SMITTEN BY HER (unedited)

Unsure 🫣🫢

Sophia woke up the next morning feeling like she had been hit by a truck. Her eyes were puffy, her head ached, and worst of all-Lucius's words still echoed in her mind.

"Maybe I should've just left you where I found you."

No matter how much she tried to shake it off, it clung to her like a shadow.

She stared at her phone. No new messages.

Lucius had gone silent.

And maybe that was for the best.

---

First Day Flashback

Sophia's first day at the university had been... rough.

Walking into class, she had felt the weight of a hundred eyes on her. Whispers followed her like a ghost. Some people were intrigued-others, not so much.

"Did you hear? She got in through a recommendation."
"She's not even Korean. How did she end up here?"
"Must be nice to have connections."

She had pretended not to hear. Not to care.

But she did.

It wasn't that she didn't have people who liked her. Jisoo had been a blessing, always dragging her into conversations. Minji was fun and energetic, constantly making her laugh. But still, the feeling of being an outsider was there.

Yet, she didn't regret coming here. Because deep down, she knew she was meant to be here.

And now, despite everything, she wasn't going to let one night ruin her.

---

Night Out - Neon Lights & Surprises

That evening, Sophia's friends decided that a night out was necessary.

"You need a break," Jisoo insisted, linking arms with her. "We all do!"

Minji clapped excitedly. "We're going to a noraebang!"

"A what?" Sophia raised an eyebrow.

"A karaoke room! It's super fun-you'll love it."

Sophia hesitated. She wasn't exactly in the mood to party, but the last thing she wanted was to be alone in her dorm, overthinking.

"Fine," she sighed. "But I'm not singing."

Jisoo and Minji shared a mischievous grin.

"We'll see about that."

---

The karaoke room was lit with neon lights, the atmosphere buzzing with energy. The walls glowed in shifting shades of blue, purple, and pink. A large screen displayed the lyrics, and a sleek wireless mic rested on the table.

Jisoo picked the first song-a high-energy K-pop track. She and Minji grabbed the mics and started belting out the lyrics, dancing around like they were at a concert.

Sophia laughed, watching them jump on the couches.

"You guys are insane."

"Your turn!" Minji shoved the mic toward her.

Sophia raised her hands. "No way."

"Come on, just one song!" Jisoo pleaded. "It's not fun if you don't join!"

Sophia sighed. "Fine. But don't expect me to be good."

Jisoo quickly scrolled through the song choices.

"You pick," she said.

Sophia hesitated, then selected a song-a slower, emotional ballad.

As the music started, her fingers tightened around the mic.