Chapter 1
Autumn at Campus S carried a bitter chill of its own. The crisp air, blended with the suffocating weight of upcoming group projects hanging over every student's head, created an almost oppressive atmosphere.
Yet, that pressure never seemed to touch Juhoon.
The heavy wooden doors of Lecture Hall A1 swung open. Juhoon stepped out, his black backpack slung carelessly over one shoulder, his dark hair falling slightly over his sharp eyes. Accompanying his steps were the familiar whispers rippling through the hallway.
"Is that Kim Juhoon from the Architecture department?"
"The sophomore who just bagged first place in the urban design competition?"
"I heard he's ridiculously arrogant. Works completely alone and looks down on everyone..."
Juhoon didn't even bother to smirk. He thrived on the whispers. The more people mentioned his name, the more alive he felt. He earned it-carved out his success with his own hands without relying on a single soul. He had to stand out, had to stay at the very top so everyone would have no choice but to look up.
"You've got that 'everyone owes me money' look on your face again, Juhoon."
Keonho jogged up from behind, throwing an arm around Juhoon's shoulders. Keonho-the only friend who could tolerate Juhoon's quick-tempered nature-always put on a playful, easygoing front to brush off the gravity of any situation.
"Cut it out," Juhoon shoved Keonho's arm off, his tone cold. "Is the group project roster finalized for this afternoon?"
"Yeah. But bad news for you: Senior James Chao agreed to lead the team." Keonho frowned, lowering his voice. "Are you sure you want to be in his group? James is notoriously strict, methodical... and he definitely doesn't like cocky kids like you."
Juhoon's stride paused for a split second.
James.
The name felt like a splash of ice water against Juhoon's pride. James-a senior, an exceptional upperclassman. Though a head shorter than Juhoon, James possessed a sharp, calm pride that exerted an unspoken pressure wherever he went. He was the only person in this entire university who walked past Juhoon as if he were mere dust-the only one who remained utterly unimpressed by Juhoon's brilliant streak.
Juhoon tightened his grip on his backpack strap, a daring smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. "Even better. Let's see how long he can ignore me."
At around five that evening, the small coffee shop tucked away in a quiet alley behind the campus gates began to light up. Warm and cozy, the café was filled with the rich aroma of roasted coffee beans mixed with the scent of old books, creating a space completely detached from the world outside.
This was Martin's shop.
Martin-a man in his early thirties wearing a walnut-brown apron-had calm, gentle eyes that mirrored a quiet autumn lake. His café served as a familiar hideout for those seeking solace.
"You're here?" Martin looked up from the espresso machine, offering a gentle smile as James and Seonghyeon walked in.
"The usual, please," Seonghyeon-James's close friend, impeccably dressed with eyes that constantly radiated anxious control-adjusted his glasses with a weary sigh.
James offered Martin a subtle nod before quietly heading toward his usual table by the large glass window. He sat down, his slender hands methodically turning the pages of his documents. Despite his smaller frame, his posture was immaculate, radiating quiet authority and absolute order. He was accustomed to independence and loathed anyone disrupting his space.
The door chimed as the wind bells jingled above.
Juhoon and Keonho stepped inside.
The café fell silent for a heartbeat. Juhoon's gaze instantly locked onto James across the room.
Two pairs of eyes collided. One was a wild, ambitious flame driven by the urge to conquer; the other was a deep, frozen lake of utter composure.
Juhoon walked straight toward James's table without a moment's hesitation. Standing a head taller, he leaned slightly over the upperclassman, planting both hands on the wooden table to close the distance, meeting James
gaze:
"Hello, Senior James. Hope you're ready to work with me... or prepare yourself to be outshone."
James didn't flinch. He slowly raised his head, his sharp, composed gaze sweeping over the taller sophomore's defined features.
A subtle smirk touched James's lips. His deep voice carried a quiet authority, cutting straight through Juhoon's pride:
"I'm afraid you'll be disappointed, Kim Juhoon. In my team, only results matter. I don't babysit attention seekers."
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