Chapter 01

Sarang’s Pov

It’s already been a week since I started college, and no one seems to notice me. I walk through the campus quietly, blending into the background like a shadow. It’s not like I mind being alone, in fact, I’m used to it. 

Growing up as an only child has left me comfortable with my own company. But every now and then, I can’t help but feel a little loneliness as I watch groups of friends chatting and laughing together.

I made my way to my classroom and took a deep breath as I stepped into the room, feeling a few eyes glancing in my direction before quickly looking away. I sat quietly on the last bench. I always preferred sitting in the back, away from the attention. Because no one really paid attention to the quiet girl in the back, and that’s exactly how I like it.

I sat quietly reading a book, when suddenly a group of boys entered the room. I quickly adjusted my goggles, as they were our seniors. I didn’t know them personally, but I had heard everyone talking about them, especially the handsome guy known as Kim Zayren.

They settled themselves in the desks near the front, my eyes casually flickered over to them, drawn to their confident and relaxed demeanors. They seemed completely unbothered by the curious glances and whispers from the other students. 

All the girls were practically drooling at them from their desks, not even trying to hide their swooning gazes. But the handsome guy, Kim Zayren, paid them no mind, coolly taking his seat without acknowledging them.

The handsome guy, Kim Zayren, suddenly cleared his throat, drawing the attention of the entire classroom. He leaned back in his chair and smirked, his voice carrying authority and charm.

“Listen up, everyone,” he started, his eyes roaming across the room. 

“We seniors are hosting a freshers party tonight. And let me make this clear, it’s not a request, it’s an expectation. We expect to see every one of you there.”

A collective gasp filled the room, followed by a murmur of excitement. The girls in particular seemed thrilled at the idea of a party, their faces lighting up with excitement. 

I, on the other hand, didn't mind it. Parties weren't my thing, especially when I knew I would be invisible in a crowd of friendly people.

When Zayren's gaze momentarily drifted to the back of the room, I instinctively lowered my head and pretended to concentrate on my book. I didn't want to attract attention at all.

It wasn't that I was afraid of him, but rather that I didn't want my introverted nature to become a subject of curiosity or amusement for them. Not drawing attention was my comfort, my safe heaven.

Thankfully, his gaze didn’t linger on me for long. He continued his little speech, giving the girls a charming smile and offering a small wink to a hopeful face in the front row. The entire thing was a performance, a role he played flawlessly. I could see the others falling for it, swooning over his every move. But I couldn’t help but roll my eyes inside.

Zayren was the typical popular guy: charismatic, confident, and surrounded by an adoring fanbase. But I could see through his facade. Deep down, I knew guys like him were just shallow and vain, using their charm to manipulate people around them. They had never truly had to work hard or struggle in life, everything always came easy to them, including attention.

I silently observed him for a few more moments as he continued chatting with the girls around him, his smirk never fading. The other two boys sitting beside him, Jeon Minjae and Park Sunwoo were equally attractive, but they didn’t have the same level of arrogance as him. They smiled and conversed with the girls too, but their interactions seemed more genuine.

Once the classroom quieted down, I instinctively looked up and found Zayren heading in my direction. A mixture of shock and anxiety washed over me. 

Why was the most popular guy in college approaching me? 

I swallowed hard, hoping my heartbeat wasn’t as loud as it seemed to be.

He stopped in front of my desk, his eyes studying me intensely. I felt my heart race even faster, my hands gripping my book tightly. I tried to not notice him coming near me but I couldn't help but look up.

Why did he have to come to my desk out of everyone in the room?

He leaned against the desk next to mine, his confident stance making him appear even taller and more intimidating. A smirk played on his lips as he continued to study me. I nervously adjusted my glasses, trying to not show my nervousness under his intense gaze.

“You’re quiet,” he finally said, breaking the silence. His voice was smooth and I found myself instantly captivated by its sound. I forced myself to look directly at him, my heart pounding fastly in my chest.

“What’s your name?” he asked, with a grin that sent a strange flutter through my stomach. I swallowed hard, feeling my mouth go dry.

“S…Sarang,” I stuttered, hating myself for the way my voice trembled. Why was I so nervous? No one had ever paid this much attention to me before, especially not someone as popular as him.

“Sarang,”

He repeated, as if testing the sound of my name on his tongue. The way he said it made my cheeks burn. I uncomfortably sat in my seat, still clutching my book as if it could shield me from the intensity of his gaze.