CHAPTER 2

Unexpected Beginnings

Yn’s POV

The shrill beeping of my alarm pierced through the early morning silence, dragging me out of my dreams and into the real world. I groaned softly, my hand fumbling to silence it. Another day. Another semester. Another chance.

I sat up, brushing my hair behind my ears as sunlight filtered through the sheer curtains of my room. The golden rays kissed my skin gently, and for a moment, everything felt calm. After stretching and muttering a sleepy “Bismillah,” I headed to the bathroom.

A warm shower later, I stood in front of my mirror, towel-wrapped hair dripping slightly onto my collarbones. I blow-dried and styled it into soft waves, then applied a touch of makeup—nothing dramatic, just a fresh, polished look to match my mood. I slipped into a cream-colored blouse and tucked it into high-waisted jeans. My favorite brown boots completed the look. One glance in the mirror, and I gave myself a small nod of approval.

"You got this, Yn," I whispered to my reflection with a smile.

Downstairs, I whipped up a quick breakfast—toast, eggs, and a cup of hot chocolate. As I took the last bite, I glanced at the clock and widened my eyes.

“Oh no, I’m going to be late!” I grabbed my bag and rushed out the door, the chill of the morning air waking me up completely.

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At University

The university grounds were buzzing with energy. Students filled the pathways, chatting and catching up after the break. The familiar campus buildings looked as welcoming as ever.

As I made my way toward the main building, I suddenly felt two arms wrap around me from behind in a tight hug. I didn’t need to turn around to know who it was.

“Lisa,” I said with a laugh. “What’s gotten into you? You’re bursting with energy today.”

She clung to me like a koala. “You always recognize me! How?”

I rolled my eyes playfully. “We’ve been best friends for years. Of course I know your hug, your perfume, your vibe... everything.”

Lisa finally let go and twirled in front of me, a mischievous sparkle in her eyes. “Okay, fine. You win. But guess what? I have good news!”

Before she could spill the secret, Rose and Jisoo came bouncing over, their faces lit up with excitement.

“Have you heard about the new professor?” Rose gushed, her cheeks slightly flushed.

I blinked, confused. “What new professor?”

“He’s super handsome,” Rose continued, ignoring my question.

“And rumor is, he’s young, smart, and probably single,” Jisoo added, wiggling her eyebrows dramatically.

“Wait, wait, wait.” I waved my hands to stop the chaos. “Can someone please explain what’s going on?”

Just then, Jennie arrived, folding her arms like a know-it-all. “Yn, your old math professor retired last week. Didn’t you read the notice board?”

“No… I was with my parents most of the break,” I said, tilting my head. “So, who's taking over?”

“That’s the thing,” Lisa said. “We don’t know his name yet. But everyone’s already going crazy because apparently, he looks like a model.”

“Or an idol,” Jisoo added.

I shook my head, laughing softly. “Let’s just hope he knows how to teach math.”

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Later in Class

The classroom buzzed with curiosity. I took my usual seat near the window, placing my bag on the desk and stealing glances at the door, just like everyone else. The whispers grew louder—guesses, jokes, excitement. I could feel the tension in the air like electricity.

A few moments later, the principal entered, commanding immediate silence.

“Good morning, students.”

“Good morning, Principal,” we chorused politely.

“I hope you all had a refreshing break. Today, we welcome someone new to your academic journey. Your new class teacher—and math professor—has just arrived. Please give him a warm welcome.”

He stepped aside, and in walked a man.

The world slowed down for a second.

He was tall—very tall—with broad shoulders wrapped in a crisp white shirt tucked neatly into black trousers. His jet-black hair was slightly messy, as if he had just run his fingers through it. A pair of black-rimmed glasses rested perfectly on his sculpted nose, giving him a sharp, intellectual air. But it wasn’t just that.

It was his aura. Calm. Cold. Confident.

My breath caught for a brief second.

He looked like he had stepped right out of a drama series. Some girls gasped. Others whispered behind their notebooks. I, however, just sat there frozen… not in admiration, but in some strange, unexplainable feeling I couldn’t put into words.

“Good morning,” he said, his voice deep and smooth, with a commanding presence. “I’m Professor Jeon Jungkook. I’ll be teaching your mathematics course this semester.”

Jeon Jungkook.

The name echoed in my mind like a quiet bell.

He looked across the room slowly, his gaze passing over every student—until, for a fraction of a second, it landed on me.

Our eyes met.

And in that moment, something shifted.

I didn’t know it then, but that was the beginning of something I could never have imagined.