The morning sun spilled through the small window of Elise's temporary dorm, casting a warm glow on her unpacked suitcase and neatly stacked books. She rubbed the sleep from her eyes and took a deep breath. Today was her first day at college—a step into a world both exciting and intimidating.
After a quick breakfast, Anastasia practically dragged Elise out of the dorm, her energy bubbling over. "Come on, Elise! You have to see everything before the first classes start. I'll give you the grand tour!"
Elise laughed softly at her cousin's enthusiasm. "Alright, alright. Lead the way," she replied, following Anastasia through the sprawling campus. The halls were alive with students hurrying to class, chatting in groups, and carrying their books and coffee cups, filling the air with a mixture of excitement and noise.
Anastasia guided her through the library, the student center, lecture halls, and even a tucked-away coffee shop, pointing out all the best spots for studying, eating, and meeting people. Elise absorbed it all, letting the bustle of the new world wash over her.
Halfway through the tour, they turned a corner near the main quad and suddenly stopped. A crowd of girls had gathered, their excited whispers cutting through the usual noise of campus. Anastasia froze in place, her eyes wide, her mouth forming a small "oh."
"There… there he is," Anastasia murmured in a dreamy voice, her gaze fixed.
Elise followed her cousin's stare and saw him—Davon. He stood there effortlessly, striking and handsome, with features that seemed almost carved by a master. His presence was commanding, his beauty undeniable, yet he looked slightly annoyed by the swarm of girls fawning over him. There was something godlike about him, a rare kind of charm that drew attention even from a distance.
The crowd slowly parted as he moved, his steps steady and deliberate. His eyes, sharp and assessing, scanned the area—but not for Elise. She remained completely invisible to him, another face in the crowd. However, when his gaze swept past the cluster of students, it lingered for a brief, fleeting moment on Anastasia, who had instinctively stepped forward.
Her heart fluttered at the faint, almost imperceptible smile he gave—one that seemed meant only for her. Anastasia's cheeks flushed, and she quickly turned away, trying to appear casual. Elise, still looking around curiously, noticed her cousin's sudden distraction.
"Uh… everything okay?" Elise asked, tilting her head in mild concern.
Anastasia cleared her throat and forced a grin. "Yeah! Let's… keep going with the tour," she said, though her mind lingered on that fleeting moment, replaying it over and over.
Elise followed her, unaware that Davon had passed by without noticing her at all. And somewhere in the distance, his thoughts were already elsewhere, focused on other plans and people—while a storm of subtle connections had quietly begun to stir around them.