BEG FOR IT

CHAPTER 1 - Beatrix

Beatrix :

The towering gates of the university loomed before me, marking the beginning of a new chapter in my life. Today, my MBA journey officially begins. With a deep breath, I raised my phone and captured the moment—the grand facade of the university standing tall against the morning sky. A single tap, and the picture found its way to my status, a silent announcement of this milestone.

I stood there, alone. No familiar faces, no comforting voices. My one and only friend had chosen a different path, though at least we were in the same city, sharing a roof but not this experience. This was my first time away from home, and a whirlwind of emotions churned inside me—excitement? Fear? Uncertainty? Perhaps all of them at once.

But there was no turning back now. With a final glance at the gates, I stepped forward. Here’s to new beginnings.

I walked through the main gate, letting the surroundings sink in as the morning light bathed everything in a soft glow. For once, I was early—a rarity, as I usually found myself rushing in at the last minute. But today was different; I couldn't afford to miss a single moment on my first day. The summer heat was already beginning to make its presence known, the air thick and warm.

After a brief wander, I finally reached the classroom, only to find it nearly empty.

I spotted a bench near the window and sank into it, the cool wood beneath me offering a strange comfort.

Lost in my thoughts, I drifted into my own little world, weaving silent stories in my mind. But reality yanked me back with a sharp jolt—a loud voice cut through the quiet.

A group of students burst into the room, their chatter and laughter filling the once-empty space. I watched them closely, observing the easy way they moved, the way their conversations overlapped effortlessly. They seemed to belong here already, while I remained an outsider, merely watching from the sidelines.

As they settled in, my attention was drawn to the center of the commotion. The group naturally gravitated around one person in particular, forming a loose circle, their energy focused on them. But no matter how I tried, I couldn’t get a clear look.

Determined to break the ice, I scanned the room for someone like me—alone, observing from the sidelines. I wasn’t exactly shy, but I never felt the need to speak unless there was a reason. Still, making friends seemed like the logical next step.

That’s when I spotted her. A girl sitting in the corner, her hands fiddling with the hem of her sleeve, eyes flickering nervously toward the crowd. She looked out of place, hesitant, like she wasn't sure where she fit in.

I walked over.

"Can I sit here?" I asked, offering a gentle smile.

She looked up, startled for a moment, then nodded. "Yeah..."

"I'm Beatrix. What's your name?"

"Annie," she said softly.

"Nice to meet you, Annie! Do you have any friends here?" I asked, genuinely curious. Most students had arrived in groups, their conversations flowing with an ease I couldn’t relate to.

She glanced toward the bustling crowd. "Yes, I have one. She's over there."

I followed her gaze to a girl with long hair, a short skirt, and a crop top—effortlessly stylish. She stood at the center of a laughing group, her presence commanding attention. Even from a distance, it was clear—she was the type who turned heads.

As if sensing our stares, the girl suddenly turned and spotted us. A wide grin spread across her face.

"Oh, you've found a friend, Annie! That’s great," she said with a lighthearted laugh. "I’m going to sit by Ethan now. Bye, Annie!"

And just like that, she slung her backpack over one shoulder and made her way toward a boy with dark hair and a blue short-sleeve shirt. He was surrounded by admirers, his easy charm radiating confidence. Mr. Popular.

I turned back to Annie, taking in the stark contrast between the two friends. Where her friend exuded confidence and boldness, Annie seemed quiet, reserved. Even the way the girl had spoken to her felt... distant, like Annie was an afterthought rather than a priority.

But who was I to judge? I wasn’t here to analyze friendships—I just needed one.

"So, Annie, let’s be friends!" I said, extending my hand.

She hesitated for a moment, then her lips curved into a small smile. "Okay," she said, shaking my hand.

And just like that, my first connection in this new world was made.

A few months into college, things were going well—academically, at least. Financially, however, was a different story.

My family covered my college expenses and gave me a little pocket money, but it wasn’t enough to stretch far. And I couldn’t bring myself to ask for more. We weren’t wealthy, and my parents were already doing their best to support my education. I appreciated that more than anything.

My father—he was a good father. I respected him as his daughter. But as a woman, I couldn’t ignore the flaws in him as a husband. It was a truth I had long accepted.

And so, here I stood, in front of the convenience store where I had applied for a part-time job three days ago. They had hired me, and today was my first day.

Taking a deep breath, I stepped inside. The store manager greeted me with a nod before running me through my responsibilities. Nothing complicated—just handling the counter for now, scanning items, taking payments, and assisting customers.

Simple enough.

As my shift neared its end, the store door swung open, and in walked an unexpected customer.

Mr. Popular.

The guy who always had a crowd around him, effortlessly charming, constantly at the center of attention. But tonight, he was alone. It felt almost strange seeing him without his usual entourage, like a king without his court.

He moved through the aisles with practiced ease, barely hesitating before picking up a few snacks, bottles of juice, and—home cleaning supplies? I almost let out a chuckle but caught myself just in time. Somehow, I hadn’t pegged him as the type to do his own cleaning.

He approached the counter, setting down his items. Up close, his presence was just as striking—casual yet confident, like he belonged wherever he went.

I quickly scanned his purchases, printed the bill, and handed him the bag after he paid.

"Thanks," he said, offering a polite smile before turning to leave.

I watched as he stepped out, the automatic doors sliding shut behind him. No hesitation, no flicker of recognition.

Same class, same lectures, yet to him, I was invisible.

Oh well. It wasn’t a big deal. Not everyone was meant to exist in each other’s worlds.