/* ===================================================
   NOVA ADMISSIONS — REDESIGN v6
   style.css
   =================================================== */

/* === RESET ======================================== */
*, *::before, *::after { box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0; padding: 0; }
html { scroll-behavior: smooth; -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; overflow-x: hidden; }
body { overflow-x: hidden; cursor: none; }
a { text-decoration: none; color: inherit; }
img { display: block; max-width: 100%; }
button { background: none; border: none; cursor: none; }

/* === VARIABLES ==================================== */
:root {
  --navy:      #080e1c;
  --navy-mid:  #0f1a2e;
  --navy-lt:   #152539;
  --gold:      #c9a84c;
  --gold-lt:   #e4c97a;
  --gold-dim:  rgba(201,168,76,0.15);
  --cream:     #f9f8f5;
  --cream-dk:  #f0ede5;
  --white:     #ffffff;
  --text:      #1c1c1c;
  --text-mid:  #4a4845;
  --text-lt:   #999;
  --font-cin:  'Cinzel', serif;
  --font-cor:  'Cormorant Garamond', serif;
  --font-body: 'Inter', sans-serif;
  --max-w:     1160px;
  --radius:    3px;
  --ease:      cubic-bezier(0.16, 1, 0.3, 1);
}

/* === CURSOR ======================================= */
.cursor-dot {
  position: fixed;
  width: 6px; height: 6px;
  background: var(--gold);
  border-radius: 50%;
  pointer-events: none;
  z-index: 9999;
  transform: translate(-50%, -50%);
  transition: width 0.2s var(--ease), height 0.2s var(--ease), background 0.2s;
  will-change: left, top;
}
.cursor-ring {
  position: fixed;
  width: 32px; height: 32px;
  border: 1.5px solid rgba(201,168,76,0.55);
  border-radius: 50%;
  pointer-events: none;
  z-index: 9998;
  transform: translate(-50%, -50%);
  transition: width 0.3s var(--ease), height 0.3s var(--ease), border-color 0.3s;
  will-change: left, top;
}
.cursor-dot.hovered  { width: 10px; height: 10px; background: var(--gold-lt); }
.cursor-ring.hovered { width: 54px; height: 54px; border-color: var(--gold); }

/* === TYPOGRAPHY =================================== */
h1, h2, h3, h4 {
  font-family: var(--font-cin);
  font-weight: 400;
  line-height: 1.2;
  color: var(--text);
}
h1 em, h2 em, h3 em {
  font-family: var(--font-cor);
  font-style: italic;
  font-weight: 300;
  font-size: 1.08em;
  color: inherit;
}
p {
  font-family: var(--font-body);
  font-size: 0.95rem;
  line-height: 1.75;
  color: var(--text-mid);
}
.eyebrow {
  font-family: var(--font-cin);
  font-size: 0.64rem;
  letter-spacing: 0.24em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  color: var(--gold);
  display: block;
  margin-bottom: 12px;
}

/* === CONTAINER ==================================== */
.container {
  max-width: var(--max-w);
  margin: 0 auto;
  padding: 0 48px;
}

/* === BUTTONS ====================================== */
.btn-primary {
  display: inline-flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 8px;
  font-family: var(--font-cin);
  font-size: 0.67rem;
  letter-spacing: 0.2em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  font-weight: 500;
  background: var(--gold);
  color: var(--navy);
  padding: 14px 28px;
  border-radius: var(--radius);
  transition: background 0.25s, transform 0.2s var(--ease), box-shadow 0.25s;
}
.btn-primary:hover {
  background: var(--gold-lt);
  transform: translateY(-2px);
  box-shadow: 0 8px 28px rgba(201,168,76,0.32);
}
.btn-ghost {
  display: inline-flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 8px;
  font-family: var(--font-cin);
  font-size: 0.67rem;
  letter-spacing: 0.2em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  color: rgba(255,255,255,0.8);
  border: 1px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.3);
  padding: 14px 28px;
  border-radius: var(--radius);
  transition: border-color 0.25s, color 0.25s;
}
.btn-ghost:hover { border-color: rgba(255,255,255,0.65); color: white; }
.btn-outline {
  display: inline-flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 7px;
  font-family: var(--font-cin);
  font-size: 0.64rem;
  letter-spacing: 0.18em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  color: var(--navy);
  border: 1px solid rgba(8,14,28,0.28);
  padding: 12px 22px;
  border-radius: var(--radius);
  white-space: nowrap;
  align-self: center;
  transition: background 0.25s, color 0.25s, border-color 0.25s;
}
.btn-outline:hover { background: var(--navy); color: var(--gold); border-color: var(--navy); }
.btn-nav {
  font-family: var(--font-cin);
  font-size: 0.62rem;
  letter-spacing: 0.18em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  color: var(--gold);
  border: 1px solid rgba(201,168,76,0.45);
  padding: 10px 20px;
  border-radius: var(--radius);
  white-space: nowrap;
  transition: background 0.25s, color 0.25s;
}
.btn-nav:hover { background: var(--gold); color: var(--navy); }
.full-width { width: 100%; justify-content: center; }

/* === SECTION HEADER =============================== */
h2 { font-size: clamp(2rem, 3.5vw, 2.8rem); }
.section-header {
  display: flex;
  align-items: flex-end;
  justify-content: space-between;
  gap: 24px;
  margin-bottom: 56px;
}
.section-header.centered {
  flex-direction: column;
  align-items: center;
  text-align: center;
}

/* ===================================================
   NAV
   =================================================== */
#nav {
  position: fixed;
  top: 0; left: 0; right: 0;
  z-index: 500;
  padding: 24px 0;
  transition: background 0.4s ease, padding 0.35s ease, box-shadow 0.4s ease;
}
#nav.scrolled {
  background: rgba(8,14,28,0.96);
  backdrop-filter: blur(14px);
  -webkit-backdrop-filter: blur(14px);
  box-shadow: 0 1px 0 rgba(201,168,76,0.12);
  padding: 14px 0;
}
.nav-inner {
  max-width: var(--max-w);
  margin: 0 auto;
  padding: 0 48px;
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 40px;
}
.logo {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 10px;
  flex-shrink: 0;
}
.logo-star {
  width: 30px; height: 30px;
  flex-shrink: 0;
  transition: transform 0.65s var(--ease);
}
.logo:hover .logo-star { transform: rotate(45deg); }
.logo-wordmark {
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  line-height: 1;
  gap: 3px;
}
.logo-nova {
  font-family: var(--font-cin);
  font-size: 15px;
  letter-spacing: 0.24em;
  font-weight: 600;
  color: white;
}
.logo-admissions {
  font-family: var(--font-cin);
  font-size: 7.5px;
  letter-spacing: 0.3em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  color: var(--gold);
  font-weight: 400;
}
.nav-links {
  list-style: none;
  display: flex;
  gap: 36px;
  margin-left: auto;
}
.nav-links a {
  font-family: var(--font-cin);
  font-size: 0.67rem;
  letter-spacing: 0.16em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  color: rgba(255,255,255,0.72);
  transition: color 0.2s;
  position: relative;
}
.nav-links a::after {
  content: '';
  position: absolute;
  bottom: -4px; left: 0; right: 0;
  height: 1px;
  background: var(--gold);
  transform: scaleX(0);
  transition: transform 0.25s ease;
}
.nav-links a:hover { color: white; }
.nav-links a:hover::after { transform: scaleX(1); }
.hamburger {
  display: none;
  flex-direction: column;
  gap: 5px;
  padding: 4px;
  margin-left: auto;
}
.hamburger span {
  display: block;
  width: 22px; height: 1.5px;
  background: white;
  transition: transform 0.3s ease, opacity 0.3s ease;
}
.hamburger.open span:nth-child(1) { transform: translateY(6.5px) rotate(45deg); }
.hamburger.open span:nth-child(2) { opacity: 0; }
.hamburger.open span:nth-child(3) { transform: translateY(-6.5px) rotate(-45deg); }
.mobile-menu {
  display: none;
  flex-direction: column;
  background: rgba(8,14,28,0.98);
  padding: 20px 48px 28px;
  border-top: 1px solid rgba(201,168,76,0.1);
  gap: 2px;
}
.mobile-menu.open { display: flex; }
.mobile-menu a {
  font-family: var(--font-cin);
  font-size: 0.72rem;
  letter-spacing: 0.18em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  color: rgba(255,255,255,0.75);
  padding: 14px 0;
  border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.05);
}
.btn-nav-mobile {
  margin-top: 12px;
  color: var(--gold) !important;
  border: 1px solid rgba(201,168,76,0.35) !important;
  border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(201,168,76,0.35) !important;
  padding: 13px 20px !important;
  text-align: center;
  border-radius: var(--radius);
}

/* ===================================================
   HERO
   =================================================== */
.hero {
  position: relative;
  min-height: 100vh;
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  overflow: hidden;
  background: var(--navy);
}
.hero-bg {
  position: absolute;
  inset: 0;
  overflow: hidden;
}
.hero-bg img {
  width: 100%;
  height: 115%;
  object-fit: cover;
  object-position: center center;
  animation: kenBurns 24s ease-out forwards;
  will-change: transform;
}
@keyframes kenBurns {
  from { transform: scale(1.0); }
  to   { transform: scale(1.09); }
}
.hero-overlay {
  position: absolute;
  inset: 0;
  background: linear-gradient(
    130deg,
    rgba(8,14,28,0.84) 0%,
    rgba(8,14,28,0.60) 55%,
    rgba(8,14,28,0.42) 100%
  );
}
.hero-content {
  position: relative;
  z-index: 2;
  max-width: var(--max-w);
  width: 100%;
  margin: 0 auto;
  padding: 120px 48px 80px;
}
.hero-content .eyebrow { opacity: 0; }
h1 { margin: 14px 0 22px; }
.h1-line {
  display: block;
  font-size: clamp(3rem, 5.8vw, 5.4rem);
  font-weight: 400;
  line-height: 1.08;
  color: white;
  letter-spacing: -0.01em;
  opacity: 0;
}
.h1-line.gold-line { color: var(--gold-lt); }
.hero-sub {
  font-size: 1rem;
  color: rgba(255,255,255,0.68);
  max-width: 520px;
  line-height: 1.72;
  opacity: 0;
}
.hero-ctas {
  display: flex;
  gap: 16px;
  flex-wrap: wrap;
  margin-top: 36px;
  opacity: 0;
}

/* Hero entrance animation */
@keyframes heroSlideUp {
  from { opacity: 0; transform: translateY(38px); filter: blur(3px); }
  to   { opacity: 1; transform: translateY(0);    filter: blur(0);   }
}
.hero-anim {
  animation: heroSlideUp 0.95s var(--ease) forwards;
  animation-delay: calc(0.08s + var(--i, 0) * 0.16s);
}

.hero-divider {
  position: absolute;
  bottom: -2px; left: 0; right: 0;
  z-index: 3;
  line-height: 0;
}
.hero-divider svg { width: 100%; height: 80px; display: block; }

/* ===================================================
   MARQUEE
   =================================================== */
.marquee-section {
  background: var(--cream);
  overflow: hidden;
  padding: 22px 0;
  border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0,0,0,0.06);
}
.marquee-track {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 28px;
  white-space: nowrap;
  width: max-content;
  animation: marqueeScroll 32s linear infinite;
}
@keyframes marqueeScroll {
  from { transform: translateX(0); }
  to   { transform: translateX(-50%); }
}
.marquee-track span {
  font-family: var(--font-cin);
  font-size: 0.7rem;
  letter-spacing: 0.22em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  color: var(--text-mid);
}
.marquee-track .dot { color: var(--gold); font-size: 0.58rem; }

/* ===================================================
   WHY NOVA
   =================================================== */
.why-nova {
  background: var(--navy);
  padding: 100px 0 96px;
}
.why-nova .eyebrow { color: var(--gold); }
.why-nova h2 { color: white; }
.why-grid {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: repeat(4, 1fr);
  gap: 2px;
  background: rgba(201,168,76,0.08);
  border: 1px solid rgba(201,168,76,0.08);
  border-radius: calc(var(--radius) + 1px);
  overflow: hidden;
  counter-reset: why-counter;
}
.why-card {
  background: var(--navy-mid);
  padding: 44px 34px;
  position: relative;
  overflow: hidden;
  will-change: transform;
  transition: background 0.3s ease;
  counter-increment: why-counter;
}
.why-card::before {
  content: counter(why-counter, decimal-leading-zero);
  font-family: var(--font-cin);
  font-size: 5.5rem;
  letter-spacing: -0.02em;
  color: rgba(201,168,76,0.07);
  position: absolute;
  bottom: 14px; right: 20px;
  line-height: 1;
  pointer-events: none;
}
.why-card:hover { background: var(--navy-lt); }
.why-icon-wrap {
  font-size: 1.4rem;
  color: var(--gold);
  margin-bottom: 22px;
  line-height: 1;
}
.why-card h3 {
  font-size: 1rem;
  color: white;
  margin-bottom: 12px;
  letter-spacing: 0.03em;
}
.why-card p { font-size: 0.875rem; line-height: 1.72; color: rgba(255,255,255,0.52); }

/* ===================================================
   WHO IS NOVA FOR
   =================================================== */
.who-section {
  background: var(--cream-dk);
  padding: 100px 0;
}
.who-inner {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: 1.15fr 1fr;
  gap: 72px;
  align-items: stretch;
}
/* --- content column --- */
.who-content h2 {
  font-size: clamp(1.8rem, 3vw, 2.5rem);
  margin: 6px 0 18px;
  line-height: 1.18;
}
.who-content > p { font-size: 0.92rem; max-width: 440px; margin-bottom: 40px; }
.who-criteria {
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  gap: 28px;
}
/* --- photo column --- */
.who-photo {
  position: relative;
  min-height: 520px;
  overflow: hidden;
  border-radius: var(--radius);
}
.who-photo img {
  position: absolute;
  inset: 0;
  width: 100%;
  height: 100%;
  object-fit: cover;
  object-position: center 30%;
}
/* legacy (unused) */
.who-left h2 {
  font-size: clamp(1.8rem, 3vw, 2.5rem);
  margin: 6px 0 20px;
  line-height: 1.18;
}
.who-left > p { font-size: 0.92rem; max-width: 320px; }
.who-right {
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  gap: 32px;
  padding-top: 6px;
}
.who-item {
  display: flex;
  gap: 20px;
  align-items: flex-start;
}
.who-mark {
  color: var(--gold);
  font-size: 0.85rem;
  flex-shrink: 0;
  margin-top: 2px;
}
.who-item h4 {
  font-family: var(--font-cin);
  font-size: 0.88rem;
  color: var(--navy);
  margin-bottom: 7px;
  letter-spacing: 0.03em;
  font-weight: 400;
}
.who-item p { font-size: 0.875rem; line-height: 1.72; }
@media (max-width: 768px) {
  .who-inner { grid-template-columns: 1fr; gap: 48px; }
  .who-left > p { max-width: none; }
}

/* ===================================================
   ABOUT SPLIT
   =================================================== */
.about-split {
  display: flex;
  min-height: 680px;
}
.about-photo-col {
  flex: 0 0 48%;
  position: relative;
  overflow: hidden;
  background: var(--navy-mid);
}
.about-photo-col .parallax-img {
  position: absolute;
  inset: -8% 0;
  width: 100%;
  height: 116%;
  object-fit: cover;
  object-position: center top;
  will-change: transform;
}
.about-photo-label {
  position: absolute;
  bottom: 0; left: 0; right: 0;
  padding: 44px 44px 36px;
  background: linear-gradient(to top, rgba(8,14,28,0.88) 0%, transparent 100%);
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  gap: 6px;
  z-index: 2;
}
.apl-name {
  font-family: var(--font-cin);
  font-size: 1.18rem;
  font-weight: 400;
  color: white;
  letter-spacing: 0.06em;
}
.apl-role {
  font-family: var(--font-body);
  font-size: 0.7rem;
  letter-spacing: 0.2em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  color: var(--gold);
}
.about-text-col {
  flex: 1;
  background: var(--navy);
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  justify-content: center;
  padding: 80px 88px;
}
.about-text-col .eyebrow { color: var(--gold); }
.about-text-col h2 {
  color: white;
  font-size: clamp(1.9rem, 3vw, 2.6rem);
  margin: 6px 0 28px;
}
.about-text-col h2 em { color: var(--gold-lt); }
.about-text-col p {
  color: rgba(255,255,255,0.6);
  font-size: 0.92rem;
  max-width: 460px;
  margin-bottom: 16px;
}
.about-text-col p em { color: rgba(255,255,255,0.88); font-style: italic; }
.about-text-col .btn-primary { margin-top: 12px; }

/* ===================================================
   CHINA TEAM
   =================================================== */
.china-team {
  background: var(--navy);
  padding: 100px 0;
}
.china-team .eyebrow { color: var(--gold); }
.china-team h2 {
  color: white;
  font-size: clamp(1.9rem, 3.5vw, 2.8rem);
  margin-bottom: 16px;
}
.china-team h2 em { color: var(--gold-lt); }
.china-team-sub {
  font-size: 0.93rem;
  color: rgba(255,255,255,0.55);
  max-width: 520px;
  text-align: center;
  line-height: 1.75;
  margin: 0 auto;
}
.china-cards {
  display: flex;
  justify-content: center;
  gap: 28px;
  margin-top: 64px;
  padding: 0 48px;
}
.china-card {
  width: 380px;
  height: 520px;
  position: relative;
  overflow: hidden;
  border-radius: var(--radius);
  background: var(--navy-mid);
  flex-shrink: 0;
}
.china-card img {
  width: 100%;
  height: 100%;
  object-fit: cover;
  object-position: center top;
  transition: transform 0.6s var(--ease);
}
.china-card:hover img { transform: scale(1.04); }
.china-card-label {
  position: absolute;
  bottom: 0; left: 0; right: 0;
  padding: 48px 32px 28px;
  background: linear-gradient(to top, rgba(8,14,28,0.92) 0%, transparent 100%);
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  gap: 4px;
}
.china-placeholder-tag {
  font-family: var(--font-cin);
  font-size: 0.55rem;
  letter-spacing: 0.2em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  color: rgba(255,255,255,0.35);
  border: 1px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.15);
  padding: 3px 8px;
  display: inline-block;
  width: fit-content;
  margin-bottom: 6px;
}
.china-name {
  font-family: var(--font-cin);
  font-size: 1.1rem;
  font-weight: 400;
  color: white;
  letter-spacing: 0.05em;
}
.china-role {
  font-family: var(--font-body);
  font-size: 0.72rem;
  color: rgba(255,255,255,0.6);
  letter-spacing: 0.06em;
  margin-top: 2px;
}
.china-uni {
  font-family: var(--font-cin);
  font-size: 0.6rem;
  letter-spacing: 0.22em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  color: var(--gold);
  margin-top: 6px;
}

@media (max-width: 768px) {
  .china-cards { flex-direction: column; align-items: center; padding: 0 24px; gap: 20px; }
  .china-card { width: 100%; max-width: 400px; height: 460px; }
}

/* ===================================================
   SERVICES
   =================================================== */
.services {
  background: var(--cream);
  padding: 100px 0;
}
.services-grid {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: repeat(3, 1fr);
  grid-template-rows: auto auto;
  gap: 2px;
  background: rgba(0,0,0,0.07);
  border: 1px solid rgba(0,0,0,0.07);
  border-radius: calc(var(--radius) + 1px);
  overflow: hidden;
}
.service-card {
  background: white;
  padding: 40px 36px;
  position: relative;
  will-change: transform;
  transition: box-shadow 0.25s ease;
}
.service-card.tilt-card:hover {
  box-shadow: inset 0 0 0 1px rgba(201,168,76,0.2);
  z-index: 2;
}
.service-card.featured {
  grid-row: span 2;
  background: var(--navy);
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  justify-content: flex-end;
  padding: 48px 44px;
  overflow: hidden;
}
.service-num {
  font-family: var(--font-cin);
  font-size: 0.64rem;
  letter-spacing: 0.24em;
  color: var(--text-lt);
  margin-bottom: 14px;
}
.service-card.featured .service-num {
  position: absolute;
  top: 32px; left: 40px;
  font-size: 6rem;
  letter-spacing: 0;
  line-height: 1;
  color: rgba(201,168,76,0.12);
  margin-bottom: 0;
}
.service-tag {
  position: absolute;
  top: 36px; right: 36px;
  font-family: var(--font-cin);
  font-size: 0.58rem;
  letter-spacing: 0.18em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  color: var(--gold);
  border: 1px solid rgba(201,168,76,0.38);
  padding: 5px 11px;
}
.service-card h3 {
  font-size: 1rem;
  color: var(--navy);
  margin-bottom: 10px;
  letter-spacing: 0.02em;
}
.service-card.featured h3 {
  color: white;
  font-size: 1.85rem;
  line-height: 1.14;
  margin-bottom: 18px;
}
.service-card p { font-size: 0.875rem; color: var(--text-mid); line-height: 1.7; }
.service-card.featured p { color: rgba(255,255,255,0.58); max-width: 270px; }
.service-link {
  display: inline-flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 7px;
  font-family: var(--font-cin);
  font-size: 0.63rem;
  letter-spacing: 0.18em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  color: var(--gold);
  margin-top: 26px;
  transition: gap 0.2s ease;
}
.service-link:hover { gap: 13px; }

/* ===================================================
   PROCESS STRIP (inside services section)
   =================================================== */
.process-strip {
  margin-top: 72px;
  padding: 52px 0 4px;
  border-top: 1px solid rgba(0,0,0,0.07);
  text-align: center;
}
.process-strip .eyebrow { margin-bottom: 28px; }
.process-steps-mini {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: center;
  gap: 10px;
  flex-wrap: wrap;
}
.psm-step {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 10px;
  background: white;
  border: 1px solid rgba(0,0,0,0.08);
  padding: 16px 24px;
  border-radius: var(--radius);
  box-shadow: 0 2px 10px rgba(0,0,0,0.04);
}
.psm-num {
  font-family: var(--font-cin);
  font-size: 0.75rem;
  letter-spacing: 0.05em;
  color: var(--gold);
  font-weight: 500;
  line-height: 1;
}
.psm-label {
  font-family: var(--font-cin);
  font-size: 0.72rem;
  letter-spacing: 0.08em;
  color: var(--navy);
  white-space: nowrap;
  font-weight: 400;
}
.psm-arrow {
  color: var(--text-lt);
  font-size: 1.1rem;
  flex-shrink: 0;
  line-height: 1;
}

/* ===================================================
   PROCESS (legacy — kept for reference, no longer rendered)
   =================================================== */
.process {
  background: var(--navy);
  padding: 100px 0;
}
.process-inner {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: 1fr 1.55fr;
  gap: 96px;
  align-items: start;
}
.process-text .eyebrow { color: var(--gold); }
.process-text h2 {
  color: white;
  font-size: clamp(2rem, 3.5vw, 3rem);
  line-height: 1.12;
  margin: 8px 0 22px;
}
.process-text h2 em { color: var(--gold-lt); }
.process-text > p { color: rgba(255,255,255,0.5); font-size: 0.92rem; max-width: 300px; }
.process-text .btn-primary { margin-top: 36px; display: inline-flex; }

/* Steps */
.steps {
  position: relative;
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  padding-top: 4px;
}
.steps::before {
  content: '';
  position: absolute;
  left: 21px;
  top: 48px;
  bottom: 28px;
  width: 1px;
  background: linear-gradient(to bottom, rgba(201,168,76,0.55) 0%, rgba(201,168,76,0.08) 100%);
  transform: scaleY(0);
  transform-origin: top center;
  transition: transform 1.5s var(--ease);
}
.steps.line-drawn::before { transform: scaleY(1); }
.step {
  display: flex;
  gap: 28px;
  align-items: flex-start;
  padding-bottom: 46px;
}
.step:last-child { padding-bottom: 0; }
.step-num {
  flex-shrink: 0;
  width: 44px; height: 44px;
  border: 1px solid rgba(201,168,76,0.35);
  color: var(--gold);
  font-family: var(--font-cin);
  font-size: 0.85rem;
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: center;
  background: var(--navy);
  position: relative;
  z-index: 1;
  transition: background 0.3s, border-color 0.3s;
}
.step:hover .step-num { background: var(--gold-dim); border-color: var(--gold); }
.step-content h3 {
  font-size: 0.98rem;
  color: white;
  margin-bottom: 8px;
  letter-spacing: 0.03em;
}
.step-content p { font-size: 0.875rem; color: rgba(255,255,255,0.5); line-height: 1.72; }

/* ===================================================
   CTA BANNER
   =================================================== */
.cta-banner {
  position: relative;
  min-height: 500px;
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: center;
  text-align: center;
  overflow: hidden;
  background: var(--navy-mid);
}
.cta-bg-img {
  position: absolute;
  inset: -10%;
  width: 120%;
  height: 120%;
  max-width: none;
  object-fit: cover;
  will-change: transform;
}
.cta-overlay {
  position: absolute;
  inset: 0;
  background: linear-gradient(to bottom, rgba(8,14,28,0.62), rgba(8,14,28,0.75));
}
.cta-content {
  position: relative;
  z-index: 2;
  max-width: 640px;
  padding: 80px 48px;
}
.cta-star { margin: 0 auto 26px; }
.cta-content h2 {
  color: white;
  font-size: clamp(2rem, 4vw, 3.2rem);
  line-height: 1.18;
  margin-bottom: 20px;
}
.cta-content h2 em { color: var(--gold-lt); }
.cta-content p {
  color: rgba(255,255,255,0.62);
  font-size: 0.96rem;
  line-height: 1.78;
  margin-bottom: 36px;
}
.cta-content .btn-primary { margin: 0 auto; }
.cta-spots-tag {
  font-family: var(--font-cin);
  font-size: 0.6rem;
  letter-spacing: 0.28em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  color: var(--gold);
  border: 1px solid rgba(201,168,76,0.32);
  display: inline-block;
  padding: 6px 16px;
  border-radius: var(--radius);
  margin-bottom: 24px;
}

/* ===================================================
   LIMITED SPOTS BANNER
   =================================================== */
.spots-banner {
  background: var(--navy-mid);
  padding: 88px 0;
  border-top: 1px solid rgba(201,168,76,0.1);
  border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(201,168,76,0.1);
}
.spots-inner {
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  align-items: center;
  text-align: center;
  gap: 18px;
  max-width: 600px;
  margin: 0 auto;
}
.spots-inner h2 {
  color: white;
  font-size: clamp(1.8rem, 3vw, 2.6rem);
}
.spots-inner p {
  color: rgba(255,255,255,0.58);
  font-size: 0.95rem;
  line-height: 1.78;
  max-width: 480px;
}
.spots-inner .btn-primary { margin-top: 8px; }

/* ===================================================
   TESTIMONIALS
   =================================================== */
.testimonials {
  background: var(--cream-dk);
  padding: 100px 0;
}
.testimonials h2 { font-size: clamp(1.8rem, 3vw, 2.4rem); }
.testimonial-grid {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: repeat(4, 1fr);
  gap: 2px;
  background: rgba(0,0,0,0.06);
  border: 1px solid rgba(0,0,0,0.06);
  border-radius: calc(var(--radius) + 1px);
  overflow: hidden;
}
.testimonial-card {
  background: white;
  padding: 44px 36px;
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  gap: 10px;
  transition: background 0.2s;
}
.testimonial-card:hover { background: var(--cream); }
.t-school-tag {
  font-family: var(--font-cin);
  font-size: 0.6rem;
  letter-spacing: 0.22em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  color: var(--gold);
  border: 1px solid rgba(201,168,76,0.35);
  padding: 4px 10px;
  display: inline-block;
  width: fit-content;
  margin-bottom: 8px;
}
.t-name {
  font-family: var(--font-cin);
  font-size: 1.4rem;
  color: var(--navy);
  font-weight: 400;
  letter-spacing: 0.03em;
}
.t-year {
  font-family: var(--font-body);
  font-size: 0.82rem;
  color: var(--text-lt);
  letter-spacing: 0.04em;
}
.t-footnote {
  text-align: center;
  font-size: 0.78rem;
  color: var(--text-lt);
  margin-top: 28px;
  letter-spacing: 0.04em;
}
@media (max-width: 768px) {
  .testimonial-grid { grid-template-columns: repeat(2, 1fr); }
}
@media (max-width: 480px) {
  .testimonial-grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }
}

/* ===================================================
   FAQ
   =================================================== */
.faq {
  background: var(--cream);
  padding: 100px 0;
}
.faq-inner {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: 1fr 1.8fr;
  gap: 88px;
  align-items: start;
}
.faq-left h2 { font-size: clamp(1.8rem, 3vw, 2.4rem); margin: 6px 0 16px; }
.faq-left > p { font-size: 0.92rem; max-width: 260px; color: var(--text-mid); }
.faq-list { display: flex; flex-direction: column; }
.faq-item {
  border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0,0,0,0.08);
}
.faq-item:first-child { border-top: 1px solid rgba(0,0,0,0.08); }
.faq-item summary {
  font-family: var(--font-cin);
  font-size: 0.82rem;
  letter-spacing: 0.05em;
  color: var(--navy);
  padding: 22px 0;
  display: flex;
  justify-content: space-between;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 16px;
  list-style: none;
  cursor: none;
  user-select: none;
  transition: color 0.2s;
}
.faq-item summary::-webkit-details-marker { display: none; }
.faq-item summary::after {
  content: '+';
  font-family: var(--font-body);
  font-size: 1.3rem;
  font-weight: 300;
  color: var(--gold);
  flex-shrink: 0;
  transition: transform 0.3s var(--ease);
  line-height: 1;
}
.faq-item[open] summary { color: var(--gold); }
.faq-item[open] summary::after { transform: rotate(45deg); }
.faq-answer { padding-bottom: 24px; }
.faq-answer p {
  font-size: 0.9rem;
  color: var(--text-mid);
  line-height: 1.78;
  max-width: 580px;
}
@media (max-width: 768px) {
  .faq-inner { grid-template-columns: 1fr; gap: 40px; }
  .faq-left > p { max-width: none; }
  .faq-left .btn-primary { display: none; }
}

/* ===================================================
   CONTACT
   =================================================== */
.contact {
  background: var(--cream);
  padding: 100px 0;
}
.contact-inner {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: 1fr 1.6fr;
  gap: 80px;
  align-items: start;
}
.contact-left h2 { font-size: clamp(1.8rem, 3vw, 2.6rem); margin-bottom: 20px; }
.contact-left > p { font-size: 0.92rem; max-width: 340px; margin-bottom: 36px; }
.contact-details { display: flex; flex-direction: column; gap: 14px; }
.contact-item {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 12px;
  font-family: var(--font-body);
  font-size: 0.88rem;
  color: var(--text-mid);
}
.cicon {
  color: var(--gold);
  width: 20px;
  flex-shrink: 0;
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  font-size: 1rem;
}
.contact-form { display: flex; flex-direction: column; gap: 20px; }
.form-row { display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; gap: 20px; }
.field { display: flex; flex-direction: column; gap: 8px; }
.field label {
  font-family: var(--font-cin);
  font-size: 0.61rem;
  letter-spacing: 0.2em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  color: var(--text-mid);
}
.field input, .field textarea {
  font-family: var(--font-body);
  font-size: 0.92rem;
  color: var(--text);
  background: white;
  border: 1px solid rgba(0,0,0,0.12);
  border-radius: var(--radius);
  padding: 14px 16px;
  outline: none;
  transition: border-color 0.2s, box-shadow 0.2s;
  resize: vertical;
  cursor: text;
}
.field input:focus, .field textarea:focus {
  border-color: var(--gold);
  box-shadow: 0 0 0 3px rgba(201,168,76,0.1);
}
.field input::placeholder, .field textarea::placeholder { color: #c0bcb6; }

/* ===================================================
   FAQ + CONTACT MERGED (CFAQ)
   =================================================== */
.cfaq {
  background: var(--cream);
  padding: 100px 0;
}
.cfaq-inner {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: 1.05fr 0.95fr;
  gap: 72px;
  align-items: start;
}
.cfaq-left h2 {
  font-size: clamp(1.8rem, 3vw, 2.4rem);
  margin: 6px 0 40px;
}
/* Right column — navy card */
.cfaq-right {
  background: var(--navy);
  border-radius: var(--radius);
  padding: 52px 48px 56px;
  position: sticky;
  top: 96px;
}
.cfaq-right .eyebrow { color: var(--gold); }
.cfaq-right h2 {
  color: white;
  font-size: clamp(1.5rem, 2.4vw, 2rem);
  margin: 6px 0 16px;
  line-height: 1.22;
}
.cfaq-right > p {
  color: rgba(255,255,255,0.56);
  font-size: 0.9rem;
  margin-bottom: 28px;
  line-height: 1.75;
}
.cfaq-right .contact-details { margin-bottom: 32px; }
.cfaq-right .contact-item { color: rgba(255,255,255,0.62); font-size: 0.86rem; }
/* Form fields on dark background */
.cfaq-right .field label { color: rgba(255,255,255,0.42); }
.cfaq-right .field input,
.cfaq-right .field textarea {
  background: rgba(255,255,255,0.06);
  border-color: rgba(255,255,255,0.1);
  color: white;
}
.cfaq-right .field input::placeholder,
.cfaq-right .field textarea::placeholder { color: rgba(255,255,255,0.26); }
.cfaq-right .field input:focus,
.cfaq-right .field textarea:focus {
  border-color: rgba(201,168,76,0.6);
  box-shadow: 0 0 0 3px rgba(201,168,76,0.1);
}

/* ===================================================
   FOOTER
   =================================================== */
.footer {
  background: var(--navy);
  border-top: 1px solid rgba(201,168,76,0.1);
}
.footer-inner {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: 1.6fr 1fr;
  gap: 80px;
  align-items: start;
  padding-top: 64px;
  padding-bottom: 64px;
}
.footer-brand .logo { margin-bottom: 20px; }
.footer-brand p { font-size: 0.84rem; color: rgba(255,255,255,0.38); max-width: 280px; line-height: 1.72; }
.footer-links { display: flex; gap: 60px; }
.footer-col { display: flex; flex-direction: column; gap: 12px; }
.footer-col h4 {
  font-family: var(--font-cin);
  font-size: 0.62rem;
  letter-spacing: 0.24em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  color: var(--gold);
  margin-bottom: 4px;
}
.footer-col a {
  font-family: var(--font-body);
  font-size: 0.84rem;
  color: rgba(255,255,255,0.42);
  transition: color 0.2s;
}
.footer-col a:hover { color: rgba(255,255,255,0.78); }
.footer-bottom {
  border-top: 1px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.05);
  padding: 22px 48px;
  max-width: var(--max-w);
  margin: 0 auto;
}
.footer-bottom p { font-size: 0.78rem; color: rgba(255,255,255,0.22); text-align: center; }

/* ===================================================
   SCROLL REVEALS
   =================================================== */
.sr-fade {
  opacity: 0;
  transition: opacity 0.9s ease;
  transition-delay: var(--delay, 0s);
}
.sr-rise {
  opacity: 0;
  transform: translateY(26px);
  transition: opacity 0.9s ease, transform 0.9s var(--ease);
  transition-delay: var(--delay, 0s);
}
.sr-from-left {
  opacity: 0;
  transform: translateX(-48px);
  transition: opacity 0.9s ease, transform 0.9s var(--ease);
  transition-delay: var(--delay, 0s);
}
.sr-from-right {
  opacity: 0;
  transform: translateX(48px);
  transition: opacity 0.9s ease, transform 0.9s var(--ease);
  transition-delay: var(--delay, 0s);
}
.sr-up {
  opacity: 0;
  transform: translateY(36px);
  transition: opacity 0.75s ease, transform 0.75s var(--ease);
  transition-delay: var(--delay, 0s);
}
.sr-fade.is-visible,
.sr-rise.is-visible,
.sr-from-left.is-visible,
.sr-from-right.is-visible,
.sr-up.is-visible {
  opacity: 1;
  transform: none;
}

/* ===================================================
   RESPONSIVE
   =================================================== */
@media (max-width: 1024px) {
  .why-grid { grid-template-columns: repeat(2, 1fr); gap: 2px; }
  .process-inner { grid-template-columns: 1fr; gap: 56px; }
  .process-text > p { max-width: none; }
  .contact-inner { grid-template-columns: 1fr; gap: 48px; }
  .contact-left > p { max-width: none; }
  .footer-inner { grid-template-columns: 1fr; gap: 40px; }
  .footer-links { gap: 40px; }
  /* new sections */
  .who-inner { grid-template-columns: 1fr; gap: 48px; }
  .who-photo { min-height: 360px; }
  .cfaq-inner { grid-template-columns: 1fr; gap: 56px; }
  .cfaq-right { position: static; }
}
@media (max-width: 768px) {
  .container { padding: 0 24px; }
  .nav-inner { padding: 0 24px; gap: 16px; }
  .nav-links, .btn-nav { display: none; }
  .hamburger { display: flex; }
  .mobile-menu { padding: 16px 24px 24px; }

  .hero-content { padding: 100px 24px 60px; }
  .h1-line { font-size: clamp(2.4rem, 10vw, 3.6rem); }
  .hero-sub { font-size: 0.93rem; }

  .about-split { flex-direction: column; min-height: auto; }
  .about-photo-col { flex: none; height: 420px; }
  .about-photo-col .parallax-img { height: 120%; inset: -10% 0; }
  .about-text-col { padding: 56px 32px; }
  .about-text-col p { max-width: none; }

  .services-grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }
  .service-card.featured { grid-row: span 1; min-height: 300px; }

  .why-grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }

  .steps::before { left: 19px; }

  .cta-content { padding: 60px 24px; }

  /* process strip on mobile */
  .process-steps-mini { gap: 6px; }
  .psm-step { padding: 12px 16px; }
  .psm-label { font-size: 0.68rem; }
  .psm-arrow { font-size: 0.9rem; }

  /* cfaq on mobile */
  .cfaq-right { padding: 40px 28px 44px; }

  .form-row { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }
  .section-header { flex-direction: column; align-items: flex-start; gap: 16px; }
  .section-header .btn-outline { align-self: flex-start; }

  .footer-inner { padding: 48px 0; }
  .footer-bottom { padding: 20px 24px; }

  .hero-divider svg { height: 44px; }
}
@media (max-width: 480px) {
  .hero-ctas { flex-direction: column; align-items: flex-start; }
  .about-photo-col { height: 340px; }
  .about-text-col { padding: 44px 24px; }
  .why-grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }
}

/* === TOUCH DEVICES — hide custom cursor =========== */
@media (pointer: coarse), (max-width: 1024px) {
  .cursor-dot, .cursor-ring { display: none !important; opacity: 0 !important; }
  body { cursor: auto; }
  button { cursor: pointer; }
  a { cursor: pointer; }
}