Chapter 1
ADORA
Life is not perfect. I know that very well. Things never go as planned or the way we want them to, and I came to understand that as a child. Growing up, I realized that everyone has problems they’re dealing with—problems that vary in weight and intensity. That’s why I don’t like sharing mine. I know I’ll end up feeling like a burden.
After my parents passed away in that bridge collapse five years ago, my sister took on the role of both parents. She works so hard so we can achieve our goals, but I can’t wait to reach a point in my life where I can get a good job and let her finally live for herself—without constantly worrying about her little sister.
People have tried to get close to me over the years, but I can’t handle relationships—whether platonic or romantic. I prefer living in my quiet, peaceful bubble.
Until I met Nikki.
She’s a force to be reckoned with. She did everything she could to make sure I let her into my life, and honestly, I couldn’t resist her charm and sincerity. Liking her came easily. I saw her as the better version of who I could become. Still, I didn’t want to hurt her along the way, so I tried resisting every effort she made.
But now, we’re best friends—practically attached at the hip. She knows me so well, and I know her too. She’s always there for me, and I try my best to be there for her. It’s the least I can do—for someone who handles my super shy self so effortlessly.
I took one last glance at my reflection in the mirror before stepping out of the apartment and heading downstairs. I was excited to ride to school with Nikki today. We had just resumed for a new school year, and this was our final year.
“Hey, Princess. You’re looking so pretty today,” she said as I slid into her car.
“Thank you, Your Majesty Queen,” I replied, bowing slightly toward her. That was all it took for us to burst into laughter. It was our thing—greeting each other with fancy titles while attempting terrible British accents. God, I love her. She’s the only person who truly understands me.
“So, anything special planned for our first day back?” Nikki asked as she revved the engine and drove off.
“Special?” I echoed with a smile. “Do you have plans?”
“Well, for a start… stepping into the school compound,” she said with a sheepish grin.
“Oh no. Go ahead—do your thing,” I giggled.
Nikki loves school for one main reason: flirting with guys. They swarm around her, and honestly, I can’t blame them. My best friend is stunning. She has that hourglass figure girls dream of, and she definitely knows how to use it.
We arrived at school after what felt like forever, though we spent the entire ride singing along to our favorite songs on the radio. One thing I’ve been blessed with is my voice. I don’t let many people hear me sing—only those close to me—but I’m still proud of it. It’s probably the only thing I truly take pride in.
The moment we stepped out of the car, Nikki switched modes.
Nikki Mode: activated.
She flashed me a grin. “Adora, let’s go!” she said, pulling me along. She knew her worth—no doubt about that. I envied her confidence.
We eventually split up because I couldn’t be around her when she was in full Nikki Mode. I just couldn’t match her energy.
So I dragged my feet toward the classroom—until I stopped.
Him.
My heart skipped a beat.
I don’t even know how to explain what I feel for him. But the moment I saw him, a sudden rush of joy filled me from the inside out.
God, he’s perfect.
I couldn’t stop myself from admiring him—his dark hair, his hazy eyes, his well-sculpted nose, his soft pink lips, his boxy grin, his sharp jawline, his tall, lean figure.
But that joy quickly twisted into anxiety as he started walking toward me.
And just when I braced myself for another embarrassing moment…
He walked right past me.
Dang it.
Hurt? Absolutely.
A sharp pang settled in my chest, and I hated it—because why should I feel sad that he didn’t notice me, when I know that if he did, I’d probably end up humiliating myself?
Pathetic.
I snapped out of my thoughts after standing frozen in the hallway for too long, thinking about Kim Tan—and my own ridiculousness.
I hurried into the classroom…
Only to see him again.
How the hell did he get here before me?
Tan is the most handsome guy in school—and the most popular. So many girls want him. They try everything to get his attention, but they all fail. He doesn’t give anyone the time of day.
Which is why it’s so strange.
Because he notices me.
But it never ends well.
He only notices me to tease me. To embarrass me. To make me the center of attention in the worst possible way.
And yet…
In some twisted way, I like it.
I first saw him four years ago, right after my sister and I moved to Seoul. It was my first day at a new school after transferring, and from that moment…
I fell.
Hard.
For a boy whose name I didn’t even know at the time—but who somehow managed to steal my heart instantly.
I took my seat and started arranging my books for the first class of the day.
Then my stomach dropped.
Everything around me froze as I heard my name roll off his tongue—his deep voice dangerously smooth.
Usually, I’d say it was a voice to die for.
But not right now.
“Oh, Adora… wanna play?” he asked, standing in front of me with an evil grin plastered across his face.
“P-Play?” I stuttered.
