooth," Bamby snickered.

"Excellent comedic timing," Yejun quipped, nodding approvingly.

Your face burned as you grabbed a napkin and began blotting your arm. "This is a nightmare."

As you poured tea for another guest, your awkward hands betrayed you again, and a splash of tea ended up soaking your sleeve. You quickly dabbed at it, muttering an apology, but Noah's sharp gaze caught the way you fidgeted with your cuffs afterward—adjusting them, tugging slightly, as if to conceal something.

He tilted his head, his pen pausing mid-sentence in his ledger. His eyes narrowed thoughtfully as you brushed a loose strand of hair behind your ear.

"You're full of surprises, Lackey," he said suddenly, his voice cutting through the hum of the room.

You froze, wondering what he meant. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"Nothing," he replied smoothly, his smirk sharpening as he returned to his notes. "Just an observation."

The comment lingered in the air, leaving you unsure whether you'd just been complimented or studied like a puzzle piece. Either way, Noah didn't elaborate, but the faint grin tugging at his lips hinted that he'd figured out something you hadn't intended to share.

"Nope!" Yejun declared, clapping a hand on your shoulder. "This is training!" He turned to you with a grin. "As for you? We'll figure it out."

"What if I don't have a thing?" you asked nervously.

"Nonsense!" Yejun grabbed your glasses and squinted at you. "Hmm. Your face has potential, but your outfit is unacceptable."

At this, you snapped, albeit quietly, "That's rude."

Yejun gasped in mock offense. "Rude? I'm helping you reach your full potential! Bamby, come here."

Bamby strolled over, already scowling. "What now?"

"You and the Lackey are about the same size," Yejun said, gesturing between the two of you. "Lend him your backup uniform."

Bamby recoiled as if Yejun had suggested swapping toothbrushes. "Are you insane? I don't want his commoner germs all over my clothes!"

You crossed your arms and shot back, "As if I want your germs, either!"

"Enough," Yejun cut in, rubbing his temples. "You two are exhausting. Bamby, just do it. He's going to wear gloves or whatever if it makes you feel better."

Bamby muttered something under his breath, but he didn't argue further. Yejun ushered both of you toward the changing rooms with a dramatic wave. "Off you go! Make him presentable, Bamby."

"Why me?" Bamby groaned, dragging his feet as you followed behind.

"Because I trust you," Yejun said with an exaggerated grin, "and because you're the shortest, so your uniform actually fits."

You smirked at that, earning a glare from Bamby. "Don't get cocky, Lackey."

"Wouldn't dream of it," you said innocently.

Yejun shook his head as the door closed behind you both. "This is going to be a long day."

In the changing room, the bickering continued.

"Hurry up and change," Bamby said, leaning against the wall with his arms crossed.

"I'll be quick. Don't peek," you muttered as you stepped behind a partition.

Bamby scoffed. "Why would I peek? Not like there's much to see."

Your eye twitched at his comment, but you let it slide. You quickly changed into the uniform, adjusting the jacket and tie before stepping out.

Bamby glanced up, his mouth opening for another quip, but it never came. He tilted his head, appraising you. "Hmm. You don't look too bad in the uniform."

"Thanks?" you said, unsure whether to feel complimented or insulted.

Before you could react further, Bamby stepped closer. "Your hair's a mess," he muttered, combing his fingers through it without asking.

"Hey!" you protested, squirming as he fussed over your hair.

"Stop moving. You're making it worse."

The more Bamby stared at you, the more his expression shifted. His usual smirk was replaced by something thoughtful, almost suspicious. Something about you was throwing him off, but he couldn't quite place it.

"What?" you asked warily, catching his look.

"Nothing," he said quickly, stepping back. "Now you look almost respectable." He smirked.

"Almost?" you grumbled, but Bamby ignored you, already heading for the door.

"Come on, Lackey. Time to make your proper debut."

Stepping back into the lounge, the air seemed to buzz with anticipation. The first-years were seated, chatting animatedly among themselves, but their attention quickly shifted as Yejun clapped his hands.

"Ladies and gentlemen," he announced grandly, "allow me to properly introduce the newest addition to our club!"

All eyes turned to you, and your stomach twisted. Bamby nudged you forward, causing you to stumble slightly. You shot him a glare over your shoulder.

"Say something," Eunho whispered, his smirk evident even without looking at him.

"Uh… Hi?" you said awkwardly, giving a small wave.

"He's adorable!" one of the girls gushed, clasping her hands together. "What's your name?"

Before you could answer, one of the girls leaned forward, her eyes sparkling. "You're a scholarship student, right? What's it like being, you know… a commoner?"

Your brain stalled. "Um, normal? I guess?"

"Do you really use coupons?" another girl asked, her tone a mix of horror and fascination.

You blinked. "Uh, yeah. Sometimes. They save money."

"Coupons?" another girl repeated, fascinated. "Like, discounts? Do they really work?"

"Yeah," you said, warming up slightly. "Sometimes you can save a lot. Like, last week, I got half off on groceries because of a sale."

The girls exchanged amazed looks, leaning in closer. Even the hosts, who were pretending not to eavesdrop, seemed intrigued.

"Half off?" Hamin echoed, his eyes wide. "That's… efficient."

Another girl gasped dramatically, clutching her pearl necklace like you'd just told her you lived in a cave. "You poor thing! How do you survive?"

"Public transport," you replied dryly, feeling like a zoo exhibit. "It's not that bad."

The girls exchanged incredulous looks, as if you'd confessed to hunting your own food in the wild.

"I can't imagine," one of them said, her voice heavy with pity. "Do you have to… wait for it?"

"Yes, that's how buses work," you deadpanned.

Despite your sarcasm, the girls seemed utterly charmed. "He's so humble!" one whispered loudly enough for you to hear.

"So relatable," another agreed.

From the sidelines, the other hosts watched with varying degrees of amusement.

"Coupons," Yejun mused, stroking his chin like you'd just revealed the secrets of the universe. "Maybe we should start offering coupon books for the club."

Bamby snorted. "Right. I'm sure our guests would love that."

Noah, ever the analyst, leaned in slightly, his notebook in hand. "Tell us more about public transport. How do you navigate it? Is there a… system?"

You shot him a look. "Yes, it's called a schedule."

The girls giggled, and even Noah's lips twitched into a faint smile.

Eunho chuckled, leaning back in his chair. "Who knew Lackey was so resourceful?"

"Practical," Noah corrected, his pen still moving across his ledger. "There's a certain charm in simplicity."

Yejun grinned, resting his chin on his hand. "Our little Lackey might just be a hit. Who knew commoner life could be so fascinating?"

You frowned. "I'm standing right here, you know."

The girls erupted into another round of laughter, their fascination with your "normal" life only growing.

"I have to admit," one of the girls said, "it's refreshing to meet someone so… grounded. What's your favorite thing to do when you're not here?"

"Uh, sleep?" you answered honestly, earning a round of delighted laughter.

Eunho, who had been quietly observing, finally chimed in. "Lackey's definitely a unique addition. Don't scare him off too soon."

"Scare me off?" you muttered, casting him a sidelong glance.

"You're doing great, Lackey!" Yejun called, flashing a thumbs-up. "Just keep being your quirky, coupon-using self!"

The girls erupted into another round of giggles, and you resisted the urge to groan. This was going to be a long day.

The lounge was quieter now, the hum of voices replaced by the clatter of teacups and trays as you helped clean up. You tugged at your collar, trying to shake the stiff discomfort of the borrowed uniform. The fabric didn't quite sit right, and you adjusted the jacket for what felt like the hundredth time.

Across the room, Hamin noticed. His arms crossed loosely, his usual soft demeanor replaced by an introspective air. His brow furrowed slightly as his eyes lingered on you. He couldn't help but puzzle over what he'd just realized. He watched you adjust your sleeves, subtly tugging at your cuffs like you were hiding something. His chest tightened a little. It wasn't just because you were a scholarship student—there was something else beneath it all.

His gaze softened, but a faint flush crept up his neck as he quickly turned his focus back to the trays he was stacking.

"Everything okay, Hamin?" Eunho's teasing voice pulled him from his thoughts. When he saw Hamin's distant expression, his smirk softened into a knowing look.

"Y-Yeah," Hamin muttered quickly, forcing a small smile. "I just… realized something."

Eunho raised an eyebrow, clearly curious. "Care to share?"

Hamin shook his head slightly, his gaze lingering on you for just a moment longer. "Not yet."

You noticed the brief exchange, but before you could say anything, you caught him trying to avoid your eyes again. He was being especially helpful—grabbing trays before you could, holding doors open, and even offering to carry your bag when the session ended. It felt… different.

By the end of the hour, you were surrounded by eager faces, their questions coming faster than you could answer. Despite the initial awkwardness, you managed to hold their attention. Your stories about everyday life, the oddities of being from a "commoner" background, proved unexpectedly fascinating to them.

As the session wound down, Yejun clapped his hands again to draw the room's attention. "Well done, everyone! And special applause for our newest recruit! A stellar debut, wouldn't you agree?"

Polite applause filled the room, and while your face burned with embarrassment, you couldn't help but notice the warm smiles directed your way.

Eunho sidled up to you, his smirk firmly in place. "Not bad, Lackey. Maybe you do have some hidden potential."

"Don't let it go to your head," Noah added with a dry smile, closing his ledger with a snap. "You still have a lot to learn."

Bamby crossed his arms, a thoughtful look on his face. "I'll admit, you didn't crash and burn. But don't get comfortable—this was the easy part."

"Easy?" you repeated, still trying to catch your breath.

Yejun threw an arm around your shoulders, beaming. "Consider yourself officially initiated into the Dreamscape Host Club! From now on, you're one of us."

You groaned inwardly, but the faint sense of pride stirring in your chest surprised you.

As the first-years began to file out, you noticed some of them casting glances your way, giggling and whispering to each other. The hosts began wrapping up, chatting amongst themselves and congratulating each other on a successful event.

"Good job," Hamin said softly as he passed by, giving you a shy smile.

"Thanks," you replied, surprised by his sincerity.

Just as you thought the chaos was over, Yejun clapped his hands once more. "Alright, team! Tomorrow, we'll start refining Lackey's role in the club. But for now—celebratory cake in the dining hall!"

The announcement was met with cheers, and the group began moving as a unit toward the door. You followed hesitantly, Bamby falling into step beside you.

"You survived," he said, giving you a sideways glance.

"Barely," you muttered.

Bamby smirked, a teasing edge to his voice. "You might just make it, Lackey. But don't think for a second that means I'm going to go easy on you."

"Wouldn't dream of it," you replied dryly.

You, however, needed a moment away from the crowd. The borrowed uniform was getting more uncomfortable by the minute—tight around your chest, the collar too stiff, and the whole thing making you feel like you couldn't breathe properly. You excused yourself, mumbling something about needing to change, and slipped away to the changing room.

Meanwhile, the guys were bickering as they made their way to the dining hall. Eunho was his usual teasing self, smiling that smug smile of his. "Well, Bamby, looks like I managed to win the most popular host award today. Guess I'm just the ladies' favorite."

Bamby growled in response, his face twisting with irritation. "You've got no taste, Eunho. They all liked me way more, you're just louder."

Eunho raised an eyebrow, a sly smirk playing on his lips. "Is that so? Didn't seem like they were interested in you much. Maybe you've lost your touch."

That was it. Bamby's patience snapped. "I'll show you who's got the most charm," he muttered under his breath.

Before Eunho could say another word, Bamby grabbed his water bottle and aimed it at him, clearly intending to douse him with water. But because Eunho was taller, Bamby's aim went a little too high, and the water splashed directly onto himself instead.

"Oh, perfect," Bamby muttered, soaked and more frustrated than ever. "Now I'm wet and embarrassed."

"Whoops, looks like you misfired," Eunho snickered.

Bamby scowled. "You're so funny. I'll be back for you later."

Irritated and dripping wet, Bamby stormed off toward the changing rooms, hoping to dry off and regain some composure. He had no idea that, at that very moment, you were already inside, in the midst of changing out of that tight, uncomfortable uniform.

You had just finished pulling off the shirt when Bamby, still fuming, barged in without a second thought. He froze as soon as he saw you, eyes widening, and you screamed in shock.

"What the hell?!" you yelled, instinctively covering yourself as your heart raced.

Bamby's face went red as he let out a startled yelp. "You're a—" He stopped mid-sentence, blinking rapidly as realization slowly sank in. You weren't just awkward because you were a scholarship student. No, you were a girl. His earlier discomfort and confusion clicked into place. He stammered, but no words came out, his mouth hanging open as he tried to make sense of it all.

You, equally flustered, slammed the changing curtain shut, desperately scrambling to get back into your shirt and make yourself decent. The shock of the situation, mixed with embarrassment, had you trembling. You barely had time to finish changing when you heard footsteps rushing toward the changing room.

Eunho's voice came first. "What's going on in here? I thought I heard yelling—"

Before he could even reach the door, you stepped out from the cubicle, fully dressed again but still flushed with embarrassment. Bamby was sitting on the floor, staring at you with wide, incredulous eyes, still in a daze from the shock.

You stood over him, your arms crossed, glaring down at him. "What part of 'changing' didn't you understand?" you snapped, your face burning with embarrassment.

Bamby, still speechless, looked from you to the guys, his eyes darting around as if trying to process what just happened. He opened his mouth to speak but only managed a weak point at you. His face was still beet-red, and he looked like he couldn't form a coherent thought.

Eunho, Noah, and Hamin took one look at the scene—Bamby still sitting on the floor, dazed and red-faced, while you stood over him, arms crossed and glaring—and immediately pieced it together. They'd already figured out your secret earlier that day.

Yejun, who had been a few steps behind, froze as he walked in, completely clueless. His eyes scanned the scene—Bamby still sitting in shock, you standing with your arms crossed, glaring at him, and Eunho looking very much like he was about to ask the obvious. "What happened?" Yejun asked, his brow furrowing in confusion. "Why's Bamby on the floor? And why is everyone so tense?"

Yejun, still completely oblivious, took a step forward, clearly unaware of what had just been uncovered. "Well? What's going on? I don't get it." He glanced between you and Bamby, still not fully grasping the situation.

Bamby finally managed to stand up, his face still bright red. He couldn't meet your eyes and stammered, "I—I didn't know!" His gaze flicked nervously toward the floor. "I just—you didn't look like a—"

You cut him off with a deadpan stare. "You should have knocked," you muttered under your breath.

Yejun's confusion deepened. "Didn't look like what? What are you—" He paused, glancing between you and Bamby before the realization finally hit him. His eyes went wide as saucers, and his own face turned crimson. "Oh no. Oh no, no, no. Wait, you're—"

You groaned inwardly, covering your face with one hand. "Yes, Yejun. I'm a girl.

The realization hit him like a ton of bricks. His eyes widened, and he gave you a long, surprised look, as if trying to make sense of everything at once. His mouth opened and closed like he was trying to form words but couldn't. His face turned beet-red, and he took an instinctual step back. "Oh... my... God…" he muttered, his voice trailing off.

Yejun stood there for a beat, stunned and mortified. Then, his gaze shot from you to Bamby and back again. His eyes went wide. "You—YOU—!" he sputtered, before leaping in front of you, positioning himself protectively, as if to shield you from Bamby.

"Bamby, you pervert!" Yejun yelled, startling everyone in the room. His voice was a mix of disbelief and sudden protective anger. He turned to face Bamby, who was still processing the situation and looking equally embarrassed. "What is this?! IS THIS WHAT I TAUGHT YOU, BONGGU YAAA?!" Yejun threw his hands up dramatically, as if he couldn't believe his eyes.

Bamby, who had been speechless, blinked several times in utter confusion. He opened his mouth but no sound came out. He looked from Yejun to you and then back to the ground. The whole thing was so absurd, he could barely comprehend what was happening.

You, equally mortified and still glaring at Bamby, couldn't help but chuckle at Yejun's over-the-top protective reaction.

Bamby, still sitting on the floor, looked utterly bewildered. "What?! I didn't know!"

"Not like there was much to see…" Bamby muttered under his breath, earning himself a shoe to the face.

"HEY!" he shouted, rubbing his forehead while Yejun gasped in righteous indignation.

"Bamby!" Yejun shrieked. "Apologize this instant!"

Eunho, ever the one to find the humor in everything, snickered. "Well, looks like Bamby's learned the hard way today."

Yejun, still standing in front of you like a knight guarding his princess, glanced over his shoulder to make sure you were okay. "Are you alright?" he asked, his voice softening slightly. The shift from furious to protective was nearly instantaneous.

You shot him a bemused look. "Yeah, I'm fine, Yejun. I've got it under control."

As the chaotic scene unfolded, Eunho leaned casually against the doorframe, smirking. "Well, Lackey, I think it's safe to say you've made quite the impression."

Noah, beside him, chuckled lightly, shaking his head. "This is a trainwreck, but I can't stop watching." He crossed his arms, a grin tugging at the corners of his mouth. "Honestly, this might be the highlight of my day."

"Noah, you might want to get Yejun out of here before he gets any more worked up," Eunho suggested, grinning at the absurdity of the situation.

Bamby shot Eunho a glare, his voice dripping with frustration. "Shut up, Eunho."

Eunho's smirk widened, his tone smug. "2-0 now, by the way. I figured out a long time ago that our lackey here is actually a 'she.'"

Bamby's glare only intensified at the comment, but he remained silent, his lips pressed into a tight line.

You sighed heavily, pinching the bridge of your nose as the realization settled in. "My life is never going to be simple again, is it?" you muttered under your breath.

The group erupted into quiet chuckles, the absurdity of the situation hanging in the air as everyone made their way toward the dining hall. Bamby, trailing behind, kept his gaze firmly fixed on the floor, his face still bright red.

Before you stepped out of the changing room, Bamby hesitated, then cleared his throat awkwardly. "Hey," he mumbled, barely lifting his eyes to meet yours. "I… I'm sorry about earlier. I didn't mean to—uh, you know… It was a mistake. A dumb one."

You paused, the sincerity in his voice catching you off guard. With a soft sigh, you gave him a small smile. "It's fine, Bamby. Just—maybe knock next time, alright?"

Relief washed over his face, though the redness in his cheeks didn't fade. "Yeah… Yeah, of course."

The corners of your lips tugged upward. "We're good. Just… try not to make it a habit."

The tension eased, and Bamby nodded sheepishly before trailing after the others.

As you followed behind, you couldn't help but think again: My life is never going to be simple again, is it?