Author's Preface
[6 Years Ago]
[Annie]
I am officially losing my patience.
Henry is late once again.
I should've just asked him to pass my notes through Kenny instead of waiting around like this. The library is unusually quiet today, and even that is starting to get on my nerves.
Just as I'm about to give up, I catch movement in my peripheral vision.
Henry.
He's standing at the entrance, grinning like an idiot, waving my notebook in the air and gesturing for me to come out. Finally.
I gather my books, sling my bag over my shoulder, and walk towards him.
"Sorry to keep you waiting," he says, still smiling. "I stumbled upon my man."
Before I can respond, he throws an arm around someone beside him—and that's when I properly notice him.
Kai.
Even though he's a junior, he's been making rounds across campus lately.
They call him Mr.Poker face.
Rumors seem to follow him everywhere, none of which I've ever cared enough to verify or ponder upon.
Unfortunately, I don't have a choice.
When you live in a dorm full of women, gossip is practically background noise.
Kenny once told me, "Don't judge him by his face.That Kai is like a siren."
A siren? Him?
I glance at Kai again and for a brief second, I could swear he looks…embarrassed.
"Annie, meet my baby boy Kai," Henry says, completely oblivious to the shift in atmosphere. "Kai, this is Annie."
I offer him a polite smile and extend my hand.
For a moment, he just looks at it, as if judging.
I feel a slight irritation rise within me.
Then, instead of shaking it, he gives a small, almost reluctant wave.
That's it.
I press my lips together, forcing myself not to roll my eyes.
What is his problem?
Who does he think he is, ignoring a senior like that?
Henry, on the other hand, looks thoroughly entertained.
He throws an arm around both of us. "Let's get some coffee."
"I actually have to-"
"My treat," he cuts in smoothly. "For the notes."
And just like that, before I can protest, I'm being dragged towards the canteen with the most unenthusiastic company imaginable.
[ *** ]
At the canteen, Henry does most of the talking.
Kai barely says a word, but it's not like he's disengaged.
Every now and then, I catch his eyes on me.
Not openly but neither long enough to call it out, just enough to make me wonder if I imagined it.
And when I look directly at him, there's nothing.
Just blank. Stoic.
Like a door that shuts the moment you notice it.
[ *** ]
By the time I get back to my dorm, my irritation hasn't faded one bit.
If anything, it's worse.
"Siren? My foot," I mutter, pacing around as I rearrange the things on my desk just to burn off the frustration. "Who does he think he is?"
"Whoa… are you okay?"
Kenny's voice cuts through my rant as she drops her bag near her bed.
I turn to her immediately. "Why is Henry hanging out with that kid?"
"Who? Kai?" she asks casually, taking a sip from her water bottle.
I cross my arms. "Yes, Ken. Why is your brother hanging out with that impolite Kai kid?"
She plops onto her bed like this is the most normal conversation in the world. "Henry tutors Kai's younger brother."
I blink.
That…I did not know.
"And when were you planning to tell me this very important information, Miss McKenna Carter?" I demand.
Kenny laughs, "Relax. Henry told me not to go around announcing it. No idea why." She tilts her head. "But why are you so pissed at Kai? He barely talks unless necessary."
"Exactly!" I snap. "He doesn't talk, fine.....but that does not mean he gets to be rude. He completely ignored me when Henry introduced us."
"Maybe he was shy," she says, lying on her back.
"Shy?" I scoff. "You all keep calling him a 'ladies' man' and a 'siren.' Which one is it?"
"Well…" Kenny sits up again, clearly enjoying this. "From what I've heard, he's very picky. Even though he has a long queue of women and he frequently goes on dates, I heard he doesn't commit easily." She lowers her voice dramatically. "And apparently… he has a type."
I narrow my eyes. "What type?"
She grins.
"Older women."
I grimace and turn towards my closet, refusing to give her the satisfaction of a reaction.
"Oh, by the way," she adds casually, "Henry asked if you could help Kai with one of his subjects. He's stuck on a project and cannot help him for a while."
I freeze.
Slowly, I turn back towards her.
"What?"
Before I can interrogate her further, my phone buzzes.
A new message.
An unknown number.
"Hi. This is Kai. Henry said you'd help me with my studies, so I got your contact from him. I hope you don't mind. Also, can I know when we can meet?"
I stare at the screen, a bad feeling already settling within.