The sun hung low over Seoul University's campus, casting long, soft shadows across the pathways lined with cherry blossoms in full bloom. Students milled about between classes, the air thick with chatter, the occasional burst of laughter, and the faint scent of coffee.
Hana walked slowly along the main path, a to-go cup clutched in both hands like a lifeline. The mild hangover pulsed behind her eyes, but worse than that was the persistent, maddening memory of the things she'd said last night.
She cringed just thinking about it.
Eat him alive?
Had she really said that?
Out loud?
Chae-Rin hadn't let her forget it either — practically howling with laughter the entire morning as they got ready for class.
I swear, Rin, if you tell anyone, I'll kill you.
Too late. I texted him.
WHAT?!
Kidding. But seriously, you're obsessed.
Now, every face in the crowd made her heart skip nervously, half-hoping, half-dreading she'd run into him.
And then she did.
Arjun.
He was leaning casually against a tree near the campus library, a book in one hand, sunglasses perched on his head, and that same effortless, lethal calm about him.
Some girls nearby were obviously stealing glances, whispering behind cupped hands.
But his eyes — dark, sharp, endlessly unreadable — were on her.
For a moment, time stuttered.
The night's memories surged back.
The feel of imagined hands on her skin.
The dream that felt too real.
And worse, her drunken words.
I'd eat him alive.
Her face burned instantly, color flooding her cheeks.
She looked away, about to bolt, but it was too late.
"Hey," Arjun called, his voice smooth and low, carrying easily over the distance between them.
She froze.
When she turned back, he was already walking toward her.
"Morning," he said, stopping just close enough for her pulse to spike. "Rough night?"
She laughed awkwardly, not meeting his gaze. "Uh, you could say that."
"You looked like you were having fun."
She dared a glance up, instantly wishing she hadn't. That crooked smile — the kind that made girls stupid — was aimed right at her.
"Sorry about… uh… last night," she blurted, fiddling with the sleeve of her sweater. "If I was… weird or anything."
Arjun tilted his head slightly, a teasing glint in his eye.
"Didn't seem weird to me," he murmured. "Looked like you were enjoying yourself."
Her heart tripped over itself.
She didn't know what to say, so she just laughed, awkward and breathless. "Right. Well. I should probably head to class."
He stepped aside, a hint of amusement in his gaze.
"See you around, Hana."
The way he said her name made her knees a little unsteady.
As she walked away, she could feel his eyes on her back — and she couldn't decide if she hated it or never wanted it to stop.
And somewhere deep down…
she already knew she was in trouble.