Rose tried to focus on the lecture, but her thoughts refused to stay still.
Every time she blinked, David's calm eyes flashed in her mind. The way he had caught her. The way he had held on—just a second longer than necessary.
Get a grip, Rose, she scolded herself.
A soft tap landed on her desk.
"Hey."
Rose turned to see a girl with warm brown eyes and a friendly smile.
"I'm Lily. You look lost—first day trauma?"
Rose let out a small laugh. "Is it that obvious?"
"Painfully," Lily grinned. "Come sit with us during lunch. You'll survive better in a group."
Before Rose could answer, another girl leaned over from the back seat. She had sharp features, confident posture, and a playful smirk.
"I'm Sophia. And trust me—this college is more fun when you're not alone."
Rose nodded, surprised by how easily she felt included.
For the first time that day, her chest felt lighter.The Other Side of the Room
David sat two rows ahead, posture relaxed but alert. He wasn't listening to the professor either.
His gaze flicked toward Rose—just once.
That was enough.
Nick, sitting beside him, noticed immediately.
"You staring already?" Nick teased. "First day, man."
David didn't respond.
Behind them, Alex leaned back in his chair, eyes half-lidded, unreadable.
"Careful," he said casually. "Girls like her don't belong in our kind of trouble."
David's jaw tightened.
"She's not part of anything," he said quietly.
Yet even as he spoke, something deep inside him knew—
That wasn't true.Lunch Break – New Bonds
The cafeteria buzzed with noise and movement. Rose sat with Lily and Sophia, soon joined by Jasmine and Aria. Laughter came easily—stories of embarrassing school moments, strict parents, and shared dreams.
"You're strong," Jasmine said suddenly. "I can tell."
Rose blinked. "Strong?"
"You listen more than you speak. People like that usually carry something heavy."
Rose smiled faintly. She didn't deny it.
Across the room, Anna stood near the vending machines, watching.
Her phone vibrated.
UNKNOWN: She's inside the circle now.
ANNA: Good. Let it bloom.
She slipped the phone back into her pocket, eyes dark with intent.A Name That Silenced the Table
As the girls walked back toward class, Sophia spoke again.
"Did you hear about the girl who died last year?"
Rose froze. "Died?"
Sophia lowered her voice. "A senior. Found dead near the old campus building. Police ruled it an accident."
"But…" Lily hesitated. "People say it wasn't."
A chill crawled up Rose's spine.
"What was her name?"
Sophia swallowed.
"Ella."
The name echoed strangely in Rose's chest—like a distant memory she couldn't place.
From the hallway corner, David watched Rose's expression change.
Something was wrong.
And he hated that he already cared.
(Cliffhanger)
That night, Rose sat alone in her dorm room.
Her phone buzzed.
Unknown Number:
Some friendships bloom from lies.
Some deaths are not accidents.
Be careful who you trust, Rose.
Her breath caught.
Outside her window, a shadow moved—then disappeared.
Far away, Anna smiled.
And in another part of the city, someone whispered—
"She's exactly where she needs to be."