CHAPTER ONE

UNRAVELING BEGINNINGS

---

8:25Am Monday

Vibrant Alex sat in the back seat of a gray G-Wagon, his eyes scanning the passing city. His blonde hair in a black beanie, lean but athletic frame, and a wide smile-he was every bit the picture of a young man ready to start college.

Beside him sat stealthy with headphones over his ears, his elder brother-Andrey. While his parents, Mr and Mrs Harper were sitting up front-already going at it.

"I mean, he just turned eighteen," his mother complained, frowning at the driver- her husband.

"What are you saying, woman? You want me to turn this car around?!" his father snapped.

Alex stayed quiet, mind dancing chaotically. It's college... a lot is going to happen.

After his dad's outburst, the ride fell silent.

---

8:45Am

Across town, Jordan, a 6'2" Chinese-American was rushing out the door. His black-brown eyes darted to his grandmother, who sipped tea in her armchair as the news blared:

"Breaking News: Carter Enterprises surpasses the national net worth, Mr Carter what do you have to say about this, I..."

"Zǎo shàng hǎo, bǎo bèi," Jordan said, pressing a kiss to her cheek.

"Oh! Don't scare me like that, I'm not getting any younger," she scolded, lightly smacking him.

He dramatically rubbed his head turning to the television.

"National net worth, awesome. And somehow, they're still more boring than me watching paint dry... purposely."

His grandma shook her head, a wry smile tugging at her lips.

"Behave, Jordan... or at least make it look convincing."

"Yeah, yeah... behave-ish, got it." he said with a smirk, leaning down and kissing her again.

Before she could respond, he darted to the door, already halfway out, a grin plastered across his face.

"I love you, Ma. See ya!" he called as he darted for the door.

"Jordan!" she called after him. He paused.

"No matter what they throw at you, never forget who you are. Never stop being yourself. You are always enough," she said softly.

"Ma... xièxiè," he whispered, almost emotional. Then he snapped out of it. "See you soon!"

---

Earlier 8:15Am

At the Thompson household, Riley Itta Thompson, a 5'5" Thai-American girl swung her anime-esque legs as she sat anxiously eating congee. Her black boba eyes flicked to the clock repeatedly.

"Ma..." she started.

"chây?" her mother replied, multitasking frantically.

"Do you think she'll still come?"

Her mother chuckled-taking a seat next to her;

"Sure it's Sam we're talking about".......

Earlier 7:50Am

If chaos had a name, it would be Samira.

At six feet tall-or more-her eyes scanned the kitchen as she balanced a demi-baggy and breakfast at the same time.

Three of her six brothers bickered in the background, two of them having dated the same girl.

"Sam, how is this even possible?" her elder brother Takara asked.

"I dunno... girls are bitches," she replied through a mouthful of toast.

"Yeah, that's true... sorry, bro," said Kazura, fifth brother, to Homura, the fourth.

"Sure man...Wait aren't you a girl?" Homura said turning to Samira.

"Nope. I'm off to college. See you later-or never. Haha,"

Samira said, shutting the door. Her second brother was already waiting in his car.

"Kaira, my man!" she called as she jumped in.

"How's my favorite college girl today?"

"Real chizz," she said smugly, strapping in.

"Straight or to the Thompsons?"

"Are you kidding me?"

"All right, to the Thompsons," Kaira said, and they zoomed off.

THOMPSON Household

"Riley, my baby's off to college-it all happened so fast. Always be my sweet girl, okay?"

"Chay, ma... well, if she doesn't show up soon, I can't guarantee how sweet I'll still be," Riley replied, her mother laughed.

On cue, the doorbell rang. Samira stood there, barely finishing a greeting before Riley wrapped her in a bear hug.

"You almost scared me, you silly girl," Riley said.

"Yeah, nice to see you too, cupcake," Samira replied with a thin smile.

As Mrs. Thompson packed Riley's things, Samira stayed glued to her friend, as if her entire life revolved around her.

"Please take care of yourself and my baby, okay?" her mother said.

"Sure... what are best friends for?" Riley cut in, half-teasing.

"Sure, Aunty," Samira replied. Then they drove off, ready to face their first day at college.

---

9:25Am

The Harpers arrived at Winifred College, and Alex couldn't contain his excitement. He jumped out of the car almost immediately. Andrey, already a student -senior here, began diligently unpacking their luggage.

Then they recieved hugs from each parent. After the farewell embraces their mother sobbed, calling out their names:

"Andrey Frank Harper... Alex Felix Harper..."

Mr. Harper hugged his wife. "Just be good," he said, carrying her back to the car. With a final wave, they zoomed off.

"Mum's really emotional, right?"

Alex said, turning to find his brother gone in a flash. Andrey was always like that-disappearing without a word. Alex inhaled deeply. Well, that's no biggie.

"Alex you've got this"

He glanced at his luggage.

"Or not?"

As he began pulling his bags across campus, progressing till a curb caught his foot, sending his luggage flying like fireworks.

"Oh no, not today!" he muttered, crouching to gather his belongings.

"Great. Now every passerby has a front-row ticket to my humiliation."

Then a voice.

"Well, that's one way to make an entrance. Want some help before you become part of the pavement?"

Alex looked up, surprised to see a boy about his age with untied shoes, and a hoodie worn inside out. The boy also had luggage scattered around him.

"Uh... no, I'm good," Alex stammered, embarrassed.

"Sure"

A pause.

"Don't worry-I charge a flat rate for heroic rescue services. Today's on the house." the boy said with a grin, crouching to assist him.

Alex tried but a laugh escaped him. Not long after, his luggages were put together, the boy extended a hand. "I'm Jordan Lee. You are?"

Alex, still disoriented, shook it slowly. "Nice to meet you, Jordan. I'm Alex Harper-just call me Alex."

(Just call me Alex... what the hell, man?) Alex slapped himself hard in his head.

Jordan laughed. "What was I supposed to call you if not Alex?"

"You're quite the character. So... which dorm?" Jordan asked, raising a brow.

"The second one," Alex replied.

"Nice! Same here!" Jordan said enthusiastically.

"That's... cool," Alex said, chuckling. (With him here, college might not be so bad after all).

Suddenly, a black Bugatti pulled up, and every student nearby froze, snapping photos and whispering excitedly. Out stepped a boy in a crisp Louis Vuitton white shirt, perfectly pressed black trousers, Versace loafers, and a Cartier watch. He walked past and nodded to the two. A butler rolled his suitcases behind him.

"Wow... I really wish I was this guy," Alex murmured.

"I really pity him," Jordan said sincerely.

They exchanged a glance and burst out laughing. Despite their differences, they didn't care.

Together, they rolled their luggage toward the dorm, chatting and joking freely.

---

At the female dorm, Riley struggled with her backpack stuck in the revolving door.

"You've got to be kidding me!" she yelled, spinning like a human pinwheel.

Samira, who had hoped to keep a low profile, could only laugh. Riley didn't want help-she hated appearing like she couldn't do anything without Samira's help-so Samira let her struggle till-finally, Riley freed herself after much wriggling.

"Thank you! No pictures, please!" she said, though she couldn't resist striking a few poses for Samira, her only audience.

"Dear Miss Riley, can we go in now?" Samira asked.

"Sure!" Riley said, skipping into the building.

---

Back at the male dorm, Alex and Jordan reached a crowded reception. They were handed welcome packets with their dorm numbers.

Jordan lowly mutters under his breath.

"How perfect...human sardines. My favorite"

"Room 308... Jordan, yours?" Alex asked nervously.

Jordan glanced at Alex, who was biting his lower lip and nervously clutching Jordan's hoodie.

(He looks like a zombie but kinda cute, like a cute zombie.) Jordan just had to.

"Oh sorry man, uh mine is...".

"What, yours is what?", anxious Alex voiced.

"Woah, easy, tiger. Patience is a virtue and I'm feeling generous today"

"Come on , man"

"Fine it's room ... 308, wow".

"Jerk!"

Jordan laughed as Alex playfully hit him on the arm. That was Jordan's second smacking of the day.

The dorm mistress called out, "Room 308!" They hurried over.

"Yes... Alex Harper?" she asked, scanning her folder.

"Yes, that's me," Alex replied.

"Architecture Major?" she continued. Alex nodded.

"And you, Jordan Lee... Compu...?" she asked.

"Yes," Jordan replied, cutting her off politely.

"I see you're in a hurry," she smiled, handing them keys.

"Three to a room. I'm Mrs. Chercher, your dorm mistress. Anything you need, come to me, okay?"

"Yeah," Alex said.

"Sure," Jordan added.

---

They reached the elevator and rode up together. The dorm room door wasn't locked. Alex pushed it open... only to find the polished, perfectly dressed rich boy inside.

Jordan side leans to Alex, in his ear -

"Great, the Bugatti guy. We're screwed"

"Hello, I am Ethan," he said calmly, sharp gray eyes glinting in the sunlight.

Alex and Jordan exchanged glances. The first day of college had officially begun.