06

The unknown stalker

Ava's prank was ready. When the professor put on his mic and pressed the button, a burst of colorful water sprayed out, soaking his face in bright hues, with colors running down his cheeks and onto his lips. The class erupted in laughter, and Eunwoo, caught in the colorful mess, was fuming. Ava, watching this, suddenly regretted her prank and tugged her hair in frustration.

"Who did this?" Eunwoo demanded, scanning the classroom with narrowed eyes. "If the culprit doesn't show up in my staff room, I'll find out who you are myself." His tone was sharp, and he stormed out, still wiping his face.

As Eunwoo exited, he passed by Jungkook, who paused, clearly amused at the colorful disaster on the professor's face. Jungkook glanced into the classroom and caught Ava, visibly frustrated, tugging her hair. He smirked, took out his phone, and snapped a quick picture of her before heading off, still smiling.

Ava's POV:

"It's my fault. I should go to the staff room and apologize," Ava mumbled.

"No, you won't!" Camellie interrupted.

"Why not?" Ava asked, confused.

"Because you've already made an enemy of one professor. The last thing you need is to upset another one," Camellie replied. "Don't make things worse for yourself."

"But what if he finds out through the cameras or something?" Ava worried.

"Don't worry, I'll go apologize for you," Camellie sighed. "But Ava, please, don't pull another prank like this. You got us all tangled up in your mess."

"I'm really sorry," Ava said sadly.

"Don't be sad," Camellie comforted. "Just remember this lesson, and let's be careful, okay?"

Ava nodded. "I'll come with you to apologize."

"No, stay here," Camellie insisted. "Alice, you too. This is my mess to handle now."

Camellie entered the staff room and saw Eunwoo sitting at his desk, rummaging through a drawer. She knocked, and he turned, fixing her with a stern look.

"Yes, Miss...?" he asked.

"Camellie," she replied, nerves evident in her voice. "Professor, I'm here to apologize. The prank... that was me. But it wasn't meant for you."

"Oh?" he raised an eyebrow. "If it wasn't for me, who was it meant for?"

Camellie hesitated. "I can't say, but I'm truly sorry."

Eunwoo crossed his arms. "It's childish behavior, Miss Camellie, and not acceptable for any reason."

"Yes, and I apologize sincerely," she replied. "I understand now."

"Good. Make sure it doesn't happen again," he said, his tone still firm.

As Camellie turned to leave, he added, "And one more thing, Miss Camellie... don't lie to your teachers. You're not very good at it-I could tell right away that it wasn't you. The cameras showed everything."

Camellie went pale and couldn't respond.

Just then, Ava and Alice entered. Ava stepped forward and said, "Professor, I'm the one responsible. Camellie was only trying to help me. Please, don't punish her."

Eunwoo looked at the two friends with a faint smile. "I admire the loyalty, but no more pranks, understood?"

The girls nodded, and he dismissed them.

Back in the hall:

"Oof, finally, that's over," Ava sighed in relief.

"Why did you both come in? I told you to wait outside," Camellie scolded.

"How could we?" Alice said. "You were taking the blame for something I did."

"Oh, my brave friends," Ava teased.

This version should make it a bit clearer and gives some flow to the interactions.

Ava grumbled, "I won't let that guy get away with this...that sneaky professor. I mean, look at Professor Eun and compare him-they're so different! But that other one...no way am I letting him off easily."

"Ava, enough," Alice sighed. "Just forget it and enjoy college life, okay?"

"Oh, leave her, Alice," Camellie laughed. "So, Ava, want to hang out with us later?"

Ava turned to face them, walking backward as she replied, "I'll let you know, but I have so much work right now."

Alice and Camellie exchanged glances and burst into laughter.

"Ava, and work?" Camellie teased. "Those words don't even go together."

"Very funny," Ava huffed. "Just wait and watch! I'll study hard and reach my goal."

"Ava, be careful! Walk straight!" Alice warned, amused.

"No way, this is fun! I can even do a little spin-see?" Ava swung herself around, only to collide with someone.

Hit!

She stumbled back, and Alice called out, "Ava, are you okay?"

Ava looked up and saw a boy standing there, seemingly surprised. He was holding something, clearly taken aback by the sudden impact.

"I'm so sorry," he began, looking concerned. "I should've been watching where I was going."

"No, no, it's my fault!" Ava said, brushing herself off. "I wasn't paying attention."

The boy paused, focusing intently on her face. "Wait a minute-you're that girl from the club! The one who stood up for herself? That was...incredible. I didn't expect to run into you here."

Ava blinked, surprised. "Oh...thanks?"

He grinned, extending his hand toward her. "I'm Cheng. Nice to finally meet you properly."

Ava smiled, shaking his hand as Alice and Camellie looked on in surprise.

Oh...really, thanks...and hi, C...Cheng," Ava replied, hesitating but not shaking his hand.

"Okay, I'm leaving. Thanks for the compliment," she said quickly, then turned and walked off with Alice and Camellie.

As they walked away, Alice whispered, "He's handsome, don't you think?"

"So what?" Ava shrugged.

"Oh, look at you, Miss Popular!" Camellie teased. "Ava's getting recognized now."

Ava rolled her eyes. "Please, it was just a coincidence that he was there, nothing else."

They reached their classroom and were surprised to see the same boy already sitting inside.

"What is he doing here?" Ava whispered.

"Maybe he's a new student?" Camellie guessed.

Ava sighed. "Whatever. I just want to get through the day and go home. I'm so ready to sleep."

"Just two more periods, then you're free to head home and sleep as much as you want," Camellie reassured her.

"Yeah, I'll make it," Ava replied, smiling.

After their classes, Ava walked along her usual route home, but she couldn't shake the feeling that someone was following her. It had been like this for the past couple of days, and each time she felt that unsettling presence, she'd pick up her pace. Today, she decided to lose her shadow by taking a shortcut only she knew.

Once home, she headed straight for the kitchen, her stomach growling. She opened the fridge, her face lighting up at the sight of a chocolate cake. Grinning, she took it out, savoring a small taste.

"I'll eat this properly after a nice shower," she said to herself, leaving the cake on the table as she went to the bathroom.

After her showe

r, she walked back, already picturing that first delicious bite-but as she stepped into the kitchen, she froze.

The cake was gone.

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