The clock in the administration office read 10.46 a.m. Lea stood by the small fountain on campus, her pale fingers digging into her palms. The October sun pierced her skin like a thousand tiny needles. Even with SPF 100+ sunscreen and UV-blocking contact lenses, she could feel her blood simmering restlessly in her veins.
The university grounds were littered with yellowed leaves from the parasol trees, their dry, rust-colored edges crunching underfoot. Lea clutched the campus map, frowning at the maze of symbols. She wasn't usually bad with directions, but this map was… unreadable.
"Where the heck is Medical Building Five?" she muttered under her breath.
Glancing at the time, she decided she had half an hour to spare—enough to ask for help. Spotting an elderly janitor in the corner, she hurried over. The man pointed behind him. Lea turned and nearly gasped in relief. A tall building loomed ahead, its facade boldly labeled: MEDICAL.
Finally.
After thanking the janitor, she sprinted toward the building, luggage in tow. Once inside, she caught her breath and took the elevator up. The hallway was eerily quiet. She turned left, walked straight, and found the classroom.
Why is it so dark in here?
She pushed the door open gently, then fumbled for the light switch. The fluorescent tubes above flickered to life, flooding the room with cold, harsh light. The chalkboard suddenly sharpened into focus, dust particles floating lazily in the air. The hum of electricity filled the silence.
Too bright.
"Ah!" A sweet, startled voice froze Lea in place.
In the far corner, a guy had a girl pinned against the wall—very close. They sprang apart instantly. The boy whipped his head around, glaring. Lea's heart lurched.
Awkward. Awkward. Awkward!
"S-sorry! Wrong room!" she stammered, slamming the door shut before bolting down the hall, her suitcase rattling behind her. Only when she reached the elevators did she dare to look back.
No one's chasing me. Good.
Then she checked the floor number.
Wait a second—
Oh, crap. This is the Forensic Medicine floor!
She glanced at the time. Ten minutes left. After rushing downstairs, she spotted the correct building just a few meters away—MEDICAL, plain as day. Channeling her middle-school P.E.-test energy, she hauled her luggage across the courtyard and into the elevator.
"Five minutes to spare."
Exiting the elevator, she found her classroom around the corner. Lea paused outside, smoothed her clothes, took a deep breath, and opened the door.
The professor was already at the podium. Every head in the room turned toward her.
"Good morning, Professor. I'm the new transfer student."
The elderly professor smiled and gestured for her to come in. "Introduce yourself, please."
Nervous, Lea blurted out only her name before scurrying to the back of the room. She parked her suitcase near the rear door—just as it swung open.
She looked up.
Oh no.
Him.
Her first instinct was to duck her head and flee to her seat. The boy—Austin—glanced at her, one eyebrow quirking up.
"Austin Lin," the professor snapped, his earlier warmth vanishing. "What time do you call this?"
"Ten o'clock. Right on schedule."
"One more tardy, and I'm deducting points!"
"Got it."
Austin flashed the professor an unrepentant grin before strolling down the aisle—and stopping right beside Lea's seat.
"Mind letting me through?" he murmured, voice low and teasing.
Lea blinked, then hastily stood to let him pass. He slid into the seat next to hers like it was nothing.
Her pulse spiked.
His blood—unlike the usual human blend of food and metallic tang—smelled clean, like snowmelt, yet laced with something foreign, an ancient spice she couldn't name.
Why is he sitting here?!
She inched away, gripping the edge of her desk. She'd trained herself to survive on animal blood, but this—this was torture.
Just as she forced herself to focus, Austin leaned in.
"New girl," he whispered, breath brushing her ear. "Haven't we met before?"
Lea met his gaze. Up close, his lashes were unfairly long, his amber-brown eyes translucent.
"N-no? Haha! You've got the wrong person." She looked away, willing her blood to calm down.
Austin smirked. "You ran pretty fast earlier. Not hiding now?" His tone was light, playful—clearly enjoying her panic.