LAVENDER || PARK SUNGHOON ff

CHAPTER 2

-A New Beginning-

"Have a great day, Winter! I'll pick you up later. Love you! Bye!" Taeyong patted his sister's head with a broad smile. Winter returned his smile as she stepped out of the car.

"Thanks, oppa! See you later! Love you too!" They waved at each other before Taeyong drove away, disappearing into the bustling streets.

Winter, an exchange student from Canada, gazed up at the towering gates of I-land Art International University (ILAIU). She was here to major in fashion and design, a passion she had nurtured for years, often sketching out her own clothing designs.

As she walked through the gates, Winter took in her surroundings—students chatting, professors strolling by, and some resting on benches, immersed in books or conversation. The campus was alive with energy, but as she ventured further, she realized she was hopelessly lost.

She hadn't bothered to memorize the school map, dismissing it as unnecessary. "Who even memorizes a school map on the first day?" she muttered to herself, frustrated. Winter stopped in her tracks, her head swiveling as she tried to get her bearings. But every direction looked the same—unfamiliar.

Where am I supposed to go?

She cursed herself silently, closing her eyes and taking a deep breath. With her head lowered, she started walking again, unaware of the figure approaching from the opposite direction.

Suddenly, Winter collided with something—someone—hard. She stumbled, her heart skipping a beat as she felt a strong arm wrap around her waist, keeping her from falling.

"Ouch!" Winter winced, rubbing her forehead where she'd hit it. She was about to complain when she noticed the warm breath against her skin. Her eyes shot open, and she found herself face-to-face with an unfamiliar yet strikingly handsome guy. His face was inches from hers, his dark, silky hair catching the light.

Her breath caught in her throat. His intense gaze held hers, the proximity making her cheeks burn with embarrassment.

What is this situation?!

Winter quickly looked away, her heart racing. She gently pushed against his chest, stepping out of his hold, only to notice the six other guys standing behind him. They were all just as attractive but carried an air of cold detachment, their expressions unreadable.

The tension in the air was palpable, and Winter felt a shiver run down her spine. She snapped back to reality, realizing the scene they were creating.

"I'm so sorry! I didn't see you," Winter apologized, her voice tinged with nervousness. She glanced around and noticed the growing crowd of students watching them, their whispers filling the hallway. Anxiety began to gnaw at her.

The guy in front of her, whose name she assumed was Sunghoon from the way his friends addressed him, leaned in closer, his lips almost brushing her ear. "Do you think I care if you're new here or not? Just get out of my way," he whispered, his voice cold and dismissive.

Winter's heart pounded even louder, fear mixing with embarrassment. Before she could respond, one of the other guys, a black-haired boy, tapped Sunghoon's shoulder, breaking the tension. "Let's go, Sunghoon."

Sunghoon nodded, his expression still annoyed. Winter quickly stepped aside, letting them pass. As they walked by, she noticed one of the guys with soft, mochi-like cheeks smiling at her. She managed a small smile in return, still bewildered by the encounter.

Who are these guys?

Winter shook off the unsettling feeling and asked a nearby student for directions to the student reception. She needed to focus on finding her way around, not on the strange encounter.