---
The cold night air in the dorm room brushed against Sophia's cheeks as she stared out the window, her thoughts a tangled mess of exams, Ji-hyun’s playful banter, and the storm of emotions stirred by Lucius and Min-jae. The silence of the night was almost comforting—until Ji-hyun stirred in her bed.
“Unnie,” Ji-hyun murmured groggily, sitting up with her messy hair resembling a bird’s nest. “Why are you still awake?”
Sophia turned, offering a faint smile. “Just thinking.”
Ji-hyun squinted at her, suspicion etched into her sleepy face. “Thinking about Lucius oppa?” She grinned mischievously.
Sophia grabbed a pillow and tossed it at her. “Go back to sleep, brat.”
Ji-hyun ducked, laughing softly. “Fine, fine. But don’t let your thoughts run too wild. Exams are coming, and you’ll need all your brain cells intact.”
Sophia shook her head, her lips curving into a rare smile. “Goodnight, Ji-hyun.”
As Ji-hyun drifted back to sleep, Sophia leaned against the window, her fingers tracing the cold glass.
"Lucius... what are you hiding?" she whispered.
---
The Next Day: The Weight of Exams
The announcement came during morning assembly.
“Attention, students,” the principal’s voice echoed. “Exams for grades 10 and 12 will commence in two weeks. Prepare diligently.”
Sophia exhaled, her lips curving into a small smile. "Finally, a break is in sight. After this, I’ll have time to breathe with the holidays near."
Ji-hyun beamed beside her, nudging Sophia playfully. "Unless you forget, unnie, you’re in grade 12. There’s no running away from staying behind for graduation preparations."
Sophia blinked, realization dawning on her. “Oh no... I forgot I’m in exam class.”
Ji-hyun laughed at her crestfallen expression, shaking her head. “Thank goodness I’m only in grade 10. By the time I reach grade 12, I’ll have completed everything on my fun list.”
Sophia raised an eyebrow. “Silly girl. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t read.”
“Ouch!” Ji-hyun pouted as Sophia playfully smacked her arm.
“That’s why I’ve sworn off sciences,” Ji-hyun declared dramatically, grinning. “Unlike you, killing yourself over studying animals. What’s the point?”
Sophia smirked, lunging at her. “Come here, you sneaky rat!”
Ji-hyun squealed, darting away with Sophia hot on her heels.
As they ran across the dorm hall, Sophia couldn’t help but think, "I may not fully know why I’m so drawn to being a veterinarian, but my passion tells me it’s worth it."
---
Meanwhile, in the United States
The grand estate’s kitchen buzzed with activity, the aroma of freshly baked bread and spices filling the air. Amid the commotion, Crystal worked diligently, her hands moving swiftly as she diced vegetables for the head chef.
“Why won’t he come back?” Samantha’s voice cut through the air, laced with venom.
Crystal froze, recognizing Samantha’s distinct tone of bitterness. From her corner near the pantry, she could hear the conversation clearly.
YOU ARE READING
SMITTEN BY HER (unedited)
Romance"Beyond Shadows" In a world where darkness whispers secrets and power knows no bounds, a young orphan's dreams of becoming a veterinarian are crushed by the cruel betrayal of her own blood. Sold into an unforgiving fate, she finds herself in the eni...
