Late Night – Prithvi's Residence
The drizzle continued, a soft mist hanging in the air. As Prithvi reached her gate, she felt a sudden chill. A presence was nearby.
In the shadows across the street, a silhouette stood perfectly still. Though she couldn't see his face, she felt his gaze following her every move. She quickly opened her gate and retreated into the safety of her home. Behind her, the figure faded into the night.
Midnight – Prithvi's Room
Prithvi lay awake, staring at the ceiling. The events of the night replayed in her mind like a movie.
"What would have happened to me if he hadn't shown up?" she wondered. "He looked like a college student... but that strength? That speed? How could someone be so terrifyingly calm?"
Eventually, exhaustion took over, and she drifted into a restless sleep.
Next Morning – College Campus
The morning sun brought a fresh energy to the campus. It was the first week for the freshmen, and the grounds were crowded with students.
As Prithvi left her class and headed toward the canteen, she froze.
There he was. The same figure. The same silent aura.
He was dressed casually, standing alone. Despite the crowd around him, he seemed to exist in a different world—one filled with quiet power. Prithvi took a deep breath and walked straight toward him.
The Encounter
"Hey..." she started, her voice steady. "What's your name?"
The boy looked at her, his expression unreadable. "Jinwoo," he replied in a low tone.
"Nice name. I'm Prithvi," she smiled. "You helped me last night. I wanted to say thanks."
"It's okay," he said simply.
"Do you go here? Are you a student?"
"Yes. Third year."
"Oh! Same college then. I'm a first-year," Prithvi said, trying to bridge the gap. "Are you free now? Can we talk?"
"No. I don't have time," Jinwoo replied, his tone shutting her out.
Prithvi didn't give up. "Why do you say that? Why are you always alone?"
Jinwoo's gaze sharpened. "I prefer being alone. I don't need to talk to you."
"I thought if we talked, we'd understand each other better," Prithvi countered. "I want to know more about you."
Jinwoo stepped closer, his voice dropping to a warning whisper. "Knowing me won't do you any good. There are things inside me... things I don't tell anyone."
Without another word, Jinwoo turned and walked away, leaving Prithvi standing alone in the middle of the crowd....