I came from the province and transferred to Asteria University, one of the most popular-and intimidating-schools in the city.
Because my home was too far, I stayed with my aunt near the campus. She owned a small coffee shop a few blocks away, and helping her there was part of the deal. After making sure I was settled, she waved goodbye and rushed off to open the shop, leaving me alone on my very first day.
I wandered around campus in awe.
Tall glass buildings. Perfectly dressed students. Everyone looked like they belonged in a magazine. I was too busy staring at everything to notice where I was going.
Then-
BAM.
I slammed straight into someone.
I bounced back like I'd hit a brick wall. My bag flew off my shoulder, notebooks scattered everywhere, and I nearly lost my balance.
"Oof-sorry!" I blurted out, kneeling to grab my things.
But something felt... off.
The person I crashed into hadn't moved at all.
Not even a step.
Before I could look up properly, a polished black shoe stepped forward-
CRACK.
Right onto my phone.
Time froze.
I stared in horror as I picked it up. The screen was shattered, spiderweb cracks everywhere.
"...My phone," I whispered.
The guy didn't even stop. He just kept walking like nothing happened.
Oh no.
Absolutely not.
"HEY!" I shouted, spinning around. "You just stepped on my phone!"
The guy stopped.
Slowly turned around.
He was tall. Broad. Annoyingly good-looking. The type who looked like he'd never tripped over his own feet in his life.
He glanced at my broken phone.
Then at me.
"That thing was on the ground," he said calmly.
"Yes," I snapped, holding it up, "because YOU were standing there like a human lamp post!"
A few nearby students slowed down. Someone whispered. Someone else gasped.
One guy walking past muttered, "Is she arguing with him?"
The tall guy raised an eyebrow.
"...Are you always this loud?"
"I'M LOUD BECAUSE I'M POOR AND MY PHONE JUST DIED," I shot back.
That earned a laugh-from behind him.
Three guys appeared, clearly his friends.
One grinned. "Oh, this is interesting."
Another whispered, "She's new, right?"
The tall guy sighed, rubbing his forehead like he was the victim here.
"You don't know who I am, do you?"
I stood up, dusted off my uniform, and met his stare.
"No," I said. "But I know you owe me a phone."
Dead silence.
Then one of his friends burst out laughing.
"I like her already."
The tall guy stared at me for a long second... then smirked.
"...You're brave," he said. "Or clueless."
"Probably both," I replied. "Now are you buying me a new screen, or should I send you the repair bill?"
The crowd fully stopped walking now.
He crossed his arms, amused.
"This is how your first day at Asteria starts?"
I looked down at my broken phone and sighed.
"...Yeah. And somehow, I feel like you're going to make it worse."
His smile widened.
"Oh," he said. "Definitely."
He pulled out his wallet and smoothly slid out a crisp hundred-dollar bill.
"Here," he said, holding it out. "Consider your phone... compensated."
You stared at the bill.
Then at your shattered phone.
Then back at him.
Without saying a single word, you took the money, stuffed it into your pocket, picked up your bag-
And walked away.
No thank you.
No glare.
No dramatic exit.
Just walked.
Ryan watched you disappear into the crowd, his face completely blank.
Behind him, his friends stared.
"...Bro," Matthew said slowly, "she didn't even look back."
Elijah blinked. "Did she just accept your money like a side quest reward and leave?"
Romeo whistled. "That was cold."
Ryan let out a short laugh, shaking his head.
"Did you see that?" he said, eyes still fixed on where you vanished. "She didn't argue. Didn't flirt. Didn't panic."
He paused.
"She stood up to me."
Matthew raised an eyebrow. "You sound impressed."
Ryan smirked.
"No one's ever done that before."
Meanwhile-
You were already halfway across campus, pulling the bill out of your pocket and muttering to yourself.
"A hundred dollars," you scoffed. "For emotional damage, public embarrassment, AND a cracked screen?"
You glanced back once.
"...Still not enough."
And just like that-
Ryan Vale met the first girl who didn't care who he was.
And somehow, that bothered him way more than it should have 😏🔥
As the days passed, Ryan found himself thinking about you more than he cared to admit.
He noticed you around campus-walking with quiet confidence, shoulders squared, never shrinking back even when people whispered or stared. You didn't try to stand out, yet somehow you always did.
That intrigued him.
His curiosity slowly turned into something more. He began taking longer routes between classes, timing his walks just right so he'd pass the milk tea shop where you worked. At first, he told himself it was coincidence.
Then it became intentional.
Ryan started ordering drinks he didn't even like, just to see you. He'd sit outside the shop, sipping slowly, pretending to scroll through his phone while stealing glances your way. The way you moved with ease, the way you spoke without fear-it drew him in.
You noticed him the first time he casually "passed by."
Leaning against the wall, phone in hand, acting busy. Too busy.
You weren't born yesterday.
When you handed him his drink, you raised an eyebrow, lips curving into a knowing smile.
"Back again so soon?" you said lightly. "You must really like our sugar level."
Ryan looked up, caught.
For just a second.
Then he smiled-small, amused, a little sheepish.
"...Guess I do."
And for the first time since meeting you, he didn't feel like the one in control.
"Or maybe I just enjoy the view," Ryan added, his gaze lingering on you a second longer than necessary before he turned and walked away.
As he left, Ryan couldn't stop himself from glancing back over his shoulder. You were already busy again, hands moving confidently as you prepared the next order, completely unbothered-or so it seemed. That calm smirk on your lips caught him off guard.
It wasn't flustered.
It wasn't impressed.
It was daring.
And for the first time in a long while, Ryan felt... curious.
You watched him disappear down the street, rolling your eyes with a quiet chuckle.
"Enjoy the view, huh?" you muttered under your breath. "Cute... for a rich boy with too much time on his hands."
Shaking your head, you turned back to the counter, grabbing cups and syrup with practiced ease. Still, the corner of your lips curled upward.
If he thought he was being subtle, he was wrong.
You smirked to yourself, amused despite everything.
Hmph... let's see how long he keeps coming back for this 'view'.
And somewhere down the road, Ryan Vale was already planning his next visit.
Over the past few weeks, Ryan had made it a habit to stop by the milk tea shop. Same time. Same drink. Same casual lean against the counter, pretending to scroll through his phone while his eyes kept finding you.
You noticed. And you weren't about to let him off easy.
Sliding his usual drink across the counter one afternoon, you raised an eyebrow, a sly smirk tugging at your lips.
"You know," you said, voice light but teasing, "I think I've figured out why you come here every day."
Ryan arched a brow, leaning casually against the counter, intrigued.
"Oh? And what's your theory?"
You tilted your head, pretending to ponder, letting your gaze hold his.
"You're bored. Rich. Popular. Too much free time. And this"-you gestured around the small shop-"is your little escape."
He chuckled softly, eyes never leaving yours.
"Is that so?"
"Or," you added, dropping your voice slightly, letting the words hang between you, "maybe you like watching someone who won't bend to your... charm."
For a heartbeat, his confident smirk faltered. Then he leaned in, just a little, closing the space between you. His voice dropped, low and teasing.
"And what makes you think I like watching you?"
You leaned in too, tilting your head, letting your words float between you.
"Because you're not here for the drinks," you whispered, your breath faintly brushing his face.
Ryan froze for a moment, then a slow, amused smirk spread across his face. His gaze flicked down to your lips before snapping back to your eyes.
"You're not wrong," he murmured, low, teasing.
You leaned back slightly, meeting his gaze evenly, a faint smirk tugging at your lips.
"Good to know," you said casually. "Because I'm not here to give anyone more than a show either."
You picked up his drink, placing it in front of him with a deliberate flourish.
"Entertainment's fun," you added, letting your tone carry just enough challenge, "as long as everyone knows the rules."
Ryan's eyes narrowed slightly, intrigued by your response. He picked up the drink, and for a brief moment, your fingers brushed. The spark was quick but electric.
You tilted your head, shrugging lightly, daring him to push back.
"Simple," you said, voice teasing, "don't get cocky... and don't forget who's running this show."
Ryan's lips curled into a smirk, his eyes gleaming with amusement-and maybe a hint of admiration.
"Running the show, huh? I like your confidence," he said, low and teasing.
He leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a whisper, his breath warm against your ear.
"But don't forget, sweetheart, I'm a quick learner. And I always find a way to turn the tables."
Ryan's words sent a shiver down your spine, but you refused to let it show. Instead, you met his gaze with a confident smirk of your own.
"Is that a challenge?" you asked, your voice barely above a whisper.
Ryan tilted his head, smirk widening.
"Maybe it is," he murmured, eyes darkening with intrigue.
His words hung in the air between you, charged with unspoken tension. His thumb brushed against yours again, brief but electric, sending tiny shocks up your arm.
Suddenly, the bell above the door chimed, breaking the moment. Both of you pulled back slightly, the spell of the intimate silence shattered by the intrusion of a new customer.
You rolled your eyes, turning back to the counter as if nothing had happened, though your heart was still racing.
Hmph... let's see how long he keeps playing by my rules.
Ryan leaned back, still watching you work, that smirk lingering. For the first time in a long while, he realized he didn't feel in control.
It was the next day, and you were walking across campus, textbooks clutched in one hand, earbuds in the other, when you spotted Ryan leaning against a tree. Too relaxed. Too perfectly composed. Like he owned the entire campus.
Before you could pass, Matthew, Elijah, and Romeo appeared out of nowhere, circling him like predators sizing up their prey.
"Hey, Ryan," Matthew said with a sly grin. "You've been spending a lot of time at... the milk tea shop lately, huh?"
Elijah snickered. "Yeah, don't tell me someone finally found the way to your heart. Or... your entertainment?"
Romeo leaned in, smirking. "Should we start calling her your... daily dose?"
Ryan's jaw tensed, and his usual smirk faltered for just a second.
"I... she's just... amusing," he muttered, clearly flustered.
You appeared at just the right moment, walking past with a casual wave and an exaggerated smirk.
"Oh? Just amusing?" you said, tone playful but teasing. "Sounds like someone's a little too obsessed for 'just amusement.'"
Ryan's eyes widened slightly as you approached, clearly caught off guard by your sudden appearance and bold statement. His friends exchanged glances, grinning at the sight of him squirming.
"Obsessed?" Ryan repeated, defensive, trying to regain his composure. "I'm... not obsessed. She's... it's just-"
Matthew leaned closer, teasing relentlessly. "Right, Ryan. Totally 'just amusing.' You're really holding it together, huh?"
Elijah added, smirking, "Sure, bro. Amusing. That's the best excuse for buying the same drink every single day and staring like a lovesick idiot."
Ryan's jaw tightened, but his eyes never left you as you stepped closer, deliberately slowing your walk so he could see you clearly.
"I'm not... obsessed," he said again, voice firmer this time, though the slight flush on his cheeks betrayed him.
You tilted your head, smirk widening, enjoying every second of his discomfort.
"Uh-huh," you said lightly. "If 'amusing' means showing up every day, leaning against trees, and probably plotting how to see me next... sure, 'just amusing.'"
Ryan opened his mouth, then shut it again, realizing you weren't letting him off the hook. His friends burst into quiet laughter at his reaction, but he stayed fixated on you, jaw set, smirk twitching despite himself.
"Maybe..." he muttered finally, tone low and reluctant, "maybe it is more than amusement."
You smirked knowingly, giving him a slow, confident nod before continuing down the path, textbooks in hand.
Hmph... let's see how long he's willing to admit that out loud.
Ryan's eyes narrowed, his usual confidence returning.
"Hardly," he scoffed. "I just find your... unique perspective entertaining."
He pushed off from the tree, taking a step closer to you.
You tilted your head, smirking up at him as you took a deliberate step back-just enough to make him move closer if he wanted.
"Entertaining, huh? That's a nice word for 'can't stop thinking about me,' don't you think?" you teased, letting your voice drop just a little. "Don't worry, I won't charge admission... for now."
Ryan's eyes flashed with a mix of annoyance and admiration at your teasing. He took another step forward, closing the distance between you.
"You're playing a dangerous game," he murmured, voice low and warning, though his smirk betrayed that he was secretly enjoying it.
You rolled your eyes, smiling faintly, but didn't step back any further.
"Good," you said, voice calm but daring. "I like dangerous games."
Matthew, Elijah, and Romeo snickered from the sidelines, clearly enjoying their friend squirm under your teasing.
You shrugged casually, brushing an imaginary speck of dust off your sleeve.
"Of course. Someone's got to keep you on your toes."
Ryan's lips curled into a smirk, his eyes never leaving yours, his voice smooth and low.
"I think you'll find I'm quite adept at keeping my balance."
Ryan's friends exchanged glances, smirking at the palpable tension between the two of you. Matthew leaned in, whispering something to Elijah, who nodded with a grin.
Suddenly, Romeo stepped forward, clapping a hand on Ryan's shoulder.
"Hey, Ryan," Romeo said, tone casual but with a hint of mischief. "We've got that meeting with the dean in a few. You coming?"
Ryan's gaze lingered on you for a moment longer before he turned to Romeo.
"Yeah, I'm coming," he said, tone dismissive.
His friends began to walk away, but Ryan hesitated, glancing back at you.
"This isn't over," he murmured, eyes intense.
With a final smirk, he turned and followed his friends, leaving you standing alone, smirking knowingly to yourself.
Hmph... looks like someone just found his new obsession.
It was a few days later, during lunch break. You were sitting under a tree with your friends, sipping your drink and scrolling through your phone. The campus buzzed around you, students laughing, talking, and hurrying to classes, but your attention was suddenly drawn to a shadow stretching across the grass.
You looked up-and there he was. Ryan. Hands in his pockets, that same infuriating smirk in place, looking way too confident for someone who clearly had no business "stalking" a milk tea shop.
"You're everywhere," you said lightly, smirking, as if it were no big deal.
Ryan's smirk widened, his eyes glinting with amusement.
"Only where it counts," he replied smoothly, voice low and confident.
He stopped a few feet away, tilting his head, eyes scanning you the way he always did, making your pulse quicken despite yourself.
"I could say the same," he continued, voice smooth, teasing. "Seems like fate keeps putting me where you are."
You raised an eyebrow, leaning back on your hands, completely unbothered.
"Or maybe you just have terrible timing... and a very predictable schedule," you teased, voice calm, letting him simmer.
Ryan's smirk curled a little more, and his eyes darkened ever so slightly, sending a shiver down your spine.
"Maybe I just know what I like," he murmured. "Like... annoying you."
You rolled your eyes, hiding the thrill that ran through you at his words.
"Among other things, I'm sure," you replied casually, though your smirk betrayed that you were enjoying this just as much as he was.
"Among other things," Ryan repeated, voice low, teasing, each word deliberate. He took a step closer, gaze fixed on you, daring you to flinch.
"Maybe..." he leaned in slightly, voice dropping to a near whisper, "or maybe keeping me entertained. You haven't even realized how good you are at it yet."
You tilted your head, smirk widening, keeping your composure.
"Well, I hope you don't get bored too easily," you said, tone teasing but firm. "I have a feeling I'm going to be busy... keeping my life my own... and you in check."
Ryan's smirk deepened, a glint of admiration and challenge in his eyes.
"Oh, I have a feeling you'll keep things interesting," he murmured, smooth and confident, letting his gaze linger just a second too long. "I'm looking forward to it."
You let out a soft, amused laugh, shaking your head as he continued to study you.
"Bold words for someone who follows me around like a shadow," you teased.
Ryan shrugged, pretending to be casual, though the intensity in his eyes said otherwise.
"I prefer the term 'predictable observer,'" he said, voice low and teasing. "Someone has to make sure you're not causing too much chaos out here."
You laughed, leaning back further, matching his calm yet daring energy.
"Well, just remember," you said, voice playful, "the chaos usually wins."
Ryan's grin widened, showing just enough mischief to make your stomach flip.
"Then I guess I'll just have to keep up," he murmured.
Finally, he took a step back, giving you just enough space, but the tension between you crackled like static electricity.
"Until next time, sweetheart," he said, tone playful but firm. With a wink, he turned and walked away, leaving you sitting there, smirking while your heart raced, thoughts of him swirling in a mix of annoyance, intrigue, and something you couldn't quite name.
Hmph... let's see how long he keeps trying to keep up.
The next day, it was the school's annual sports festival, and you were helping set up booths for the student council. The campus was buzzing with energy-laughter, cheering, and the smell of snacks from the food stalls filling the air.
And, of course, Ryan was there-standing tall near the track, leaning against the railing with his usual smirk, his friends hovering nearby.
"Of course he's here," you muttered under your breath, smirking. "Can't let anyone else have fun without him, huh?"
"Well, well, well... look who's working hard," Ryan's smooth voice cut through your thoughts. "Need help setting up?"
"I'm fine, thanks," you replied, rolling your eyes. "This isn't really a place for a rich boy to show off."
"I think you underestimate me," he said, leaning casually against the table.
"Really?" you challenged. "I might start assigning you a task... can you handle it?"
"Try me," he said, smirking.
"You're everywhere today," you said, smirking. "Are you actually helping... or just stalking me under the guise of supervising?"
"I prefer to think of it as... keeping an eye on competitors," he replied smoothly.
"I hope you didn't get bored. I'm not exactly easy to keep entertained," you teased.
"I think you understand your... entertainment value," he murmured, voice low. "I'm up for a challenge. Besides, I have a feeling you're worth every moment of my time."
"Careful," you said, raising a brow. "You're talking like someone who's already invested."
"And trust me," you added, smirking, "I'm not cheap entertainment. I get bored easily too."
"You're... unique," he said slowly, smirk widening. "And I'm not talking about your looks... though they are certainly distracting."
"Nice words," you replied, shrugging. "But words don't earn points. Actions do."
"I think I can manage that," he said, reaching for the flyer you were holding.
His fingers brushed yours, sending a jolt of electricity through you. He glanced at the flyer, then back at you, smirk never faltering.
"I'll take care of this," he said.
"Oh, I'll stick around," you said, voice teasing. "But don't think I'm going easy on you. I expect effort."
"I won't have it any other way," he replied.
Ryan began handing out flyers with charm and confidence. Students stopped to listen, drawn in by his smooth words and easy smile. Every so often, his gaze flicked back to you, his smirk growing wider each time your eyes met. The tension between you was palpable, a silent challenge hanging in the air.
Hours later, the announcer's voice boomed over the loudspeaker, calling out pairs for the three-legged race. Your stomach dropped when you saw Ryan's name paired with yours.
Of course. Of course it was him.
You tried to hide your smirk as you walked over, letting your eyes meet his.
"Well, looks like we're stuck together," you said lightly, looping your arm with his.
"Looks like it," he replied smoothly. "I think fate has a funny way of bringing us together."
"You must be joking," you muttered, smirk tugging at your lips. "This is going to be... interesting."
"I prepare for exhilarating," he said, smirk teasing, eyes glinting.
The referee crouched down to tie your legs together. His hands brushed against yours as he worked, sending a familiar jolt of electricity up your arm. You subtly shook your head, smirking.
"Focus, rich boy. I don't plan on letting you drag me down."
"Drag you down?" he teased, leaning slightly closer. "Don't worry... I plan on keeping up. Maybe even leading the way-if you can handle it."
"Oh, I can handle it," you shot back, raising an eyebrow. "But don't forget... I make my own rules."
"Good," he murmured, smirk widening. "I like a challenge... especially when it keeps me on my toes."
The race began, chaotic and laugh-filled, feet tangling, arms bumping, and every stumble making you both laugh harder. By the time you crossed the finish line, both of you were panting, laughing, and out of breath.
Ryan's arm remained around your waist, forehead resting gently against yours.
"Looks like we make a good team," he murmured, voice low, teasing but soft.
You looked up at him, hearts racing, faces inches apart. His eyes searched yours, a rare vulnerability flickering in their depths.
"Yeah," you breathed, barely audible.
Ryan's thumb traced small circles on your hip, gaze softening.
"I think this is the start of something... interesting," he murmured, voice low and promising.
For a long moment, neither of you spoke. His eyes locked with yours, a silent understanding passing between you. He leaned in closer, lips hovering just above yours.
"I'll see you around," he whispered, breath mingling with yours.
His lips brushed yours in a soft, gentle kiss. The world seemed to pause. A spark of electricity shot through your entire body, and for a moment, nothing else existed.
You pushed him back slightly, shock written all over your face. This was your first kiss, and you didn't know how to feel. You blushed, avoiding his gaze.
Ryan stumbled back slightly, surprised by your sudden push. His eyes widened-a mix of confusion and hurt-before his usual smirk returned.
"Whoa," he said, holding his hands up in mock surrender.
His smirk faltered just enough to reveal a hint of genuine concern.
"Hey... are you okay?" he asked softly, stepping closer. "I didn't mean to... I thought-"
"Of course I'm fine," you said quickly, not showing him that you were nervous and confused from the kiss. You pointed to your group of class representatives.
"I guess they need me there," and walked away, keeping your back straight, trying not to look back.
Ryan's eyes followed you as you left, unreadable expression settling over his features. He stood there for a moment, watching you go, before shaking his head with a soft sigh and turning to leave.
But he wouldn't forget that moment anytime soon
A week later, we were assigned seats for a group seminar-random, they said.
Of course, fate had jokes.
I slid into my seat and froze when someone dropped into the chair beside me a second later.
Ryan.
He leaned back like this was completely accidental, legs stretched out, calm as ever, smirk already in place.
"Fancy meeting you here," he murmured, glancing sideways at me.
"Looks like fate has a way of bringing us together."
I didn't even look at him.
"I doubt that," I said flatly. "Unless someone asked to be seated here."
Ryan let out a low chuckle, eyes never leaving my profile.
"Someone did," he admitted easily. "But I didn't think you'd mind the company."
Before I could respond, the professor started talking. I opened my notebook, determined to focus-until Ryan leaned over slightly, his arm brushing mine as he pretended to adjust his notebook.
I shot him a look.
"You're invading my space."
"Am I?" His smirk widened, eyes gleaming with mischief. "I thought we were past that."
He leaned in a little closer, voice dropping.
"Besides, I thought you might appreciate the... distraction."
I kept writing, lips twitching.
"Funny. You seem very comfortable for someone who said she wasn't interested."
Ryan's eyes flashed with a mix of annoyance and excitement.
"Maybe I'm just... persistent," he murmured smoothly. "Besides, I think you're protesting a bit too much."
I finally looked at him, unimpressed.
"This?" I gestured subtly between us. "You sitting too close and pretending it's an accident?"
His smirk only grew.
"Maybe I'm just... testing the waters," he said, voice low and teasing.
He didn't hesitate. Ryan leaned in closer, elbows resting on the desk, his knee brushing mine under the table like it was nothing.