Walking through the pathway, Ren still heard whispers and gossip about him. It seemed like he became famous overnight—in the wrong way.
Ren had to admit he didn't understand why it was a big deal. It was only the second day of class. Most students didn't even know his name yesterday, and yet today people watched him like he was a rumor with legs. Eyes followed him between trees, across the lawn, up the stairs. Laughter lowered whenever he passed, then rose again the moment he moved on.
He didn't know his photo had gone viral. In the past, Ren lacked the confidence and calm he had now. He kept his head down and tried to disappear. But in this timeline, even a candid shot of him carried a cool, distant air—an indifference that drew attention instead of pushing it away.
There were other handsome guys on that page, sure, but something about Ren made people pause. His posture. His quiet focus. Compared to him, the others seemed like boys playing at charm.
