Today was Jinny's first day at her new school.
The university was massive—far bigger than she had imagined. She couldn't help but feel amazed as she walked through the campus. After a brief introduction in class, she quickly made friends with her classmates. They were warm and welcoming, even inviting her to join them for lunch.
When the lunch break came, they headed toward the schoolyard. The cafeteria was always crowded, so many students preferred eating outside, where it was quieter and more peaceful.
As they walked, Jinny suddenly stopped.
Her gaze locked onto a man standing near the fountain.
He smiled the moment he saw her—wide, confident—and lifted his hand in a casual wave.
Her brows furrowed.
What the hell is he doing here?
"You know that guy? He's waving at you," one of her classmates said.
Jinny tore her eyes away and forced a small smile. "You guys go ahead. I'll catch up later—I just need to talk to someone."
They nodded and continued on without her.
Jinny walked toward him, her expression turning serious with every step.
"Hi," Shuu greeted, grinning. "Miss me?"
"What the hell are you doing here?" she snapped. "You're not supposed to be here."
"Why not?" he shrugged. "I can go wherever I want."
She bit her lower lip, frustration bubbling inside her. She thought she'd finally find peace here… but now this idiot had followed her all the way to Spain.
"Oh, come on, don't be mad," Shuu said, pouting slightly. "I just missed you, so I came to see you."
"Do our brothers know you're here? Are they with you?" she asked, her voice tight.
"Nope. I'm all alone," he said with a wink. "I kept it a secret."
Jinny let out a quiet breath of relief.
At least he's alone…
"So, this is your new school," Shuu said, glancing around. "Not bad."
"How long are you staying?" she asked.
"Hm?" He pretended to think. "I don't know… maybe until I get bored?" he said with a teasing grin.
"Shuu!" she snapped.
He chuckled. "Relax. I won't be a burden. You can study in peace while I watch over you."
"I'm calling Mom," Jinny said, pulling out her phone.
"Hey, hey—don't do that!" he said quickly.
"And why not? I don't want you here," she shot back.
Shuu smirked. "Too late. I already moved my luggage into your apartment."
He pulled out a spare key and dangled it in front of her.
Jinny's eyes widened. "How did you even get that?!"
She tried to snatch it, but he easily pulled it away.
Their apartment was unlike typical student housing. It wasn't shared; it was a private, self-contained unit. Unlike standard dormitories or boarding houses where students typically share rooms, kitchens, or bathrooms, this unit provided residents with their own facilities entirely to themselves. It was designed to offer students true independence and privacy.
But now…
She wasn't alone anymore.
"No! I am not sharing a room with you!" she protested.
"Too bad," Shuu said casually. "I'm special—I can do whatever I want."
He slung an arm around her shoulders.
"Just accept it. I'm already here. Wouldn't you feel bad if you kicked me out? I might get hurt."
Jinny shoved him away.
"I don't care! Just leave me alone!" she snapped before turning and walking off.
"I'll wait for you at home!" he called after her.
Home?
Now he was calling her apartment his home?
Jinny clenched her fists as she walked away, her chest tight with frustration.
Why is this happening to me?
When will they just leave me alone?
Behind her, Shuu watched her retreating figure, a smirk still playing on his lips.
"Cute," he murmured under his breath.
.
.
.
"Arghhh!"
Jinny groaned in frustration.
She couldn't concentrate on her studies—not with Shuu around. She sat at her desk, reviewing her notes, while loud clattering noises echoed from the kitchen.
What is he even doing in there?
She grabbed her phone to check her messages. A small smile appeared when she saw texts from her mom and Thane.
"Baby, dinner's ready!" Shuu called from the kitchen.
Jinny rolled her eyes. "Stop calling me 'baby'!" she shouted back.
She heard him laugh.
Trying to ignore him, she returned to her notes—but a moment later, Shuu appeared beside her and snatched them away.
"Hey! Give that back—I'm studying!" she protested.
"Dinner will get cold," he said casually.
Left with no choice, Jinny sighed and followed him to the table.
"I didn't know you could cook," she said, eyeing the food in front of her.
"I learned from Mom," Shuu replied with a grin. "Here, try this."
He placed some food onto her plate.
Jinny hesitated, then took a bite.
Her eyes widened slightly.
It was… surprisingly good.
"See? It's good, right?" he said, clearly pleased.
"I'll admit… it's good," she said, continuing to eat.
Shuu leaned back, watching her with a satisfied expression.
"I'm so happy," he said. "It feels like we're a couple. I'm the husband, you're the wife. We live together, cook together… sleep together—"
Jinny choked.
She quickly grabbed a glass of water and drank.
"You okay?" Shuu asked, amused.
"'Couple,' my foot!" she snapped once she recovered. "I only let you stay here because you're too stubborn to leave!"
Shuu rested his elbow on the table, propping his cheek against his palm.
"But soon, we will be," he said, his smirk returning. "I'm planning to court you. We should start dating."
Jinny frowned. "Why are you so confident I'll agree to that?"
Her appetite was gone.
"Because that's what I feel," he replied simply.
She shook her head, standing up from the table.
"I'm done. I'm going to sleep."
Without another word, she turned and walked to her room, shutting the door behind her.
Shuu remained where he was, a slow smirk forming as he stared at the closed door.
.
.
In the middle of the night, Jinny slept soundly.
The door to her bedroom slowly creaked open.
Shuu peeked inside. Seeing her peacefully asleep, he quietly stepped in and approached the bed. He sat beside her, his gaze fixed on her face.
Carefully, he reached out and gently caressed her cheek.
If Ran thought he had approached Jinny only for amusement, then he was wrong.
Shuu's feelings were real.
At first, he had only wanted to ease his boredom. But as time passed, those shallow intentions had changed… into something deeper.
Something real.
He leaned closer and pressed his lips softly against hers.
They were warm… soft.
Addictive.
He wondered—did Ran ever feel the same?
The kiss deepened.
Jinny stirred, a soft sound escaping her lips. Something felt warm… unfamiliar yet familiar.
Am I dreaming?
She knew this feeling.
Slowly, her eyes fluttered open—
And widened in shock.
She pushed against him.
But Shuu caught her wrists, holding them firmly as he continued kissing her.
"L-Let… go!" she struggled.
"Shhh…" he murmured against her lips. "I just want to show you how much I love you."
"A-Are you insane?" she gasped, finally pulling her face away. "You're no different from your brother!"
Shuu smiled faintly.
"I am different."
He released her and sat up, his expression turning serious.
"Ran only approached you because he couldn't find satisfaction with other women," he said bluntly. "He went to you because you were vulnerable."
He looked straight into her eyes.
"But me? I came to you because I like you."
Jinny stared at him, her heart pounding.
"I don't know if I should believe you," she said quietly.
Shuu chuckled softly. "That's fine. Believe whatever you want."
His voice softened.
"But I promise you… I like you. And I'm even willing to go against my father just to be with you."
Jinny closed her eyes, taking a deep breath as she tried to steady herself.
"If you'll give me a chance…" Shuu continued, gently taking her hand, "let me date you."
She opened her eyes again.
"One month," he said. "Give me one month to prove that what I feel is real. If you still don't like me after that… I'll leave. I'll walk away."
His grip tightened slightly.
"So… give me a chance."
Jinny searched his eyes, trying to find any trace of deception.
"Are you serious?" she asked.
He nodded. "I am."
She swallowed.
After a long pause, she slowly nodded.
"…Alright."
A smile spread across Shuu's lips.
Victory was within reach.