Chapter 67
336 Words
Alice’s POV
I didn’t mean to care.
Really—I had too much to focus on. Classes were starting in two days, my scholarship orientation had a packed schedule, and I still hadn’t figured out the weird heater in my room.
But “The Phantom” kept coming up.
In the dining hall, in the library, even while walking back to my dorm—whispers followed:
“He showed up in a black car. Tinted windows.”
“Did you see the watch he wore? That thing costs more than my rent for a year.”
“I heard he doesn’t even live on campus—some mansion up the road.”
It was ridiculous.
Some rich, probably arrogant guy keeping everyone talking just by *existing.*
But still… I caught myself wondering.
Who was he really?
At lunch, my roommate, Callie, leaned toward me over her salad. “You haven’t heard? There’s a bet going on—first person to get a selfie with *The Phantom* wins free coffee for the semester.”
I raised a brow. “People bet on *that*?”
She grinned. “He’s like a walking mystery. And honestly… I bet he’s not even that impressive. Just rich.”
I gave a short laugh. “You’re probably right.”
Still… part of me was curious. Not because he was rich. Not because of the gossip.
Because deep down, I wondered if people like *him* ever felt lonely too.
The ones with everything.
Maybe that’s why I caught myself scanning the crowd sometimes.
Not looking for *The Phantom,* I told myself.
Just… being aware.
After dinner, I sat under a tree on the main lawn with my journal. The breeze was soft, and campus was calm. I liked moments like this. Where it felt like I could breathe.
Suddenly, a sleek black car drove slowly past the campus gates. Heads turned. Whispers rose.
I glanced up.
Tinted windows.
It could’ve been anyone.
But something in my chest shifted.
And I didn’t know why.
- Writer
