(The picture attached is your outfit for the party.)

--

Being a college student kept you busy and you didn't notice that it's been a week since you stepped inside NeoU as a freshman. In the seven days that had passed, nothing notable had happened aside from making acquaintances with your block mates and getting to know your professors. So far, you're doing great. However, you had been dreading the days when you would barely get any sleep and caffeine would be your company.

Right now, the fun was yet to arrive.

"Yow, (Name), the representative of our department called for a meeting. Tomorrow at 4:00 PM at the Science Lab," Haechan said beside you while he's scrolling on his phone.

You brought out your phone and went to the school's official page to check the announcement.

Good day, freshmen students of (Course) Department. Your presence is required tomorrow, 4:00 PM at the Science Laboratory for the planning of Freshmen Welcoming Party. Don't be late or Miss Yoona will give you detention. Just kidding, have a nice day.

Song Jiho, 4th year (Course) Representative

Excitement thrummed in your nerves as you read the announcement. This was the first party you would attend to as an adult and you're thrilled about what's going to happen.

"I'll be the highlight of that party, that's for sure," Haechan proclaimed.

"Sure, if you insist."

"Just watch! I will be the most popular freshman student in our department because of my overflowing charm and visuals. I might even prepare a performance number, if my fans would love to."

You rolled your eyes at Haechan's cockiness, but you knew he could walk the talk. After all, he wasn't just bragging, he was stating a fact. You went to the cafeteria to meet Giselle for lunch, Haechan trailing behind you.

When you got there, you were surprised to see an unusual group sitting around a table. They were just casually chatting but all eyes were on them. Giselle was saying something and Karina, Winter, and Ningning were listening intently. You're sure that she was sharing some hot tea with them because they all looked so serious.

Giselle spotted you and she waved at you, causing the three to turn their head around.

"Hello girls, didn't expect to see you here," you greeted them. "Giselle, this is my friend and classmate, Haechan. The three knew him already because we're classmates in Science."

"Hi, girls! It's a pleasure to meet you," Haechan greeted them in a high-pitched voice and extended his hand, pinky finger sticking out. He was naturally funny that the four girls were comfortable around him.

"What a coincidence! They're my block mates in Art History. We're actually planning what we're going to do for the group task," Giselle explained.

You and Haechan ordered your lunch first then went back to the round table. You sat beside Ningning and she gave you a kind smile. Once you're close enough, the first thing you would do is pinch those cheeks.

"What were you gossiping about earlier? You seemed serious?" you asked Giselle.

"I was talking about the freshman party for our department. I'm telling you, it's gonna be lame. There are no hot guys there and my seniors thought about having a picnic party. I'm not going to complain about that, but they wanted to do it at night! Bugs will swarm us for sure!" Giselle whined and you bursted into laughter seeing her in agony.

"Just leave the party early and go to ours. We'll make it exciting for you," Winter said and winked at Giselle, satisfied at her brewing evil plan.

"I heard from the other departments that they will ditch their welcoming party to attend ours mainly because of them," Karina said and pointed at Haechan.

"Oh, I should prepare a performance number, then. A lot of my fans will come and see me," Haechan said and you rolled your eyes.

"Speak of the devils and they shall appear," Ningning muttered while looking past Karina's shoulder. You looked ahead and saw six tall men, (Renjun was quite tall, y'know), entered the cafeteria. Haechan happily left the table and walked towards his friends.

The seven of them emanated an intimidating yet elegant aura, as if they were radiating with sunlight with a hint of coldness. You couldn't explain it but there was some certain kind of vibe seeing them together. It wasn't an exaggeration when gazes from students followed them. They could easily catch everyone's attention with those long legs and flawless faces.

Jaemin was walking in the middle where he rightfully belonged. His jet black hair was messy but it only added to his alluring charm. They looked as if they were in a teen romance drama and Jaemin was the main lead.

If Jaemin was the main lead then who was his female lead?

Right on cue, a girl wearing an oversized sweater and faded jeans entered the scene and bumped into Jaemin, spilling juice all over his expensive flannel shirt.

Jaemin looked at her defiantly, but instead of apologizing, she looked back at him with the same intensity. A typical behavior of a female lead with strong character who was kind to everyone but the male lead.

Everyone was quiet, waiting for the next events to unfold.

"Are we watching a drama or what?" Winter asked. You're not the only ones thinking the same thing.

"I don't know if my eyes are tripping me but the girl is glaring at Jaemin. Wait, I think she's familiar," Giselle said.

"Why is she glaring though? It was her fault, she literally bumped into him," Ningning commented.

"Should we grab a popcorn or something?" Karina asked.

You remained silent, crossed your arms and replayed what you just witnessed. It's impossible not to notice the group of tall and handsome men when literally everyone was parting to give way for them. And then she entered the scene and walked straight ahead, bumping to Jaemin and spilling her drink. It was a cliche scene in a drama and that girl must have been living her main character life.

"Can you move? You're in our way," Jaemin patiently said, breaking the awkward silence.

"Watch where you're going," the girl spat and everyone gasped.

"Excuse me, but you bumped into him," Haechan interrupted the two. "I'm starving, can you please not fight, not when my stomach is growling. We can reschedule this fight after lunch, how about this afternoon?"

The girl glared at Haechan which surprised the latter. He was only trying to diffuse the tension over something so trivial.

"Out of my way," the girl said and pushed her way past the boys and disappeared in the silent crowd. Jaemin was the first to move and he walked to the counter to buy his food. He had spare clothes in his car so he didn't really mind. What caught him off-guard was the hostility of the girl who should've apologized to him.

What's wrong with that girl? he thought to himself.

Meanwhile, you were silently sitting there, thinking about the same thing. What's wrong with that girl?

"Oh! It's you, (Name)!" Mark recognized you and waved. "Our lab mates are here, too!" He greeted the other three. After a short while when they joined your table, you introduced Giselle to them and they gave her a warm welcome.

Three round tables were used to accomodate all twelve of you. It was a chaotic lunch mainly because of Haechan, but then again, nothing was ever normal every time they're gathered together. The conversation went to the mysterious girl who bumped into Jaemin.

"Are you okay?" Jeno asked Jaemin.

"I'm fine. I have spare clothes in my car," Jaemin said as he wiped his sticky skin with wet tissue.

"That's Hong Nayoung, if I'm not mistaken," Giselle said. "She's from our department. I'm not sure though, I only saw her sweater, that's the same sweater I saw her wearing this morning."

"Is she always like that?" Renjun asked curiously.

Giselle shook her head. "No, she's nice to us and always helps us with everything. I was shocked when she was so hostile earlier. I never thought she would snap like that."

"She's probably on her period," Jisung guessed.

"Who would accidentally bump into Jaemin with a space like that?" Chenle asked everyone. "She was literally walking at the center when the space was so huge and it's not impossible to see Jaemin, so why?"

Everyone had the same question but nobody voiced it out.

"Let's not talk about that. Let's eat," Jaemin said and the sharing of each others' thoughts stopped.

While you were enjoying your lunch with your growing circle, you were oblivious by the fact that the entire campus gave your group a nickname.

"The Table of Visuals"

"Girl, we are the hottest issue in NeoU!" Giselle exclaimed and she ran to your bed to show you her phone.

On the official school page of NeoU was an article about the hottest freshmen students and attached was a picture of your group eating together during lunch.

"The "You-can't-sit-with-us-because-we're-too-beautiful-for-you" squad is the hottest news in NeoU right now," you read the article. "Are we some sort of celebrities now?"

"That's what you call being popular, darling," Giselle said before pinching your nose and running to the shower before you could smack her annoying ass.

It didn't feel real to you. Nothing like this ever happened to your life. You were not considered famous for your looks back in your town, they applauded you for your wit. It boosted your confidence yet triggered your insecurities at the same time.

You thought that having a smart brain was better than being pretty, but your insecurities for your looks intensified because some people might not actually find you attractive. So to see yourself being categorized as one of the visuals made you happy and overwhelmed at the same time.

The next day, you were following the familiar corridor to the Science Laboratory when somebody tapped on your shoulder.

You turned your head to the side and saw who it was.

"Doyoung!" you exclaimed.

"Going to the meeting, I suppose?" he asked and you nodded. The two of you walked down the hallway to your destination. You entered the laboratory and saw Karina, Winter, and Ningning sitting on one of the tables huddled together, surrounded by your seniors.

"Good morning," you greeted everyone. You found Miss Yoona sitting on the teacher's table, talking to the other representatives so Doyoung went there while you walked towards the girls.

"Hello!" you greeted everyone.

"Oh! It's the other pretty girl!" one of the boys exclaimed and they all turned to you.

You didn't know how to react. It was probably about the article by some bored student and now the three were also facing the burden of the attention.

"Excuse us please," Karina said to try to escape but one of the male seniors held her wrist, stopping her with a creepy smile. You felt your eye twitch.

"Why? What's wrong? Are you uncomfortable? We're just talking!" he said as his eyes slide down to Karina's hand.

That's enough for you to step into the scene but someone beat you to it.

"Hey, Seon-ok, what do you think you're doing going around and harassing the freshmen?" Doyoung spoke behind, no traces of humor in his face.

"I'm just talking to them!" The Seon-ok guy raised both his hands defensively. You pulled Karina closer to you.

"You can talk to them without touching them."

"We're friends already, right?" Seon-ok looked at Karina for answers but you answered in her stead.

"Karina is nauseous by the smell of chemicals. I think we should move on a different table."

You didn't wait for them to answer and dragged the girls with you. Seon-ok and his group was about to follow you when Doyoung spoke.

"The other freshmen can occupy that table as well," he said and almost instantly, the other students scrambled their way to your table. It made your blood boil with how uncomfortable they must have felt earlier and they were just trying to endure it.

Doyoung went back to Miss Yoona and left Seon-ok's group, giving him a stinky eye.

However, you were looking at him with so much admiration, your respect for him increased tenfold.

The meeting began preceeded by Doyoung. The freshmen introduced themselves one by one, the cheers from Seon-ok's group were the loudest when it was the four of you's turn. The other freshmen were looking at you, mixture of awe and disapproval.

They might think that you're enjoying the attention but it honestly made you uncomfortable, especially when it's coming from a group of thirsty men.

The location for the freshmen welcome party had been decided. It would be held in a Korean barbercue restaurant somewhere in the city, suggested by one of the freshmen.

You were sitting there and just enjoying the meeting. You even managed to befriend some of your fellow freshmen, somehow to improve or change their impression on you, Karina, Winter, and Ningning.

"Are we allowed to drink alcohol?" one of the third year female students asked.

Professor Yoona contemplated for awhile. "You're all adults now. I expect that none of you will try to do something to these freshmen. If I learned that you did something naughty then I will personally handle you myself."

"Don't worry, Professor, me and the other representatives will be there to monitor the students," Doyoung volunteered.

Seon-ok's group snickered and called him boring, but when Winter said the Doyoung's the best, they immediately shut up.

After everything was settled, the students in charge wrapped up the meeting and you scampered to the door, dragging the girls behind you when you saw Seon-ok and his group walking to your table. It was rather unfortunate because you weren't able to say goodbye to Doyoung.

The night of the freshman party arrived and you were wondering why the seven guys didn't come to the meeting. Would they attend the party? They must've been invited by a lot of departments.

Letting the thought of them drift away at the back of your mind, you started putting on make up and fixed your hair. Giselle already left an hour ago for their nighttime picnic at the park. You got dressed in your outfit your tonight which consisted of a fluffy turtleneck sweater, a matching champagne colored skirt and coat. You added accessories to make yourself look elegant, strapped the beige shoulder bag on your shoulder. You snapped a picture of yourself and sent it to your parents.

Sliding your feet in a comfortable pair of beige boots, you set off to the Korean barbecue restaurant where the party was about to begin.

After a fifteen minute ride, you arrived to your destination. The Korean barbecue restaurant was quaint. Opening the door, smell of cooking meat and everything delicious danced in the air, making your mouth water and your stomach growl.

Everyone turned around when they heard the door open, and when they I saw that it was you, they burst into cheers. They welcome every person like that and you couldn't help but crack into a smile and enjoy the chaos. This was how parties must have felt like.

"You look gorgeous," Ningning praised you as you joined the table full of group female students of different year. Being surrounded by women in a party made you feel calm and secured.

"You're just as beautiful," you complimented her back, eyeing her lavender dress with great appreciation.

Your female seniors introduced themselves to you and you started chatting about different topics, about the difficult major subjects, professors you should befriend or beware of, possible dating life, anything that a college student could enjoy or loathe.

The chatter died down when seven strong presence entered the barbecue restaurant. It's crazy how they could capture everyone's attention just by standing there.

"The snacks finally arrived," commented one of your seniors named Misha. They bursted into fits of laughter and you went along with them.

All of them looked handsome, but one particular person caught your attention mainly because he was wearing a jacket the same color as yours. Jaemin had always been handsome but tonight, he looked ethereal.

Seon-ok's group was not impressed when Jaemin's group arrived, unintentionally drawing the spotlight to them. It was rather unfortunate that he spotted you sitting on a table with the other female seniors where Jaemin's group joined.

"Look at those cocky ass bastards. They think they can get all the beautiful girls just because they're handsome," Seon-ok snickered and his friends did the same thing. His eyes were particularly glued to you, traveling down the exposed skin of your legs. He licked his lips hungrily before chugging a tall glass of beer.

"Good evening, student of (Course)," Professor Yoona spoke as she stood in the middle of the raised platform which served as the stage. She's looking beautiful as ever. "Thank you for gracing us with your presence tonight. I would like to say a few words to the new addition to our family. This is just the beginning of your dreams and things may get tough on your way, but remember that the path to success was never easy. Just know that me and your seniors are here for you and hopefully, you will lend a helping hand once it's your turn to help your juniors. That's all, let the party begin!"

The crowd broke into applause and screams and the next thing you knew, people you didn't know came over to give you food and drinks and tell you stories which you couldn't follow. You didn't leave your seat the whole time yet you're getting dizzy with the noise and all the smell of burning meat, alcohol, and sweat. However, you enjoyed it a lot.

"Let me ask you a question freshies," Misha asked the group. You nudged Jisung who was playing a mobile game beside you. "Who among here is in a relationship?"

A few of your fellow freshmen raised their hand. What made it notable was neither among you, Winter, Karina, Ningning, and the seven guys raised their hands.

"What—How? That's impossible! How come none of you extremely good-looking people are not in a relationship? You must be lying!" Misha pointed an accusing finger to the eleven of you.

"It's true though. Relationships are a pain in the ass," Winter said. "No offense to the people who have a partner though, I'm happy for all of you. I'm just speaking based on my personal experience."

"Well, I am in a relationship with Chenle's puppy, is that counted?" Haechan asked and the crowd laughed. You noticed that almost everyone was gathered around your table.

"Let's ask the person who has been stealing hearts since day one. Na Jaemin, since you didn't raise your hand, tell me, have you ever been in a relationship before?" Misha asked.

"I have," Jaemin answered which earned a mixed reactions from the crowd.

"Really? Who's the lucky girl?"

"It wasn't a serious relationship, I don't remember her name," Jaemin answered.

After nine years, you're a heartbreaker now, you thought to yourself. He never strike you as the type to fool around in a relationship. He had always been a gentleman, well at least he was nine years ago.

"You have commitment issues, huh? You don't stick around in serious relationships," Misha commented.

"Who needs it when you're going to get hurt in the end."

The crowd went crazy because of his answer. After the ruckus died down, Misha turned to you.

"What about you, (Name). You're pretty famous yourself. Many guys from different departments had been asking for your number but I can't give them any. So tell me, why aren't you in a relationship? Are you waiting for someone? Still can't move on?"

"I'm not allowed to have a boyfriend until I'm forty, my father is strict," you answered. Everyone wasn't having it, saying that it's not bad to break the rules sometimes.

However, one person was deeply satisfied with your answer as he gingerly took a sip of his soda. That's right, you're not allowed to have a boyfriend until you're forty or I will snitch you to your father.

Jeno noticed a smile forming on Jaemin's lips so he nudged him with his elbow. "What are you smiling at? You're weird."

Jaemin put down his soda and clasped his hands on the table. "Nothing. I'm just having fun."

"Besides, I haven't met someone who's worth the risk," you added.

"Maybe he's here somewhere," Misha said.

"Indeed, and that's me," Seon-ok interrupted and lazily hooked his arm around Jisung's shoulder. He was reeking of alcohol and the crowd thinned when his group joined. Everybody disliked them and it wasn't a surprise why. Seon-ok pushed Jisung off of his seat, the latter falling to the ground while Seon-ok took over his place beside you.

The noises earlier died down, replaced with uncomfortable silence. You noticed that Seon-ok was drunk because he was even bolder than when he was sober.

You stood up to help Jisung get up but he held your hand and forced you to sit down. "Where are you going? The fun is just about to begin!"

Uncomfortable was an understatement. You wanted to get away from him because every time he touched you, it felt like he was leaving burnt marks.

"I prepared a game for us, which of course, involves alcohol! Since you're all adults now, a few shots wouldn't hurt. I have a random name picker in my phone, just type your name and if the arrow pointed at you, you are going to drink the soju bomb made by yours truly!"

Seon-ok and his group was the only one enthusiastic about the game. Everyone was forced to type their name on his phone while he went out for a while to get bottles of soju and beer. You nervously fumbled on your seat as Seon-ok returned to your table, bottles and glasses in hand.

"What's the point of this, Seon-ok? We're here to enjoy, not to get drunk," Misha told him.

"If you don't want to join then leave. You're only staying here because these ass—" he stopped midway when he noticed that Chenle was glaring at him for pushing Jisung off of his seat. He had no fear that he was giving his senior a deadly stare. Jisung's hand still hurt from attempting to catch himself before he fell off. You saw him wincing from time to time.

Seon-ok knew better than to mess with the group of freshmen with a huge fanbase in NeoU.

"Before we begin, I'll just add a twist to this stupid game," Misha said. "If your name was chosen, you have to answer a question truthfully. If you think you can't, then you will drink the soju bomb. Agreed?"

Everyone in that table agreed to the newly established rule.

Finally, the game began.

"Who could the lucky person be... Misha!" Everybody cheered when Misha's name was chosen. One of your female seniors asked her a question.

"If you're going to choose among the seven handsome freshman as your ideal type, who would it be and why?"

Misha scanned the seven men, assessing them each before coming to a final answer. "I think, it's Renjun. He looks so soft and innocent. I love soft boys."

You had a flashback one Saturday when you went to Chenle's house when he single-handedly tried to beat Haechan and the latter couldn't even fight back despite him being taller than Renjun. He wasn't as soft and innocent as he looked.

Seon-ok pressed the screen and the wheel rotated again. This time, the arrow stopped on your name.

"(Name)!" everyone cheered. Misha opened her mouth to ask a question but Seon-ok beat her to it.

"If you're going to choose a boyfriend among your seniors, who would it be and why?" he asked, his giddiness showing. He was looking hopefully at you as if he had a chance.

Your eyes automatically scanned the crowd and you found Doyoung in his black turtleneck top, the sleeves rolled up to his elbows. He looked so hot while grilling meat for the professors. Jaemin followed your gaze and he found who you were looking at.

I swear to God, this girl... he clicked his tongue as he silently thought of those words.

You wanted to say his name, but you decided against it. Besides, you were curious what a soju bomb taste like. You pushed the glass of soju which fell inside the larger glass of beer. You held the glass closer to your lips, closed your eyes as you drank the whole content. You almost gagged at the bitter taste you had never tried before. It was a new experience which you might never try again.

However, fate was against you today. Your name had been chosen multiple times and there were questions you couldn't answer because it's either personal or uncomfortable, so you had to fulfill the consequences.

By the time you consumed the fifth shot, the alcohol seeped into your system and you're starting to loosen up, something that favored Seon-ok as his hands lowered down to touch your bare legs.

You felt something tickle but you ignored it, thinking it was just the wind blowing.

Your name had been chosen again, and this time, Mark was fast enough to interrupt Seon-ok so he wouldn't ask you another uncomfortable question that would force you to drink.

"If you're going to choose someone you wanted to be your close friend, who would it be?"

Your half-lidded eyes scanned the crowd, unable to focus on their faces. One person stood out in his champagne colored jacket, he looked like an angel sent from heaven. You smiled sheepishly. Seon-ok thought you were going to say his name. His hands were going up from your legs to your thighs, savoring the smooth surface of your skin.

"Na Jaemin!" you said out loud. You moved a little and that's when you noticed that ticklish feeling again. You looked down and saw Seon-ok's hand about to lift the hem of your skirt.

Still in shock, you stood up and slapped him across his face. Everybody was surprised by your sudden outburst.

"Keep your hands to yourself, you pervert!" you screamed and everybody's attention was focused on your table.

Jaemin slammed his soda on the table and stood up, earning a few curious glances from the bystanders. Doyoung saw the scene and he walked towards you.

"What's happening here?" he asked.

"He keeps touching me!" you answered angrily and you pointed an accusing finger to Seon-ok.

He tried to it play it cool. "What are you talking about? You're probably drunk. You drank five glasses of soju bomb, remember?"

"I know what I saw, you sneaky bastard. Stop lying!"

Seon-ok rose from his seat and took a menacing step forward. "What did you say! I'm your senior, you stupid bitch!"

"Hey, Seon-ok! That's enough! Who came up with an idea to make a soju bomb and make the freshmen drink it?" Doyoung asked.

Everyone pointed at Seon-ok and Doyoung glared at him which made him cower where he stood. Doyoung could be pretty scary when he's angry and even the most troublesome student feared him.

"We're going to talk," Doyoung said in his deep angry voice, grabbing Seon-ok by the collar of his shirt and dragging him out of the restaurant.

You realized you were shaking in anger when you felt Ningning wrap a hand around your balled fists, nails digging to your skin.

"It's okay now, Doyoung sunbae took that pervert away," she comforted you.

"I should have known he was up to something when he joined us. I'm sorry, (Name)," Misha apologized and she was really feeling guilty for not being able to protect you.

"I think somebody needs to take her home. She had enough drink," One of your female seniors said. You were about to decline when somebody tapped your shoulder. You turned around and saw Jaemin looking down at you, concern peeking from the windows of his eyes.

He had been standing there and was ready to throw a punch on Seon-ok's face if he ever took one more step towards you. Nobody noticed him because they were all terrified of Doyoung.

"I'll take you home," he volunteered. "After all, I'm the one you wanted to become your friend."