Paul POV

"Welcome to Harvard!" An enthusiastic blonde male chimed.

He was one of many Harvard students managing a booth for their respective organization at the annual Student Organizational Fair.

"First years, don't be shy!" He continued. "Find a club and organization that suits you best! Make friends, and meaningful impacts in areas you're most passionate about!"

There were hundreds of students walking through the beautiful campus on this August summer day, observing the 500+ booths set up to recruit new members.

The energy was amazing, and exactly how I expected the first day of Harvard to feel. Students were socializing with the people they already knew, and they were all excited to be attending such a prestigious school and even more eager to make new friends with similar interests.

I on the other hand, was passing through the fair to get to class since the organization I needed to join was special invite only - and they certainly wouldn't have a booth set up at this fair. Hell, it was likely none of the members were even here to witness the fair.

"Hey!" A latin girl chimed, stepping in front of me as she held out a flyer. "Something about you tells me you're into music."

I followed her gaze, and she had a good eye. She noticed the guitar pick I added as an accent piece on my crossbody school bag.

"I play a few instruments." I confirmed as I flaunted a charming smile.

"You should consider joining our club then." She beamed as I accepted the flyer.

"Or you can consider our organization." A beautiful Korean girl infringed, taking her place on the other side of me as she handed me a flyer. "You can enjoy music with anybody in any organization, but it's important to find your community at this school. The Asian American and Pacific Islander Student Organization is the perfect place for someone like you."

"What makes you think I'm American?" I asked, in my native tongue.

"Don't get it twisted." She responded. "I know exactly who you are, Ahn Ho-seok."

I chuckled, relieved to meet a fellow Korean speaker on this campus.

"My name is Lisa." She continued. "I'm the president of the organization."

"Nice to meet you. You're offer is enticing." I admitted. "I'll think about it."

I briefly bowed to this so called Lisa, and showed the Latina a smile before I continued down the long walkway and through he crowded campus.

Though it wasn't surprising, my appearance caused several student organizations to approach me and it wasn't just the women. It was men too, likely because everything about me indicated wealth, power, and an abundance of influence.

I was wearing a one pocket t-shirt and slim fitted beige pants from Burberry, and my favorite low top white leather sneakers from Dior. My cologne of choice from Chanel was also radiant, and my sunglasses and watch were products of Celine - just like my crossbody bag.

It took me nearly 30 minutes to get to my first class given how many people had approached me on the way. However, by time I was seated in the lecture hall, I had a few minutes to pull out my MacBook and get settled.

"Excuse me." A young black male said, and I scooted in so he could take a seat in the vacant space beside me. "Thank you."

"No problem." I replied, and I instantly smelled the fragrant black coffee from the tumbler he placed on the row long desk. "Sorry to bother you, but can I ask where you got the coffee?"

"I made it myself. I only drink slow drip coffee."

My eyes widened. "I thought that was Korean thing."

He chuckled. "No cap, I learned how to make it after watching a Korean drama with my mom."

I smiled, offering the man my hand to shake. "My name is Paul."

"Nice to meet you." He replied, accepting my greeting. "I'm Shawn."

My new desk mate and I continued to get settled for class until our professor walked in and grabbed everyone's attention.

"Good morning!" The older white man chimed, setting his briefcase down beside the lectern. "I am Professor Ludwig! Welcome to Criminal Law and Procedure!"

The class applauded for the energetic man, his hair a dark brown color with a few grays just like his tamed and trimmed beard.

"As you can see, this is a huge class." The professor continued. "Rather than do a roll call for attendance, please use your phones to check-in as you were prompted to be prepared to do in your syllabus."

We all did as the man said, using our smartphones and the Harvard app now that we were connected to the campus wi-fi.

"Fortunately for this class, two of Harvard Law School's top first year students are in here. They scored so high on the entrance exam, there is likely very little I can teach them this semester." He chuckled. "Shawn Flynn and Paul Ahn, please stand up."

I did as the man said, and to my surprise my new desk mate did the same while the class clapped and cheered for us.

"Fitting you two are sitting next to each other." The professor joked. "I look forward to teaching you both over the coming years, and ask for your assistance as your peers catch up to you."

"Yes, sir." Shawn and I responded, earning more applause from the class as we took our seats.

"Alright, let's start from ground zero." Professor Ludwig said. "Who can tell me, what this course is all about? What exactly is Criminal Law and Procedure?"

"Wow, so it was you." I whispered to Shawn as another student answered the professor's question. "You're the one student I couldn't beat."

Shawn chuckled. "Hey, we were only one question apart. I was hoping I'd meet you."

"Same." I replied, offering him my fist to bump.

Shawn did just that, and as the professor's lecture continued I grew even more delighted with my first day as a student at Harvard Law School.

So far, the campus was as diverse and welcoming as I was expecting and Shawn already felt like someone I wanted to have a genuine friendship with. Like me, law school came natural to him and we decided to exchange numbers and text through our laptops throughout the class.

We discovered we had our next three courses together as well. However, as we were leaving our first class of the day I was stopped by Professor Ludwig.

"Paul, can we speak for a minute?" The man asked, and I nodded before I looked to Shawn.

"I'll save you a seat." Shawn said.

"Thanks, man. I'll be there soon."

I walked toward the professor who was packing his suitcase at the lectern, dozens of my classmates walking past me as they exited the lecture hall.

"Professor Ludwig." I softly said, stepping in front of him.

"Paul, I wanted to personally introduce myself to you." He beamed, shaking my hand. "I'm not sure if you're aware - but I consult the AHS Boston office regularly. I work closely with Johnny."

My eyes widened. "Really? Johnny is my mentor. I'm starting my career within AHS Group in the Boston office."

"I heard!" The professor chuckled. "We're going to see each other often. I want you to know if there is anything you need, you can contact me directly. Also, if there is ever a professor giving you a hard time... Me and many other professors here will take care of it."

"Thank you." I replied, despite the confused expression on my face. "I should get going. Don't want to be late to my next class."

"Of course. I'll see you soon."

I walked away from the professor, holding the strap of my crossbody tightly as I stepped out of the class and walked through the building.

Even in South Korea, I never cheated the school system. I've always been fortunate to have both brains and charisma, yet despite my Harvard entrance exam scores every professor did as Ludwig did after each class.

They all introduced themselves, confirmed they are major allies of both AHS and myself, and assured me should anyone or anything get in my way, the university would deal with it.

"Just who are you?" Shawn asked, making me chuckle as we exited our last class of the day. "I'm the top student, but every professor is determined to meet you personally!"

"Do you really want know?" I asked, and he quickly nodded his head. "I'm the heir of AHS group, and AHS actually stands for my Korean name. Ahn Ho-seok."

"Get the fuck!" He exclaimed, gasping as he stopped in his tracks and looked to my with wide eyes. "You! You're the successor of AHS?"

I nodded, biting my bottom lip through a smile.

"I'm shocked you didn't know. I took you as a man who did his research."

"I never imaged someone who's career is set, would do so well in school if I'm being real with you." He responded. "You don't have to try hard, and you're going to be just fine. You're going to be more than fine, managing the best lawyers around the world. So why do you do it? Why do you work so hard, you can keep up with someone like me?"

"Because, it takes being the best to lead the best." I answered. "I may be rich, but nothing in my life has ever been handed to me for free. My parents have always pushed me to earn everything I have. AHS will be mine one day, but I have to earn it. Plus, I want my future employees to respect me."

"Wow, you're a much better man than I was expecting." He chuckled, patting my back. "You know, despite my brains I have no network. Hopefully, you can give a brother a break into the industry."

"AHS is invite only." I replied, winking at him. "But seeing as you beat my entrance score, I'm sure I can convince the lead Senior Partner at AHS Boston to make you an offer if you prove yourself worthy by the end of the year."

"Say less!" Shawn exclaimed, dapping me. "What you up to now that we're done with classes for the day? I was going to check out the gym if you want to join?"

"I actually have plans." I replied, Shawn nodding. "I'll see you tomorrow though. Looks like the school was strategic in putting us in all the same classes."

"Right?" He replied, walking ahead of me. "Talk to you later, man."

I waved to Shawn as we went our separate ways, and when I exited the building I pulled out my phone and looked to the conversation between me and my first love.

"Empire." I softly said to myself, looking at the address that came with the link Sam provided.

The location was perfect, as I had to pass it to get home anyways.

I walked through the large campus for about 15 minutes, and took the bus to get to the luxury lounge that served Asian food - though my expectations were quite low looking at the menu.

As soon as the elevator doors opened to reveal the lounge, I admit I was impressed by the ambience and Asian inspired decor of the swanky lounge. It was, dark, sleek, and sexy. The walls were a deep purple, the carpet had a funky gold pattern to it, and the mahogany wood doors and windows were also accented with gold patterns, knobs, and handles.

"Good evening." The hostess said. "Do you have a reservation?"

"Yes, I believe it's under Samantha Lee."

"Right this way." She continued.

I followed the young lady, many people already enjoying a happy hour now that it was just past 5:00 PM. I could tell this was a popular spot for young adults, and as I walked through the lounge I also noticed there were plenty of singles here.

Many attractive young women smiled to me as I walked past them, and while this would have been enticing any other day I found my self growing more and more nervous by the second.

"Will this section due?" The young woman asked.

"It's perfect, thank you." I took a seat on the red armchair, setting my bag to the side.

There was a small table in front of me, with an identical armchair on its other side.

"Pull it together, Ho-seok." I softly said to myself, looking at my reflection through the camera on my phone. "You look good, your successful, and you're way more mature. You got this."

I took a deep breath, and looked at the menu as I waited for Sam.

As expected, she was late and even after putting in an order for a smooth bourbon on the rocks - I was still waiting for her.

I looked around as I sipped on my drink, and continued to notice all the young singles here. I could tell this was a spot that I should visit often but my observation was only confirmed when I saw one of the four men I was instructed to befriend at Harvard.

The blonde male was staring at me too, his arm draped around a gorgeous brunette as the group he was with talked around him.

"Ho-seok!" Sam chimed, grabbing my attention.

I was speechless watching the tall beauty approach me.

Her long and toned legs looked amazing in the high-wasted flared jeans she was wearing, and she tucked a cream floral printed blouse beneath the brown belt that matched the high heals she was wearing.

I stood up, her long wavy hair falling down her back as she opened her arms to greet me more warmly than I ever could have imagined.

"Oh my, God!" She exclaimed. "I can't believe you're really here! I've missed you so much!"

"I've missed you too." I replied, her familiar scent reminding me of all those intimate times we shared together in our respective beds when our parents weren't home.

"Let me look at you." She continued, bringing her hands to the sides of my face. "As expected, it doesn't get more handsome than you."

"You look good too, Sam."

She smiled, nodding before she gestured for me to take a seat.

"Did you look at the menu?" She asked, settling in her chair. "I love the sushi here."

"Yeah, that's what I was planning on ordering as well."

"We should just do the Omakase Platter then."

"Is it really worth $75 a person?" I asked, making her crack up.

"What is $75 to you?"

"I'm just saying, how good can the sashimi possibly be here?"

"If you're expecting the quality we get in Japan, let alone Korea - You've lost you mind." She responded, making chuckle. "But for American standards, it's really good. I promise."

"Fine." I conceded, and like always Sam took charge. 

She grabbed the waiters attention, and placed our orders as well as her drink order and within minutes we shared a toast and started our first evening together in five years.

"So." She continued. "How was your first day at Harvard?"

"Really good. I made a friend, and he's pretty cool."

"Is that so?" She asked. "You should be careful. You're the talk of the town. Don't get used."

"I know when someone is being genuine. I'm not a kid anymore."

She chuckled. "I see that. Not that you have to explain yourself to me - I'm only one year older than you."

"Yet, you still have the same habit of talking down to me."

She shrugged. "Sorry, it's a habit many people remind me I need to check. I'm working on it."

I took a sip of my drink, our eye locking as silence filled the space around us.

"So." I proceeded. "How have you been? I hear from a career standpoint, you're doing amazing. Every law firm in Massachusetts and Canada is after you."

She playfully flicked her hair over her shoulder.

"Outside of school and career, how is everything going?" I paused, nibbling on my bottom lip. "You're still promised to Kang Yu-Jun, right?"

She nodded, despite how tense the air became from mentioning his name alone.

"We still don't have a date for the wedding though."

"It's been five years." I replied. "Why the delay?"

"As you can see, I care about my career. I won't marry anyone until I graduate from Harvard, and also establish myself as a partner at the Law Group of my choosing."

"And how does your fiancé feel about that?" I pressed. "From what I can remember, he was quite conservative. You were really charmed by his looks and status though."

She nodded again, though her gaze was full of regret. "Let's just say, our engagement is business as usual." 

I watched her zone out before she forced a smile on her face and moved the conversation along.

"What about you?" She asked. "I heard you've become quite the playboy since you left Canada. Hard to believe given how shy and inexperienced you were when we started."

I scoffed. "It's been years, and you should know I've changed a lot."

"Oh." She teased. "Is that so?"

"You can't see that from a quick glance?" I asked, and as expected the charming flirt looked me up and down - her eyes fixating on my biceps, before they shifted to the Adam's apple of my neck, and then my lips. "I guess you can."

"Touché." She blushed. "What about me? How have I aged?"

"Beautifully." I replied, her cheeks growing a deeper shade of pink.

"I'm happy you're here." She continued. "I really have missed you, Ho-seok."

I placed a soft smile on my face, our gazes intensely locking given how undeniable the attraction was between us.

"Congratulations." Sam toasted. "Welcome to Harvard, and I hope with you living here we can resume our relationship."

Despite how much I wanted to know what she meant by the term "resume" I knew the long game was the only one that would work on a woman like Sam.

I clanked my glass with hers, and we drank our beverages before our food was served.

Surprisingly, dinner with Sam was a lot more natural than I expected it would be.

Was I still careful with the words I used and how I presented myself? Of course.

She was the only woman I could see myself committing to long-term, but she was also the only woman who didn't deem me good enough. That drove me crazy yet at the same time - it was likely the reason I wanted to prove myself and win her over, even after all this time.

"Are you staying on campus?" Sam asked, as we stepped outside of the building.

Given how much we had been drinking, her cheeks were flushed and she looked exceptionally cute in this moment.

"No, I have a townhouse just under 10 minutes away."

She scoffed as she waved down a taxi. "Of course you do."

I smiled to the ground while a taxi stopped in front of us, and like a proper gentleman I opened the door for her.

"Well perhaps next time, we can do dinner at your house?" She asked.

"Of course." I smirked. "You're always welcome to visit whenever you please."

"Whenever I please?" She asked. "You should choose your words more carefully."

"Haven't you realized, I already do that very well." I answered. "My offer still stands. My door is open to you, whenever you want to come through."

Sam pushed hair behind her ear, a smile appearing on her face as she accepted the message I was sending her.

She then took her place in the taxi, and as I was about to close the door she stopped me.

"I'm free on Sunday." She informed me.

"I guess I'll see you on Sunday, then."

With nothing else to say, I closed the door and beamed as the taxi drove away.

"Well done." An unfamiliar voice said to me. "Samantha Lee - She's quite a catch. If your ambition is as high as your taste in women, we're going to get along just fine."

I followed the male's voice, just to see the same blonde I wanted to approach a few hours ago.

"Spencer Lancaster." I responded, turning to face the Dean's son.

"Paul Ahn." He replied, offering me his hand to shake. "Looks like my dad wasn't the only one that wanted us to meet."

I chuckled, accepting his greeting as I nodded.

"What can I say? My father has always encouraged me to surround myself with the best." I confirmed. "It's nice to meet you."

"Likewise." He chuckled. "Sounds to me like you're already familiar with the Elite then?"

I nodded as the smile on his face grew, and within seconds I was watching him pull a black and faux gold business card out of his blazer pocket before he handed it to me.

"As you know, this is a special offer." He proceeded. "You down to meet the rest of the group?"

I smirked, dumbfounded by how easy it was for me to come by such a "special" invite. 

However, it looked like my time at Harvard was about to get that much more interesting as the end of me first day of law school neared.

"Tell me when and where, and I'll be there."

____

Author's Note: I decided to post two new chapters this weekend! I hope you enjoyed them! 

Given the amount of introductions Paul needed to get through during his first few days in Boston, I figured publishing those quickly would be ideal so we can get to the action and exciting bits of the story sooner rather than later!

Please remember to vote and comment! Thank you for your support!

- Zelene