Lea

The next day at Princeton University...

"God, my head hurts so much it feels like it's going to bust open any moment," Jenny groaned.

"It's not just you. We're all in the same position," Jude said, resting his head on the desk.

"We shouldn't have drunk so much," Ria said, massaging her forehead.

As everyone kept complaining about their hangovers, the professor walked in and started taking attendance.

Just as the professor finished and was about to start the lecture, there was a knock on the door.

"You're late," the professor said.

"Sorry, sir, I just joined and lost my way trying to find the class," a melodious voice reached everyone's ears as a girl apologized.

"A new joiner in the final term? Come in. What's your name?" the professor asked, taking the admission slip from her to confirm her claim.

"It's Leona Andreese, sir," she said. "We just moved back to the country due to my brother's work, hence the change in university."

"Okay, take a seat next to Rhianna there," the professor said, pointing to the only empty seat next to Ria.

"Yes, sir," Lea said, turning in the direction the professor pointed, only to see the boy she had bumped into the previous day staring at her without blinking, sitting in the row behind Ria.

Though she was still angry about the previous day's incident, she composed herself and walked to her seat, completely ignoring him.

She smiled and introduced herself to Ria, who returned the smile and introduced herself as well.

As the class started, Liam continued to stare at Lea. Noticing this, Rayan, sitting next to him, teased, "What, fallen in love with the newbie at first sight?"

Liam sighed and looked at Rayan. "She's the girl I bumped into yesterday."

"What?" Rayan exclaimed a little too loudly, making everyone look at him.

The professor asked, "Any questions, Mr. Rayan?"

"No... no, sir. Sorry," he replied.

The professor shook his head and continued with his lecture.

Ria turned back and asked what had happened through hand gestures, to which Rayan replied with a dismissive wave.

Turning back to Liam, Rayan asked, "Are you serious? Is it really her?"

"Did you not see her when she came in just now?" Liam asked.

"No... I was resting my head until the class started," Rayan said. "Anyway, if what you're saying is true, why is Ria sitting so calmly next to her?"

"I don't know. It's just a gut feeling, and my gut has never been wrong," Liam said.

Rayan shook his head. "Okay, let's wait until class is over and try talking to her. But don't ask her directly. Let's just try to befriend her and figure it out later. And let's not tell the others about your thoughts just yet, okay?"

"Hmmm," Liam hummed in agreement, eagerly waiting for the class to end.

An hour later, the class finally ended, and the professor left.

As soon as the professor exited, Liam got up and approached Lea to confirm his suspicions.

"Hey," Liam said as he reached Lea.

She turned back, clearly angry. "I'm really sorry for what happened yesterday," Liam said. "Is your phone okay, or should I replace it for you?"

Lea looked surprised for a second, then sighed. "There's no need for that. Just the apology is enough. I already got a new one," she said, showing the new phone in her hand.

"Do you two know each other?" Ria asked.

"Not really," Lea said.

"We bumped into each other yesterday when I went to get some water for Lily, and I accidentally spilled all the water on her phone," Liam explained. "Due to my drunk state, I couldn't even apologize properly."

"Oh, that's why you were late yesterday," Ria said, turning towards Lea. "Actually, Lily, a friend of ours, was hurt yesterday, so he went to get water. In his haste, he might have messed things up. Please forgive him."

"It's fine, no hard feelings," Lea said with a smile.

"Thank you," Liam said. "Okay, since you don't want me to buy a new mobile phone, let's go to the canteen. It's my treat today to welcome you to our university and to express my apology."

"That's not necessary," Lea said awkwardly.

"How is that not necessary? When he's made a mistake, let him rectify it," Rayan chimed in as he approached them.

"Yes, Lea, Rayan is right. It's just food in the canteen, not in some 5 or 7-star hotel. You don't have to be so formal; we're friends now, right?" Ria asked.

"Yes, okay…" Lea replied awkwardly.

"Okay, then it's decided. Let's go, guys," Ria said, locking her hand with Lea's and leading the way to the canteen.

They didn't notice a pair of eyes staring at them since Leona entered the class, filled with malice.