CHAPTER ONE
The first few days of the university were always overwhelming. Crowded halls, people rushing everywhere, names I could not remember. It felt like stepping into a world where everyone already belonged. But after a few weeks, I finally settled down, getting used to the school pace, attending lectures, meeting new friends, and figuring out where I fit.
Our first class meeting was mostly dull. It focused on the presentation of class representatives and the semester agenda. I was half-listening, already thinking about how to survive my first year academically, until the assistant class reps were introduced.
That was when I saw her.
Vivian.
One of the female assistant class reps. She was beautiful, calm, and carried herself with quiet confidence. And when she smiled, a single dimple appeared on one side of her face, lighting up the room. From that moment, I wanted to get close to her, though I had no idea how.
A month passed before I made real friends. One of them encouraged me to attend night class. I was reluctant at first, but I eventually gave in. I wasn't academically brilliant, and I knew I needed to improve my grades by reading early.
Taofeek welcomed me with a wide smile on my first night, like he knew something I didn't.
"Franklin, one of our class reps comes here too," he said.
I wasn't excited. We had a male class rep and two female assistants. Then he mentioned her name.
"Vivian."
That caught me off guard. She was smart,....very smart. I wasn't bad academically, but I knew I wasn't on her level, hence my surprise when i heard her name
"Really? She's around?" I asked.
"Yeah. Hall 404. Right now."
I hesitated. I wasn't physically appealing. I was small, skinny, and didn't look my age. Still, I told myself I was here to read, not chase anyone. So I went.
I sat directly behind her. Two hours passed before I finally gathered the courage to speak.
I tapped her shoulder and greeted her. She nodded and said nothing.
Confused, I tapped her again and asked why she didn't respond.
"I already did," she said, eyes still on her notes. "I like keeping things polite between coursemates."
It stung. I decided to back off. Still, part of me felt accomplished. I had talked to her. It wasn't what I expected, but it was something.
I left the hall later that night to find a place to sleep. The time was 03:36. She was still there, reading. I said goodbye. She nodded again.
This time, it didn't hurt. I laughed it off and told myself that was just how she was reserved, distant.
When I met Taofeek later, he asked, "Did you talk to her?"
I shrugged. I didn't give a clear answer. Outwardly, I told myself I wouldn't return. Inwardly, I knew I would.
DAY TWO
The next day felt normal. The usual rush of students. The constant buzz that made the campus feel alive. I arrived early for our next lecture and tried to settle in quietly.
My eyes drifted to her again.
Vivian sat near the front, focused on her notes. I wasn't staring at least, I didn't think I was until Taofeek and Emmanuel noticed and started teasing me about lacking the confidence to approach her.
They weren't wrong.
I preferred night class. During the day, she attracted attention. As an assistant class rep, people were always around her. I didn't want that spotlight. I was too shy for it.
Even though I vowed not to return to night class, I went again without telling anyone. I arrived at 19:35 and waited. She came in around 21:00.
I used that moment to speak.
"You're late today," I said.
"I had some personal issues to deal with," she replied.
"Hope everything's okay?"
"Don't worry. Thanks for asking."
She smiled.
That was all it took.
We started talking. She apologized for being a bit rude the previous night. I accepted, and the conversation flowed naturally after that.
Unknowingly to me, that night was where our lives began to change.