Chapter 1- the first day
The sun hung low over the sprawling campus, golden rays reflecting off the tall glass windows of the auditorium. Lila Hart stood at the edge of the courtyard, her backpack snug over her shoulder, and took a deep breath. Her stomach fluttered — equal parts excitement and nerves.
She had imagined college for years: the bustling hallways, the freedom, the chance to meet new people. But now that she was here, the reality felt bigger, louder… and somehow, lonelier.
“Hey!” A cheerful voice pulled her from her thoughts.
Lila turned to see a girl with wavy chestnut hair and a bright smile waving at her.
“You’re new, right?” the girl asked.
“Yes… I’m Lila,” she replied, smiling nervously.
“I’m Ella! Don’t worry, you’ll love it here. The cafeteria has the best sandwiches, and trust me, you’ll need those. Orientation sessions are… long,” she said, giggling.
Lila laughed softly. “Thanks. I’m still trying to figure out where everything is.”
“Well, stick with me. I’ll show you the shortcuts — campus life is all about knowing the right corners,” Ella said, linking her arm with Lila’s.
The two walked together toward the auditorium, passing groups of chattering students. Lila tried to memorize the paths, the faces, the little details — the red brick walls, the fountain near the library, the smell of freshly mowed grass. Everything felt new, alive.
---
Inside the auditorium, Lila scanned for an empty seat. Most were taken, but near the center, a space beside a girl with sparkling hazel eyes was open.
“Hi! I’m Sofia,” the girl said, smiling warmly. “Looks like we get to sit together.”
“I’m Lila. Nice to meet you,” she replied, relief washing over her.
Soon, Ella introduced her to Maya, a confident girl with a mischievous smile and eyes that seemed to know too much about everyone already. Maya gave a playful nod. “So, you’re the new girl everyone’s whispering about, huh?”
Lila blinked. “Whispering…?”
“You’ll see,” Maya said mysteriously, then laughed.
---
The auditorium lights dimmed, and a long orientation session began. Lila tried to focus, but her attention kept wandering. That’s when she saw him.
A tall figure leaned casually against the back wall, wearing a simple black mask. Most of his face was hidden, but his eyes… those eyes caught hers. Sharp, intense, and impossibly soft all at once.
Her heart skipped a beat.
Who is he? Why does it feel like he’s looking straight at me?
She blinked, and he was gone, swallowed by the crowd of students leaving the hall. Lila shook her head. It’s probably nothing… just my imagination.
---
After the session, the girls walked to the cafeteria. Lila found herself laughing more freely than she had in months, swapping stories about high school, favorite music, and even embarrassing family moments.
Later, while sipping her iced coffee, Ella nudged her.
“See? Not so scary. You’re already part of our little gang,” she said.
“Yeah… I think I am,” Lila admitted, smiling.
---
By the end of the day, Lila felt exhausted but strangely at peace. She had new friends, a campus to explore, and even a mystery in the form of the masked guy whose gaze lingered in her mind.
And as she walked back to her dorm, she found herself glancing over her shoulder, half-expecting to see him again.
