WHITE'S MANSION – KITCHEN
The clinking of metal pots echoed as Tessa stormed into the kitchen, her face scrunched up like she had just swallowed something bitter.
"Why are you angry again now?" Mrs. Cristin asked without looking up from the chopping board, her tone a mixture of concern and irritation.
"Mum, I can't stay here anymore," Tessa blurted out, dropping her bag on a counter stool with a thud. "I'm serious. I think I'll start staying at the college dorm."
Mrs. Cristin paused mid-chop, glanced at her daughter, then snorted. "If you have the money for it, be my guest. A house like this—warm, clean, fully stocked—and you're acting like you're being punished. Honestly, Tessa, I think you enjoy suffering."
Tessa crossed her arms, her voice rising. "It's not the house, Mum. It's the people in it. I can't live under the same roof with that moron."
Mrs. Cristin's brows knitted. "And who's the moron?"
"Hardin," Tessa said flatly.
"You mean their son?"
Tessa gave a sharp nod.
Her mother's eyes narrowed slightly. "Tessa, I hope you haven't started causing trouble already. What's your business with him? Hmm? Tessa, Tessa…" She shook her head. "How many times have I called you?"
Before Tessa could snap back, the kitchen door swung open. Hardin strolled in like he owned the place, dressed in a loose black T-shirt and ripped jeans. He went straight to the fridge, ignoring both women, grabbed a bottle of water, and took a long drink. Then—just before leaving—he caught Tessa's eye and winked, a lazy smirk tugging at his lips.
"Mum, you saw that!" Tessa nearly exploded, pointing an accusing finger toward the doorway. "He winked at me. Mum, I swear, I'm going to kill that boy before his time."
"I don't have time for your drama," Mrs. Cristin said, turning back to the vegetables. "Go wash those dishes, then help me with dinner prep."
Before Tessa could protest, her phone beeped from her pocket. She fished it out and saw a message from her best friend, Mulan.
Girl, I just bought two tickets for us. Tonight is the Crimson Kiss concert, and you're fûcking coming with me.
Tessa sighed and typed back quickly:
Hell no. You know I don't attend, watch, or listen to any other group except Rock Girls. To shock you, I don't even know the members of Crimson Kiss.
Almost instantly, Mulan replied:
Mehn, they're fûcking hot. If you refuse, I'll drag you from your house myself.
Tessa smirked faintly and typed:
Hmm. Anyway, hope you're in school right now. I don't have classes till later, so I'll come in the afternoon.
Mulan: I'm in class, yes. And Tessa, you really should start staying in the dorm instead of coming from home every day—it's stressful. You can even share my room.
"Tessa! Drop that phone and do what I told you!" Mrs. Cristin's sharp voice snapped her back to reality.
Tessa shoved the phone back into her pocket with a quick "Yes, Mum," and trudged toward the sink, muttering under her breath.
Behind her, the faint echo of Hardin's chuckle still lingered in her head like an annoying song she couldn't shake.
CRESTVIEW COLLEGE – 1:00 PM
A sudden wave of squeals and gasps erupted across the quad.
"Oh my God!! It's the Rock Girls—they finally came to campus today!" someone shouted, and instantly, the crowd shifted, phones raised like a wall of paparazzi.
Cathryn, Caroline, and Sabrina stepped out of their sleek cars one after another, the midday sun bouncing off their flawless hair and outfits.
Cathryn was a walking headline—her black mini skirt hugged her hips, paired with a cropped leather jacket and knee-high boots that clicked against the pavement with every confident step. Her long, silky blonde hair flowed down her back like a golden curtain.
Beside her, Caroline looked fierce in leather trousers and a white crop top, the perfect mix of edgy and chic. Sabrina brought a softer heat in a fitted mini dress that stopped just short of scandal, her natural curls framing her face.
Everywhere, camera flashes popped.
"Rock Girls, look here!" someone yelled.
"Oh my God, they're so gorgeous!" another gushed.
Cathryn's eyes darted toward the parking lot, scanning the rows of vehicles. Her brows furrowed.
Hardin's car isn't here? Didn't he come to college today? she muttered under her breath.
"ROCK GIRLS!!" the chant grew louder as the trio strutted past the adoring crowd, their heels clicking like a runway soundtrack.
Then, the screaming shifted.
"Oh my God—Hardin White from Crimson Kiss is here too!" a girl squealed, nearly dropping her phone as a sleek black sports car rolled onto campus.
The engine purred to a stop, and the moment Hardin stepped out, the atmosphere changed. His presence was magnetic—dark shades hiding his eyes, jaw sharp enough to cut glass, and that signature smirk that made girls forget how to breathe.
Cathryn lit up instantly. Without hesitation, she ran toward him.
"Hardin!" she called, and before he could even greet her, she pressed her lips to his. He didn't resist—his hand slid down and gave her a playful spank.
"Oh… my goodness," Sabrina muttered under her breath, blinking at the scene.
Around them, reactions were split. Some girls stared in open jealousy, their eyes narrowing like daggers, while others already had their phones up, recording every second for social media.
"Are Cathryn and Hardin dating?!" a girl whispered urgently. "Oh my God, they actually look cute together."
Her friend scoffed, lowering her voice just enough to sound smug. "Cute? Please. You know Hardin. He doesn't date. He's going to use her and then dump her. He's a playboy—who doesn't know that?"
PARKING LOT...
"You're looking so hot today—extraordinary hot," Cathryn said with a flirty smile, her voice dripping with adoration as she took in Hardin's all-black outfit.
"You don't look bad yourself," Hardin replied casually, lips curling into a faint smirk. The simple compliment sent heat rushing to Cathryn's cheeks until they turned tomato red.
"Can we go to your suite?" she asked, lowering her voice to a teasing purr. "You know… so I can feed you your favourite meal." She added a wink for emphasis.
Hardin tilted his head, his tone lazy but pointed. "Don't you think we should both be leaving there together?"
Cathryn pouted slightly. "I still don't get why you don't like staying in your suite here on campus. You'd be more comfortable, and your dad is literally one of this college's biggest contributors."
"I do anything I like," Hardin said, ending the discussion as he reached for her hand. "Let's go."
Sabrina, watching from a few steps away, leaned closer to Caroline. "Cathryn's a goner. I just hope she doesn't drop dead from heartbreak when she eventually sees him with another girl."
"Let her enjoy him for now," Caroline replied, her voice neutral but tinged with amusement.
"I don't feel like going to class," Sabrina muttered, shifting her weight.
"Same here," Caroline admitted. "Besides, Jordan isn't even in today."
Sabrina arched a brow. "You like Jordan?"
Caroline grinned. "Yeah, of course. He's cute."
"You girls crushing on the Crimson Kiss boys is insane," Sabrina said, shaking her head.
"Do you even like guys?" Caroline shot back. "You hate them so much for no reason."
"I just don't like guys," Sabrina said bluntly.
"Oh, poor thing," Caroline teased, reaching out to ruffle Sabrina's hair.
"Hey, don't do that!" Sabrina snapped, quickly smoothing her curls. "This is precious hair you're trying to ruin."
"Stop being dramatic," Caroline laughed. "Come on, I'm starving. Let's find a good restaurant to branch at. My stomach is literally grumbling."
"You're such a foodie," Sabrina smirked.
"Yeah, I own it. Food is life, girl. Let's go," Caroline said.
They were about to head toward their cars when a voice called out behind them.
"Hi!"
They turned to see a girl jogging up—Mulan, bright-eyed and slightly breathless.
"You want something?" Sabrina asked flatly.
"Yeah," Mulan said, pulling out a folded sheet of paper and a pen. "Your signature. My best friend, Tessa, is a huge fan of yours. She'd be really happy if I showed her this."
Sabrina didn't even look at her again and started walking away, but Caroline stepped in, taking the paper and pen. She scribbled her name neatly, then handed it back with a friendly smile. "Here you go. And tell your friend I said hi."
"Alright, thanks," Mulan said, tucking the signed paper into her bag. She shot Sabrina a quick side-eye before turning on her heel.
"Such an arrogant bítch," she muttered under her breath as she walked off.
JORDAN'S PLACE – LIVING ROOM
"You're not going to college today?" Capri asked, kicking the door shut behind him. He tossed his jacket over a chair and strolled into the living room.
Jordan was sprawled across the couch like he hadn't moved in hours, one arm hanging over the side. "Attending those boring classes? Please. Celebrities don't attend classes."
Capri smirked, leaning against the armrest. "You know you're impossible, right?"
"Yeah," Jordan said with zero shame.
Capri grabbed a cushion and tossed it at him. "Do you even have a girl you like? I swear, you don't even have a type."
"Shut up, moron," Jordan said, catching the pillow and flinging it right back at him.
"Fûck you!" Capri laughed.
"You too," Jordan grinned, and they both broke into light chuckles.
Capri straightened. "Alright, enough. Go dress up—we're heading to Hardin's campus suite. I'll DM Anderson and tell him to meet us there."
Jordan groaned. "I'm too lazy to move. You're stressing me out. And don't forget, we have a concert tonight."
Capri grinned. "Should I carry you upstairs? Bridal style?"
Jordan sat up slowly, narrowing his eyes. "You're ridiculous."
Capri just folded his arms. "Well? Move it before I actually do it."
With an exaggerated sigh, Jordan swung his legs off the couch and stood. "Fine. But only because I don't trust you not to throw me over your shoulder like a sack of rice."
"Tempting," Capri said with a smirk.
Jordan shook his head and headed for the stairs. "Give me ten minutes."
"Make it five. You take longer than some girls I know," Capri called after him, earning a middle finger from Jordan as he disappeared upstairs.
WHITE'S MANSION – LIVING ROOM
"Get me some water," Mrs White said loudly from the couch, her eyes still fixed on the TV.
"Yes, ma'am," Mrs Cristin replied from upstairs where she was dusting the shelves. She hurried down the stairs, wiping her hands on her apron, and made her way to the kitchen. The house smelled faintly of polish and lemon cleaner, her footsteps echoing against the marble floor.
She quickly filled a glass jug, placed it on a tray with a tumbler, and started back toward the living room. In her rush, her slipper caught on the edge of the rug. Her foot slipped—she stumbled, and the tray flew from her hands. The jug hit the floor with a loud crash, water splashing across the tiles.
Mrs White's head snapped toward her, eyes narrowing. "What the heck? This is just your first day and you're already destroying things. Are you blind? Or do you have some kind of eye defect?" she said coldly.
"Sorry, ma'am," Mrs Cristin muttered, holding her wrist where she had caught herself.
"Sorry for yourself. That's how poor people behave. I don't blame you," Mrs White said, her lip curling.
"Mum? Are you okay?" Tessa's voice came from the doorway. She rushed over, crouching to help her mother up.
"Yeah, sure," Mrs Cristin said, brushing herself off.
Tessa straightened, glaring at Mrs White. "With all due respect, ma'am, you don't talk harshly to someone like that. She didn't do it on purpose."
Mrs White tilted her head. "Oh, so you can talk back at me. I'm not surprised. I would blame you, though."
"Ma'am—"
"Tessa!" Mrs Cristin snapped, her voice sharp. "Go and continue what you were doing right now."
"I have classes at two p.m. I'm leaving," Tessa said angrily, snatching up her bag and walking out, her steps loud against the tiles.
"Such disrespect," Mrs White muttered, turning back to the TV as though nothing had happened.
"Sorry, ma'am. I'll clean this up and get you another glass of water," Mrs Cristin said quietly, bending to gather the shards.
"Better be quick with it," Mrs White said without looking at her.
HARDIN'S SUITE *
The dim light from the half-closed blinds striped across the room, shadows stretching over the expensive furniture. Cathryn's breath came in short gasps, her fingers tangled in the sheets.
"Ahh… Hardin," she moaned as his grip tightened on her hips. A few moments later, he pulled back with a sharp exhale, collapsing beside her, both of them catching their breath.
Cathryn giggled softly. "It's so warm," she said, curling into him.
"You got some pills with you?" Hardin asked without looking at her, already reaching for a bottle of water on the bedside table.
"Yeah," she replied casually.
"You better take it quickly. I'm not fathering a kid at this age." His voice was flat, matter-of-fact.
Cathryn smirked, tracing her finger along his chest. "Tonight's concert… I'm gonna surprise you."
One eyebrow lifted. "Huh?"
"You guys have a concert tonight, remember?" she teased.
"Yeah, I know. What do you mean you're gonna surprise me?" His eyes narrowed slightly.
"It's a surprise," she said, voice playful.
Hardin shook his head. "Just don't do anything stupid."
Before she could respond, a voice came from outside the door. "Hardin!" Jordan called.
Hardin sat up. "What are you doing here?" he shouted back.
"You in there with someone?" Jordan's tone was suspicious.
"F**k off," Hardin replied, irritation creeping in.
The door suddenly swung open and Jordan stepped inside, followed by Capri and Anderson. Their eyes went wide, mouths hanging open as they saw Cathryn lying naked under the sheets.
Jordan quickly stepped back. "I think we should head out," he muttered, shoving Capri and Anderson toward the hall.
Hardin ran a hand over his face, shaking his head. He got up from the bed and reached for his jeans.
"Aren't you gonna leave?" he asked Cathryn, who stayed sprawled across the mattress like she owned it.
"I thought we were gonna spend the whole day together," she said, her tone sliding from sweet to clingy.
Hardin chuckled darkly. "If you wanna sit here all day, that's your business, darling. I'm going out."
He pulled on his shirt, grabbed his jacket, and walked out without another glance.
Cathryn stared at the door for a moment before her temper snapped. "What the f**k!" she screamed, slamming her fists into the bed.
CRESTVIEW COLLEGE*
The sun blazed over the sprawling campus, its heat bouncing off the white pavement and glinting against rows of polished cars in the student parking lot. Students lounged beneath shady trees or hurried between classes, the buzz of chatter mixing with the distant hum of traffic.
Tessa stepped out of the cab, slinging her bag over her shoulder. Her sharp eyes were scanning the crowd with faint impatience. She reached into her pocket, unlocking her phone as she typed quickly.
Where the hell are you?
Her phone buzzed almost immediately with a reply from Mulan.
Just tell me where you are and I'll come meet you over there.
I'm at the main gate. I just came. Tessa messaged.
Alright, I'm close. Give me a few minutes. Mulan replied.
Tessa exhaled, a small sigh of annoyance slipping past her lips. She shoved her phone back into her pocket and leaned against the gate pillar, watching students pass by in small clusters.
Then her eyes landed on him—tall, annoyingly good-looking, and striding toward her like the sidewalk was a runway.
"Seems my eyes are deceiving me," she muttered under her breath. "Why do I keep seeing this moron? And why the hell is he walking towards me now?"
Hardin stopped right in front of her, hands in his pockets, a smirk tugging at his lips.
"Oh, wow… you also attend the same college as me," he said, voice dripping with mock surprise. "Nice—same house, same school. Almost feels like fate."
"At least pretend we don't know each other," Tessa shot back, crossing her arms. "Pass by."
"No," Hardin said casually, stepping a little closer. "I don't pretend, princess."
Before she could react, his hand lifted to tuck a stray lock of her hair behind her ear. The touch was light but intentional—lingering just long enough to send an involuntary shiver down her spine. Tessa's breath hitched for a fraction of a second before she snapped back to herself and slapped his hand away.
"Don't you dare touch me in your life," she said, her glare sharp enough to cut glass.
Hardin only grinned wider. "I know you're craving my touch… you just don't know how to admit it."
"Dream on," she hissed.
"And by the way…" He leaned in, just enough for her to catch the faint scent of his cologne. "You smell nice."
Tessa froze as he tilted his head, sniffing lightly at the side of her neck. Then, without waiting for her reply, he stepped around her—sidelining past with that same insufferable smirk plastered on his face.
-------
Cathryn lingered in the shade of a tall oak tree, her gaze locked on the pair ahead. Hardin stood far too close to Tessa for her liking, his hand brushing her hair, his smirk aimed only at her.
Cathryn's nails dug into her palms until her knuckles turned white. Her pulse thudded hot in her ears.
"Definitely gonna make life hell for her," she muttered under her breath. "Look at him… touchy with her like she's someone."
Her jaw tightened, teeth grinding.
"Hardin can't talk to any other girl except me. If it means wiping her off completely…" She exhaled sharply through her nose. "…then I'll f**king do it."
With that, she spun on her heel and stalked away, heels clicking against the pavement.
---
"Tessa!!" a voice called from behind.
Tessa turned just in time to see Mulan running toward her, her hair flying wildly. She barely had a moment to brace herself before Mulan wrapped her in a tight hug.
"I missed you, my baby," Mulan said, grinning.
"You're not serious," Tessa replied, shaking her head, though the corner of her lips twitched upward.
Mulan glanced past her. "Wait… was that Hardin from Crimson Kiss you were just talking to?"
Tessa blinked. "Hold on—he's a member of the Crimson Kiss stars?"
Mulan gasped like it was the most obvious thing in the world. "Hardin White is the leader of Crimson Kiss. Can't believe you don't know them! There are four—Hardin, Jordan, Capri, and Anderson. All of them are so hot it's illegal."
Tessa made a face. "Then I'm definitely not following you to any concert tonight."
"You have no choice, baby," Mulan said, linking their arms. "You're coming with me. I already shopped clothes for the both of us—they're in my dorm room. Oh, and guess what?"
"You know I'm bad at guessing," Tessa said. "What's it?"
"Tada!" Mulan whipped a folded paper from her bag and waved it like a prize.
Tessa's eyes widened as she took it. "Wait… this is Caroline's signature from Rock Girls! Where did you even—"
"They came to college today," Mulan said proudly. "I spotted Caroline and Sabrina and went straight for a signature—because of you, of course. I knew you'd freak out. But, ugh, Sabrina is so rude. Didn't even answer me. Such a b*tch. Oh, and Cathryn wasn't with them—I know she's your favorite among the trio."
"Awwn, I love you. Thank you," Tessa said,