With a gentle stop, my chauffeur, James, delivered me to Brookhaven Institute's stunning campus, where the sleek black sedan gave way to imposing stone, manicured lawns, and an architectural symphony of old and new.

Despite our close friendship, I had never visited Elvis and Alaia's college during times we attended different colleges. Time and distance had conspired against us - being far from home and attending a distant college. During those rare breaks, I made sure to spend most of my time enjoying carefree hangouts with them. But life had other plans. An unexpected incident cut my first year short, forcing me to transfer.

Although it felt unfair, I was grateful to have completed my freshman year. Now, standing before Brookhaven's majestic building, I realized that maybe this transfer wasn't so bad after all. The break had given me time to recharge, and I was ready to start anew.

As luxury cars pulled up, students stepped out, exchanging brief nods with their drivers. Others parked theirs in the sprawling yard, where chatter and laughter filled the air. Emotional goodbyes unfolded between freshmen and their families, their confusion and excitement palpable. Some clutched maps and schedules, navigating unfamiliar surroundings. Meanwhile, returning students reunited in lively groups, swapping summer stories and catching up on lost time.

I watched, feeling disconnected, unsure where I belonged. Initially, I was calm, but now a flutter of nerves had set in, despite Alaia's reassuring words and shared valuable details to prepare me for their college on our yesterday's call. Memories of lively debates with Elvis and Alaia resurfaced - we once passionately argued over which school was superior. Now, as I joined this very institution as a transfer student, I was amused by life's unexpected twists.

As I entered the sprawling foyer, the noise intensified. Unfamiliar faces swirled around me, their laughter and conversations flowing effortlessly. Everyone seemed to know each other, and I felt a brief pang of uncertainty. My gaze swept the hall until it landed on Elvis and Alaia, their waves drawing me in.

Alaia's vibrant ginger hair stood out, styled in loose waves that cascaded down her back. Her porcelain skin glowed against the elegant outfit she wore. Despite being only 5'7" in height, her poised demeanor shone beside Elvis's tall, confident presence. I sighed, waving slightly back at them, feeling glad I wouldn't have to search for them, looking like a bloody freshman.

"Cass!" Alaia exclaimed, sweeping me into a warm hug and planting a kiss on my cheek. Her eyes sparkled with excitement. Elvis followed, his bright smile faltering for a fleeting moment. "Hey, so how is it going?" he asked, curiosity etched on his face.

"Chill, I just got here this morning," I replied with a dramatic eye roll, earning Elvis's low, rumbling chuckle. "We have classes now," Alaia said, her voice tinged with disappointment.

"Unfortunately, we don't share classes this morning. But since you're meeting with the academic advisor, we should escort you. You're new here, after all."

Elvis groaned tiredly, "Oh, come on, do we have to do this together?" Alaia and I chuckled as she playfully dragged him along, her grip firm on his arm. As we strolled to the office, the morning sunlight casting long shadows across the campus, I felt a sense of belonging.

After our tour of the office, I proceeded to my first class. The room buzzed with hushed conversations. A few students were already seated, some with curious stares and warm smiles welcoming me. I returned their greetings, taking my seat. A few classmates approached, introducing themselves with firm handshakes and bright smiles.

We exchanged pleasantries until the lecture began. During class, a girl's persistent glances made me uncomfortable, leaving me wondering if she was interested in me. Her piercing gaze stirred a mix of curiosity and surprise.

After class, as I checked my schedule for the next lecture, the mysterious girl approached. I involuntarily stepped back, startled.

"Sorry if I freaked you out," she said, noticing my reaction. I smiled, feeling bad. "No worries."

"You seem pretty cool, and new," she added. I smiled and introduced myself, "I'm Cassiel Marlowe. I just got transferred here!"

"I'm Isodora Dakota, but call me Dora," nice to meet you, she replied. We exchanged smiles.

"What's your next class?" Dora asked. "I'm trying to figure that out," I admitted. Dora assisted me, and we discovered we shared a few classes. Our conversation flowed effortlessly.

*************
Dora and I finally parted ways since we had different lectures for the next period. I found myself alone during the break. Elvis and Alaia were nowhere to be found, so I decided to explore the institute.

My wanderings led me to a door boldly labeled "Student Lounge" in elegant script. I pushed it open, revealing a stunning oasis. The expansive room unfolded before me, bathed in warm, natural light streaming through floor-to-ceiling windows.

This luxurious space is perfect for relaxation and fun. It features modern furniture, top-notch amenities, and exciting activities. Comfortable sofas and cozy chairs invite you to unwind, while a snack corner offers a variety of tasty treats. The air is filled with the delicious smell of freshly brewed coffee and baked goods.

Just then, my gaze fell upon someone reclining on a sofa, and I found myself irresistibly drawn to him. His undeniable attractiveness captivated me. Earbuds nestled in his ears, he slept serenely, his muscular 6-foot frame relaxed, with crossed arms showcasing his tattoos. His mixed ethnicity was evident in his striking appearance, enhanced by a low Afro tape fade haircut in a rich dark brown-copper hue.

I couldn't help but wonder how stunning he'd look with his eyes open. I decided to leave him to his slumber and snagged some snacks from the closet instead. Savoring the flavors, I swayed my hips in appreciation, lost in the moment.

As I turned around, a pair of beautiful hazel eyes locked onto mine, and I almost jumped from the sudden surprise. Frozen in place, he looked ravishingly handsome, just as I had predicted. But what followed was unexpected: an inexplicable sense of familiarity washed over me. Had we met before? The question lingered...

He sat up, one hand grasping the sofa handle, the other resting on his lap, legs spread wide. His blank expression transformed into a scowl as he scrutinized me from head to toe.

"Great, just what I needed. Another clumsy newcomer," he said, his deep, husky voice laced with sarcasm. I felt a flush rise to my cheeks as I realized I'd disturbed him.

"Sorry," I muttered, taken aback by his hostility.

He raised an eyebrow, arms folding, his gaze pinning me like prey. "Sorry? For what? Interrupting my peaceful morning? Or for staring at me like a starstruck teenager?"

I regained my composure, pretending to be unfazed by his piercing stare. "Just enjoying the view," I replied dryly.

He snorted, his expression disdainful. "How original. You must be a real charmer."

I settled into the sofa opposite him, leg crossed, and took another bite of my snack. "I get by."

As he smirked, a memory sparked - the image on my sister's wall. Keegan, the object of her affection. But this person's eyes were hazel, and his physique more toned. Then, it dawned on me - Keegan's twin.

Elvis's words echoed in my mind: indifferent. It was an understatement.

His gaze drifted over me, his expression unreadable. "You seem... breakable," he said, his voice tinged with doubt. "This school isn't kind to the vulnerable."

I raised an eyebrow, intrigued by his venom. "And you're the welcoming committee?"

He chuckled, a cold, mirthless sound. "Hardly. I'm just the one who has to tolerate people like you."

I bristled at his tone but kept my cool. "People like me?"

He leaned forward, his eyes glinting with amusement. "The naive, wide-eyed types who think they can handle this place. You'll learn soon enough."

I matched his even tone, refusing to back down. "Is that a warning or a threat?"

He shrugged, his expression bored. "Take it however you want."

As the tension escalated, I asked, "And who are you, anyway?"

He raised an eyebrow, frowning slightly. Ignoring my question, he turned away, scoffed, and then met my gaze again.

Just then dora burst in, rescuing me from his verbal sparring. "Cassiel, I've been searching everywhere for you!" she exclaimed, her voice trailing off as she noticed we weren't alone. Her gaze shifted to him, and her eyes widened in shock.

The word "Hagan" escaped her lips in a faint whisper 

He rose, his imposing frame looming over us, and sneered, "Ladies," his tone dripping with mockery. With a final, piercing glance pinned at me, he turned to leave.

My gaze trailed after him, and for the first time, I noticed the intricate tattoos etched behind his right ear, descending like dark vines down the length of his neck.

As he departed, Dora let out a breathless whisper, "Well, that was... intense."

I turned to her, still reeling from the encounter. 

Happy reading!
See you in the next chapter❤️