Melina's POV
"Melina Grey. No dating. No drama. No distractions."
My father's voice was as cold as the freezer
As always. I nodded like an obedient robot- no obedient me, clutching my bag tightly, even though inside I wanted to scream: Sure, let me just stop being human, Father.
why must they always be like this.
We parked in front of Central parks College, a campus that looked less like an educational institute and more like a luxury jail. Grey stone walls, iron gates, and my father's command.
The campus is aesthetically pleasing to eyes indeed.
"Remember why you're here," he said, his hand still on the steering wheel, eyes fixed forward like I wasn't even worthy of eye contact.Typical him. "To study. Nothing else. Do not embarrass this family."
God forbid I laugh or make friends, right?
"Yes, Father," I muttered out loud, because arguing was a waste of oxygen. and probably means no weekly allowance. I need to find a part-time job.
He didn't even reply. Just nodded and Then he drove away, leaving me alone with my oversized luggage and underwhelming will to live under his roof and authority
---
I took a deep breath and looked around. First day of college. New chapter in life. Yay.
Shouldn't i be excited? it's rather exhausting.
Students pass by in expensive looking outfits. I looks.... bland.
Everyone looked like they had their lives together. Then there was me, a nervous wreck internally, though I tried to keep a calm face.
Clutching my phone like a weapon, I checked the campus map and started walking toward the main building. That's when I heard it—the laughter. Loud, careless, and… masculine.
I turned my head and saw them.
Seven guys, walking like they owned the entire college, like it's their territory and we all are merely peasants. The air shifted around them; people stared, whispered, and some even blushed. They were that group. Every school or college has one—the untouchable gang. They usually are pain in arses too. Sh sh no judging.
They were laughing about something, shoving each other playfully. Perfect hair, sharp jawlines, confidence dripping from every step. Among them, one stood out—brown hair, A smile that makes you weak at the knee, eyes that looked like they knew too many secrets. He is Physically a legendary piece of artwork. He walked like rules didn't apply to him.
I didn't know his name yet, but I know a trouble when I see one. A handsome trouble.
And, of course, trouble saw me staring. Yeah that too first day of college. Amazing.
Our eyes met for a second too long. He smirked looking at me staying opposite of the hallway.A lazy, cocky curve of his lips that screamed, Caught you staring, sweetheart.
I instantly looked away, heat rushing to my cheeks.
I sped up, determined to avoid any more embarrassment. Which was exactly when fate decided to mess with me.
--
The campus café smelled like heaven, and I needed coffee to survive the next few hours. I ordered an iced latte, grabbed the cup, and turned—straight into a human wall.
A very expensive human wall in a white shirt.Which probably cost more than my father's old ass car.
Splash.
My coffee exploded all over his chest like a caffeine crime scene.
"Oh my God!" I gasped, staring at the brown liquid soaking through the fabric.
The guy looked down at his shirt, then at me. And—of course—it was him. Smirky boy from the gang.
Just elope from the country at this point girl.
"Wow," he said, voice smooth like sin. "You have a… unique way of saying hi."
"I—I'm so sorry!" I babbled, grabbing tissues from the counter. "I didn't mean to—"
"Relax." He smirked even wider, leaning closer as I awkwardly dabbed his shirt. "First day and you're already trying to get my attention?"
I froze, halfway through wiping. Did he just—?
"I—what?! No! I wasn't—"
"Sure." He winked, taking the tissue from my hand. "Name?"
I stared at him, words lost somewhere between rage and humiliation. Name? Oh, so he can put it on a blacklist?
"M-Melina," I muttered finally.
"Cute." He smiled like he'd just won something. "Theodre Frost."
I can't help but let out a chuckle. Like that cute chipmunk?
His eyebrows knitted together in response to my response which was Valid on my part.
Before he could respond, his friends called him from across the courtyard. He gave me one last look and walked away, his stained shirt sticking to his chest in a way that made me even angrier.
Perfect. First day, and I've baptized the campus jerk.
---
Shaking off the disaster, I checked the time and sprinted to my classroom. Room 203. Literature class.
Except… when I entered, everyone turned to stare. Not in the "Oh, a new student!" way, but in the "Why are you here?" way.
The professor raised an eyebrow. "Can I help you?"
"I… um… Literature class?"
"This," he said, voice dry as paper, "is Mechanical Engineering."
My soul left my body.
"I—uh—sorry! Wrong room!" I squeaked, backing out as students snickered.
Fantastic. Let's add public humiliation to the day's achievements.
---
By the time I found the right class and sat down, I wanted to dig a hole and live there forever.
That's when two girls slid into the seats beside me.
One of them—short hair, oversized hoodie, big round glasses—looked at me and grinned. "You look like you need therapy or noodles. Which one first?"
I blinked. "Uh… both?"
She laughed and clapped her hands. "I like you already! I'm Dove! ." She pointed to the other girl—long hair, perfectly straight, resting savage face. "And this is Zara. Don't mind her; she only bites on Tuesdays."
Zara smirked. "Depends on the person."
I stared, then laughed for the first time that day. "Melina."
"Cool. Welcome to hell." Dove patted my back. "You'll survive if you stick with us. Unless…" She lowered her voice dramatically. "…the Seven Kings notice you."
"The… what?"
"Those guys." Dove jerked her chin toward the window, where the same seven boys lounged under a tree like a K-drama poster. Girls walked by giggling, and they didn't even glance. They were in their own world.
"Campus royalty," Dove whispered. "Untouchable. Dangerous. Especially Theo, Theodore ."
I internally groaned. Of course.
"Why especially him?" I asked, against my better judgment.
"Because," Dove said ominously, "he likes to play."
Play what? Ruin-new-girls'-lives Simulator?
Before I could ask more, someone approached our row.
---
He was tall, black hair falling into his eyes. He leaned on our desk casually, eyes flicking to me for a second before landing on Zara. There was an aura of Something between them. Anger? Love? Hate? I don't know. Just something powerful.
"Theo's calling you," he said.
My stomach dropped. What? Why would he—? Is this about the coffee? Oh God, am I about to get sued for shirt damage?
Dove's eyes widened. Zara just raised an eyebrow.
I swallowed hard. "M-me?"
To be Continued..