The next day.
Exactly 7:30 a.m., and I was already at my first college class—Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering. This isn't your typical "I'm good with computers" course. Here, we're the future innovators, system designers, AI developers, and potential government hackers—kidding… maybe.
As the department head said during orientation:
"In this course, it's not just brains you'll need—you'll also need your sanity."
Which I'm clearly already running out of.
I wore my favorite hoodie, brought a brand-new notebook, and carried a bad mood brewed from exhaustion, sleepiness, and last night's trauma.
The class had started. The usual: attendance, a few ground rules, and then came the dreaded part—introducing yourself when all you really want to say is, "Hi, I'm alive."
"Name, age, and one random fact about yourself," said Prof. Gomez. Her vibe was a little strict, but manageable.
One by one, we introduced ourselves.
"Hi, I'm Shakiera Luna Ferrer. 18. Random fact: I have a bump on my forehead because I got hit by a ball last night. Don't ask."
Some of the class chuckled, but I didn't mind. As if I cared.
And then—boom.
The door suddenly opened. Everyone turned.
A guy walked in—tall, broad-shouldered, wearing a white hoodie, a chain, and an expensive sling bag. His hair fell slightly over his forehead, but it was obviously styled that way. The way he looked? Like he was late… from a photoshoot. He was that attractive.
"Good morning, Ma'am. Sorry I'm late. I really tried, but… time just wasn't on my side today," he said with a grin. Not apologetic—more like saying, "I'm late, but it should be okay."
Professor raised her eyebrow.
"Name?"
He stood up straight, confident posture. Didn't glance at the class—his eyes were only on the professor, like the rest of us didn't matter.
"Zayden Gutierrez."
Baritone. Fluent. Commanding. The kind of voice you don't just ignore.
"Eighteen."
He paused for a moment. Then finally looked at the class—directly. Like he was sizing everyone up.
"Random fact?" He smirked slightly, as if something funny came to mind.
"I once corrected my senior high teacher during class. I didn't mean to… but she was wrong."
That smirk. Arrogant. The kind that made you think—he was proud that he was smarter than his teacher.
Prof?
She glanced at him briefly, seemed surprised but didn't show it much.
Then gave a small smile—not sarcastic, not warm either. Just enough to show… she was curious.
And maybe, even if subtly, a part of her was impressed by Zayden's confidence.
"Well then, let's hope I don't make any mistakes."
She pointed at an empty seat.
"Take a seat, Mr. Gutierrez."
Silence.
As Zayden walked to the vacant chair, everyone's eyes were practically glued to him. The room was quiet, but you could feel the collective "Who is this guy?" energy.
The other guys?
Started looking away, pretending not to care, but it was obvious they were slightly intimidated. That subtle kind of insecurity they'd never admit.
The girls?
Silent but clear—they were already swooning over Zayden.
Whispers in the back like, "I think I already have a crush on him," or "He's so hot… and smart too."
He sat on the third row from the front—on the empty chair next to Anton.
Anton—the friendly-looking guy who probably has crackers in his bag and isn't updated with trends—was holding his paper when…
Plop!
He dropped it. Like his reflexes couldn't handle Zayden's presence.
As he picked it up—Thunk!
He bumped his head on the side of the desk.
He held his head and mumbled,
"Oww… cool guy alert!"
Some people chuckled nearby. Not too loud, but enough to laugh at Anton's awkwardness.
But Anton? Still looked hypnotized. Like he couldn't believe someone could be that cool in real life.
Me?
I watched him until he sat down—not because I was interested. More like… he felt familiar. I just couldn't figure out where I'd seen him before, but one thing was clear—I already found him annoying.
That kind of confidence he had? It wasn't inspiring. It was the borderline "I'm the best and I know it" kind of energy.
Yes, he was good-looking.
Sure, he had a presence.
But thank God, I wasn't the type to be easily impressed.
And his aura? Screamed like he was the smartest one in the room.
What am I then? Decoration?
If he's brilliant, congrats.
I closed my eyes for a moment and shook my head.
It's too early in the day. Why do we already have a main character?