Chapter 1 That girl who was late
"You'll be late on your first day!"
My mother voice echoed through the house as I struggled to zip my suitcase
"I'm coming!" I shouted back, stuffing the last few notebooks into my backpack.
Today was the beginning of a new chapter of my life.
St. Victoria University
The place I dreamed about since secondary school
My stomach was a mixture of excitement and nervousness as my dad drove through the massive university gate. Students were everywhere, some taking selfies, others dragging suitcases across campus, and a few parents trying not to cry as they hugged their children goodbye
"This is it", my dad said with a smile.
I nodded, trying to hide how overwhelmed I felt.
After saying my goodbyes, I made my way towards the female hostel, silently praying I wouldn't get lost.
Five minutes later....
I was completely lost.
"Great", I muttered, staring at three different pathways. I've been here for less than ten minutes".
Just then, a cheerful voice interrupted my panic.
"You look like someone who's regretting this school already."
I turned around.
A girl with a curly hair and the brightest smile I'd ever seen stood behind me, holding two cups of iced coffee.
"I'm Zara."
I smiled.
"I'm Maya."
"Fresher?"
"Is it that obvious?"
"You've been staring at that signboard for almost three minutes."
I burst into laughter.
"Come on," she said. "I'm heading to the hostel too."
By the time we reached our rooms, we'd already exchanged life stories, favourite foods, embarrassing childhood memories, and somehow decided we were officially best friends.
University suddenly didn't feel so scary anymore.
...
Two days later...
The lecture theatre was packed.
Students squeezed into every available seat while the lecturer tried unsuccessfully to quiet everyone down.
"Excuse me!"
I whispered as I carefully made my way through the crowded row.
"Sorry."
"My bad."
"Sorry again."
Then it happened.
My notebook slipped from my hands.
Pages scattered everywhere.
Before I could pick them up, someone stepped on one of them.
I looked up, annoyed.
He looked down at me.
Dark eyes, expressionless face.
Black hoodie.
The entire room fell strangely quiet.
Without saying a word, he bent down, picked up my notebook, dusted it off, and placed it gently on my desk.
Our finger brushed for the briefest moment
"Thanks," I said softly
He didn't answer.
He simply walked past me and took the seat at the back of the class.
"Do you know who that is?"
I shook my head.
"That's Ethan knight." She whispered
"The Ethan?"
She nodded.
"The one that nobody talks to."
I glanced towards the back of the room.
He was already focused on his notes, completely ignoring the whispers around him.
For someone everyone described as cold...
That's surprising kind.
