The sleek black car rolled to a smooth stop at the entrance of the university, the heavy iron gates creaking open to reveal the sprawling campus beyond.
Gia hesitated for a moment as she stared up at the imposing gates, the giant university name embossed in gold on the stone pillars.
The tall, glass-walled buildings beyond seemed to shimmer under the early morning sun, while students passed in all directions, their faces filled with a mix of excitement and purpose.
The driver, who had been with the family for years, stepped out of the car and opened the door for her with a respectful nod. Miss Gia, we've arrived.
Gia blinked, shaking herself from her reverie. She nodded wordlessly, gathering her things before stepping out of the car. The moment her feet hit the pavement, she felt a strange sense of both freedom and anxiety.
This was itâthe first step into something new. No longer the quiet girl from high school, no longer a sheltered daughter of a powerful family.
She was a first-year student at university, in the heart of the city's academic scene, surrounded by people who didn't know her or her family name. For the first time, she felt both invisible and exposed at the same time.
As the driver closed the door and drove away, Gia stood still for a moment, her gaze roaming over the campus, as if to absorb the scale of it all. Students milled around the gates, some hurrying to class, others chatting with friends.
There was a bustle of life hereâa feeling she had never truly experienced. She wasn't sure what she was looking forâsome sign that she belonged, or perhaps just the courage to take that first step toward mingling with the crowd.
At the same time, Phuwin and Fourth were entering the campus from the opposite side, walking casually toward the gates. Phuwin was half-absorbed in a conversation with his younger brother, his phone in one hand as he scrolled through something on it.
I'm telling you, you're going to need all the notes I've got for business law. Fourth teased, his hands in his hoodie pockets, his stride light and easy. He was clearly in a good mood, his energy infectious.
Phuwin raised an eyebrow but didn't look up from his phone. Yeah, yeah. Just don't expect me to thank you every time you pass me your stuff, Fourth. I'm already doing better than you in this class, anyway.
Oh, please. Fourth scoffed, turning around to grin at his older brother. You're just upset because I actually know how to talk to the professors and get them to like me.
Talking to professors doesn't count as a strategy. Phuwin said with a smirk. Your strategy is just distracting everyone.
Distracting them into thinking I'm charming. Fourth shot back, poking Phuwin in the side as they both laughed.
But just as Fourth turned back around to continue walking, his shoulder brushed against somethingâor rather, someone.
Bump.
He staggered slightly, taken by surprise, and when he turned around, his eyes widened in quick realization.
Oh, sorry ! He said quickly, his face a little flustered. His tone was warm but apologetic as he took in the girl he had bumped intoâa quiet-looking girl standing just a few feet away, her gaze a little distant, her expression soft yet guarded.
Gia, still feeling a little self-conscious, instinctively took a small step back as the stranger apologized. She hadn't expected anyone to notice her in this sea of students, and certainly not this energetic, slightly disheveled boy.
It's okay. Gia said softly, offering him a small, polite smile. Her voice was barely above a whisper, but it was enough to let him know she wasn't offended.
Fourth blinked, slightly caught off guard by the smile. He grinned, his initial awkwardness melting away as his personality kicked in. I guess we're both a little clumsy this morning. He said, raising his hands in a mock apology. I didn't mean to run into you. I'm Fourth.
Gia nodded, still unsure of how to interact, but willing to give it a try. I'm Gia. She replied, her voice more confident now, though still a little shy.
Phuwin, who had been trailing behind Fourth, finally looked up from his phone when he noticed Fourth talking to someone. He raised an eyebrow, curiosity piqued by the unfamiliar girl.
Hey. Phuwin greeted, his expression friendly but reserved. Phuwin. He added, nodding toward Gia. Second year, business major.
Gia blinked. Oh, I'm... I'm a first-year, business major too. She said, trying to gather her composure.
Fourth's eyes lit up, and his grin widened at the news. No way! We're in the same major ! He clapped his hands together in excitement. That's awesome! Maybe we can study together and become friends. He spoke in an excited tone.
Gia couldn't help but laugh a little at Fourth's infectious enthusiasm. It was a much-needed break from the quiet isolation she had been feeling. I... I think that is a great idea. She said, her tone a little lighter now.
Phuwin chuckled quietly from behind them, watching his younger brother with a mixture of affection and exasperation. You don't give up, do you ? He said, more to himself than to Gia. Then, looking at her, he added. Fourth's a lot more friendly than he looks. Don't worry. He's harmless.
Gia couldn't help but feel a slight warmth in her chest. She had never expected someone to be so eager to befriend her. It was... surprising. But, in a way, it felt nice.
Alright. She said, finally giving in with a small but genuine smile. I guess we'll see. I could use a study buddy. She glanced between the two of them, noticing how they both dressed casuallyâsimple jeans and hoodies, nothing flashy.
No brand names, no designer logos. Just regular clothes. It was almost a relief. She didn't feel like she was being judged by their appearance. They seemed normal....and nice.
Fourth practically bounced on his heels. Yes ! We're going to be great friends! I'll take you to the library later. I know all the best study spots.
Phuwin smiled at her, a little more reserved, but there was an underlying kindness in his eyes. It's good to meet you, Gia. Don't let Fourth overwhelm you.
Gia laughed again, feeling more at ease than she had all morning. I'll try not to.
As the three of them stood there in front of the university gates, the crowd of students buzzing around them, Gia felt a strange sense of belonging that she hadn't expected.
The nervousness that had gripped her heart upon arrival seemed to ease, replaced by a cautious excitement. Maybe, just maybe, this university experience wouldn't be as lonely as she had feared.
Alright. She said, taking a deep breath, I'll see you guys around.
Fourth gave her a thumbs-up as she turned to walk inside the gates. You bet! I'll find you later for our study session, Gia !
Phuwin gave her a final nod. See you in class.
As Gia walked through the gates, the university campus no longer seemed like an overwhelming sea of unfamiliar faces. It felt... a little more like home.
Phuwin, ever the older sibling, gave his younger brother a sidelong glance before sighing. He couldn't help but feel a bit of concern about Fourth's easy, overly friendly demeanor.
Fourth. Phuwin started, his tone both calm and somewhat disapproving. You really need to tone it down with strangers. You're an alpha. Stop being so... overfriendly. You're supposed to act a little intimidating at first. Keep them on edge. That's how it's done.
Fourth, who had been bouncing slightly on his heels as he watched Gia walk away, turned to Phuwin with a lazy grin, clearly unfazed by his brother's words.
What, you mean I should've given her the cold shoulder ? He asked sarcastically. You know, like the way you do with everyone? Yeah, that definitely works for you.
Phuwin's brow furrowed slightly. Don't be smart, Fourth. You're an alpha. You can't just go around acting like everyone's best friend.
Fourth snorted, rolling his eyes as he shoved his hands into his pockets. Well, it's not like I can help it. You, Mark, and Satang took all the major alpha genes. What am I supposed to do with these leftovers ?
Phuwin shot him a glare, but there was a soft edge to his expression as he shook his head.
He didn't have the same fluid charm that Fourth did. Mark and Satang, their older brothers, were all about the assertive, commanding presence that came with being alphas.
They never made small talk with strangers; they let their positions and their dominance speak for themselves. But Fourth, on the other hand... He had a different way of navigating the world.
I'm serious, FotFot. Phuwin said, his voice a little sharper now. People will take advantage of you if they think you're too easy to approach. They're not going to see you as a threat if you keep acting like that. You need to establish your boundaries.
Fourth smiled knowingly, a mischievous glint in his eyes. Oh, I'm fully aware. But what I have that you don't is a perfect blend of both alpha and comforting omega genes. He smirked. Both dad and pops really outdid themselves, didn't they ?
Phuwin's expression tightened, but Fourth could see the small flicker of amusement in his eyes. He couldn't really deny it. Fourth had inherited a unique combination of both alpha strength and the nurturing, approachable energy of an omega.
The other three Jirochtikul brothersâMark, Satang, and Phuwinâhadn't been so fortunate.
They were fully alpha, no softness to balance out the weight of their power, which meant they often had to keep their distance from people, upholding the harsh and untouchable image that came with their status.
Fourth, however, was different. He knew how to walk that fine line between being an approachable, charismatic presence and holding on to the authority that came with being an alpha.
It was something that set him apart, and something Phuwin, despite his own commanding alpha presence, could never truly pull off.
Phuwin's lips quirked upward in a half-smile. Fine. But you'd better start learning to control that 'charming omega' side of you. Not everyone appreciates it.
Fourth chuckled. It's a gift, Phi. One that I'm going to keep using, whether you like it or not.
But then Fourth's tone shifted slightly, more thoughtful now. And besides... Gia. She's different.
Phuwin raised an eyebrow. What do you mean, 'she's different'? She's just another first-year student, Fourth.
Fourth shook his head, his smile fading just a little as he glanced in the direction Gia had gone. No, you're not hearing me. There's something about her. She doesn't have the kind of energy that's easy to ignore. She's... she feels like a pure-blood alpha herself.
Phuwin blinked, his attention fully on his younger brother now. What do you mean ?
Fourth replied, his gaze still thoughtful. There's something about the way she carries herself. It's like... she doesn't need anyone to validate her status. She's already secure in her own skin. That's something only a pure-blood alpha has. Trust me on this.
Phuwin didn't say anything for a moment, his thoughts drifting to Gia. There was something in the way she'd smiled earlierâsomething steady in her eyes that had given him pause.
He hadn't quite been able to place it, but Fourth's words made him reconsider the quiet girl who had seemed so uncertain at first.
Fourth continued, his voice becoming more casual again. And, honestly, I didn't want to start a scene this early in the morning. You know, with a pure-blood alpha, I'm sure she wouldn't have appreciated any aggressive approach after bumping into her. I didn't want to make things uncomfortable on the first day.
Phuwin frowned slightly, his mind still turning. You're telling me that you backed off because you thought she was an alpha? Not because you're just... naturally soft ?
Fourth grinned, his eyes twinkling. Oh, please. I'll let you believe what you want, but I'm not about to pick a fight with someone who has that kind of presence, especially on day one. You can do the intimidating thing. I'll stick with making people feel like they can actually talk to me.
Phuwin gave him an exasperated look, but there was something almost endearing about his younger brother's irrepressible nature. Well, at least you're not completely hopeless.
Thanks. Fourth said with a mock bow, before turning to head toward the university buildings. But, you know, I was right about Gia. She's got the right kind of vibe. I'm definitely going to make her my friend.
Phuwin just shook his head, unable to suppress a smile. You're impossible. The two brothers continued to walk toward their first lecture of the day.
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Double update
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