*Nine Years Ago* 

Even though it was dark on campus, the grand library halls of the Ivy League University retained its majestic wonder. It seemed to be everyone’s favorite place. 

Somehow it was still filled with students, their faces buried in books or typing away on computers. The smell of aged parchment mixed with students who probably hadn’t seen the sunlight or showered in days. Mid terms were closing in on them. This would make or break a lot of students. 

Lexi sat across from Hana. They had been friends since they were kids. They grew up under a microscope because they were the children of owners of the top 1% of the richest companies in the world. 

Usually they’d have a refined and distinguished look about them but at this moment, Hana and Lexi didn’t look so formal and proper. Hana’s head practically face-planted in a dense textbook as she studied for Abstract Algebra. While Lexi was focused on Quantum Mechanics. In order for them to maintain being top of the class, they couldn’t afford to slack off. 

Lexi tapped her pencil against the table, “I’m prepared to die in this library but not before I ace this midterm.”

Hana groaned, lifting her head slightly, “Speak for yourself. I for one will be reborn as a successful CEO. You? A ghost haunting this library for all eternity. You might be number one right now, but I plan to take that spot.”

Lexi gasped, “How dare you?! You think I’d actually let that happen? No way. I will maintain my status no matter what!”

Hana laughed, “Then what’s your plan, oh wise one?” 

Lucky for them, they had maintained their strong friendship in spite of their rivalry to be valedictorian. Lexi and Hana were inseparable. 

“I need more brain fuel if I’m going to survive this all-nighter, or is it 2 all nighters in a row now?” Lexi said unsure from the lack of sleep.

Hana eyed her with skepticism, “Coffee alone won’t save you.”

“Coffee and snacks. I’m not an amateur,” Lexi said as she grabbed her wallet. “I’ll be back before you can make sense of that equation.”

Lexi made her way to the small coffee shop down the street. It was considered a warm haven from the harsh cold outside. It was also one of the only coffee shops open this late. They knew many college students had midterms coming up. As she entered, the scent of roasted beans and caramel syrup filled the air as the baristas moved swiftly behind the counter. She loved the smell of fresh coffee grounds. 

This is heaven!

Lexi stood in line, rubbing her tired eyes, trying to figure out what she wanted. She needed caffeine in her system immediately, or else she might pass out mid-study session. Finally, she ordered two large coffees and grabbed some pastries from the counter. 

Hopefully this is enough to last us. 

She turned to leave but was met by someone’s elbow. One of the cups tumbled from her hands, the lid popping off as coffee splashed onto the floor.

Lexi tried to catch it but failed miserably. Luckily, it didn’t get on her. She went to inspect the other person to make sure they weren’t burned.

“Oh my goodness, I am so sorry—”

“No harm done,” a smooth voice replied.

She looked up and saw a gorgeous man before her.

He was tall and his blonde hair styled effortlessly. 

How can anyone look this good so late at night?

“I should’ve been paying attention,” he said, kneeling to pick up the fallen cup. He set it aside as his sharp green eyes lit up at her. “How about I buy you another one?”

Lexi pushed her curls out of her face to see him more clearly. This was unexpected. “Oh, that’s okay, I should've –”

“No, no, I insist.” He gave her a charming smile, pulling out his wallet. “I can’t have a beautiful woman walking away with only one coffee.”

Lexi raised an eyebrow. Oh, he was smooth.

She hesitated, then sighed, “Fine, I appreciate the offer, but only because it's for my best friend who will kill me if I show up with just one.”

As they waited for the replacement, he leaned against the counter, lowering himself to her eye level. “So, best friend not boyfriend right?”

“Yes. Best friend, not boyfriend,” she laughed awkwardly.

“That's good to hear. Do I at least get a name with that coffee?”

Her face flushed, before nervously saying, “Lexi.”

“Lexi…” he repeated slowly, like he was savoring it. “Beautiful name. I’m Thomas.”

She couldn’t stop staring. What had gotten into her.

Lexi held up her phone, “Well, Thomas, I feel like I should return the favor. Give me your number. I’ll buy you a coffee next time.”

He chuckled, almost shocked that she had asked first, “I like that. Bold.”

He took her phone, quickly typing his number in. As he handed it back, he gave her one last, devastatingly attractive smile. One that would make a woman weak in the knees. 

“See you around, Lexi.”