---
Author's POV
She woke up late, her exhaustion from last night's shift catching up with her. It was her first day at university, and she was already running late.
She threw on a pair of black pants and a brown hoodie, paired with matching shoes. Her glasses completed the look, emphasizing her nerdy demeanor.
Living in a small, rundown apartment close to the university, she relied on walking to school. Her part-time jobs—bartending at night from 6 PM to midnight and waiting tables on weekends—were her only means to afford rent and food. Thankfully, tuition wasn't an issue; she was a full scholar at JK University, one of the most prestigious and wealthiest institutions in the country.
Alone in the city, she was far from her small hometown. Everything about city life felt alien, but she was determined to live independently and pursue her dream of becoming a renowned photographer. Her wardrobe reflected her financial struggles: three pairs of pants, three shirts, two hoodies, and a single pair of shoes were all she owned.
Despite her modest appearance, she was striking in her own way, with doe-like brown eyes framed by long lashes and short, shiny hair that lent her a certain charm.
"Ms. Manoban!" The professor's stern voice snapped through the air.
She was startled awake when someone beside her poked her arm.
"Hey, wake up! The professor’s calling you," the classmate whispered urgently.
Slowly opening her eyes, she was met with the professor’s irritated glare.
"Ms. Manoban," the professor repeated sharply.
"Why are you sleeping on the first day of class?"
She straightened up in her seat, bowing slightly in embarrassment. "Uh… Sorry, Mrs. Villanueva," she murmured before hurriedly focusing on the lecture.
Lisa was in her third year of college, majoring in photography. She had transferred to JK University after earning a scholarship, having completed her first two years at a public college.
---
Lisa’s POV
The bell rang, signaling the end of the class. I quickly gathered my things and headed straight to the canteen. I was starving—I hadn’t eaten anything since morning, rushing out to avoid being late.
At the canteen, I sat alone, eating my food in silence. No one wanted to approach me, let alone be my friend, except when they needed help with academics.
As I ate, I noticed a commotion building. The boys seemed unusually excited, but I paid them no mind, focused on my meal.
"Hey, look! She's gorgeous!" I overheard someone say in awe.
"Oh, that’s the daughter of the university’s owner," another voice added, prompting me to glance in the direction they were looking.
Wow.
The word escaped my lips as I caught sight of her. She was stunning—beautiful, sexy, confident, and utterly captivating. Love at first sight? Maybe.
---
Jennie’s POV
As always, the crowd around me grew restless as I entered the canteen. My suitors started swarming, their attention relentless. Such was the life of Jennie Ruby Jane Kim, the queen bee and, technically, the owner of this university. JK University—named after me by my father, who built it.
I had countless admirers, including Kim Taehyung, the campus heartthrob and basketball captain.
"Rich for rich, famous for famous," people often said, and I couldn’t disagree.
"This is the benefit of being your friend," Rosie teased, popping a chocolate into her mouth—a gift from one of my suitors.
"Hmm, these flowers smell amazing. I’m keeping them," Irene said, hugging a bouquet close.
"You can have all that since no one else gives you flowers," Nayeon teased Irene, making us all laugh.
"Shut up, guys," Irene snapped, feigning annoyance.
My friends were the real recipients of the gifts brought by my suitors: chocolates, flowers, cakes—you name it. I didn’t care much for these gestures, but they loved it, claiming it was a perk of being friends with me.
"Hi, beautiful," Taehyung greeted me, handing over a bouquet and a box of chocolates that Rosie immediately snatched.
"Thanks, V," Rosie said, unwrapping the chocolates. I shot her a glare, but she just smiled innocently.
"Sorry, Tae," I apologized on behalf of my overeager friends.
"It’s fine," he replied, laughing lightly. "Are you busy later?" His tone was flirtatious.
"Yeah, I have plans. Sorry," I said, feigning regret. Truthfully, I wasn’t interested. He had a sleazy side I didn’t like, and the thought of being alone with him made me uncomfortable.
"I understand," he said, disappointment flickering across his face. "See you around, then."
As usual, he left after I rejected him. The only reason I entertained him at all was my pride. Having the campus crush as a suitor boosted my status, and I wasn’t one to pass up that kind of attention.
"You rejected him again?" Nayeon asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Yeah. You know I don’t like him. He’s too handsy when we’re alone," I replied, standing up to leave.
"You’re leaving already?" Rosie asked, still munching on my chocolate.
"Yup," I said shortly.
"But I’m not done eating!" she protested.
"That’s your problem," I retorted, walking off with a smirk.
---
To be continued... ❤️