The university campus at night was a different world. The bustling noise of students gossiping, laughing, and arguing during the day had faded into a quiet hum of music from dorm windows, the occasional screech of a skateboard, and the distant sound of a couple arguing near the fountain.
Jackim walked alone on the pathway leading to the dormitory, his hands deep in his pockets, his mind replaying the conversation he had with Yuna earlier. Something about the way she was being followed, the strange man in the gray car, and now this feeling of being watched—it all felt like a storm waiting to break.
But for now, the biggest challenge wasn't the unknown enemies lurking in the shadows. It was the world inside the university itself.
The cliques. The whispers. The hidden rivalries.
And the fact that Jackim was still seen as "the broke nobody."
The university was ruled by two groups—those who had wealth, influence, and looks, and those who didn't.
Jackim belonged to the latter.
Everywhere he went, he felt the silent judgment. The side glances. The way girls giggled behind their hands when he walked past. The way guys in expensive watches and designer shoes smirked when he entered a classroom.
It wasn't just about money.
It was about status.
It was about power.
And nowhere was this more obvious than in romantic relationships.
In campus, girls fought hard to be noticed by the rich, handsome guys. Expensive handbags, flawless makeup, designer outfits—everything was a battlefield. The competition wasn't just about grades; it was about who could date the most attractive, wealthiest guy.
Jackim had no part in that world.
Not anymore.
He had once loved deeply—Elara Myles—his first love. But when she found out about his financial status, she didn't hesitate to leave him for someone better. A rich senior who drove a sports car and took her to private island vacations.
Now, she acted as if he didn't exist.
But tonight, as Jackim walked past the university's Grand Hall, a familiar voice called out behind him.
"Jackim?"
He turned.
Elara.
She stood beneath the soft glow of the streetlights, dressed in a tight black dress that perfectly highlighted her figure. Her long, wavy brown hair cascaded down her shoulders, and in her hand, she held a glass of red wine—probably from the high-class banquet happening inside.
Jackim's expression remained unreadable. "What do you want?"
She hesitated, then took a step closer. "Can we talk?"
A bitter chuckle escaped Jackim's lips. "Talk? Now you want to talk?"
Her eyes flickered with something—regret? Guilt? It was hard to tell.
"I... I made a mistake," she whispered. "I thought leaving you for someone rich would make me happy. But... he's not you, Jackim."
Jackim clenched his fists. It was too late. She had chosen her side.
"You made your choice, Elara," he said coldly. "Live with it."
And with that, he walked away.
But just as he was about to enter the dormitory—
Ding!
His phone vibrated in his pocket.
A notification.
But this wasn't a normal text.
The screen was completely black except for a single sentence in white font:
"Task #1: Find the girl who just confessed her regrets to you... and kiss her."
Jackim's breath caught.
What the hell was this?
He looked around, but there was no sender name, no number. Just the message.
And below it—
"Reward: $5000 will be transferred to your account instantly."
His heartbeat quickened. He stared at the message, then back at where Elara had stood.
She was still there. Watching him.
Waiting.
Jackim swallowed hard. This phone… Where did it come from? Who was sending these tasks? And what would happen if he ignored it?
A single word appeared at the bottom of the screen.
"Declining tasks may result in punishment."
Jackim's fingers trembled.
Something was beginning. Something beyond the normal dramas of university life.
This was a game.
And he had just become a player.
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