Chapter 2

2

Summer's face went from pale to blue to white. Under the watchful eyes of the dorm, she had no choice but to take the oil.

I saw her hands shaking as she scrubbed her face.

That afternoon, under the scorching sun, Summer's fair skin turned several shades darker and angry red.

She didn't say another word about my sunscreen for the rest of the week.

By the end of orientation, because I was diligent with my skincare, my skin actually looked clearer and brighter than before.

I remembered how in high school, every time I wanted to try a beauty product, Summer would stop me.

"Daisy, we should focus on our studies. Beauty is a distraction."

Then she would put her soft, white hand next to mine.

"Skin quality is just genetic. Look at me, I don't use anything, and I'm still this pale."

Looking at her, I always felt like a clumsy, ugly duckling.

It wasn't until graduation day that a tube of expensive brightening cream fell out of her pillowcase.

I realized then that she had been using premium products in secret for years.

She also did little things to stand out while keeping me plain.

She'd subtly curl her bangs, hem her skirt to show off her legs, and wear colored contact lenses.

She always stayed glued to my side so my plainness would make her look like a goddess.

I was so grateful that such a pretty girl wanted to be friends with a dork like me.

My grades were always good, and I got into Northpoint University, a top-tier school.

Originally, I could have gone to an even better Ivy-league level school, but Summer talked me out of it.

"You're so gullible, Daisy. People at those elite schools are sharks. They'll bully you."

"Stay here at Northpoint with me. I'll protect you."

And so, we ended up in the same major.

After orientation, the auditions for the Freshman Gala host began.

The day before the sign-ups closed, my roommates suddenly started panicking.

"When did the auditions start? Why didn't we know?"

Summer slapped her forehead. "Oh my god! The advisor sent the notice to me, and I totally forgot to post it in the group chat!"

Summer had volunteered to be the floor rep as soon as we moved in.

She opened her laptop. "If anyone wants to try out, I can help you prepare tonight!"

But there was only one night left. It was impossible to prepare a proper routine.

The other girls felt awkward complaining since she offered to help, so they just gave up.

In the end, only Summer and I went to the auditions.

The process was simple: a short prepared speech on stage.

Summer had dressed up beautifully and clearly practiced. I had seen her script on her desk days ago.

When it was my turn, I took a deep breath and stepped onto the stage.

"Good evening, everyone. Tonight's gala isn't just a party; it's a bridge for us to connect."

"We want to create a space where every freshman feels at home. A place to release your energy and show your true selves..."

In my past life, I had practiced public speaking in secret to try and win back some confidence.

Now, my words were filled with genuine emotion and power.

As we waited for the results, girls around us started whispering.

"You were amazing, and you're so pretty! You've definitely got this."

Summer tossed her long hair casually. "Oh, I just came to support my friend, really."

Just then, the professor opened the door.

"Daisy Miller? Please come inside."

Summer froze. "Professor, there must be a mistake. I'm Summer. She's Daisy."

The professor looked past Summer in her fancy dress and focused on me.

"No mistake. Daisy, come with me."

He gave Summer a meaningful look.

"When we choose a host, we look for more than just a pretty face."

Summer's face turned a deep, humiliated crimson.

To celebrate my selection, my roommates insisted on going out for Korean BBQ. Summer tagged along.

The moment we sat down, she started ordering the fattest cuts of pork belly.

"You guys have no idea, Daisy lives for this fatty stuff!"

Actually, I didn't even like greasy food or sweets that much.

But since high school, Summer always used the excuse of "saving money" to push her leftovers on me.

The extra frosting from her cakes, the greasy skin from her fried chicken, her unfinished chips.