New York City
The sun was shining over New York. Inside a big, beautiful house, Jasper Jean Mariano, or Jay-Jay, was waking up. She stretched her arms and smiled. Today was the first day of college.
Jay was sweet and kind, with a smile for everyone. She loved her family more than anything. But sometimes, a small sad look passed through her eyes, a secret she kept hidden behind her happy face.
She went downstairs. Her mom, Jeana, was in the kitchen. The smell of pancakes filled the air.
"Good morning, Ma!" Jay said, giving her a hug.
"Good morning, my love," Jeana said, kissing her head. "Are you excited for your first day?"
"Super excited!" Jay chirped.
Just then, her dad, Jasfher Mariano, walked in. "There's my princess!" he said, giving her a tight hug. He was very protective of his youngest daughter.
Her older sister, Janine 'Jane', came in, looking stylish even early in the morning. "Morning, sugar. Ready to take over the world?" she teased.
Her brother, Percy, was already at the table, shoveling food into his mouth. "Sunshine! Ready for college?" Percy was four years older than Jay and was studying in New York too. They lived together with their parents. He was her fun, cool, and very overprotective brother.
"Yup!" Jay said. She grabbed her bag and kissed her parents goodbye. "Bye, Ma! Bye, Dad! Love you!"
"Be safe, princess!" her dad called out.
Percy drove them to the university. Jay was excited to start this new chapter.
Manila, Philippines
On the other side of the world, in the Philippines, it was also the first day of college.
Mark Keifer Watson was already awake, having his morning run. He was tall, handsome, and very fit. He was known as the 'golden boy' – smart, good at basketball, and from a rich family. But he was also cold and distant, especially to girls who tried to get his attention.
He went back to his family's big house. His mom, Serina, was waiting with breakfast. "Good morning, my dear. Ready for school?"
"Yes, Ma," Keifer said quietly.
His dad, Mark Keizer, was reading the newspaper. "Make us proud, son. But remember, grades are just as important as basketball." He wore a strict mask, but he loved his family deeply.
Keifer nodded. He had two younger brothers, Mir Keigan and Mike Keiren, who were already making noise and running around.
He drove to the College of the Philippines. Keifer was calm on the outside. He had his own secret life too – he owned a big, multinational company that no one knew about. College was just another thing he would conquer.
He walked into his new classroom, not knowing that very soon, his whole world was going to change. He was about to meet a girl from New York who would bring sunshine into his cold life.