Nia’s Point of View:

Walking into my house, I couldn’t help but smile to myself, thinking about Snow. There was something refreshing about her—how she seemed unsure but still willing to try, and how easily she’d giggled when I teased Troy. She was new, but she didn’t have the fake, guarded energy that a lot of people in this college carried.

As I slipped off my shoes by the door, a voice interrupted my thoughts.

“What’s got you all smiling?”

I looked up, and there he was—my brother, Kingston Grey, leaning casually against the staircase railing with that ever-present smirk on his face. His piercing blue eyes were trained on me, sharp and calculating, like he was always one step ahead of the world.

“Nothing,” I said quickly, brushing past him with a sigh.

He straightened, watching me as I walked. “You’ve got a terrible poker face, Nia.”

I ignored him, heading toward the kitchen.

The truth was, I didn’t have the best relationship with Kingston. He was always busy with his business—and by business, I meant being a Mafia leader. He liked to act like he was in control of everything, but to me, it just felt like he didn’t care enough about the people around him.

“Alright, see you later,” he called after me as he headed upstairs.

“Like always,” I muttered under my breath, shaking my head.

It wasn’t like I hated him—he was still my brother. But sometimes I wished he could just be normal for a second. I’d spent years watching him prioritize his empire over family, and I couldn’t help but feel a little resentful.

I let out a long breath, trying to push the frustration away. My thoughts drifted back to Snow, and I suddenly realized something: I hadn’t taken her number.

“Damn it,” I mumbled, slapping my forehead. My first actual female friend in ages, and I hadn’t thought to ask for her contact info.

As I headed upstairs to my room, a thought crossed my mind. “I wonder if she likes anime.”

I laughed softly to myself, imagining her reaction if I asked. Something told me she might, but there was only one way to find out.

“I’ll just ask her tomorrow,” I decided, already looking forward to seeing her again.

Once I got to my room, I tossed my bag onto the chair and made my way to the bathroom, the sound of running water helping to clear my mind. Snow had been a bright spot in my day, and I had a feeling she might be someone who’d stick around for a while.