CHAPTER 1

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Kai POV:

Second semester has arrived. I'm now in my first year of college, taking up Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering (BSCE), and honestly, it's exhausting. The subjects are getting heavier, and the pressure is starting to pile up. Right now, I’m searching for a part-time job—something to help me pay rent and give me a little allowance. I don’t want to keep relying on my parents. Ethan and I both come from wealthy families, but we’ve never taken that for granted. We believe in earning our own money, in building something from scratch. It’s not about greed—it’s about independence.

It’s 8:13 a.m. I’m walking down the alley to meet Ethan. We agreed to look for a job together today.

Ethan:

Where are you, Kai?

Me:

Inside the café, right side.

Ethan POV:

I push the door open and step into the cozy warmth of the café. The scent of roasted beans and fresh pastries fills the air. My eyes scan the crowd until they land on Kai—sipping his coffee, looking effortlessly calm. Her face glows in the morning light, and for a moment, she looks ethereal. Why is she so handsome? If only she were a girl, I’d probably be head over heels courting her already.

Kai loves this place. From her seat, there’s a stunning view through the window—a field of wildflowers stretching out to meet a towering mountain. It’s peaceful, just like her.

I wave, and she flashes me that sweet smile. I walk over, but I notice something that makes my chest tighten—all the girls are staring at her. Some are even bold enough to approach, asking for her KakaoTalk account. I sit down, trying to hide my jealousy.

“Um, excuse me! Can I have your social media account? What’s your name?” a girl from another table asks.

“Oh, sure. My name is Kai,” she replies politely.

I jump in quickly. “Kai, what’s up? Have you seen any jobs?” I say, trying to cut the conversation short. I gently take the girl’s phone and delete Kai’s contact. I won’t let anyone get close to her—not while I’m around.

“How about we apply as interns at your dad’s company?” I suggest. “It’s a big opportunity for both of us.”

Kai nods. “Alright!”

Why is she being so cute today? My heart feels like it’s about to collapse.

Loving Kai feels like tasting something sweet and sour. Sweet—because her laugh is like music, and her smile is a memory I want to replay every day. Sour—because the deeper I fall, the more I fear losing her. I’m obsessed, and it scares me. What if I confess and she’s disgusted? What if she pulls away and our friendship shatters?

I can’t keep pretending. I can’t stay just friends anymore. But I also can’t risk losing her.

So I sit there, sipping my coffee, watching her smile at the mountain view—wondering if she’ll ever see me the way I see her.

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