Chapter 1

I kept crying while repeatedly saying, "Please stop." They did not, however, stop. The loud music in the background made me feel even worse as I heard them laughing as they observed my horrible state.

Ring, ring, and ring. I was startled out of my nightmare by the ringing of my alarm clock. To avoid being late on the first day of my final year of college, I reluctantly got out of bed. I grabbed my bag and dragged out of my modest but roomy apartment wearing a grey hoodie and a pair of jeans, not caring that it is the middle of summer. Even though it was still August, the weather outside was cool. I allowed the chilly breeze to caress my face as I quickened my pace to get to school as soon as possible.

As I walked into the school, I was welcomed by joyous masses of students in the hallways. I looked around the room for people I knew before spotting my friends gathered next to the lockers. To avoid unwanted attention from my classmates, I approached them while concealing my face.

I said, "Hey," with a voice that was noticeably hoarser than usual. "You alright? You appear upset." Ariana said with concern. "I'm not sure. Simply put, I haven't been feeling well recently." Lowly, I whispered. "If I were you, I would have had the same emotions. It must have been difficult for you during the past few months."Emma expressed concern about me.

It's not related to what happened the last session. Now that the episode has passed, I no longer think about it. I lied. I disregarded my friends' anxious looks as they cast them my way. Since I knew they would be concerned, I couldn't bring myself to tell them that I was still having nightmares about that particular night.

My train of thinking was interrupted by the bell. I said my goodbyes and hurried over to my classroom. I sat down in the very last row beside the window.

I contemplated the dull day that lay ahead because I didn't have any class with my friends while I peered out the window. I also considered how distinct college is this year from previous year.When I arrived at college the previous year, everyone smiled warmly to welcome me. This year, though, no one paid any attention to me and instead simply talked behind my back.

When Mr. Carter entered the room, I sighed and returned my attention to the lesson. A startling voice at the door halted him as he was beginning a regular first-class lesson.

"May I enter?" All the girls whispered as a tall, athletic boy with brown hair and aquatic blue eyes spoke in a deep, manly voice. I gazed at him, taken aback by his attractiveness. Within a few days, I could tell he would emerge as the college's heartthrob.

And who might you be?" Mr. Carter questioned. "Liam Hudson is my name." He spoke. "Nice to meet you, Liam. You are welcome to go take that open seat there. I widened my eyes as Mr. Carter stated and pointed to the seat next to mine. I could feel the jealous glares from all the girls toward me.

Liam moved toward the seat next to mine.I ignored him as he sat down and grinned at me. In the corner of my eyes, I caught the disappearance of his smile.

***

The classes continued, and soon lunchtime arrived. Within the institution, word had already gotten out about Liam. As I entered the cafeteria, I was greeted by a huge crowd surrounding Liam. I chose to leave the cafeteria and head to my favourite spot in the school since I didn't want to squeeze through tiny cracks.

I moved over to my locker and unlocked it. I pushed the tiny, grey button that had been concealed by the locker after making sure no one was nearby. My locker's base came off, opening the door to the underground space. I descended using the ladder and turned on the lights.

It had been a few months since I last came down to clean this room, so it was a little dusty. Other than that, everything was exactly as I had left it.

I can still recall myself as a freshman pressing the button by accident and coming across this room. Since that day, whether I was pleased or depressed, I would spend time in this room.

When a guy confessed to me for the first time in my life, I remember bouncing up and down with chocolates in my hands. I also recall the time I hid down here because I didn't want to do chemistry class. Those were a few of the enjoyable moments. There were other instances as well, such as when I learned that my ex was cheating on me with the school slut or when I failed a history test for which I had spent a lot of time studying. I can still picture myself balling up here.

I pondered all of my past experiences in my hiding place for the remainder of lunch. As soon as the bell rang, I returned to class.

It didn't take long for the rest of the school day to pass, and soon it was time to depart. I quickly grabbed my bag and exited the school building on my way to my part-time job at Starbucks.

As soon as I walked in, I could tell it was crowded. Knowing that the day would be a hectic one, I sighed. I hurriedly put on my apron and cap before starting to assist Samuel, one of my coworkers.

I noticed a person approaching the desk, so I politely greeted them and asked, "Hi, what can I get for you today?" I prepared to type their order into the computer.

When they remained silent after I had waited for them to speak, I looked up and was startled by who I saw.

Liam(pov)

I started walking home after leaving school. I became aware of the brand-new Starbucks location as I was moving along. Before continuing on my way home, I made the decision to acquire my normal drink.

I entered looking at the chock full place as I headed towards the counter when I noticed a familiar face. "Hi, what can I get for you today" Sophie said making me stand still on my place, shocked by her presence.

When I didn't answer she looked up only to become as shocked as I was. When I noticed the awkward atmosphere building up around us, I decided to break the silence.

"Sophie, right?" I asked trying to start a conversation. "Uh...yes" she replied awkwardly. "Umm..can I get a iced coffee with 4 pumps white chocolate mocha, sweet cream, and vanilla sweet cream cold foam. "Right away" she said giving me a small smile. I returned the smile before I took a seat on a vacant chair.

I stared at Sophie who was busy making my drink admiring her facial features. I gazed at her long blonde that fluttered across her face and her icy blue eyes that was glued to the blender. The only thought that wafted in my mind was "pretty."

Soon Sophie called my name and we made eye contact for a split second which I broke immediately. I walked up to the counter feeling slightly embarrassed that she caught me staring at her. "Thanks" I said as I grabbed my drink from her hand. "No problem" she replied.

"Interesting" I muttered as I headed out the door smiling slightly. For some reason, Sophie's personality caught my eyes. Most girls are all over me and can't handle my charms. On the other hand, Sophie would simply talk coldly with me ignoring my charms, sometimes ignoring my entire existence which sucked.

I went home smiling the entire time as I thought about how to grab her attention and make her fall for me even though I knew it would be a difficult task. I had made up my mind. I would make Sophie fall in love with me no matter how tough it would be.

From tomorrow, mission capturing Sophie's heart begins.