Katrina stood on her balcony, leaning against the railing as the cool morning wind brushed against her hair. She breathed in deeply, trying to calm her thoughts.
Suddenly, the sound of a door opening from the house next door caught her attention.
She looked over and saw a tall guy step outside — black hair, sharp features, and space-style glasses resting on his nose. He didn't notice her. He simply locked his door and walked away.
Katrina watched him for a second, then turned her eyes back to the sky.
The weather feels nice today, she thought.
Just then, her maid called from behind her.
Maid: "Miss Katrina, your parents are here."
Katrina's eyes brightened instantly. After months, she was finally going to see them again.
She rushed downstairs, and the moment she reached the living room, her mother opened her arms and hugged her tightly.
Mother: "How are you, dear? I missed you so much."
Katrina: "I missed you too, Mom. I'm good. How are you? Where's Dad?"
Mother: "Oh, he's abroad right now."
Katrina: "Oh... right, I remember now."
They moved to the dining table and had lunch together.
Her mother kept looking at her with a soft smile.
Mother: "So dear, are you excited for your new university?"
Katrina stirred her spoon silently, her voice low.
Katrina: "Yeah... kinda."
Her mother squeezed her hand comfortingly.
Mother: "Don't worry, dear. It's an amazing university. And your childhood friends are there too."
Katrina looked down at her plate.
Katrina: "Yeah... it must be."
After spending some time together and finishing lunch, her mother left for work.
Katrina returned to her room, letting out a deep sigh.
Katrina (thinking): "Uhh... new university, new life. Everything feels so weird. But never mind."
Next Morning
Someone knocked on her bedroom door.
Maid: "Miss Katrina, please wake up. You have to go to the university—"
Before she could finish, the door opened. Katrina walked out fully dressed, looking beautifully prepared for her first day. The maid stared in surprise.
Katrina: "Good morning, Ms. Martin."
Maid: "Ah—good morning, Miss Katrina. You're already ready?"
Another maid approached.
Maid 2: "The breakfast is ready."
Katrina sat at the dining table and took her first bite.
Katrina: "Mom made this?"
Maid: "Yes, Miss Katrina. Your mother prepared this for you before leaving."
Katrina's eyes softened. She smiled happily while eating.
Then she asked, "Where is she now?"
Maid: "She had to leave early because of work."
Katrina paused for a moment, a little sad but touched.
Katrina (thinking): "It's okay. She still made me such a lovely breakfast even though she's so busy."
After eating, her car was already waiting outside.
As Katrina stepped toward it, the sound of another door opening caught her attention again. She turned her head.
Ethan.
He was also on his way to university — but unlike her, there was no car waiting for him. He simply locked his home and started walking toward the bus stop.
Katrina got into her car and looked out the window as they drove away. The weather was beautiful... calm... peaceful. Her thoughts wandered.
As the car moved through the neighborhood, she saw him again — the same tall guy from the house in front. He stood at the bus stop, hands in his pockets, waiting quietly.
It was Ethan.
But she ignored him and looked away.
Minutes later, her car entered the university gates — a place known for accepting only the wealthy and the most excellent students. Getting in wasn't easy, and now... her new life was officially beginning.