Chapter 2

Red’s POV

Starting over as a college student is difficult and stressful, especially as a transferee. I never wanted to move to a different school. It meant adjusting all over again: new environment, new people, and possibly new problems. But this is what my mom wanted. Besides, this university is closer to the new house we moved into six months ago.

Still, I can’t help comparing it to my old school. It may not be the most prestigious institution out there. Even though Sky University is known nationwide as a top-performing school, students still have their own standards. And for me, my previous school will always be better because of the memories and the people I left behind.

“Trust me, you’ll be fine, honey,” Mom said when she noticed how quiet I’d been. I gave her a small, reassuring smile in return.

Mothers always know best… right?

I stepped out of the passenger seat of my mom’s new Toyota and closed the door behind me, a heaviness settling in my chest. Looking up, I was met with the towering structure of the university.

It was much bigger than I expected.

I took a deep breath, grateful I hadn’t forgotten my class schedule. I tapped my ID on the scanner, and my details flashed across a small screen as I entered the campus. Huge didn’t even begin to describe it. The buildings stretched high into the sky, almost brushing the clouds. Sleek steel structures combined with silver glass panels, painted in shades of white and gray. It all looked so grand, almost intimidating.

Dressed simply in white Converse, dark skinny jeans, and a white V-neck shirt, I walked down the hallway with my backpack slung over one shoulder, books in hand that I hadn’t even opened yet.

Students filled every corner: laughing, chatting, catching up like they hadn’t seen each other in ages.

My gaze drifted to a group of girls who looked effortlessly glamorous. They wore stylish outfits, high heels, and designer bags. Campus “it girls,” no doubt. It wasn’t surprising that a lot of guys were staring at them. Since uniforms weren’t required yet, it being the first week, everyone was dressed to impress.

To my left, I noticed another group, students with glasses buried in thick books. The obvious academic types. I liked their vibe, though I didn’t consider myself one of them.

Then I looked ahead and froze.

A group of boys stood there, dressed casually in jerseys, sneakers, and confidence. One of them held a basketball tucked under his arm. Athletes, clearly. Tall, striking, and intimidating. Their presence alone radiated arrogance. The atmosphere shifted, whispers, gasps, and stares filled the air. 

Then I realized…

They were looking at me.

My breath hitched. I quickly looked away and hurried down another hallway. Why were they staring? And why was I staring back?

Heat rushed to my cheeks. I shook off the thought and focused on finding my classroom. This place was massive, clearly built for people who could afford it. I didn’t feel like I belonged here… but again, Mom insisted.

I scanned the hallways for department signs, trying to locate the pharmacy section. I should’ve brought a map, but I also skipped orientation last week.

Great.

People occasionally glanced at me as I walked past. I ignored them. But as I passed the lockers, I heard a few guys catcalling. I didn’t assume anything, I just walked faster.

And then…

I walked straight into someone.

My forehead hit solidly against my chest. I winced, instinctively lowering my head. I didn’t dare look up, but I could tell it was a guy from his build.

“S-sorry,” I murmured, keeping my gaze down as I crouched to gather the things I had dropped.

I hated this. I was always clumsy, always messing things up. Sweat trickled down my face as embarrassment washed over me.

“I’m sorry again,” I said softly, still unable to meet his eyes.

Not attending orientation really came back to bite me. I had spent nearly twenty-five minutes wandering, asking janitors for directions, only to end up in the wrong places. By the time I finally found my classroom, I was already fifteen minutes late for Organic Chemistry.

After a brief internal debate, I decided to go in anyway.

I knocked hesitantly, my hands trembling, then slowly stepped inside.

Every head turned toward me.

I swallowed hard, wishing the ground would just open up and swallow me whole.

“G-good morning… I-I’m sorry for being late,” I stammered, my voice betraying me.

“I… had trouble finding the room,” I added, which was completely true.

Soft laughter rippled across the classroom.

“Why is she stuttering so much?”

“She looks like she’s about to cry.”

“She should’ve just sat down quietly.”

“She’s weird.”

“New target.”

The whispers stung.

“I assume you’re new,” the professor said, her tone edged with sarcasm. “I’ll let it slide this time. But if you’re late again, don’t bother coming to my class. Is that clear?”

I lowered my head. “Y-yes, ma’am… I’m sorry.”

“You’re interrupting my class. Sit down.”

I nodded and quickly searched for a seat, feeling everyone’s eyes still on me. My cheeks burned as I spotted an empty chair at the back and rushed toward it.

“Everyone, focus,” the professor snapped. “After the lecture, there will be a fifty-item quiz.”

What?!

The semester had barely started!

As expected, the quiz was brutal. The lecture flew by too fast, and I could barely keep up. I understood very little, and by the time the test ended, I wasn’t confident in any of my answers.

When the bell rang, I let out a quiet sigh of relief.

Just as I was about to leave, a girl approached me. She had soft, slightly curled blonde hair and a gentle smile.

“Hi,” she said shyly.

“Hi,” I replied with a small smile.

“I’m Colleen Dela Peña,” she introduced. “I’m also a transferee from Immaculate Academy. You?”

“Oh! I’m Red Vera, from Ivory High.”

“Is it okay if we go to our next class together?” she asked nervously. “I might get lost again… I don’t know anyone here.”

I smiled. “Of course. I was actually hoping to find someone, too.”

We both laughed and headed out together.

“Maybe we should skip the next class,” she suggested as we walked downstairs. “It’s just a minor subject.”

“Tempting,” I admitted. “Did you do well on the quiz?”

“Me?” she said incredulously. “I only answered five questions, and I think I got them all wrong.”

I couldn’t help but laugh.

“I only answered three, and I’m sure they’re all wrong too.”

Her face lit up, oddly comforted. We ended up laughing together.

In the end, we still decided to attend the next class.

“Take out a one-fourth sheet of paper and write your strengths and weaknesses,” the teacher instructed.

We sat at the back, my preferred spot. Colleen was on my left, and on my right was a guy slumped over his desk, asleep. His hood covered most of his face.

I noticed his scent, subtle but strangely captivating.

“Red, do you have extra paper?” Colleen whispered.

“I only brought one, and I used it earlier in the exam,” I whispered back.

We looked around, but no one was nearby. Colleen tried asking others, but they ignored her.

She returned, annoyed. “Selfish.”

Then she gave me a look and subtly gestured toward the sleeping guy beside me.

I immediately shook my head.

No way.

“You have five minutes left,” the teacher announced.

Panic set in.

With trembling fingers, I lightly poked him.

No response.

I poked him again, a bit harder this time.

He stirred, then slowly lifted his head.

And when he turned to face me, I forgot how to breathe.

Sharp features. Perfect nose. Soft, slightly parted lips. Long lashes framing piercing, icy-blue eyes. He looked unreal. He looked Godly.

Like something out of a dream.

I stared, completely mesmerized.

“What?” he said, his voice low and rough.

My mind went blank.

“O-okay, pass your papers,” the teacher called.

“I—I didn’t need anything,” I stammered, mortified.

He clicked his tongue, clearly annoyed. A faint smirk tugged at his lips.

“Next time,” he said coldly, “don’t wake me up. And remember my face, newbie.”