The next morning, Irene woke up in a happy mood after such a long time. She was practically springing with joy. It was like the rate of Dopamine in her system was a little higher than her usual days.
She was genuinely smiling the whole time and somewhere she knew the reason was Y/N.
Irene was eager to meet her, to see her, and to watch her smile. The face she couldn't get out of her head in the past few weeks. Her daily tasks were fun to her now as she hurried to get to the university.
Because today her first lecture was with Y/N.
Reaching the university, Irene strutted through the hallways and towards the staff office. Keeping her bag on the desk, she started humming to a harmonious tune that didn't go unnoticed by her colleagues.
Eunwoo approached Irene's desk and tapped on the table, saying, "Good morning, Irene."
Irene looked up at him and gave him the brightest smile, replying, "A very good morning to you too, Eunwoo."
Eunwoo, who was surprised by her cheerful behavior, asked, "What happened? You look delighted this morning."
"Oh, it's just I feel happy today. Nothing else, "Irene replied, beaming.
"That's nice. Hope it stays the same, "Eunwoo said and waved her good luck.
Irene arranged her things on the table and looked at her watch to check the time. "It's time."
Picking up her book, Irene made her way to the lecture hall. Entering the hall, she saw students hurrying when they saw her and starting to sit at their desks. Irene was a respected professor in the university, which no one could ever dare to deny.
Irene lifted her head and her eyes wandered through the sea of students. But, they got settled on only one face that had her mesmerized from the day they met.
Y/N had her hair tied up in a ponytail and she was wearing a v-neck t-shirt and a bomber jacket over. She gave her a wide smile that caused butterflies to rumble in Irene's stomach.
Irene stood up on her podium as she kept her book on the desk. She cleared her throat to silence the hushes murmuring in the room. Resting her hands behind her back, Irene looked around the hall and smiled.
"Good morning, students, "she said, her tone cheery as before.
Y/N was slightly surprised as she threw a quirked eyebrow and a subtle jerk of her head to question the new behavior. Irene just smiled at her and looked away to continue.
"Let's continue from where we left off yesterday, "Irene announced and students started to take out their books and pens to take notes.
Irene looked down at her book as she studied the content and was about to start when a sudden knock on the door interrupted her. She ordered a come-in to the person and the Dean of the university entered through.
"Dean?" the students muttered and the whispering took place in the silent class.
"Mister Kwon? What happened?" Irene asked as she kept her book aside and stood straight.
"Miss Bae. Sorry to interrupt your class but I have something important to say, "he said as he looked around the lecture hall.
"Sure, Mister Kwon, "Irene nodded her head and glanced at Y/N who was giving her a questioning glance.
Irene subtly threw her a simple shrug, telling her that she also didn't know. Y/N nodded and intriguingly looked at the Dean.
"So, students. I already informed the professors yesterday about this, "the Dean started.
And then it hit Irene. The new student.
"A new student is transferred here from the University of Australia. You all are requested to help her through our university and make her feel welcome."
Her? Irene thought.
The Dean turned his head towards the door and said, "Come in."
All heads in the hall turned toward the door, with some even rising to get a clearer view of the student. Y/N focused on the door and noticed a silhouette. Soon, a blonde head appeared, the girl looking down, before finally revealing herself.
A few loud gasps and murmurs were heard. As the new girl entered and looked up, everyone in the classroom went speechless. The girl was beautiful and probably a new attraction around the university from today on.
The girl had her hair loose as it fell over her shoulder. She was wearing an off-shoulder dress with white sneakers, a pretty casual look for a very pretty girl.
The blonde stood beside the Dean as she interlaced her hands in front of her, not daring to look up. Irene noticed that the girl was certainly beautiful and she looked attractive just by the first look.
"Introduce yourself, "the Dean said at which the girl finally looked up and gazed at her class.
"Hello. My name is Park Roseanne, but I go by Rosé. It's nice to meet you all, "her slightly husky tone and strong Aussie accent were music to the ears.
The students were all talking in hushed voices as they glanced at Rosé with full excitement. Some students were staring at her and it couldn't be blamed. Rosé was an angel in human form.
"I hope that you all will help her around the university. I don't want any complaints. Thank you, "the Dean announced and left the lecture hall.
Irene looked at Rosé and then noticed her eyes were set on a faraway corner. She turned her head in the direction of her gaze and was met by gawking Y/N. They both were staring at each other and that made Irene clench her fists.
She averted her eyes from both of them and took in a deep breath. A sudden turmoil inside her was indifferent to her as she took in a deep breath and exhaled it, trying to cool herself down and maintain her composure.
Again looking at Rosé, who was still looking at Y/N, Irene said, "Rosé. Why don't you take a seat so we can start with our class?"
Rosé startled out of her trance and looked at Irene. She had her eyes wide and was blushing evidently with embarrassment, Rosé bowed to her and rushed to take her seat in the front row. Irene looked at her and then glanced at Y/N who was still gaping at her.
Why is she looking at her like that? Irene thought as her jaw set and eyes showed off the emotions of anger.
The woman who was practically bouncing with happiness today was now certainly incensed at Y/N and the new girl's interaction. Trying to shrug off the new emotion, Irene opened her book and announced to the students to open the page where they left off.
The lecture ended after a tense session. Irene couldn't focus as her eyes traveled to Y/N who was also distracted by staring at Rosé. Irene would look at Rosé in between to see her paying attention to her and jotting down the things she said.
Somehow, Y/N was not able to do so.
Irene sometimes called Y/N in between to get her attention but all she got was a simple apology and Y/N was again gawking at Rosé.
What was so special about her?
The question bugged her mind and Irene sneered at the way Y/N kept looking at Rosé. Slowly the anger dissipated in her and Irene found herself sulking at the situation. She wanted Y/N to only look at her and no one else.
Picking up her book, Irene walked out of the lecture hall but her eyes were silently stalking Y/N's every move. On her way out, she saw Y/N rushing towards Rosé. Irene snapped her head away, not wanting to watch the interaction.
While walking through the hallway, Irene's pace was slow and her shoulders slumped. She was pouting slightly as Y/N's face came into her mind. But, then reality hit her.
Who was she to avoid Y/N from doing something?
What was her relationship with Y/N except for pleasure?
Why did it bother her when Y/N was gaping at someone else than her?
"Why am I behaving like this?" was all Irene could mutter out with furrowed eyebrows and a confused mind.
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Y/N isn't hers... but Irene is still jealous.
Lucky her. 🙃