Chapter 03

Sarang’s POV

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

“It’s fine, I guess,” I said, my voice a bit more strained than I intended.

“I’m not really the attention-seeking type anyway. If he loses interest, it’s not like it’ll bother me.”

Despite my casual response, my mind was racing. I didn’t like attention, true, but I couldn’t deny the fact that Zayren’s interest in me had stirred something within me.

As much as I tried to tell myself it would be best to stay away from him, a small voice inside me couldn’t help but crave his attention. I found myself torn between my logical mind and my irrational thoughts.

I glanced at Sunwoo, trying to decipher his expression. He looked calm and collected, but there was something in his eyes that hinted at some unknown secret. I wondered if he knew more about Zayren than he was letting on. Still, I decided to keep my reservations and worries to myself for now.

Just then, a group of girls walked past us, giggling and whispering. They glanced at me, their expressions a mix of curiosity and envy. They weren’t my classmates though.

It seemed the news about Zayren’s interest in me had already spread, and I could feel the weight of their gazes on me.

I looked away, adjusting my glasses nervously. Sunwoo followed my gaze, a knowing look on his face.

“Don’t worry about them,” he said, sensing my discomfort.

“They’re just jealous. They’ve been trying to get Zayren’s attention for ages, and then suddenly, he goes after a quiet girl.”

“I have to go.” I had just checked my watch, realizing I was late for something. I turned around when those words reached my ears.

“You should come to the party, or else Zayren will be disappointed,” I almost stopped in my tracks, his words ringing in my head.

Zayren, disappointed?

The thought of Zayren being disappointed because of me sent a strange flutter through my stomach.

I had no idea why I found his disappointment so troubling, but I couldn’t shake the feeling. I forced myself to keep walking, not wanting to acknowledge the effect his words had had on me. I had to stay strong and stay away from Zayren, no matter how much the thought of him being upset bothered me.

As I left the campus, I couldn’t help but replay Sunwoo’s words in my mind.

What if Zayren truly became disappointed if I didn’t show up at the party?

Would he care so much that a girl like me didn’t attend? It was a silly, irrational concern, but I couldn’t shake it off.

I arrived home and sank onto my bed, my head swirling with thoughts.

Should I go to the party, just to ensure Zayren wasn’t disappointed?

No, that was ridiculous. I didn’t even know him, and why should I care if he was saddened by my absence?

I shook my head, trying to clear my thoughts. I tied my hair up in a messy bun, feeling the weight of my responsibilities on my shoulders. Working a part-time job as a waitress was something I had taken up to help pay for college expenses. I glanced at my watch as I left the house, making sure I didn’t run late for my shift.

As I walked to the restaurant where I worked, I couldn’t help but feel a little tired. Working as a waitress was no easy task⸺between the endless orders and the long hours, my feet would ache by the end of the night. And yet, I didn’t mind it. It was a necessary sacrifice to pay for my education.

Once I entered the restaurant, I immediately got to work. Taking orders, serving food, and cleaning up tables, all the while trying to maintain a pleasant smile on my face. It was exhausting work, but I pushed through, reminding myself of the importance of every penny I earned.

My eyes widened in surprise when I heard a familiar voice asking for drinks. No, it couldn’t be. As I turned around to confirm my suspicions, my heart sank⸺it was indeed Zayren.

What was he doing here when he was supposed to be at the party?

I hesitated for a moment, holding the rag and tray in my hands, unsure of what to do.

Zayren looked around and his eyes landed on me, a flicker of recognition dancing in them. He said something to his friend who was with him, and suddenly, he was making his way towards me. My heart pounded in my chest, dreading whatever he was about to say.

I tried to maintain a neutral expression, refusing to let him see how nervous I was. As he approached, I forced a polite smile, trying to act professionally.

“What can I get you, sir?” I asked, my voice steady despite the whirlwind of emotions inside me.

He smirked, his eyes scanning me up and down. I felt annoyed and uneasy under his gaze.

“I’ll have a bottle of your most expensive scotch,” he said, his voice low and almost sultry.

I nodded, turning around to retrieve the drink he had requested. My heart was still drumming erratically in my chest, the mere presence of his making me feel unsettled. I grabbed the bottle of scotch, noting the price tag. It was a pricey drink, but then again, I shouldn’t be surprised.

When I returned with the bottle and glasses, Zayren’s friend was already at the table, eyeing me with curiosity. He poured himself a glass, his gaze never leaving me.

“Come sit with us,” he said suddenly, gesturing to the empty seat next to him.

I froze, unsure of how to respond. Sitting with them was the last thing I wanted to do. I tried to keep the polite smile on my face as I shook my head slightly.

“I have work to do, sir,” I replied, keeping my voice as even as possible.