The morning sun fell softly on the streets leading to Louis Valley International College, painting the campus in gold. Among the throngs of students heading toward their first classes was a figure that drew attention without effort—tall, impeccably dressed, with sharp, piercing eyes that seemed to measure everything and everyone. This was Kim Seojin.
Seojin had come from Korea, the heir to a very wealthy family, and carried himself with the cold confidence of someone who had always been in control. He disliked attention—or at least, he claimed to—but secretly, the admiration of others satisfied a small, indulgent part of him. Girls whispered as he passed, eyes wide and hearts racing. He walked past them, unbothered on the surface, but every glance fed the quiet pride he never admitted out loud.
As he strode down the tree-lined street toward campus, a sudden collision jolted him forward.
"Sorry!" a voice exclaimed.
Seojin looked up, irritated, meeting the startled eyes of a tall American guy with an easy smile. "Are you new here, or do you stay around here?" the boy asked, genuinely curious.
Seojin's lips pressed into a thin line. He had learned long ago to mask irritation. "I'm from Korea," he said simply.
The American extended his hand, unwavering. "I'm Mason Minho—just call me Minho."
The name made Seojin pause for the briefest moment, though he didn't show it. Lightly shaking Minho's hand, he responded, "Kim Seojin."
Minho glanced at Seojin's student ID and then back at him. "Looks like we're at the same college. I don't really know anyone here either. We can be friends, if you want."
Seojin studied Minho carefully. There was something reliable about him, a warmth that contrasted with Seojin's own cold exterior. He decided to accept. "Alright," he said, keeping his tone neutral.
As they walked toward the campus, Minho chattered easily, sharing snippets of the school, pointing out familiar spots, and teasing Seojin lightly about navigating a new country. Seojin listened, letting the words wash over him, masking his thoughts behind an unreadable expression.
When they reached the college grounds, Seojin's sharp eyes noticed the subtle stares of girls scattered along the paths. He smirked faintly, internally amused by the effect he had on them. Minho, oblivious to Seojin's inner amusement, waved at two friends nearby. "Blake, James! Come meet a friend!"
Blake and James looked at Seojin curiously, their expressions a mix of confusion and intrigue as Minho introduced him. "This is Seojin, he's from Korea, just transferred here. His full name is Kim Seojin."
Hands were shaken, numbers exchanged, and for the first time since arriving, Seojin felt a small, rare twinge of belonging. The group welcomed him warmly, their laughter and chatter forming a soft, welcoming bubble around him.
Yet, even as he smiled politely, the cold edge of his demeanor remained. Something about this place, the energy of the campus, and the unpredictable nature of people around him stirred a strange anticipation. There were stories here, he could feel it—some that might test him, some that might intrigue him… and perhaps, one that might change everything.
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