Justin, a trouble magnet, born with a silver spoon. He was that guy who's handsome enough to make people go, "Oh my," under their breath. He got chiseled features, piercing brown eyes sparkling with a hint of mischief. He got a smirk that says, "I'm aware of my good looks, thanks for noticing."
He wasn't the only handsome guy that people would die for. He wasn't trying too hard, but he still managed to look put-together— even in a rumpled state
His looks weren't the real reason why he was so famous. His horrible personality exceeded his good looks. He was popular for all the wrong reasons and rumours.
"The name's Justin. And yours?" Justin's voice was low and smooth as he spoke.
Alethea also wanted to show her impressive side; be friendly and shake hands and introduce herself like a pro. Her dark circles were highlighted by the harsh fluorescent lights, tired sleepy eyes and an annoyance on her face had already failed her. While her introverted personality wasn't helping in while she was still feeling down and embarrassed by what had happened earlier.
With a little courage she spoke, "Um... hello. I am Alethea. Just joined today." Alethea felt as if she was facing an interview where she was bound to fail.
"Ale... Huh? That's an unusual name. I will call you Miss Deliquent. There's a party for freshers tonight. Make sure to come." Justin's eyes crinkled at the corner as he smiled, but it seemed insincere.
'What does he mean by 'Miss Delinquent?' Alethea thought, feeling a surge of annoyance. Another thought came into Alethea's mind that he looks disinterested so why would he even talk to her?
Before Alethea could respond, a girl jumped next to Justin, the girl's arm wrapped tightly around his neck, her fingers digging into his shirt as she pulled him close. "Justin. Why are you talking to her? You are gonna end up on Professor killer's blacklist too." Her voice was high-pitch, drawing attention and whisper from every nearby student. Her actions were being watched by bunch of students. That meant everyone eyes were drawn towards Alethea, Justin and the other girl.
Alethea for the first time looked around the class, Alethea's gaze swept around the room, taking in the rows of empty seats, lingering scent of paint and the hum of murmured conversation of people at some distance.
In a split second, the high-pitch girl glanced at Alethea from head to bottom and smirked to her. She still struggled to keep her hand over Justin and falling flat on the floor. She looked different than most of the girls. With blonde hair, showing dark roots, make up but not to heavy, cherry-red lipstick. Her dressing style stood out the most, simple, just pretty white floral dress on her perfect hourglass body.
Alethea found the scene really familiar, like the cliché Wattpad story she used to fawn over. 'She already judged me from all directions. Now what's next? A bullying scene?'
Justin easily pulled himself from the confines of the girl and said, " Why do you keep doing that? Neither can you break my neck, nor will it increase your height."
It annoyed the girl further. She gave a little slap on Justin's arm and then turned her face towards Alethea. She extended her hand forward, "Hey! You can call me Sophia. Seriously, you didn't see the chat group? Everyone's been talking about Prof. Killer's arrival. He hates tardiness."
That surprised Alethea. In a reflex she shook hands with Sophia. She expected to be slapped or hear mean words but not this. Definitely there was a lot of difference in real life and fictional one.
"Heyy! Nice to meet you. I am Alethea. A chat group?" Alethea looked at Sophia in confusion.
"All the freshman were added to a chat group were we share various important infos." Sophie responded to Alethea's confusion. Still Alethea face showed a big question mark.
"Don't tell me. They didn't add you? No wonder you came late." Justin chuckled at Alethea and then gave a pitiful and concerned look. "Mind sharing your number? I'll add you so you don't miss any important updates." He took out his phone from the pocket.
"That's okay. I will add Alethea. You go. Your friends are calling." Sophia interrupted Justin and immediately put her hand over his phone making him retreat. Justin's eyes met Alethea's one last time, and he winked, his smile lingering before he turned to rejoin his friends
Alethea felt weird about Sophia and Justin's behaviour. 'Maybe Sophia is his girlfriend that's why she didn't like justin getting another girl's number. But Justin actions... Is it one sided or nevermind?'
Sophia took out her small white handbag that barely held her phone and a couple of lipsticks or cosmetics. "Number?" She asked.
For an instance, Alethea forgot her own number—the same number she had been using for years.
After stuttering a little, Alethea successfully gave her number to Sophia. As Sophia added Alethea's number her voice took on a serious tone as she said, "You shouldn't give your number to any boys just like that, when you don't know even know them. You should be more cautious."
Sophia slipped her phone into her bag and turned to leave, of course towards Justin, and put her arms into his arms.
Alethea scrolled through the chat group and saw the party was in evening at 7 pm. It was enough time to recover a little sleep, sanity and dress up a little.
Alethea exited her class into the hallway and finally took a good look around the campus. It was a newly constructed building, fully painted white, the whole area had fresh smell of paint. The campus was alive with the chirping of birds and the rustling of leaves in the gentle breeze. The fountain in the middle of the campus created a soothing melody and the flower around added a burst of colours to the other otherwise white buildings. The reason why Alethea was late was due to the huge campus. It was big enough for Alethea to get lost.
All the building looked the same, white and tall. The only difference was the board with each every department's name.
Alethea attention drifted, her eyes ready to shut down. Without wasting any more time, she immediately went home to sleep while the fresher were trying to mingle with each other.
Her tardiness was a chronic condition, hard to cure.