The bookbag bounced on Steph's back as she jogged up the hill toward the science building. She wasn't the only one. A healthy smattering of students chugged up the incline in competition with the clock.
"First day. I can't be late," Steph mumbled.
She hefted the bag's strap higher on her shoulder. With a groan, she stopped to pull a lock of long brown hair out from under the strap. "I swear, I'm going to cut it off." She swept the hair into a ponytail and twisted the scrunchy she had on her wrist around the hair.
"I wouldn't if I were you."
Startled, Steph turned around, four sure she knew that voice. She squinted against the morning sun that haloed a tall, slender man with broad shoulders. With a couple of blinks, her eyes teared up. The man raised a hand and shaded her eyes as he took her arm and turned her from the sun.
Steph's eyes widened, as did her smile. "Hong Gi! What are you doing here?"
