Chapter 02

“Are you coming to the party tonight, Sarang?” he asked. The way he said my name again sent another flutter through my stomach and I mentally scolded myself for feeling this way.

I hesitated for a moment, my mind and my heart fighting a battle inside. I desperately wanted to say no, but a part of me didn’t want to disappoint him. I fidgeted with the cover of my book, my fingers fiddling nervously with the pages.

When I didn’t reply, he chuckled softly, the sound sending a shiver down my spine. He leaned in slightly, invading my personal space. His voice lowered to a murmur, just enough for me to hear him.

“I’ll take that as a yes,” he said and pushed off from the desk and stood tall, his eyes sparkling with an unreadable expression. Before I could utter a word, he turned on his heel and returned to his friends, leaving me in confusion.

I sat there, still clutching my book tightly, my mind swirling with conflicting thoughts. 

Had I really agreed to go to the party? 

And why did my heart beat so uncontrollably when he was speaking to me?

I watched as him and his friends walked out of the room. One of his friends, Park Sunwoo, looked over his shoulder and caught me staring. He smiled slightly, his eyes filled with a knowing glimmer before he walked out the door.

I sank back in my chair still trying to understand what just happened. And why was I so affected by Kim Zayren’s presence? I knew I had to get a grip and regain my composure. After all, it was just a senior asking me to a party, right? I took a deep breath, trying to steady my racing heart.

And then I realized the entire class was looking at me, with surprise and envy in their expressions. I shrank back into my seat, not used to this much attention. 

Why did Zayren have to single me out like that? I closed my book with a resolute thump, attempting to block out the stares and whispers that continued around me.

I silently packed up my things as fast as I could, eager to make exit from this overwhelming situation. But as I stood up to leave, several girls approached me, their eyes filled with curiosity.

“Is it true you’re going to the party with Zayren?” 

One of them asked, her voice filled with curiosity and a hint of envy. I fidgeted with my bag, feeling uncomfortable under their gazes.

“I’m not..” I started to protest, but another girl cut me off in disbelief. 

“How did he even notice you? You never talk to anyone.” I felt hurt hearing her words, but I forced myself to remain calm. 

“He was just asking because he wants everyone to go,” I mumbled, trying to get out of the situation. But those girls weren’t buying it. They crowded around me, their questions coming in rapid-fire. 

“What did he say to you? Did he ask for your number? Do you think he likes you?”

I felt suffocated by their questions. I took a few steps back, my back pressed against the desk. 

“I...I need to go,” I murmured in a low voice. Without waiting for a response, I dashed out of the classroom, desperate to escape the attention and questions.

The day had been exhausting, especially with the attention I received earlier. The sun began to set, as I leaned against the wall outside college, watching as the other students excitedly talked about the upcoming party.

I let out a heavy sigh, adjusting my glasses tiredly. I stood there, trying to decide whether to attend the party or not, a familiar voice broke through my thoughts. 

“Why are you standing alone?” I looked up to see Park Sunwoo approaching me, a friendly smile on his face. 

“Are you coming to the party?” he asked, leaning against the wall beside me. I shrugged, not sure how to answer. I still hadn’t fully decided if I wanted to go or not. 

“I don’t know,” I replied truthfully. He chuckled lightly.

“You’re thinking about not going because of Zayren, right?” He whispered while leaning slightly.

“What?” I asked, taken aback. How did he know that? I fidgeted with my bag, feeling a little flustered under his gaze. He let out a small laugh, seeming to understand my reaction perfectly. 

“It’s written all over you,” he explained in a gentle voice. 

“You’re not quite sure how to deal with Zayren’s attention, and you’re a bit overwhelmed, am I right?” I nodded, feeling my defenses crumbling under his gentle demeanor. 

“I just don’t understand why he talked to m…me out of everyone,” I confessed truthfully, still feeling confused.

He smiled, as if he knew something I didn’t. 

“Zayren is... well, he’s unpredictable when it comes to girls,” he said thoughtfully. 

“He’s used to everyone falling at his feet, but then there’s you, the quiet girl in the back of the room. You might have caught his attention.” I felt scared and excited at the same time hearing his words. Zayren’s attention wasn’t something I was used to handling. 

“But why me?” I asked weakly, looking at him with uncertainty. He looked at me for a moment before replying.

“Because you’re different, and different things fascinate him. He’s not used to people not swooning over him like the rest of the girls here. You’re a mystery to him, and mysteries are something Zayren can’t resist solving.”

His words made me feel both special and slightly uncomfortable. I was just an ordinary girl, not someone special enough to capture the attention of the college’s heartthrob. 

Kim Zayren himself seemed like a mystery to me. 

“And if he solves that mystery, then what?” I asked though I was scared of his answer. He thought for a bit before speaking. 

“With Zayren, it’s hard to say. He’s charismatic, charming, and let’s not forget, insanely attractive. But he’s not exactly the commitment type…” he paused for a moment and then said bluntly. 

“He gets bored easily, and once he does, he moves on quickly.”