New Beginnings
The corridors of Rosehill University always smelled like freshly printed books and coffee. It was the kind of scent that comforted Amara predictable, consistent. A scent that didn't betray her trust like people often did.
She walked briskly through the arts building, her laptop bag slung over one shoulder and her headphones tucked in, not playing anything just a shield from small talk. Second semester of her second year had just begun, and with it, the same vow she made every semester:
No boys. No drama. Focus on your degree.
She kept her head down, ignoring the whispers that followed her as she passed a group of students lounging on the floor.
"That's her, Amara the girl that dumped Tolu after two years."
"She's pretty but cold. No wonder he cheated."
The words hit her ears, even if she didn't flinch. She had trained herself not to respond, not to defend herself. What was the point? People always believed what they wanted.
"I just wanted a quiet seat. But I guess fate has a sense of humor."
She stared at him for a long second before shaking her head, half-smiling despite herself. "Fate has nothing to do with this."
But she was wrong.
Because in that momenttwo strangers sitting across from each other in a cold university library *fate* was already writing a story. A story of walls being broken, hearts being tested, and love… finding a way where it once failed.
Amara's world was small and carefully protected. It consisted of her sister Zara, her best friend Ife, the library, and long evenings of writing poetry she never showed anyone. She had loved once—deeply, recklessly—and the scars it left weren't visible, but they stung when touched.
She found her favorite corner seat in the library and dropped her bag, pulling out her laptop and a worn-out notebook filled with doodles and verses.
"Excuse me," came a voice. "Is this seat taken?"
She looked up, startled by the unfamiliar voice. A tall guy stood in front of her, light-skinned with soft curls, his eyes warm but guarded. He had that look charming but careful. The kind of guy that smiled with mystery behind his lips.
"No," she said, returning to her screen.
"I'm new. Transferred from KNUST. First day and I'm already lost. Can I sit?"
She nodded.
He slid into the seat across from her. Silence. For a moment.
"I'm Adrian," he offered. "You?"
She considered not answering. Then sighed. "Amara."
"Nice name."
She didn't reply. The silence stretched.
"You always this friendly?" he joked.
That made her look at him.
"I'm not here to make friends," she said softly.
He tilted his head, amused. "Lucky me. I'm not looking for a friend either."
She blinked.