Alisha POV
"I feel really anxious. My first day at the University. New friends, new classes, new roommates… new everything. Honestly, how am I even going to survive this?" I muttered to myself, tugging nervously at the strap of my backpack.
My heart was doing somersaults in my chest, my hands were shaking, and I couldn't tell if my lips were trembling from excitement or fear.
The University of Michigan campus looked huge, overwhelming, and… well, honestly, a little intimidating.
Students were rushing past me in every direction, backpacks slung carelessly, coffee cups in hand, laughing and talking like they'd been doing this for years. And here I was—Ali, first-year, completely on my own—trying not to trip over my own suitcase.
Okay, Ali, I whispered, just breathe. You can do this. New beginning. New life. Just… survive today.
Finally, I reached the apartment. My new home away from home. My fingers fumbled through my bag for the key as my eyes darted nervously to the door, imagining what my roommate might be like.
Would she be nice? Mean? A crazy baddie who throws parties every night? Please not that last one, I begged silently.
Sliding the key in, I pushed the door open slowly.
And immediately froze.
A girl with pearl-like skin and a face that screamed "baddie vibes" was sitting on the couch, completely locked in a make-out session with a handsome guy. My jaw dropped. Well… interesting, I thought. Not my type at all, but… interesting.
The girl noticed me staring and pulled back, cheeks slightly pink. "Oh! Hi! Rommie! Sorry about the mess—we weren't expecting you until tomorrow. I'm Mandy, and this is Joe, my boyfriend."
Her smile was… ridiculously captivating, the kind of smile that could make anyone instantly feel like they'd known her forever.
I straightened, forcing a polite smile. "I'm Alisha… but Ali is fine. And it's okay—I wasn't supposed to come until tomorrow. Just wanted to settle my things early."
Joe, quiet and polite, slipped on his shirt and extended his hand. "Nice to meet you." A quick goodbye kiss for Mandy, and he left.
I watched him go and shrugged. Meh. Cute, but not memorable.
Turning back to unpack, I tried to focus on my clothes and books. But my eyes kept wandering to the window. Something—or someone—outside caught my attention.
A guy. Tall, lean, dark hair that caught the sunlight just right. He wasn't looking at me, didn't even glance in my direction, but… for some reason, my chest fluttered. Why does he feel… magnetic? I shook my head. Stop it, Ali. You don't even know him.
Unpacking done, I grabbed my backpack and decided to explore the campus a little before it got too late.
The quad was alive with students, laughter, and chatter. A group of guys were tossing a frisbee near the fountain, nearly hitting a girl who yelped and ran. I smiled, feeling a little less nervous just by watching.
Passing by the library, I noticed students studying, some huddled in groups, some alone, earbuds in, completely focused. I thought about my first class tomorrow and shivered. Okay, you got this. Just… blend in. Don't trip. Don't embarrass yourself.
And then, as if fate wanted to mess with me, I spotted him again. Across the courtyard. Same guy. Dark hair, perfectly still, almost untouchable. He wasn't looking at anyone in particular—just walking, calm, confident, like he owned the world.
I blinked. Twice.
Why is he everywhere?
Ignoring the strange pull, I shook my head again. It's just my imagination. New place, new people… stop overthinking.
But even as I entered the cafeteria for a quick snack, I couldn't shake the feeling of being watched. Not in a creepy way… more like the universe had decided that first day would come with a little extra… something.
By the time I returned to my apartment, my mind was spinning. New roommates, new classes, new friends, and that… him.
First day, first surprises. I wasn't sure if I should laugh, cry, or faint.
Well, Ali… I whispered, dumping my backpack onto the bed, this is going to be interesting.
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Hi everyone! 🌸
This is my very first book ever — a romance with a hint of thriller.
I'd love it if you could share your thoughts and tell me what you like or dislike about it.
I'll be updating every day, one chapter at a time, so stay tuned for the next part of the story!