The first day Claire stepped into Alaska University, the air felt different from anything she had known before.
The morning sky was clear and pale blue, and a soft wind carried the crisp scent of pine trees from the hills surrounding the city. The university campus stretched far beyond the main gate, vast and elegant, almost like a small town built for knowledge and dreams.
Tall stone buildings stood proudly across the wide grounds, their walls covered with ivy that had grown there for years. Large glass windows reflected the sunlight, making the halls look bright and welcoming. Wide pathways connected each building, lined with trees that cast gentle shadows on the pavement.
Students filled every corner of the campus.
Groups of freshmen walked nervously while holding orientation pamphlets, whispering to each other about classes, dorms, and professors. Some looked excited, others overwhelmed by the new environment. Laughter echoed across the courtyard as seniors guided the newcomers, wearing volunteer badges around their necks.
Large banners were hung between buildings, welcoming the new students.
**"Welcome to Alaska University – Orientation Week."**
Claire slowed her steps as she passed through the main gate.
For a moment, she simply stood there.
This place was beautiful.
Peaceful.
Full of possibility.
A new beginning.
But for Claire… it also felt like stepping into an unknown battlefield.
Her fingers tightened slightly around the strap of her bag.
In her previous life, this was also where she had studied.
Where her future had once begun.
And eventually… where everything had started to fall apart.
She inhaled slowly and forced herself to stay calm.
*This time will be different.*
At least, that was what she hoped.
Students continued passing by her as she walked deeper into the campus. The large central plaza was already crowded with freshmen gathering for the orientation briefing. Volunteers directed people toward the main auditorium where the welcoming speech would begin.
Claire walked toward the crowd, quietly observing everything.
But suddenly—
Her steps stopped.
Her heart skipped.
Two familiar figures stood not far from the orientation board.
Tasya.
And Diana.
Claire felt the world around her go silent for a second.
They were standing together, casually talking as if this was the most natural place for them to be. Tasya brushed her hair back while Diana studied the orientation map with calm eyes.
For a moment, Claire couldn't move.
Shock froze her in place.
*Why…?*
Her chest tightened.
*Why are they here?*
In her previous life, she had known they eventually attended the same university.
But seeing them again now—on the very first day—made a cold fear crawl through her body.
The memory of her death flashed faintly in her mind.
The betrayal.
The fall.
The darkness.
Claire swallowed slowly.
*So the past is repeating again…*
But this time, she refused to let it end the same way.
She turned away quickly before they could notice her and walked toward a quieter path behind the administration building.
Her mind was racing.
There was only one person she needed to talk to.
Randy.
She found him sitting on a bench near the student center, scrolling through his phone.
When he noticed her approaching, he smiled slightly.
"Claire. Orientation already making you tired?"
But Claire's expression was serious.
"Tasya and Diana are here," she said immediately.
Randy's brows lifted slightly.
"At this university."
"They're freshmen too."
For a brief moment, Randy looked thoughtful.
Then he nodded slowly.
"I know."
Claire froze.
"You… what?"
"I already knew they would come here."
Her eyes widened.
"And you didn't tell me?!"
Randy sighed softly.
"I didn't think it mattered."
Claire's voice rose slightly in frustration.
"Of course it matters! I chose this university to stay away from them!"
She ran a hand through her hair, clearly upset.
"I just wanted to escape from those two… those evil friends."
Randy looked at her quietly.
Then he said something that made her anger explode.
"I told Diana about it."
Claire stared at him in disbelief.
"You did what?!"
Her voice almost echoed across the quiet path.
"Why would you tell her?!"
Randy remained calm despite her anger.
"Because hiding from them won't solve anything."
Claire shook her head, her frustration boiling over.
"You don't understand! I just want to stay away from them!"
But Randy stood up from the bench and faced her directly.
"Claire."
His voice was firm now.
"You can't run forever."
She clenched her fists.
"I'm not running. I'm protecting myself."
Randy shook his head slowly.
"No."
His eyes were steady.
"You're escaping."
Claire fell silent.
Then Randy spoke again.
"Some things in life happen because they're meant to happen."
He paused before continuing.
"If destiny has already chosen this path… then running away won't change it."
Claire stared at him.
"So what do you expect me to do?"
"Face it," Randy said simply.
"Deal with them."
"End it properly this time."
His words made her heart beat faster.
Then Randy added quietly,
"Besides… you already know what will happen if you don't."
Claire froze.
Her eyes widened slightly.
Randy looked at her with an expression that was strangely calm.
"I know everything, Claire."
The world suddenly felt very still.
Her mind went blank.
*Everything…?*
Confusion filled her thoughts.
How could he know?
She had never told him the truth about her past life.
Not the rebirth.
Not the betrayal.
Not the night she died.
Claire stared at him, her voice barely above a whisper.
"…How?"
But Randy only looked at her with a faint, unreadable smile.
And Claire realized something terrifying.
Maybe she wasn't the only one carrying secrets from the past.
The ride home was quiet.
The late afternoon sun had already begun to soften, casting long golden shadows along the road as Randy's car moved steadily through the calm streets. The city felt slower at this hour, the busy noise of the day fading into something quieter and more peaceful.
Claire sat in the passenger seat, her eyes fixed on the window.
Outside, trees and buildings passed by one after another, but she barely noticed them.
Her mind was still tangled in everything that had happened earlier that day.
Seeing Tasya and Diana again.
Standing there in the same university as if nothing had changed.
As if the future she feared was already beginning to repeat itself.
And Randy's words…
*I know everything, Claire.*
Her fingers slowly tightened on her bag resting on her lap.
How could he know?
She had never told him anything about her past life.
Never told anyone.
Not the betrayal.
Not the night she died.
Not the moment she woke up again in a younger body with memories no one else shared.
So how could Randy say something like that so calmly?
The silence in the car stretched for a long time.
Neither of them spoke.
The quiet hum of the engine filled the space between them.
Eventually, the car slowed down as they entered Claire's neighborhood.
The familiar houses lined the peaceful street, and the warm lights from the windows made everything feel safe and ordinary again.
Randy stopped the car in front of her house.
For a moment, neither of them moved.
Claire reached for the door handle, ready to leave.
But Randy spoke first.
"Claire."
His voice was calm, but it carried a weight that made her pause.
She turned slightly to look at him.
Randy's eyes were steady as he looked at her.
"Don't be afraid of everything you've already been through."
Claire blinked softly.
His words made something in her chest tighten.
Randy continued quietly.
"You can change the future."
His gaze didn't waver.
"But only if you face it."
The words sounded simple, yet something about them felt strangely heavy.
Claire looked at him carefully.
The way he said it…
It didn't sound like encouragement.
It sounded like he knew.
A faint uneasiness crept into her heart again.
But before she could say anything, Randy simply leaned back in his seat.
"Go inside," he said.
Claire hesitated for a moment before finally opening the door.
The cool evening air greeted her as she stepped out of the car.
She closed the door gently.
For a brief second, she stood there watching the car.
Then Randy drove away, disappearing slowly down the street.
Claire turned and walked toward the house.
As soon as she opened the door, the warm smell of dinner filled the air.
Her mother was standing in the living room, smiling when she saw her.
"You're back!"
Her mother walked closer, her expression curious and cheerful.
"So? How was your first day at the university?"
"Was the orientation fun?"
"Did you meet new friends?"
Claire forced a small smile.
"It was fine, Mom."
Her mother looked pleased.
"That's good! University life will be exciting for you."
But Claire only nodded quietly.
She didn't feel like explaining anything.
Not about Tasya.
Not about Diana.
And definitely not about Randy's strange words.
"I'm a little tired," Claire said softly.
"I'll go to my room."
Her mother nodded kindly. "Alright. Dinner will be ready soon."
Claire walked down the hallway and entered her room.
As soon as the door closed behind her, the quiet returned.
She leaned lightly against the door, exhaling slowly.
The room felt safe.
Familiar.
But her thoughts refused to calm down.
Randy's voice echoed again in her mind.
*Don't be afraid of everything you've already been through.*
*You can change the future.*
Claire slowly walked toward her bed and sat down.
Her eyes stared blankly at the floor.
Then another thought surfaced.
The way Randy had looked at her earlier.
And the way he had said those final words.
*Everything you've already been through.*
Claire's brows slowly furrowed.
Her heart beat a little faster.
"…How does he know that?" she whispered quietly to herself.
The more she thought about it, the more suspicious it felt.
And for the first time since her rebirth—
Claire began to wonder if Randy was hiding a secret as well.