Chapter-2 Fate’s First Encounter

"The universe has a way of drawing two souls together… no matter how hard they try to stay apart."

---

The next morning, Aarika stood at the entrance of the university, the wide campus stretching ahead of her like a maze of opportunities and uncertainties. Her heart raced with excitement, but it was her first day in a new country, a new world. She was in Melbourne, far from home, with only her stars to guide her.

"Okay, Universe, don't let me mess this up," she muttered, glancing at her phone. 77% battery. A smile tugged at her lips.

Mira appeared next to her, holding two steaming cups of coffee. "You know, you're gonna love this place. Melbourne's got vibes. And don't worry, I'll hook you up with some good people. Let's go grab lunch at Eclipse after, okay? Trust me, you'll love it."

Aarika took the coffee, her lips curving into a playful grin. "You really want me to fall for some hot rich guy at Eclipse, huh?"

Mira shrugged innocently. "It's a trend, alright? Rich, mysterious, and way too attractive. You've gotta at least see what's out there."

Aarika laughed. "What if I'm not interested in that?"

Mira gave her an exaggerated look. "We'll see about that."

---

Later that afternoon, Sydney…

Ji Hoon stared at the pile of paperwork on his desk, his thoughts far from the numbers and legal contracts that usually consumed his day. His phone buzzed with a text from Damon: She's in town. Don't forget why we're here.

He growled, tossing his phone aside, and leaned back in his chair. His mind wasn't on the mission. It wasn't on the mysterious girl he was supposed to keep an eye on.

It was on her.

That girl from the dream. The one who wore that pendant. The one who, inexplicably, felt… familiar.

---

Back to Melbourne:

Aarika's day at university passed in a blur of new faces, confusing campus maps, and the subtle nervousness that came with trying to fit in. She was lost, alone in a sea of students, when she walked into the café on campus to take a break.

The barista greeted her warmly, and she ordered her usual — a chai latte with an extra shot of optimism. But as she turned to find a seat, her bag strap caught on the back of a chair. The next thing she knew, she was stumbling forward, arms flailing.

And right into the chest of a very tall, very expensive-looking man.

Aarika looked up in horror. "I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to—"

The man, dressed in a sharp tailored suit, was holding his coffee perfectly still, not even flinching. He looked down at her, his cold, almost bored eyes scanning her face.

Seo Ji Hoon.

He raised an eyebrow. "Watch where you're going."

Aarika froze. "You... you—"

"Are you lost?" Ji Hoon cut her off, his tone sharp, his gaze barely flicking to her before returning to the drink in his hand. His voice dripped with disinterest.

"Uh, no. Just... new around here," Aarika said, swallowing her embarrassment. "Sorry again. Really."

She turned to go, but his voice stopped her. "I don't know if I should be impressed by your confidence or horrified by your lack of coordination."

Aarika blinked, taken aback. "Excuse me?"

He shrugged nonchalantly. "It's a talent, really. Falling into people like that."

Aarika, still stunned by the sheer arrogance of this man, opened her mouth to reply when Mira's voice rang out from behind her.

"Aarika! There you are!" Mira waved from a table nearby, clearly amused by the scene.

Aarika turned on her heel to escape the awkwardness, but as she did, she heard Ji Hoon mutter under his breath, "Just try not to break anything else."

---

That night, Sydney…

Ji Hoon stood by the window of his penthouse, looking down at the city lights below. His mind raced. That girl — the one from the café — she was the same one from his dreams. There was no doubt in his mind. And the universe wasn't being subtle anymore. She was here.

"It's her," he murmured to himself.

To be continued...