Chapter 2: KISS
Kitty Song Covey's first day at KISS is overwhelming. The school is enormous, full of bright hallways, classrooms buzzing with students, and bulletin boards plastered with announcements. Everywhere she looks, students are chatting in Korean, practicing sports, or hurrying to class.
Her roommate, Q, immediately welcomes her with kindness and humor. Q is smart, calm, and seems to know how to navigate KISS effortlessly. He explains the school rules, introduces Kitty to the dorms, and even warns her about the social dynamics — especially about Yuri Han, the popular girl who seems to have everything: beauty, confidence, and influence.
Then there's Min Ho, a tall and confident student who doesn't hide his annoyance at newcomers. From their first encounter, he teases Kitty, calling her "American city girl" and making her feel slightly out of place. Kitty, however, keeps her chin up — she's here for one reason, and one reason only: Dae.
As classes begin, Kitty notices how different everything is from her school back in Portland. Students are strict about schedules, there's pressure to excel, and everyone seems to have their own circles and secrets. She quickly realizes she's going to need allies if she wants to survive — and maybe even thrive — at KISS.
Despite her nerves, Kitty's heart is set on finding Dae. She searches the hallways, peeking into classrooms and cafeterias, but he's nowhere to be seen. Then, in the courtyard, she spots him again, laughing with friends, seemingly carefree. Her heart jumps — but Yuri Han is right beside him, still holding his hand.
Kitty's disappointment grows, but she also notices something: Dae glances toward her for a brief second. Their eyes meet. He smiles — just a little. That tiny moment gives her hope, though she's unsure if it's encouragement or just a polite gesture.
Later, in the dorms, Kitty confides in Q about her worries. Q listens and tells her that relationships are complicated, especially when people are in new environments. "You have to understand the world here is different," he warns gently. "And Dae… well, he might not be exactly how you imagined."
Kitty realizes that being at KISS is not going to be as easy as she thought. She'll have to navigate friendship, rivalry, and her own emotions while also figuring out her place in a new school.
But she's determined. No matter how complicated it gets, Kitty knows she came here for love — and she's not giving up yet.