The afternoon light filtered through the dusty library shelves, casting long shadows across the floor. Wave was trying to reach a heavy engineering textbook on the top shelf, but no matter how much he stretched, his fingers just brushed the spine.
Suddenly, a warm presence loomed behind him. Before Wave could turn around, a long, slender arm reached over his head and easily pulled the book down. The scent of sandalwood and rain filled Wave's senses—a scent he could never forget.
"If you're too short to reach it, you should ask for help, Freshman," a deep, cold voice whispered right next to his ear.
Wave froze. It was Pete. He was so close that Wave could feel the heat radiating from his body. Wave turned around slowly, his heart thumping like a trapped bird. Pete was looking down at him, his expression unreadable, holding the book just inches from Wave's face.
"Thank you... Head Hazer," Wave whispered, his eyes fixed on Pete's lips.
Pete's gaze dropped to the white thread on Wave's wrist—the one he had tied himself. For a split second, his cold eyes softened, as if a flicker of a distant memory had crossed his mind. But just as quickly, the mask of indifference was back.
"Don't get used to it," Pete said, shoving the book into Wave's chest. "In this faculty, if you can't reach what you want, you don't deserve to have it."
As Pete walked away, Wave clutched the book to his chest. His heart was aching, but there was a tiny spark of hope.
"Still staring at him like he's the only star in the sky?" A playful voice broke Wave's trance. It was his best friend, Kao, leaning against a shelf. But today, Kao's usual mischievous grin looked a bit forced, his eyes reflecting a hidden stress.
"Shut up, Kao! He was just... helping," Wave hissed, his face flushing.
"Be careful, Wave. Pete is dangerous," Kao said, his voice suddenly dropping. "And his shadow is even worse." Kao's gaze shifted to the library entrance where Sky, the tall and athletic senior, was waiting for Pete.
Sky wasn't just Pete's best friend; he was the person who was about to turn Kao's world upside down.
"My mom is going out with his father again tonight," Kao whispered, his grip tightening on his bag. "If they get married, Sky will become my step-brother. Can you imagine? Living under the same roof with a guy who looks at me like he knows all my sins?"
Sky caught Kao's eye from across the room and offered a subtle, knowing smirk—the kind of look that said he knew exactly what Kao was thinking. Kao quickly looked away, his ears turning a deep shade of red, a mix of anger and something he didn't want to admit was attraction.
"Let's go, Wave," Kao muttered, grabbing Wave's arm. "We both have secrets that could destroy us. If Sky finds out you're the kid from Pete's past, he'll tell him. And if I can't stop this marriage, I'll be trapped with Sky forever. We aren't ready for that storm yet."
Wave looked back one last time. Pete and Sky were walking away, their shadows merging. The crimson thread of fate was starting to pull, connecting not just two hearts, but four lives entwined in a past and a future they couldn't escape.