Standing in front of the massive university gate, a wide smile spread across my face.
I had always dreamed of studying at this university.
Not just me—it was the dream of thousands of students.
And somehow, I had made it here.
For a moment, I simply stood there, taking it all in.
The excitement bubbling inside me felt almost unreal.
I took a deep breath before stepping through the gates.
I was a late-admission student because of my scholarship, but I was determined to catch up with the syllabus no matter what.
*** After searching for almost fifteen minutes, I still couldn’t find the classroom.
“Excuse me, where is the first-year class?” I asked.
The girl turned toward me.
“New admission?” “Yeah,” I replied with a small smile.
“I’m in the first year too,” she said.
“Come on, I’ll show you.” “Hey, I’m Sophia Parker.” “Chloe Morgan.” We walked together toward the classroom.
The room was quiet and elegant, filled with unfamiliar faces.
I took a seat beside Chloe.
Soon, the professor entered and the class began.
But suddenly, the door opened.
Three boys and a girl walked in like they owned the place.
The professor’s expression darkened, but he said nothing.
Who are they?
I wondered.
Lunch Break “Let’s go to the canteen,” Chloe said.
“Sure.” – We were eating peacefully when the atmosphere suddenly shifted.
Whispers spread through the canteen.
Girls began turning their heads.
I followed their gaze.
It was the same group from earlier.
“Who are they?” I asked.
Chloe sighed.
“Rich brats who bully people.” She nodded toward the boy in the middle.
“That’s Ryan Cole.
His father is the chancellor of this college.” My eyes landed on them.
“There’s Lucas Blake and Zane Carter,” Chloe continued, pointing toward the boys beside him.
“And the girl is Aria Blake.” “How do you know all this?” I asked, amused.
Chloe smirked.
“Ask me anything.” I looked back at them.
Ryan caught my attention the most.
The moment my eyes landed on him, I understood why everyone was staring.
Tall and muscular, he walked with effortless confidence, as if the entire university belonged to him.
His sharp jawline and commanding presence made it hard to look away.
As if sensing my stare, his eyes suddenly lifted and met mine.
I quickly looked away.
For some reason, my heartbeat felt slightly off rhythm.
Before I could think about it further, a sudden movement caught my attention.
Ryan was about to sit when someone pulled his chair away.
Gasps echoed across the canteen.
Everyone expected Ryan to fall.
He didn’t.
He regained his balance instantly.
The boy who had pulled the chair sat down calmly, crossing one leg over the other.
A cold, arrogant smile appeared on his face.
“Sorry, bro.
You’re late.
I got here first.” Ryan stared at him.
The canteen seemed to grow quieter.
His gaze was sharp and suffocating, but the other boy didn’t look away.
Then, without saying a word, Ryan pulled another chair and sat down.
“Who is he?” I asked.
“Adrian Wells,” Chloe replied.
Her voice lowered slightly.
“His father is one of the most powerful businessmen in the city.
And he hates Ryan.” “Hates him?” She nodded.
“I heard they used to be best friends, but something happened between them.
Now they’re rivals.” “Stay away from them,” Chloe warned.
“If you want your university life to be peaceful.” I frowned.
“Why?” “They are dangerous,” she said simply.
The seriousness in her voice made me pause.
I glanced at the group once more before returning to my food.
For a few minutes, neither of us spoke.
End of Lunch Break “I need to use the washroom,” I said.
“Okay.
Meet me in class,” Chloe replied.
I nodded and walked away.
After using the washroom, I tried to find my way back, but I quickly realized I was completely lost.
This university is so confusing.
I looked around for someone to ask, but the hallway was empty.
Just as I was about to turn back, I spotted a figure standing ahead.
His back was facing me.
I hesitated for a moment before walking toward him.
“Excuse me,” I said.
“Can you tell me where the first-year classroom is?
I’m new and got lost.” The moment he turned around, my jaw nearly dropped.
Ryan.
For a few seconds, he simply stared at me.
His gaze was intense—so sharp that it felt like it could see right through me.
My heart skipped a beat.
Then he slowly stepped closer, reducing the distance between us.
My breath caught in my throat.
I couldn’t move.
Leaning slightly closer, he said in a cold voice, “You’re asking the wrong person.
Find someone else to help you.” Before I could respond, he walked away.
I stared after him, confused.
Why did it sound less like a warning and more like a threat?