A New Beginning
The sky today feels different... unusually clear, as if every trace of dust has been gently washed away overnight. A deep, endless blue stretches above, glowing softly under the warm sunlight. The sunlight itself doesn’t feel harsh today — it feels calm, almost comforting, like it is touching the world with care instead of heat.
A light breeze moves through the air, soft and refreshing, as if it has come only to ease restless hearts. Everything feels quieter than usual, even without the world actually slowing down.
It feels like something is about to change.
Like life itself has paused for a moment... just long enough to turn a page.
There is a strange feeling in the air — not loud enough to be named, not faint enough to ignore. Just a quiet sense of something new beginning, something unseen but deeply felt.
And maybe it is just another ordinary morning...
Or maybe, for the very first time, life is finally looking his way. It is Joe’s first day of college.
The crowded hallways, unfamiliar voices, and constant noise around him feel overwhelming in a way he cannot explain. Joe has never been good with people. He dislikes crowds, unnecessary conversations, and places where he has to pretend he belongs.
Ever since his parents died, his life has changed completely.
He has moved to another city with his uncle, aunt, and younger stepbrother. From the outside, his new life looks perfectly normal. A good home. A respected family. A quiet student with excellent grades.
But appearances are often misleading.
Joe stands silently beside his uncle and aunt as they complete the admission formalities in the principal’s office. His academic records are impressive — trophies, scholarships, and awards from his previous school. Teachers admire him instantly.
Still, none of it makes him feel less alone.
As class begins, students slowly settle into their seats. A few minutes later, the classroom door opens again, and the teacher walks in with Joe standing quietly beside her.
“Good morning, Miss!” the class greets her together.
“Good morning, students,” she smiles before looking toward Joe. “Today, we have a new student joining us. This is Joe. Everyone, say hello.”
“Hello, Joe!”
Joe gives a small, awkward wave, avoiding direct eye contact.
The teacher looks around the room. “Who would like him to sit with them?”
A boy immediately raises his hand.
“He can sit with me, ma’am. I sit alone anyway.”
That is Sunny.
Well-dressed, calm, and surprisingly gentle, Sunny comes from a wealthy family, but unlike most rich students, he never acts arrogant. There is a quiet maturity in him that people trust easily.
“Alright then,” the teacher nods. “Joe, you can sit with Sunny.”
Joe hesitates for a second before walking toward the empty seat beside him.
“Hi,” Sunny smiles warmly, offering his hand.
Joe blinks slightly before shaking it carefully. “Hi...”
It is a small interaction, but somehow, it makes Joe feel slightly less nervous.
The class continues normally until nearly an hour later, when the classroom door suddenly bursts open.
“SUNNYYYYY!”
A loud voice echoes across the room.
Sunny closes his eyes for a second as if already exhausted.
“What now?” he sighs.
The boy grins shamelessly before dropping into the chair nearby.
That is Ray.
Loud, reckless, playful, and impossible to control.
“You’re my best friend, Sunny,” Ray says dramatically, throwing an arm around his shoulder. “You should miss me when I’m gone.” Sunny rolls his eyes. “You only remember me when you need money.” Joe watches the interaction quietly from beside them.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the campus, Surya is effortlessly becoming the centre of attention like always.
Confident, smart, and naturally charming, Surya has the kind of personality that pulls people toward him without trying. Whether it is basketball practice, class discussions, or casual conversations, he somehow manages to make everyone around him comfortable.
Ray wants to celebrate winning the match, so they decide to go out with friends at a club near downtown. By evening, Sunny heads toward his piano practice room while packing his bag.
Before leaving, he glances at Joe. “I can drop you off at home if you want.” Joe looks hesitant for a moment before asking softly, “Can I come with you instead?” Sunny blinks. “To the piano class?” Joe nods carefully. “If you don’t mind...”
For the first time that day, Sunny smiles genuinely. “Of course. Come with me.” On the other hand, in the club, music blasts loudly through the room while drinks cover almost every table. Ray, already slightly drunk, laughs carelessly while flirting with a girl beside him.
Meanwhile, Surya sits beside his childhood friend Anny, who has clearly drunk far more than she can handle.
Anny likes Surya. Everyone around them knows it.
Except Surya himself. To him, she is simply someone precious from his childhood.
Hours later, after realizing both Ray and Anny are completely drunk, they danced on the floor, Surya can’t handle both of them. Anny tries to come closer to Surya, but he refuses and tries to control her.
Surya finally calls Sunny. “Hello?” Sunny answers.
“Sunny, please don’t panic,” Surya says immediately. “Everything is fine... mostly. But I need your help.”
Sunny instantly straightens. “What happened?”
“The party is over, and I seriously cannot handle both Ray and Anny alone. Can you come pick Ray up? I’ll send you the address.”
Sunny sighs softly. “Fine. Stay there. I’m coming.” As he grabs his car keys, he looks toward Joe.
“You can wait here if you want. I won’t take long.”
Joe immediately shakes his head.
“Can I come with you?”
Sunny notices the nervousness hidden behind his quiet voice.
“...I don’t really like being alone.”
Something softens in Sunny’s expression.
“Alright,” he smiles. “Come on then.”
The Royal Club is louder than Joe expects.
The flashing lights, alcohol, and crowded atmosphere make him uncomfortable almost instantly.
Near the entrance, Surya stands while trying to keep Anny from falling over.
“Finally,” he exhales when he sees Sunny. “Please help me find Ray before he disappears somewhere.”
Sunny frowns. “Where did you last see him?”
“With some girl.”
That single sentence is enough to make Sunny’s chest tighten painfully.
Without wasting another second, he moves toward the club’s deeper side.
And there he is, Ray. Standing dangerously close to a girl.
Their faces inches apart.
Just before their lips can meet, someone suddenly grabs Ray’s wrist and pulls him backward.
“Let’s go.” Ray blinks lazily before breaking into a grin.
“Sunnyyyyy...”
His voice drags dramatically as he leans against him.
“You came.”
Sunny tries not to react when Ray gently pinches his cheek with drunken affection.
“You’re so cute,” Ray mumbles. “But I still wanna drink more.”
He can barely stand properly.
Sunny tightens his grip around Ray’s waist before sighing softly.
“No more drinking tonight.”
But Ray only laughs before suddenly kissing Sunny’s cheek without thinking.
For a moment, Sunny completely freezes. His heartbeat becomes unbearable.
Still, he forces himself to stay calm.
Because Ray doesn’t understand what he is doing.
And Sunny knows better than to expect feelings Ray isn’t ready to give.
Actually, Sunny secretly likes Ray far more than a friend should.
And Ray has absolutely no idea.
A strange warmth spread through his chest, making his heartbeat completely lose rhythm. He quickly looked away, trying hard to control himself before Ray noticed anything.
“Stop being difficult,” Sunny muttered quietly, trying to drag him outside despite the chaos Ray was creating.
To be Continued...
Thank you so much for reading my story! 😊❤️If you enjoyed this chapter, please vote and leave a comment. Your support and feedback mean a lot to me!
See you in the next chapter! 🥰✨
