Soo Hyun stormed out of his dorm room, hoodie up, jaw clenched so tight it hurt. He'd replayed it over and over—Su Kyung smiling as she hopped into Do Ji Hwan's sleek black car like it was the most natural thing in the world.
> Who even lets alumni drive them around like that? What is she, his assistant? Or is she—no, no way.
That bastard's just playing with her. Everyone worships him, and he knows it.
He shoved his hands deeper into his pockets, stalking across campus like he was out for blood.
---
Benches near the Quad
Joon-oh and Sung Min were halfway through a bag of chips, mid-debate about some new game, when Soo Hyun approached like a literal storm cloud.
"Whoa…" Joon-oh blinked. "Who pissed in your ramen?"
"Shut up," Soo Hyun muttered, dropping onto the bench.
Sung Min grinned. "Ohhh, this is about Mi Kyung, isn't it?"
Soo Hyun stayed silent.
Joon-oh's eyes widened. "Wait—this is about Ji Hwan, isn't it? The almighty, golden, perfect Do Ji Hwan?"
"Don't say his name," Soo Hyun snapped, eyes narrowing.
"Bro, he just exists. You look like you want to strangle somebody." Joon-oh exchanged a look with Sung Min, who whispered dramatically, "This is how villains are born."
Soo Hyun stood, brushing them off. "I'm leaving."
"Don't kill anyone!" Joon-oh called after him.
---
Architecture Studio
The second Soo Hyun stepped in, he regretted it. There he was.
Do Ji Hwan, sleeves rolled, leaning casually on a drafting table while professors and students practically revolved around him. The golden alumni aura radiated off him like he paid rent for it.
And then Ji Hwan's eyes flicked over—and locked on him.
Soo Hyun froze. His stomach twisted, a mix of anger and something he couldn't name. Why is he looking at me like that?
"Leaving already?" Ji Hwan's voice cut through the room like a knife. Calm, smooth, and unbearably smug.
Soo Hyun stiffened. "Move."
Ji Hwan pushed off the table, closing the distance until he was just near enough to make it uncomfortable. "You were looking for me that night, weren't you?"
"That was nothing," Soo Hyun bit out. "Forget it."
Ji Hwan tilted his head, eyes scanning him like he was reading a blueprint. "Funny. You looked pretty desperate to find me."
"Stay out of my business."
Ji Hwan smiled—slow, infuriating. "You've been glaring at me since I walked in. If I didn't know better…" his gaze lingered deliberately, "…I'd say you hate me."
"Good," Soo Hyun shot back. "Because I do."
For a moment, silence stretched, then Ji Hwan's grin widened like he'd just been handed a challenge. "Perfect. I like people who don't fake it."
Soo Hyun stepped around him, muttering, "Piss off."
Ji Hwan didn't move. "See you soon… kiddo."
---
Dorm Rooftop (Night)
Soo Hyun sat on the ledge, elbows on his knees, glaring at the skyline. His phone buzzed.
Unknown Number:
> You owe me an explanation. Tomorrow. Don't run.
He stared at the message, fists tightening. How the hell did he get my number?
"Damn it…" Soo Hyun muttered, shoving his phone in his pocket.