The morning sunlight spilled gently through Aria's window, dancing across her desk where her books and laptop lay open. She stretched, feeling the soft breeze from the half-open window brushing against her face. Today wasn't just another day—it was the day she and Ethan had been waiting for: university admission day.
Downstairs, her mother was preparing breakfast while humming softly, and the faint aroma of pancakes filled the air. Aria got ready quickly, her heart fluttering with excitement and a hint of nervousness. She wore a light blue shirt and tied her hair neatly before heading out.
When she stepped outside, Ethan was already waiting at the gate, leaning against his bike, his usual confident smile lighting up his face. "Morning, sleepyhead," he greeted teasingly.
"Morning, Mr. Early Bird," she replied, grinning. "Ready to fill the forms?"
"Been ready since last night," he said, holding up his phone. "Let's make it official—college life, here we come."
They both sat together on a bench near the garden, laptops open, the soft rustle of leaves around them. Ethan scrolled through the university's website while Aria read the details carefully beside him.
"So… you really want to choose the same university as me?" Ethan asked playfully, peeking at her screen.
Aria rolled her eyes. "Don't flatter yourself. It's one of the top ones—and they have the best literature and business programs."
"Right," Ethan said, smirking. "Just a coincidence then."
"Completely," she replied, pretending to ignore the smile tugging at her lips.
They went through the admission form step by step, typing in their details, uploading documents, and selecting their courses. Aria focused on English Literature, while Ethan chose Business Administration. Between filling out the forms, Ethan occasionally made silly comments like "Are you sure you remember your date of birth?" or "You'll miss me too much if we're in different buildings."
Aria shot him playful glares, but she couldn't hide her laughter. "Focus, Ethan. You'll end up typing my name in your form if you keep distracting me."
"Not a bad idea," he said under his breath, just loud enough for her to hear. She blushed and nudged his arm, rolling her eyes again to hide her smile.
After a few minutes of final checks, Aria clicked the "Submit" button and exhaled deeply. "Done."
Ethan clicked his own submit button almost at the same moment. "And done. Look at that—partners in crime even in college admission."
They exchanged a quick high-five, both feeling a wave of excitement. The realization hit them—they were officially moving toward the next phase of life, together.
---
The next few days passed in a blur of happiness and nostalgia. They spent hours together, reminiscing about school days, visiting their favorite spots around the neighborhood, and talking about the future. Sometimes, they'd sit by the park bench late into the evening, imagining what university would be like.
"Do you think it'll be very different from high school?" Aria asked one evening as they watched the sunset.
"Probably," Ethan replied. "Bigger campus, new people, more freedom… and harder classes."
Aria sighed softly. "Sounds exciting and scary at the same time."
He turned to her and smiled. "Don't worry. We'll handle it like we always do—together."
Aria smiled back. "You always know what to say."
The week flew by quickly, and soon, the day of departure arrived. Their parents helped pack their bags, giving endless advice about studying hard, eating on time, and calling home regularly. Ethan came early that morning to help Aria with her luggage.
"You sure you packed everything?" he asked, lifting her suitcase effortlessly.
"Yes, Mr. Helper," she said, laughing. "You don't need to do everything."
He grinned. "Of course I do. What kind of boyfriend would I be if I didn't?"
Her cheeks warmed instantly, but she smiled shyly, not saying anything.
---
After a few hours' drive, the campus finally came into view — grand gates, wide lawns, and tall buildings with banners welcoming new students. Students were moving everywhere, chatting excitedly, pulling suitcases, and taking photos with their parents.
Aria looked around in awe. "It's… so big."
Ethan chuckled. "Feels like a whole city, doesn't it?"
They parked and collected their belongings. Ethan immediately started helping her carry her suitcase toward the dormitory building. On the way, they passed through the bustling courtyard, where students were introducing themselves and exchanging numbers.
"This is your dorm," Ethan said as they reached a building with soft cream-colored walls and flowerbeds near the entrance. "Girls' block. Room 104, right?"
"Yeah," she said, checking the note on her phone. "You didn't have to come all the way here."
"Of course I did," he replied, rolling his eyes dramatically. "You think I'd let you wander around here alone?"
They both entered the dormitory. Inside, the halls smelled faintly of lavender, and the sound of laughter echoed through the corridors. They found Aria's room — a cozy little space with two beds, two desks, and a window overlooking the courtyard. On one bed sat a girl unpacking her things. She looked up and smiled warmly.
"Hi! You must be Aria, right? I'm Rachel, your roommate."
"Yes, hi!" Aria smiled back, relieved by her friendly nature. "Nice to meet you."
Rachel waved at Ethan. "And you are?"
"Ethan," he said with a polite nod. "Aria's—uh—friend." He caught Aria's warning look and quickly added, "Childhood friend."
Rachel grinned knowingly. "Oh, I see."
Ethan helped Aria place her luggage near her bed, and as she started arranging her things, he leaned against the wall, watching her quietly. It was strange — leaving her here for the first time. They had been inseparable for so long that even a little distance felt too big.
After a few minutes, Aria turned to him. "You should probably go check your dorm too. It's getting late."
He hesitated. "Yeah, I guess. You'll be fine?"
She smiled softly. "I will. Go make some friends too, Mr. Overprotective."
He smirked. "Fine. But I'm coming to check on you later."
She rolled her eyes playfully. "Sure you will."
Ethan left reluctantly, glancing back once before turning the corner. Aria watched him go, a small ache settling in her chest. It was the first time they were officially apart in years.
---
Meanwhile, Ethan found his own dorm — a louder, more chaotic building filled with boys laughing and shouting across the halls. His room was near the end of the corridor. Inside, his roommate was already unpacking — tall, slightly messy-haired, and wearing glasses.
"Hey man," the guy said, offering a handshake. "I'm Liam."
"Ethan," he replied, shaking his hand. "Nice to meet you."
Liam grinned. "Same here. You into basketball? There's a court behind the dorm."
"Definitely," Ethan said, smiling. "I used to play a lot in high school."
"Perfect," Liam said, clapping him on the shoulder. "We're gonna get along great."
Ethan laughed lightly, already liking his new roommate. As they talked about classes and hobbies, Ethan's mind drifted for a moment—wondering how Aria was settling in.
---
Later that evening, when Aria finally finished unpacking, Rachel invited her to join some other girls for dinner in the cafeteria. Aria agreed, trying to adapt to this new environment. The cafeteria buzzed with energy, full of new faces and voices. Somewhere across the hall, she spotted Ethan sitting with Liam and a few others. Their eyes met for a brief second, and he smiled faintly, lifting his hand slightly. She smiled back before returning to her table.
That night, after returning to her dorm room, she texted him:
> Aria: So… how's your new roommate?
Ethan: Loud, funny, and apparently a basketball addict. You?
Aria: Sweet and very organized. She helped me unpack.
Ethan: Good. At least I don't have to worry every minute.
Aria: You still will.
Ethan: True. Sleep well, Aria.
Aria: You too, Ethan.
Aria smiled at her screen, lying on her bed. It wasn't the same as being together all day, but somehow, it felt peaceful — like they were still connected despite the distance.
That night, as both of them drifted to sleep in their separate dorms, the same thought crossed their minds:
A new beginning, but still together.