After university ended, Katrina sat quietly in the back seat of her car as it drove toward her house.
The streets passed slowly outside the window.
As the car stopped at a traffic light, Katrina glanced outside—and saw a familiar figure walking on the sidewalk.
It was Ethan.
He was on his way home, his hands in his pockets, walking quietly like he always did.
Katrina watched him for a moment.
This guy from the neighborhood again… she thought.
He always seems so quiet and distant.
Just then, Ethan happened to look up.
Their eyes met.
Katrina felt a sudden shock run through her.
She quickly looked away and pretended to look outside the other side of the window.
Ethan also acted as if nothing had happened and kept walking.
But his heart had already started beating faster.
Evening
After returning home and freshening up, Katrina rested for a while.
Later in the evening, she came downstairs.
"I'm going for a walk, Miss Beuden," Katrina told the maid.
"Okay, Miss Katrina," the maid replied with a smile.
Katrina stepped outside and started walking down the quiet street.
At the same time, Ethan stepped out of his house.
When Katrina noticed him, she kept walking calmly as if she hadn't seen him.
But Ethan—
Ethan froze for a moment in surprise.
While looking at her, he accidentally hit his foot against the door.
"Ouch!"
The sound made Katrina turn her head.
Ethan felt his face heat up with embarrassment.
Great… this is so embarrassing, he thought.
And right in front of her.
Still, he straightened himself and began walking normally, trying to look calm and cool.
The Park
Katrina continued her walk and soon reached a nearby park.
The evening air was fresh and pleasant.
Trees swayed gently in the wind, and the sky was painted with soft colors from the setting sun.
Katrina smiled softly.
"Oh… this feels so nice," she murmured.
"The weather is beautiful. Even the sky looks amazing."
Meanwhile, Ethan had originally planned to go to the grocery store.
But as he walked, he hesitated.
I wonder where she's going…
He glanced toward the direction of the park.
It looks like she's going there.
He stopped walking.
Should I go to the park too?
Then he quickly shook his head.
No. That's a bad idea.
What if she thinks I'm stalking her?
He sighed.
I should just go buy groceries like Mom said.
So Ethan continued toward the store instead.
After enjoying her walk, Katrina eventually returned home.
The Next Day
The next morning at the university, Katrina stepped out of her car near the entrance.
Arice was already waiting for her.
"Good morning!" Arice said cheerfully.
"Morning," Katrina replied with a smile.
Not far away, Ethan was standing with a few students.
He noticed Katrina the moment she arrived.
Without realizing it, he kept looking at her.
But someone else noticed.
Arice.
She quietly observed the way Ethan was staring at Katrina—with a softness in his eyes that was hard to miss.
Soon Katrina, Arice, and Ella walked toward their classroom together.
The lecture began.
Everyone focused on the professor.
Everyone… except Ethan.
His attention kept drifting toward Katrina.
And Arice noticed that too.
Break Time – Cafeteria
During break, Katrina, Ella, and Arice sat together in the cafeteria, eating lunch.
Arice suddenly leaned forward.
"Hey Katrina… I want to tell you something."
Ella looked at Arice curiously.
Katrina raised an eyebrow. "What is it?"
Arice smiled mischievously.
"I think the guy sitting behind you likes you."
Katrina blinked in confusion.
"What are you talking about?"
Arice tilted her head toward the table behind them.
The guy with black hair and glasses.
Ethan.
Katrina turned slightly and then looked back at Arice in shock.
"What?!"
Ella looked surprised too, but then she laughed softly.
"Well… that would actually be interesting. He's a very quiet person."
Katrina shook her head quickly.
"No, no. There's nothing like that. We're just neighbors."
Then she paused.
"But how do you even know him?"
Ella replied, "Because Arice, Ethan, and I went to the same high school."
Katrina's eyes widened slightly.
Oh… so his name is Ethan.
Arice leaned closer and whispered dramatically.
"I'm telling you, Katrina. The way he looks at you is different. He's usually a very quiet and kind of rude person."
Katrina sighed.
"Arice, please stop. I've only been here for two weeks. How can someone fall in love that fast?"
Arice's eyes sparkled with excitement.
"What if it's love at first sight?"
Katrina immediately shook her head.
"Stop it!"
But deep down…
The thought stayed in her mind.