Chapter 1: A New Year

I sigh looking at the clock seeing as it changes from 11:59 pm to...

12:00.

It's officially the new year. Happy New Year…

Can't wait...

******

Y/N's POV

I grumble as I open my eyes up from a deep sleep, while my alarm wails loudly so I actually get up today.

Beep. Beep...Beep..!

I quickly grab the phone that Uncle Jin had given to me when I left for college, and turn the annoying alarm off. Sighing to myself, I sit up in bed knowing I'll have to get ready for the day as it was our first day back to classes with yesterday being the last day of our winter break. My college is just like any other college, having certain classes at certain times and days. Although I preferred the ones in the afternoon because it meant I got to sleep in. Luckily, today I only had my English class for our first day back so it wasn't going to be that stressful.

I swing my legs off to the side of the bed and stand upright. Maybe this year won't be as bad as I think it will.

I slightly smile to myself as I see the sun rays seeping through the blinds of my window. I stumble still waking up as I go to my closet, pulling out a sweatshirt and leggings. I wasn't the most fashionable person, but if I had to, I was able to dress up. I honestly just preferred to be comfortable and this is how I ended up with lots of sweatshirts and leggings.

I sigh as I change out of my comfy pajamas and into my clothes for the day. Then grabbing my English books, stuffing them into my bag before strapping it across my body. Slipping my phone into the bag and next strapping on my watch, as I check the time to see I only have 45 minutes before my class. I rush downstairs and grab a quick bar to eat on the way there. I check to see if I have everything, and with knowing I have everything I feel ready. I dash out my door, making sure to lock it before heading to my car. It takes 15 minutes to drive to campus from my apartment Uncle Jin got for me. I open the car door and slide into the driver's seat, making sure my seatbelt is secure before closing the driver's side door as I begin my drive.

******

I sigh out in relief as I arrive to class just on time. Sadly, there was tons of traffic on the way here so it ended up taking way longer to get here than I wanted…

I walk inside quickly and take my usual seat towards the back of the room. I don't like a lot of attention, so I enjoy my seat towards the back. Plus, it wasn't like the professor is a mile away from my seat, and it also meant fewer people can bother me.

I set my bag down to the side of my chair while taking out my English books and make sure my ringer is off on my phone as the professor enters the room to start the lesson.

He begins his lecture and I start jotting down notes when I feel a chill up my spine as if someone's eyes are staring right into the back of my head. I glance behind me to see a guy with blonde hair just staring at me and I succeed to make awkward eye contact with him. I quickly look back to the teacher lecturing as he turns the other way. Although I can feel him staring at me again a few minutes later, I ignore it as I continue to take notes from the lecture. I didn't need another awkward interaction like that again today.

******

It wasn't long before the class was over and I begin packing up my stuff. I strap my bag over my body and start to head towards the door, although before I can leave somebody grabs my shoulder. They roughly slam me against the wall and I look up to see none other than Jackson...also known as the college's jerk. Picking on anyone he wants, although it seems I've been chosen as the person to target most since I've been here.

"Hey mute! I'll leave you alone for today if you give me 20 bucks for my lunch." Jackson slurs out with an annoyed gaze as he holds his hand out waiting for me to give him the money.

I shake my head at him with a stone-cold face. No way was I gonna give this jerk money.

"No?!?" He questions while his expression stays annoyed right before having a fire in his eyes. Although before I can do anything, I feel a stinging pain on the side of my cheek. I try to use this chance to slip away from his grasp, but he's much faster and hits me right in my stomach. My body gives out as I wrap my arms around myself, falling to the ground. My body shakes and tears well up in my eyes as I shut them tightly, just waiting for this moment to end.

I sit there for a minute and then another. Finally, I decide to open my eyes only to see Jackson was gone…

I guess I'm lucky today…

******

I stare at my computer and the essay that is displayed on the screen before I close the screen, with a groan.

I can't focus anymore, I need to take a break.

I've been working on this English essay for an hour or two now…

I should take a walk to get my mind off things. It's a nice way to get outside and relax... a hike would be nice. I smile a bit to myself as I think of taking a hiking trail in a nearby park.

******

With a skip in my step, I begin following the trail, gazing around at the forest that surrounds the trail as the sun rays peek through the trees. Hugging myself while I walk the trail, puffs of my breath show up every time I breathe out. Since it was the middle of January, the weather was pretty chilly, but I had a fluffy jacket on to keep myself warm.

I continue strolling down the trail as I stare at all the beautiful trees that were usually full of leaves which we now are bare due to the cold weather. I sigh in content, enjoying the walk to destress.

In the distance, I could see a bench so I hurry to it and carefully sit down as the cold panels of the bench touch my body. I let out a sigh while sitting there, and watch closely as a squirrel jumps from branch to branch on one tree before quickly running down the trunk of a tree, further into the forest.

I view the nature around me for a few minutes until I hear a tiny whimper from behind me, causing me to jump a little from the sudden noise. I shoot up from the bench, curious about what made the sound. With my curiosity taking over, I search around the bench seeing nothing till I spot a large cardboard box. I approach the box with careful steps as I slowly get closer and closer. I stop as there's a rustle from inside the box and another whimper. Maybe there is an animal inside...I kneel down on the ground and slowly open up the box to see...