A man stood in front of the mirror. His eyes were heavy with dark circles. His body was thick from neglect. He stared at himself like he was looking at a stranger.
"I am Lucifer," he whispered. "I've been studying psychology for six months… but why? It all happened because of her. The one I can never have. She isn't mine. I don't even know what love is… so how can I be sure this is love?"
He lowered his head.
---
Six months ago
It was Freshers' Day. Lucifer sat in the middle row of the hall—not too close to the stage, not too far back.
"No one notices the middle people," he muttered. "Why did I even join this college? And why psychology? I don't even know what it is…"
The program began. The principal spoke at length about rules and expectations. Lucifer barely listened. When seniors came on stage to dance and sing, the hall filled with noise.
And Lucifer… fell asleep.
"Hey! How can you sleep in all this noise? Can you teach me?"
A voice shook him awake. He turned, startled. Behind him was a girl in a hijab. He could see the curve of her smile.
He blushed. "Oh—I'm sorry. I didn't hear. Can you say that again?"
She laughed softly. "Hahaha. I asked your name."
"I'm Lucifer," he said, trying to sound confident. "The man who's going to become the devil of the world."
She raised her eyebrows. "Is your name really Lucifer?"
"Yes. Why?"
"Nothing… I've just never met anyone with that name before."
Lucifer had been staring at the floor. But when he finally lifted his eyes to meet hers—something inside him changed. Goosebumps ran down his arms. His heart thudded. His palms grew sweaty.
What… what is this feeling? Am I sick? he muttered.
"What?" she asked.
"Nothing… nothing," he stammered, turning back to hide his nerves.
His thoughts spun. Why does my body feel so strange? I should get checked after college.
---
The Freshers' program was ending. A girl on stage held the microphone.
"To the first years—we want to hear your stories. Why did you choose this college? Who will share?"
Silence. No one volunteered.
The host frowned. "No one? Fine, I'll choose."
Her eyes scanned the hall. That was when she noticed Lucifer—fast asleep.
The girl behind him whispered, "Hey, Lucifer! Get up!"
He jolted awake.
"Yes, yes—you! Come, share your story!" she said cheerfully. "Everyone, clap for him!"
The hall erupted in applause. Lucifer froze. Why were they clapping for him?
The girl leaned closer. "Go on. Tell them why you joined this college."
Lucifer scratched his head. "I joined for nothing. I didn't even know this college existed."
The hall went silent. Students stared. The girl behind him only grew more curious about this strange boy named Lucifer.