Chapter 1

With the SAT finally over, everyone was celebrating the end of the endless grind.

I stood outside in the howling winter wind, watching fireworks burst across the sky. Rubbing my freezing hands together, I pulled out my phone.

After gathering every ounce of courage I had, I dialed the star student at Carthen University who had tutored me for the past three years to confess my feelings.

"I'm finally done with the SAT," I said.

His deep voice came through the speaker. "Right. I hope you get into your dream school."

A surge of joy hit me. "Do you know which school I want to go to?"

"No idea."

As I thought about the confession I was about to make, my face flushed hot despite the freezing cold.

My voice dropped to a whisper. "Actually, I really like—"

Before I could finish, a sharp beep cut me off. The call ended.

"Did you hear me?" I asked tentatively.

Only silence answered.

I bit my lip in disappointment, feeling my heart shatter in that exact moment.

Inside, the party was still raging with laughter and music, but I stood alone in the freezing wind.

On the screen, he had left a single message. "Sorry, something came up."

I stared at the chat box for a long time before finally replying with a single word, "Oh."

Looking at the quiet screen, I hesitated before making the choice to block him everywhere and delete my Facebook account. I needed to end this unrequited crush before it ever really started.

After that day, I never reached out to him again.

When the SAT scores came out, I qualified for both Carthen University and Bellridge University.

Originally, I had wanted to tell him that I planned on going to his college.

But now… If I stayed too close, it would probably just be a nuisance to him.

So, I chose another great school, but one located in a completely different area—Bellridge University.

Starting college meant taking my first real step into the world.

I used to dream about finally meeting him in person on campus and starting a beautiful relationship.

But now, I was heading to Bellridge University all on my own.

Like any clueless freshman, I rolled my suitcase toward the campus gates.

As I drew closer, I noticed upperclassmen at the entrance welcoming the new students.

A tall, fair guy walked up to me. "Are you a freshman?"

The second he spoke, my mind went blank.

His voice…

It sounded just like my tutor!

But it couldn't be. He went to Carthen University, and this was Bellridge University.

Snapping out of it, I nodded seriously.

"Here's the registration form."

As I sat down to fill it out, the guy started introducing himself, "I'm Trey Gomez, a senior. If you ever need anything around campus, just let me know. By the way, we have many student clubs here. You can pick whichever ones match your interests."

Without even thinking, I blurted out, "Which club are you in?"

Trey paused, then let out a chuckle. "Why do you want to join my club?"