Amy's Pov
Before 10 a.m., I stepped into the lecture hall for my Organizational Behavior class, taught by Professor Richard. As usual, I was the first one to arrive-an early bird who actually cared about getting my money's worth. Anne and Lucas always skipped these early lectures, but I couldn't bring myself to waste the investment my parents had made in me.
I slid into my usual seat, the quiet hum of the empty hall oddly comforting. Pulling out my notebook, I started arranging my pens and highlighters, letting the routine calm my nerves. Suddenly, a deep, friendly voice broke through my focus.
"Amy! You're early!"
I turned, surprised, and found myself looking up at Dareen Rafael. He was a top student, already making waves in the student council-even though he was just a freshman. He had warm brown eyes and deep brown hair, and as he stood there-tall, confident, and smiling-I felt a flicker of curiosity. This was the first time he'd ever spoken to me.
"Oh, hi, Dareen! I usually come early," I replied, trying to sound casual but feeling a little pleased by his attention.
"Mind if I sit here?" he asked, gesturing to the empty seat beside me.
I hesitated for a split second, caught off guard by his easy confidence, then smiled wider and nodded. "Sure, no problem."
He slid into the seat, running a hand through his hair in a way that made my heart skip just a little. "I've seen you in class before but never had the chance to say hi. You're really dedicated. I admire that."
A blush crept up my cheeks. "Thanks! I just figure every lecture counts, you know?" I tucked a stray strand of hair behind my ear, hoping he didn't notice my nerves. "And besides, my parents would totally freak out if I started skipping."
Dareen laughed, the sound warm and inviting. "I get that. My parents would probably ground me for life! Plus, Professor Richard actually makes the class interesting."
I leaned in, feeling more at ease. "Right? I love his take on team dynamics. He makes the theories feel real."
He grinned, flashing a bright, genuine smile. "Looks like we have more in common than just our taste in professors."
Our conversation flowed easily, laughter bubbling up as we swapped stories about our first impressions of college life. I found myself relaxing, enjoying his company more than I'd expected. As the room filled up, I felt a pleasant buzz-a sense that maybe, just maybe, these mornings wouldn't feel so lonely anymore.
When class ended, I wasn't surprised that Lucas and Anne were no-shows. I could already picture them texting me later, begging for my notes.
As I packed up, I realized Dareen was still watching me, a playful grin lighting up his face.
"Amy, you look really cute when you're focused," he teased, his tone light and a little mischievous.
I jumped, startled, my cheeks heating up at the unexpected compliment. "No way… I'm just average, Dareen."
He shook his head, laughing. "Average? Maybe to you, but to me-you're anything but average." His gaze lingered, and I felt my heart flutter under the attention.
I bit my lower lip, trying to hide my smile. Who wouldn't feel flattered by a handsome guy's attention? "You're such a sweet talker. Alright, I'm heading out now."
He leaned back, still grinning. "Wait up, Amy."
I paused, curious. "What is it, Dareen?"
"Do you have any class after this?"
"Well, I have a class after a one-hour gap. Introduction to Marketing," I replied.
"Oh, okay. I have class at 12, but if you're free afterward, how about a quick drink at the cafeteria? My treat!" His excitement was almost contagious.
I hesitated, my heart racing at the thought of spending more time with him. "Well, I guess it won't hurt. I can kill some time while waiting for my next class."
Dareen's eyes sparkled. "Great! I promise you won't regret it."
We walked side by side toward the cafeteria, our conversation flowing easily. Still, I couldn't shake the thought: Well, he's not bad… but Lucas is definitely more handsome.
Lucas's POV
Back at our apartment, I stood over Anne's bed, trying to coax her out of her cocoon of blankets. "Babe, hurry up! We already skipped first class. I don't want to miss another one."
Anne wrapped her arms lazily around my neck, her eyes still heavy with sleep. "Calm down, baby. Can't we just skip class entirely and make out all day?" Her voice was playful, but it grated on my nerves.
I brushed a hand against her cheek, forcing a smile. "I'm flattered, but I don't want to skip class, babe. Let's just get to campus first, okay?"
She rolled her eyes, her playful tone shifting to annoyance. "You're such a bore. Fine, you go. I want to sleep."
Frustration simmered in my chest. "Seriously, Anne? I know you come from a wealthy family, but that doesn't mean you can skip class every day. This is important!"
She frowned, her irritation growing. "Just stop nagging, Lucas. Go to class already; I'll be fine here."
My patience was wearing thin. "It's not nagging, Anne! I care about your education. Do you even realize how frustrating this is for me?"
Anne sat up, her eyes flashing. "You think I don't care just because I come from money? You don't know me!"
I clenched my jaw, feeling the tension build. "It's not about money! It's about commitment. You can't just shrug off your responsibilities."
She crossed her arms, her voice cold. "I didn't ask for a lecture, Lucas. You're being dramatic."
The silence between us was thick and heavy. My nerves were fraying. "Maybe I'm the one who's getting tired of your attitude. You don't care about anything but your whims, and it's driving me crazy!"
Her expression softened, but the stubborn set of her jaw remained. "Fine. Just leave. I'll figure it out myself."
I turned away, heart aching. "You've got it all wrong, Anne. I'm not leaving you; I just… I care too much to watch you waste your potential."
The door clicked shut behind me, leaving Anne alone, caught between anger and something softer as she stared at the empty space where I'd been.
Amy's POV
The cafeteria was quieter than usual, the clatter of dishes and low hum of conversation creating a cozy backdrop. Dareen and I settled at a corner table, the aroma of fresh coffee swirling around us.
"So you're saying you live with your best friend, and the two of them are a couple?" Dareen asked, a playful smirk tugging at his lips.
I laughed, shaking my head. "Yep! Why? You look like you've just spotted a unicorn."
He leaned in, curiosity dancing in his eyes. "Don't you ever feel like a third wheel living with them?"
I shrugged, smiling. "I do, all the time. But I've gotten used to it. Plus, it makes for some pretty entertaining moments."
Dareen rubbed his chin, pretending to be deep in thought. "Well, if you ever feel lonely at home, you know you can always call me to hang out," he said, his eyes sparkling with mischief.
I raised an eyebrow, half-amused, half-intrigued. "Huh?"
He grinned, leaning just a little closer. "I mean it. I'm good company, you know."
I couldn't help but laugh, feeling lighter than I had in weeks. Maybe this day wouldn't be so bad after all.