II. Adair University

A messy apartment with empty bottles scattered around, dishes piled up in the sink, and junk food strewn everywhere. I started cleaning the place when the two stumbled in, clearly drunk. Lara tripped over one of the bottles and collapsed onto the couch, while Alex struggled to stand straight.

"Where have you been? We had a bit too much to drink," Alex said, followed by a hiccup.

That's obvious. I just sighed, glancing at Lara before scratching my nape. I moved here for peace and work—I never imagined things like this.

"Yeah! A bit too much," Lara shouted, then burped before passing out.

"Well, it looks like you two had a great time," I replied sarcastically.

I hated to do it, but I guided them home rather than letting them pester me all day. I had too much to deal with. After sending them off, I suddenly remembered the paper I had picked up earlier. I reached into my pocket and pulled it out.

"Adair University."

I had been homeschooled all my life, my world revolving only around my grandpa and our small routines. But these towering buildings in front of me weren't surprising at all. I sighed, glancing at the map given by the registrar after I enrolled. I wasn't sure where to start, but one thing was certain—whether a student or an instructor, I was going to find them.

"YOU JUST ENROLLED?!"

It was as if my soul left my body at the sudden shout behind me. I knew that voice. I closed my eyes and clenched my fists, trying to stay calm—otherwise, I wasn't sure what I might do.

"Hi there, sweetie! I'm glad you decided to transfer to our school after making friends with us yesterday. That was quite fast—I like it!"

That wide smile of theirs never left their faces, and it was irritating.

Lara suddenly snatched the papers and map from my hands. If there was one thing I hated, it was people taking my things.

I was about to take them back and walk away, but Lara stopped me.

"You don't need a map—we can guide you," she said with a grin before reading my information aloud. "Ms. Kaesu Cadeiux?"

I sighed heavily, snatching the papers back before walking away. I didn't have time for this nonsense. I had a job to do, and this was beyond my schedule.

"Come on! Don't be such a killjoy."

I stopped in my tracks, clenching my fists when Lara suddenly grabbed my arm and leaned her head on my shoulder. I was about to push her away when Alex took my other arm and did the same.

"Are you two always this touchy?"

Alex shrugged. "Not really, but we get this different vibe from you—we just can't help but stick around."

And there it was again—that annoying smile.

I could have pushed them away, but my hands refused to cooperate, and I hated it. So, I sighed again and let them do whatever they wanted. But I quickly felt dizzy and overwhelmed by their endless energy. They talked and walked so much—it was draining.

"Is there a problem, Kaesu? Are you tired? There's a nice bench here. We can rest for a moment," Alex suggested.

I had had enough.

"I'd appreciate it if you both left me alone and let me mind my own business. I don't want to get involved with you, and I don't want you involved with me either."

They nodded silently and walked away.

Finally—peace. Now, I needed to get back on track.

I had no clue, no leads—only that small piece of paper from this university.

Wait. Alex and Lisa—they'd been studying here. Maybe they knew something.

And now, after shooing them away, I had to find them again.

This university was huge. How was I supposed to track them down? Knowing them, they were probably wandering all over campus, and I didn't have the stamina for that. Should I wait at the apartment until they got home, or should I search for them?

Aish!

My whole day was wasted—I found no leads. I didn't even know what I was searching for. Maybe they were right. What could a 21-year-old really do?

The sky darkened, heavy with the promise of rain. I ignored it, assuming it wouldn't fall. But as I walked down the street, it suddenly poured.

Drenched, I ran for shelter in the nearest building. It was old and slightly eerie, but I didn't care. As I waited for the rain to ease, I scanned my surroundings—and then I saw him.

A man was staring at me.

It was him.

"I got you this time!"

I took off running after him. He panicked and bolted, almost tripping. Seeing my chance, I pushed forward, reaching out and grabbing his jacket sleeve. But he was strong. I struggled to see his face, but he yanked his arm free, slipping out of his jacket, and I tumbled to the ground.

I groaned in pain, slamming my fist against the floor in frustration. I hate being weak. I feel like crying.

I tried to stand and chase him again, but before I could, a strong hand grabbed my arm.

I turned sharply—only to find myself staring up at a tall, handsome man with a deep frown. His cold, piercing eyes locked onto mine, filled with anger.

His grip tightened, sending pain shooting up my arm. I swiftly pulled away before he could break it.

"What do you want from me? Are you his accomplice? What are you up to?"

His icy voice cut through the air. "Who are you?"

He ignored my questions, only throwing another one back at me. But he couldn't fool me. No matter how cold and mysterious he acted, his eyes betrayed him.

My grandpa had taught me to read people through their eyes—because no matter how much someone tried to hide, the eyes never lied.