Corin's expression kept shifting, his whole body trembling with barely contained rage.He was a sophomore in the finance department—the same as Yvette. The first time he saw her was at the freshman welcome party. From that moment on, he'd been completely captivated by her beauty and poise. But it was her distant, untouchable air that truly drove him mad.He swore to himself that he would win her over. For nearly a month, he played the part of a thoughtful upperclassman-checking in on her, offering help, keeping just the right distance. He made sure to show his strengths in front of her, hoping to earn even a glance of interest.But no matter how outstanding he was, no matter how many girls hovered around him with admiration, Yvette remained unmoved. She never seemed to warm up to him, never even agreed to have a meal with him alone.He had always told himself that Yvette was simply reserved by nature that he just needed more time. But now, watching her, that illusion shattered completely.Yvette had walked up to another guy-on her own. And that guy had reached out to touch her forehead. She didn't flinch, didn't pull away. Instead, she looked shy and happy.Then, when the young man casually motioned for her to sit, she obediently pulled out a chair and sat beside him like it was the most natural thing in the world. The sight sent a hot wave of jealousy surging through Corin's chest.So, Yvette wasn't cold by nature after all—just cold to him. But why? He couldn't understand, couldn't accept it. Yes, the guy looked handsome, but hardly remarkable. How could someone like that be the one Yvette-the campus beauty of their university-chose to lean on?Beside him, Calira-Yvette's close friend of just a month—was just as stunned.Her usually aloof and proud friend was acting like a bashful schoolgirl. Calira could hardly believe what she was seeing."D*mn it!"Corin slammed his cue back into the rack, the sound sharp and violent. Then, he shot Calira a look."Calira, come with me."The girl followed immediately, heels clicking softly as she trailed behind Corin toward Leander's table.Her eyes flickered, cooling as they landed on Leander. Her name was Calira Cole- Corin's younger sister. She knew exactly what was on her brother's mind, and she'd been quietly helping him pursue Yvette from the start.So, when she saw Yvette all but throwing herself into another man's arms, her stomach twisted with resentment.Highcliffe was full of outstanding young people who could rival Corin-but Leander? He was definitely not one of them."You've been in Highcliffe for over a month already. Why didn't you tell me? Are you at Highcliffe University too?"Yvette's eyes lit up as she reunited with Leander. She leaned closer, full of delight, peppering him with questions like a stream that wouldn't stop.Leander took a slow sip of his coffee, his tone calm and faintly detached."I wasn't sure if you'd changed your number. And I've been busy lately. Besides, there wasn't really anything worth calling about."Nathan and his two friends sitting nearby couldn't help raising their thumbs at him. They'd just realized something every stunning girl seemed to have some kind of connection with Leander.Daphne did. Eira did. And now Yvette, too.What blew their minds was that, aside from Daphne, Leander treated all of them with the same cool indifference. The guy was unreal.Yvette pouted at his response. She had thought of calling him, but Leander wasalways busy, and she didn't want to be a bother or come off as clingy. She'd kept her feelings bottled up all this time—and now that she finally saw him again, the excitement just spilled over."Oh, right—are these your classmates?"A playful glint flashed in her eyes as she turned to Nathan and the others."They're my close friends," Leander replied simply.At that, Yvette's face brightened. She turned to Nathan and the other two with a radiant smile."Hi, I'm Yvette. Leander and I went to high school together-we're good friends."That smile alone was enough to make the three guys lose all composure. Each of them scrambled to introduce himself, eager not to be the last.Yvette remained warm and polite. She knew that anyone Leander considered a friend had to besomeone he respected-just like netLiam back then. Since she already saw Leander as someone special, she naturally wanted to stay on good terms with the people close to him. "By the way, Lean, what's your major now?"Her bright eyes sparkled as she looked at him."Lean?" Leander's brows drew together, his voice turning cool. "Who told you to call me that?"But Yvette only smiled mischievously, her tone teasing. "I like it. It sounds fun—andit should be my special nickname for you. No one else calls you that, right?"Leander's gaze flickered with a trace of helplessness. "You're getting bolder by the day."Yvette covered her mouth with a light laugh-graceful yet playful. After knowing him for so long, she understood his temperament well He responded better to gentle persistence than force. She was just about to stand up and join Nathan and the others for a game when an ill-timed voice broke in."Yvette, running into some friends?"Everyone turned to see Corin walking toward them, trailed by a group of men and women-a whole entourage.Yvette frowned slightly. She wasn't close to Corin, but after spending over a month in the same circle, she had a pretty good sense of his personality.She stepped forward, her expression calm and distant, and gave him a curt nod.Seeing how cold Yvette suddenly became so different from the way she'd just been smiling at Leander Corin's anger nearly boiled over.He forced himself to stay composed, masking his fury with a polite, almost gentlemanly smile."Since they're all your friends," hesaid smoothly, "why don't we move over to the Royal Table? It's a better spot and the more people, th merrier. This table's on me যThe tone of his voice-gracious, confident, and generous-made the onlookers nod approvingly."No need, Corin."Before Leander or the others could respond, Yvette had already lifted her hand witha small shake of her head."I'm fine right here with my friends. We wouldn't want to bother your group."The polite but firm refusal made Corin's pupils tighten. He turned his gaze towardLeander, who was still sitting calmly, unmoved. Then, a faint smile curved on hislips."Well, that's fine too. I just noticed your friend here has quite the knack for the game.I'd like to get to know him. What's his name?"His real target was obvious.Leander's lips curved faintly, but he didn't answer he simply took another sip of coffee.Yvette spoke up instead, her tone protective."Corin, he's not really one for small talk. You don't need to know his name."Every word out of her mouth drew a line between the two men and every word was in defense of Leander.Corin could feel his jealousy twisting inside him like a venomous snake, bitingnoveldramadeeper the more he tried to contain it.He took a slow breath, his eyes glinting with a hint of challenge."All right, if your friend doesn't like socializing, I won't push."Then, his tone shifted suddenly."But I did notice his form it seems like he's got some real skill. I'm feeling a littlerusty myself. Maybe he'd be up for a round?"He turned directly to Leander, a spark of provocation burning in his eyes.