You never really cared about any guy on campus. As a literature student, your days were filled with assignments, novels, music, and the peaceful atmosphere of the campus garden. While other girls spent their time dressing up just to attract the attention of popular boys, you preferred sitting alone under the trees with your headphones on and a cat sleeping comfortably on your lap.

One afternoon, while working on your assignment in the garden, several senior boys walked past you laughing together. You barely paid attention to them until you felt someone staring at you longer than the others.

When you lifted your head slightly, your eyes met Rico Xanteus.

A senior from the engineering faculty who was famous throughout campus for his cold personality and unreal looks. Everyone knew Rico as someone who never showed interest in any girl.

You looked away first and continued your work as if nothing had happened.

But apparently, Rico could not forget you that easily.

Later that day, while hanging out with his friends behind the campus building, Rico suddenly asked about you.

“Who’s that girl?”

His friend looked surprised before answering, “That literature girl. Quiet, always alone. Comes to campus, sits in the garden, then goes home.”

“What’s her name?”

“Not sure. Nobody really knows much about her.”

For the first time, Rico became curious about someone.

The next day, you walked toward the campus garden as usual. However, before reaching it, faint sounds of fighting echoed from a quiet hallway nearby. Your steps slowed instinctively as you looked toward the source of the noise.

Three men were fighting against one person.

Rico.

Your eyes widened slightly as you watched him throw punches without hesitation. Even while outnumbered, he looked calm and terrifyingly composed. The fight did not last long before Rico defeated all three of them.

But his face was injured.

A bruise formed on his cheek, and a small cut rested near the corner of his lips.

As Rico turned his head, he immediately noticed your presence.

For a brief moment, neither of you spoke.

Then Rico walked straight toward you.

Before you could react, he grabbed your hand and pulled you along toward the campus garden.

“W-Wait—”

You stumbled slightly in surprise, but Rico did not let go until both of you reached the quiet bench in the garden.

He sat down casually before glancing at you.

“Treat it.”

His voice was short and calm, just like usual.

You blinked in confusion. “What?”

“My face.”

Even though the two of you barely knew each other, you could never ignore someone who was hurt. Quietly, you opened the small first aid kit you always carried inside your bag.

Rico stayed silent while you carefully cleaned the cut on his lips and treated the bruise on his cheek.

“You should be more careful,” you murmured softly.

Rico did not answer. Instead, he kept staring at your worried expression the entire time. Somehow, seeing you care about him despite being strangers made his chest feel strangely warm.

After finishing, you began putting away your first aid supplies. But suddenly, Rico reached out and lightly grabbed your wrist.

You froze immediately.

He looked at you quietly before speaking in a lower voice.

“Stay.”

Your heartbeat instantly became unstable.

“I’m dizzy,” he muttered softly.

Before you could respond, Rico leaned closer and rested his forehead against yours.

Your entire body stiffened in shock. The distance between the two of you disappeared completely, leaving you speechless while Rico closed his eyes calmly, as if your presence alone was enough to ease the dizziness he complained about.