Chapter 1

Thud!·—"Ouch! "

"Ouch—3x!! my head..." I groaned in pain.

I was half-awake and wanted to sleep more but when I took a glanced at the clock—it was already 7:00 A.M. Then a sudden realization hit me.

Today is my first day in College...! I panicked and hastily changed my clothes and rushed to school without eating breakfast.

"Oh no! I'm late! I can't be late on my first day or else uncle will scold me if he finds out!"

I exclaimed with a helpless and panicked look.

I grabbed my bike and crazily drive to school as if my life is dependent on it.

FYI, my uncle is a professor at the College where I will be attending from now on.

My name is Elysia, but they call me Sia, and I'm an orphan, I don't have any memory of my parents because they died on car accident when I was 1 year old. I never felt alone because I have my grandma and uncle. Grandma took me in when my parents died and I'm grateful for that.

They raised me with care and kindness, always there for me when I needed them.

And also, though I love my uncle, he could be quite scary when he was strict. He was like a father to me and I have a deep respect for him.

I moved out from my grandma's house recently because of College. Although uncle suggested I move into his apartment, I declined because I wanted to be independent.

And what if he gets a girlfriend later on? That would be awkward.

I arrived at school and fortunately, I wasn't late. I sighed with relief. As I looked for a seat, I felt very nervous because I saw many unfamiliar faces, none of whom were familiar to me.

I composed myself and was about to take my seat when I heard a familiar voice that shouted my name.

Having heard my name called, I immediately turned around and was delighted to see my my bestfriend.

"Cyril! You're also going to study here?!" I said with excitement.

"Yeah"

I was happy that my one and only bestfriend and I will be studying in the same College.

"But why didn't you tell me?" I said to her with annoyance.

"I didn't pass the entrance exam in my dream school, that's why."

"Tsk! I'm disappointed"

"On what? Because I didn't pass or because this college isn't my second option?"

"..."

"You...!"

"Pft! Hahaha....!"

"Hahaha"

We both laugh.

As we were chatting, the professor walks in, so we quickly stop and settle into our seats.

It's really starting. The professor stands at the front and starts calling out the attendance. When my name is called, I raised my hand.

"Oh dear, it's the first day of school, and there are already quite a few students arriving late. Should I start deducting points on this people?"

I shudder at the professor's words, remembering how close I was to being one of them. It looks like she's pretty strict.

What rotten luck that she's my first class professor, especially since I tend to be late to my first classes, even back in high school.

"Sia, you really need to start waking up earlier. You always run late in your every first classes."

Cyril whispered to me, seemingly worried for my sake.

"You don't have to say that... I know." I smiled at her, but inside, I was already crying in fear of our teacher.

Murmurs filled the room after the professor’s statement, and it seemed like everyone else was just as surprised.

The murmurs grew louder, but they were cut short when the professor slammed her hand on the desk, instantly drawing all attention to her.

"Let's start with our classes now."

‘My goodness, this person is really strict.’

"I'm scared..."

My bestfriend clung to me as she trembles. The professor opened the book and said to the class...

“Get your books and open to page eighteen—”

“Sorry I’m late.”

A sudden deep, hoarse voice cut through the room, silencing the low chatter as heads turned in unison toward the door.

A tall, striking guy with tousled black hair stood in the doorway, looking completely unfazed. The girls around me instantly perked up, and soft squeals echoed through the class.

“Eeek! Who is he? He’s so freaking handsome!”

“I’m glad I enrolled here!” someone whispered breathlessly.

Of course, my best friend was no exception. Her eyes sparkled as she shook me so hard I nearly fell out of my chair, my head spinning. But then—

BANG!

The room fell silent as our professor slammed her book onto the desk, she glared as if saying ‘you're all too noisy.’

She later on turned her icy stare toward the guy.

“Don’t just stand there. Find a seat so we can start.”

The professor spoke in a cold tone before returning her gaze to the book.

Without a word, the guy strode into the room. The girls looked expectantly, hoping he would sit beside them. Some even started to push away their seatmates, while others boldly offered him a seat next to them.

'Seriously? They're that desperate?'

Sure, he’s handsome and all, but what's wrong with them?

I decided to ignore them and instead took out my book and pen to take notes from today's lesson. As I was just about to open my book, I felt someone’s presence beside me. I glanced up, and my heart nearly stopped.

'You’ve got to be kidding me!'

It was him.

'What the hell is he doing here?!'

“This seat’s free, right?”

He spoke, looking right at me with a steady gaze.

I blinked, completely thrown off.

Murmurs buzzed around the room, and I could practically feel the daggers being thrown at me by the girls.

'Of all the vacant seats in the room, you pick this one at the back? Seriously?!'

Before I could say anything, my best friend, still starstruck, chimed in. “Y-Yes! It’s free. All yours!”

I shot her a bewildered look. 'Girl, are you kidding me right now?'

But it was already too late. He sat down.

“Thanks.”