Rushing down the hallway, you barely registered the whispers and glances thrown your way. Being a foreigner at a Seoul university wasn’t easy, and the pointed looks from the popular girls didn’t help. Clutching your books, you turned a corner too fast and collided with something — someone — solid.

Your books tumbled to the floor, and you stumbled back, eyes wide as they met Kai’s. Tall, muscular, with dark hair falling into warm eyes, he was the star of the volleyball team and every girl’s dream.

“Sorry,” you mumbled, heat creeping up your cheeks as you dropped to gather your things. Before you could reach for them, he crouched down, long fingers brushing yours.

“It’s okay,” he said smoothly, a small smile playing at the corner of his lips. His voice was warm, almost amused. “You’re new here, right?”

You swallowed, nodding, words caught in your throat. His eyes lingered for a moment longer, something soft and curious in them.

“Well,” he continued, handing you your books, “try not to get lost again.”