Wolves are deadly hunters of the wild, fierce,

and cunning in their ways.

Yet, even their natural prowess pales in comparison to the might of werewolves—the deadliest predators of the dark. Born of the alpha lineage,

werewolves are not mere creatures of nature but beasts of legend, forged in shadows and bound by the rhythms of the moon.

Their transformation is a spectacle of raw power,

triggered by the rise of the full moon when its pale glow awakens its true essence.

In this moment,

they shed their human guise, revealing a fearsome form:

Towering figures with rippling muscles, razor-sharp claws, and eyes that burn with untamed fury.

Vehement and unstoppable, they are predators no mortal warrior would dare to face.

But the hierarchy of these nocturnal beings extends beyond the alphas. Beneath their imposing dominance lie others of similar yet distinct power:

the omegas,

the lunas, and the betas.

They are all fierce and unstoppable, beings of raw power and primal instincts.

But here's the truth—so was I.

I wasn't just an ordinary man;

I was one of them.

Gifted with the strength of a super beast, I was no mere mortal anymore.

My abilities weren't just for survival; they were meant for battle, for facing the dark and monstrous forces that ruled the universe. The moon beasts of the night, creatures of shadow and destruction, were among the first I faced.

These unholy monsters, along with countless other horrors, had plunged the world into an age of darkness.

Light had been banished for centuries, buried under the weight of their evil reign. But that was when I was chosen.

I was marked—branded, even—as the guardian.

My mission wasn't just to fight; it was to restore what had been lost. I became a hero,

though I never sought the title. My purpose was clear:

To bring back the light, to push back the darkness that had spread too far for too long. It wasn't just about strength; it was about hope,

about standing tall when the world had forgotten what it meant to rise.

This is where my story began.

The chronicle of a man turned beast, a warrior driven by a cause bigger than himself. It was never easy, and the battles were brutal,

but every scar I earned was a step closer to reclaiming what was stolen from us all. This is how my journey started,

and it's far from over.

* * *

My name is Alex Cage.

I'm just a young boy, though some would say I'm more of a teenager at heart—in spirit, flesh, and soul.

Life has always been simple yet full of little mysteries in Greenlake,

the town village where I live with my mother.

Greenlake is no ordinary place; it's nestled right in the middle of a lush forest, surrounded by six neighboring villages. The air always smells like pine and rain, and the evenings are filled with the sound of crickets and distant owls.

My mom is everything to me.

She loves me more than words can say and shows it in every little thing she does, from the warm meals she makes to the way she always checks if I'm okay.

Life hasn't been easy for her, especially after we lost my dad.

I was just 12 when it happened—barely old enough to understand the weight of it all. Back then,

I was still a kid, too young to fill the gap he left behind.

I also have an older brother, but he's worlds away, living in Taiwan. We don't see him often, but I know he's out there, doing his thing.

It's just me and Mom here now, holding down the fort in our little corner of the world.

As for me?

I'm just a student, nothing too extraordinary.

But I've got my passions—the things that light up my days and keep me going. I love writing novels, losing myself in made-up worlds and characters.

When I'm not writing, I'm buried in books, devouring fiction from all kinds of authors or flipping through comics that spark my imagination.

Movies are another escape and video games? Let's just say they're my go-to when I need an adventure without leaving my room.

Life might seem quiet here in Greenlake, but between the forest, the stories in my head, and the dreams I chase, it feels like anything is possible.

After the morning instruction at St. Deutrine Church,

I decided to head back home.

The lessons had been good, but my mind was already wandering to the comforts of my little house tucked in the heart of Greenlake.

It didn't take me long to get there. I made my way through the winding paths that connected the six neighboring villages, each one bustling with life in its way. The air smelled of fresh earth and distant cooking fires,

a mix that always reminded me of home.

When I finally reached my door, I raised my hand and knocked three times—

"Kpom, kpom, kpom."

The sound echoed softly in the quiet afternoon.

"Coming!"

Came my mother's familiar voice from inside.

I could hear her footsteps as she made her way to the door, her pace steady yet eager. A moment later,

the door swung open, and there she was, her face lighting up at the sight of me.

I stepped inside,

the coziness of our home wrapping around me like an old blanket.

I was dressed casually—a polo short-sleeve shirt, slightly worn but comfortable, paired with jeans and sneakers.

My grayish-black emerald eyes scanned the room out of habit, catching the soft light filtering through the curtains.

A simple wristwatch sat snugly on my wrist,

ticking away the hours like it always did, a quiet companion to my days.

The house smelled of spices and something baking in the oven.

My mom had probably been busy in the kitchen while I was out.

She gave me her usual warm smile,

the kind that made everything feel right even when

the world outside seemed overwhelming.

"Where did you go?"

My mom asked as soon as I stepped through the door.

"To the church,"

I replied, making my way inside, and heading toward the living room that led to my room.

"What for?"

She pressed her voice following me.

"Morning instructions,"

I answered,

not stopping as I walked.

"Alright then.

Hurry up, have your breakfast, and get ready for your lectures at school,"

She said, moving toward the parlor.

"Okay, Mom,"

I called back, already halfway to my room. I reached the door, opened it, and stepped inside.

The familiar sight of my small space greeted me,

a mix of comfort and chaos. I let the door click shut behind me and took a seat on my bed.

The moment I sat down, I felt the fatigue settle in.

My shirt was slightly damp from the walk back, and my body was weighed down by a mix of heat and exhaustion.

"Oh, my gosh,"

I muttered, running a hand through my hair as I sighed heavily.

I leaned back for a moment, staring up at the ceiling, letting my mind drift.

"What next now?"

I said to no one in particular.

My gaze wandered across the room, landing on something that immediately caught my attention.

A comic book lay on the edge of my desk, half hidden under a pile of papers. I reached over and grabbed it.

The name on the comic's cover gripped me instantly, sending a thrill through my mind. Dr. Wolf. It was bold, mysterious, and utterly captivating.

"Ha, this has to be good," I muttered to myself, curiosity already sparking.

"Let me see what it's all about."

Without wasting a second, I flipped open the first page.

My eyes landed immediately on a haunting image—a massive, terrorizing werewolf standing beneath a blood-red moon. Its eyes glowed fiercely, and its claws looked sharp enough to tear through steel. The scene felt alive, as though the beast might leap off the page at any moment.

I froze,

the image stirring something deep within me. My mind flashed back to the dream I had last night—a dream that had left me drenched in sweat and my heart pounding like a drum.

It was no ordinary dream; it was vivid, terrifying, and unforgettable.

Werewolves.

They were everywhere—the huge, menacing pack of alphas. Werewolves. Their forms loomed in the shadows, hulking and feral, their eyes glowing with a blood-red hunger that locked onto me like prey.

I found myself trapped in the heart of a devastated forest.

The trees were hollowed and broken, their twisted branches clawing at the sky like the fingers of a long-dead giant.

The air was thick and cold, filled with the stench of decay and something far worse. My gaze swept around the haunting landscape, searching for any sign of escape or safety,

but the forest seemed endless, a maze of darkness pulling me in deeper.

Each step I took felt heavier than the last, as though the ground itself wanted to swallow me. But I couldn't stop, not now. As I cautiously moved forward, my breath shallow and my heart racing, a sound jolted me to a halt.

It started faint, like a distant drumbeat—thump, thump, thump. Then it grew louder, more distinct. A gallop. Or something heavier.

It was the kind of sound that made your stomach drop before your brain even had time to process it.

I turned quickly, and my blood ran cold. Emerging from the shadows, tearing through the fog and the broken trees, was a massive pack of dark alphas. Their monstrous forms charged forward, each one a nightmare-given flesh.

Their glowing red eyes burned into me with a terrifying focus, unyielding, as though they could already taste my fear.

Their growls shook the very ground beneath me,

a guttural warning of the chaos they would unleash if they caught me.

I stood frozen for a moment, paralyzed by the sheer terror of their approach. Then my instincts roared to life. Run.

The word screamed through my mind, and I bolted, my feet pounding against the uneven forest floor.

My heart raced, each beat thundering in my chest as I pushed myself forward, leaping over roots, ducking beneath low-hanging branches,

and weaving through the towering trees.

Their howls pierced the air,

a bone-chilling reminder that they were closing in.

I glanced over my shoulder, and my fear doubled.

They were faster than I could have imagined,

their massive frames cutting through the forest with terrifying ease.

Their glowing eyes never left me, their jaws snapping with anticipation.

"No, no, no,"

I muttered under my breath, my voice barely audible over the sound of my panicked breathing. I pushed myself harder, legs burning and lungs screaming for air,

but it wasn't enough. They were closing the distance, gaining ground with every passing second.

The growls were so close now, that I could feel their heat against my back.

My body screamed at me to keep running, but my mind was already racing ahead, searching for a way out,

for something—anything—that could save me.

Their speed was unreal,

like an adrenaline surge that never faltered, a relentless force driving them forward.

Each stride they took closed the gap between us faster than I could comprehend.

I was running with every ounce of energy I had, but the exhaustion was biting at me hard.

My legs felt heavier with each step, my breath coming in ragged gasps.

No matter how much I pushed, my speed began to falter.

The pounding rhythm of my heart couldn’t keep up, and I knew I was losing ground. The beasts behind me sensed it, their snarls growing louder, more confident.

“Come on, come on!”

I urged myself, desperate to go faster. But it was too late. Before I could react, one of the alphas lunged forward,

its claws slicing through the air with deadly precision.

The impact hit me like a thunderstorm, ferocious and inescapable. Its bloodied claws tore into my back with a force that sent me hurtling forward.

I felt the searing pain immediately—a deep, hot agony that spread through me like wildfire.

The force of the attack threw me to the ground, and I crashed hard, my body collapsing into the dirt and leaves. For a moment, everything blurred.

My vision swam, my head spun, and I couldn’t make sense of anything around me. It was like the slash had not only torn my flesh but my very understanding of the world.

I lay there, sprawled out, gasping for breath, as the blood began to flow from the wound.

It was thick and warm, soaking into my shirt and pooling beneath me. I could feel its sticky weight, a chilling reminder of how close to death I was.

My thoughts spiraled as the pain coursed through me.

Was this it?

Was this how my story ended?

My heart pounded with a mix of fear and regret as the truth dawned on me. I was teetering on the edge,

caught between life and death, and there was nothing I could do to stop it.

The sound of another snarl jolted me back. My eyes widened as one of the beasts leaped toward me, jaws wide and ready to tear me apart. Its shadow loomed over me, massive and merciless.

“Not like this!”

I shouted in my mind. My instincts kicked in, fueled by desperation. I threw my arm up as if trying to block the inevitable.

“Shit,”

I muttered under my breath, my voice trembling. This wasn’t just fear—it was recognition. The slash, the pain, the blood—it all felt hauntingly familiar. The memory from the dream surged back like a flood.

This was it.

The dream had become reality. The slash across my back wasn’t just a nightmare—it was real, vivid, and now a part of me. The beasts were here, the pain was here, and I was trapped in the same horrifying moment I had seen before.

The mark on my back wasn’t just a wound—it was something else entirely. It appeared as a strange, dark symbol etched into my skin,

almost alive with its energy. I hadn’t shown it to my mom or anyone else.

No way. Something about it told me this wasn’t something I could casually explain. So, I kept it to myself, a secret buried until I could figure out what it meant—or what it might do.

Despite everything, life went on, and at that moment, hunger struck me hard, pulling me back to the present.

My stomach growled loudly, reminding me that I hadn’t eaten since morning. I felt famished like I could devour an entire buffet in one sitting.

I made my way to the dining room, drawn by the enticing aroma of food wafting through the air.

There on the table was a plate my mom had left for me—a perfect serving of fried egg, rich sauce, and fluffy white rice.

Atop the rice, a massive chicken leg sat like a crown,

golden and crispy, oozing flavor.

“Wow,”

I murmured as I approached, the sight of the meal already lifting my spirits. I pulled the chair out, sat down,

and wasted no time digging in.

The first bite was pure heaven. The egg was seasoned just right,

the sauce had a tangy kick that balanced perfectly with the rice, and the chicken—oh, the chicken—was tender and juicy, its flavors exploding with every bite.

The aroma alone was enough to make anyone's mouth water.

As I shoveled a spoonful into my mouth, the sweetness and spices blended so perfectly, that it felt like a celebration on my tongue.

“Mom, your food is always the best—better than any chef's,”

I called out, my words muffled by another bite.

From the living room, her voice came back, warm and proud.

“Well, someone has to keep you strong, right?”

I chuckled, savoring another bite. The meal was doing more than filling my stomach; it was grounding me,

giving me a sense of normalcy amidst all the chaos I’d been feeling.

For a moment, I let myself forget about the symbol on my back, the nightmares, and the strange,

growing unease in my chest.

But even as I enjoyed my mom’s cooking, a part of me couldn’t shake the feeling that everything was about to change. The mark on my back wasn’t going away—it was waiting, biding its time, and I knew I couldn’t ignore it forever.

For now, though, I let myself savor the moment.

I’d need my strength for whatever was coming next.

After my mom headed to her room, I leaned back in my chair,

feeling content.

The meal had done its job—recharged me and pushed away the morning’s tension. With a satisfied sigh, I glanced at the clock. Time to get ready for school.

“Gotta change up for school,”

I muttered, standing up and stretching.

“This school is kinda nice,

though,”

I added,

trying to hype myself up as I made my way to my room.

Once inside, I walked straight to my wardrobe.

Opening it, I scanned the lineup of clothes, trying to pick something that wouldn’t make me stand out too much. After a moment of deliberation, I pulled out a plain white T-shirt and a pair of long navy-blue trousers.

“This’ll do,”

I said to myself, holding the outfit up and giving it a once-over.

“Simple, clean, good enough for today.”

I quickly threw them on, smoothing out the fabric to make sure everything looked just right.

Before heading out, I decided to add a little flair to the look.

I grabbed my navy blue cap, adjusted it snugly over my head, and checked myself in the mirror.

“Yeah, this works. Lookin’ sharp,”

I said with a small grin, feeling pretty confident about my choice.

As I turned to leave, a thought hit me. Phone.

Do I have my phone?

My hand instinctively patted my pocket, searching for the familiar rectangular outline. Nothing. My heart skipped a beat.

“Wait… where’s my phone?”

I muttered, the first wave of mild panic setting in. I checked my other pocket. Still nothing.

My eyes darted around the room, scanning the bed, the desk, and even the floor.

“Oh, come on!

Where is this damn phone?”

I started moving things around, checking under the pillows, flipping through papers on my desk, and

even lifting my shoes as if the phone could magically be hiding there. Frustration started bubbling up.

Then, as I turned to look one last time, my gaze landed on it—lying right there on the bed in plain sight, mocking me with its presence.

“Oh, damn. There you are,”

I said, half relieved, half annoyed.

“Guess I need to stop losing stuff like this.”

With my phone secured and my outfit ready.

I switched on my phone, eager to check my email.

My fingers tapped the screen as I opened the app, a small flicker of excitement building inside me.

But the moment the inbox loaded, my heart sank.

It was blank—completely blank. Not a single notification, no new messages. I was hoping,

no, expecting,

a response from the Nons Tech team by now.

You see, a few days ago, I’d filled out a form to have my novel accepted into their prime stories collection.

I was so confident they’d get back to me soon.

After all, my story was good, wasn’t it?

It had depth, drama, action—everything they wanted.

“Damn it,”

I muttered, running a hand through my hair.

“What the hell is going on here?

No response? Seriously?”

Frustration bubbled up inside me.

“Oh, shit...

What just a fuck is this?”

I grumbled under my breath, staring at the empty screen as if my glare could magically summon the email I was waiting for.

“They should have responded by now. This is ridiculous.”

I sighed, trying to calm down.

“Alright, alright, I’ll just be patient. Maybe it takes them more time.

I’ll give it a few weeks, and if nothing shows up, I’ll check on this damn site again,”

I said, annoyed, as I switched off my phone and stuffed my phone into my pocket.

Still, the silence from Nons Tech stung a little.

I’m a fiction writer, after all. I’ve written tons of stories in different genres—speculative fiction, fantasy, werewolves, and more.

But my favorites?

Romance and werewolf novels. There’s just something about weaving those intense, emotional tales that always pulls me in.

But here’s the thing: writing isn’t just a hobby for me.

It’s a career I’ve been building, and I’m proud of how far I’ve come.

Right now, I’m a university student juggling my studies and my writing career, but I’ve also made a name for myself on RALME.

RALME isn’t just another platform; it’s the platform.

It’s miles ahead of Nons Tech, offering writers real opportunities to grow, connect, and succeed.

And the best part?

It pays me $2,000 weekly.

That’s right—writing isn’t just my passion; it’s also my bread and butter.

I’ve been fortunate to find success there, but it didn’t happen overnight. My elder brother—my big bro—was a huge part of my journey.

He’s not just a brother; he’s a mentor, a business genius, and a brilliant engineer. He’s the one who pushed my fiction, promoted my works, and helped me gain visibility on the platform.

Big Bro lives in Taiwan now, chasing his dreams and building his empire. He’s a content creator and a businessman, always moving, and always innovating.

I call him whenever I need advice, and he always knows what to say.

Thanks to him, I’ve built a solid presence on RALME, but there’s still more I want to achieve. Nons Tech was supposed to be the next step in my journey—a chance to expand my horizons.

But for now, it seemed I’d have to wait a little longer.

I leaned back on my chair, letting out a long sigh.

“Patience,”

I reminded myself.

“Good things take time.”

With that, I grabbed my backpack, ready to head out for the day,

leaving the frustration behind—for now.

“Alright,”

I said, taking a deep breath.

“Let’s do this.

Another day, another adventure.”

Ready to face whatever the school had in store for me.

I headed to the door and opened it, but before I could step out,

I heard the sound of my tablet ringing from the table.

I quickly turned back, reached for it, and saw my brother's name, Jake, flashing on the screen. Without wasting a second, I picked it up.

"Hello,"

Jake’s familiar voice greeted me.

"Hey, Jake! What's up?"

I replied, leaning against the table, curious about why he was calling.

"Everything’s good on my end. What about you?"

He asked casually.

"All fine here too.

Just the usual,"

I said, smiling, even though he couldn't see me.

"Good to hear. I’ve got something for you,"

Jake said, his voice taking on a more serious tone.

"Really?

What’s that? I’m all ears!"

I said, feeling a mix of curiosity and excitement.

"It’s a job,"

He replied.

"A job? What kind of job?"

I asked, now leaning forward, completely intrigued.

"You’ll be working online for a company here in Taiwan.

The job involves creating blogs and writing content. Sounds like something you’d enjoy, doesn’t it?"

Jake explained.

"Wow, seriously? That’s amazing!"

I exclaimed, my excitement growing.

"I mean, writing is my thing, and creating blogs is right up my alley! But... why me? I mean,

how did you think of this?"

Jake chuckled on the other end.

"Well, you’re the first person that came to mind. Your writing skills are top-notch, Alex. Plus,

I know you’ve been looking for opportunities to showcase your talent."

"Man, Jake, you’re a lifesaver," I said, grinning.

"So, what do I need to do to get started?"

"I’ll email you the details, including the company’s guidelines and expectations.

They’re flexible with deadlines, and the pay is pretty decent.

It’s a great opportunity for someone like you,"

He said.

"Love it! At least now I’ll be getting a bulk payment from two areas,"

I said, grinning from ear to ear.

"But, hey,

how much is my salary exactly?" I asked,

my curiosity kicking in.

Jake chuckled.

"You’re going to love this even more than Ralme, trust me.

The salary is 10k dollars... weekly,"

He said,

letting the number sink in.

My eyes widened as if they were about to pop out of their sockets.

"Wait, wait, wait—did you just say 10k dollars every single week?"

I asked, half in disbelief and half in awe.

"Yeah, you heard me right, kid,"

Jake replied, clearly enjoying my reaction.

"Wow,

That’s insane! That’s beyond anything I ever dreamed of.

I mean, this is... life-changing!"

I exclaimed, pacing around the room.

"You know what? Consider me already signed up for the job.

I’m in, big time!"

Jake laughed on the other end.

"I figured you’d say that. You’re loving this already, aren’t you?"

"Are you kidding me? I’m head over heels for it,"

I said, still grinning like a maniac.

"You’re something else, Alex.

You sound so hyped right now," Jake said, his voice laced with amusement.

"Of course, I am! This is like hitting the jackpot! I’m going to be rolling in cash," I said, dramatically throwing myself onto my bed.

Jake laughed again. "Alright, calm down, big spender.

You’re already in school, right?"

"Not yet.

Just about to head out," I replied, glancing at the clock.

"Okay then. Safe journey, little bro, and have a sweet day at school,"

Jake said, his tone softening a bit.

"Thanks, big bro. Love you, man. You’re a damn legend!"

I said, throwing in a bit of playful exaggeration.

Jake laughed harder this time.

"You’re so extra sometimes, Alex. But I love that about you.

Stay lively, alright? Good day, man!"

He said before ending the call.

I put my tablet down and stared at the ceiling for a moment, letting everything sink in.

10k dollars a week?

Working from the comfort of my home while still handling my writing gigs on Ralme? My life was about to take a massive turn for the better.

"Alright, time to get moving!"

I said, jumping off the bed, feeling more pumped than ever.

Today was already shaping up to be a great day,

and I hadn’t even left for school yet.

"This job must be something," I muttered to myself,

still buzzing from the call.

"I’ll ring Jake later to get more details about it,"

I said, slipping my phone back into my pocket.

With that, I adjusted my bag over my shoulders and headed for the parlor door leading to the exit.

As I approached the door, I called out,

"Bye, Mom!"

My mom appeared from the kitchen, her warm smile lighting up the space.

"Alright, sweetheart.

Have a safe journey and enjoy your lectures today.

Don’t skip your meals, okay?"

she said,

waving at me with her usual motherly affection.

"Got it, Mom. See you later!" I replied, giving her a quick nod as I turned the knob of the exit door.

The sunlight greeted me warmly as I stepped outside our house. The air was fresh, and the familiar earthy scent of our village filled my nostrils.

I paused briefly, taking in the scenery—the towering trees swaying gently in the breeze,

the chirping of birds in the distance, and the calm hum of life that was Greenlake Town.

I made my way through the compound, passing our little vegetable garden that Mom tended to every morning. It looked vibrant today, with dew still clinging to the leaves.

"Mom’s got magic hands," I thought to myself, smiling at the sight.

Stepping out of the compound, I reached the roadside.

The faint sound of vehicles in the distance caught my attention. I stood there, waiting for a taxi to pass by.

While waiting, I glanced around. The road was quiet, save for a few villagers going about their morning routines. An old man was pushing a cart of fresh fruits, calling out to potential customers.

A group of kids ran past me, laughing and carrying their schoolbags, probably heading to the village school.

I checked my watch—time was ticking.

"Where’s a taxi when you need one?"

I muttered,

tapping my foot impatiently. Just then, a faint rumble grew louder, and I saw a bright yellow taxi making its way down the road.

I waved my hand, signaling for it to stop. The driver, a middle-aged man with a friendly face, pulled over and rolled down his window.

"University?" I asked.

"Hop in," he said with a nod.

I opened the door, slid into the back seat, and placed my bag beside me.

As the car pulled away, I leaned back and let my thoughts wander, already planning how I’d make the most of my day.

Between my lectures, my writing, and now this promising job,

life was beginning to feel like it was heading in an exciting new direction.

The taxi drove me straight to the gates of my school.

As it came to a smooth stop, I quickly stepped out, my bag slung over one shoulder.

"How much for the ride?" I asked the driver, leaning slightly toward the window.

"Just 3 dollars,"

he said, his tone casual.

I reached into my back pocket, feeling the crinkle of cash. Pulling out three crisp bills, I handed them to him.

"Here you go,"

I said, watching as he took them with a nod before speeding off into the morning traffic.

Standing by the curb, I took a deep breath and glanced across the road. My destination stood tall and magnificent before me—the gates of Deck Mack University, one of the most prestigious institutions in the United States. I crossed the road carefully, weaving through the sparse traffic,

and reached the gate.

Placing my hand on the cool iron handle, I pushed the gate open, its creak almost ceremonious.

Stepping inside, I was once again struck by the grandeur of the place. The university sprawled out like a kingdom, its towering buildings gleaming in the sunlight.

Lush green lawns stretched out on either side, dotted with students sitting, laughing, and chatting.

The air was alive with energy, a mix of ambition, camaraderie, and youthful exuberance.

Before me stood the main administrative building, an architectural masterpiece with its modern glass panels reflecting the sky. Around it were the other wings of the university, housing various departments—engineering, arts, business, and sciences. Beyond that,

I could see the sprawling sports complexes, each one more impressive than the last: a pristine football field, a baseball diamond, a volleyball court, and even an Olympic-standard swimming pool.

I paused for a moment,

letting it all sink in. Even though I had walked through these gates countless times, the sight of Deck Mack University never failed to leave me awestruck.

"What a place,"

I muttered under my breath, smiling.

As I walked further, I couldn’t help but notice the students scattered across the campus grounds.

Some sat on benches, their heads buried in books. Others leaned against trees, talking and laughing in groups. And then there were the girls.

Oh, the girls.

They were stunning, a diverse array of beauty that seemed almost unreal. Some had the elegance of runway models, their style effortlessly chic.

Others had a simple charm, their smiles warm and inviting, like the first rays of morning sunlight. A few were captivatingly bold, their presence magnetic, turning heads wherever they went.

I slowed my pace, my eyes discreetly taking in the scene.

The way they laughed, the way their hair caught the sunlight, the way they moved—it was mesmerizing.

I felt a light chuckle escape my lips as I thought,

College life doesn’t get better than this.