Zara pov:
I was halfway through unpacking when there was a soft knock on my door.
Before I could even respond, it opened, and in walked two girls.
The louder one didn't hesitate—she marched straight to my bed and plopped down like she owned the place. The other stayed back, arms folded gently, watching the scene unfold with a look that screamed please don't embarrass me.
"Hi!" the loud one started before Isa could say anything. "I'm Juniper, and this is Isa. Welcome! Okay, so… your name's Zara, right? Where are you from? Hmm, wait hold on, let me guess… ohhh wait, what are those?" She pointed at a few of my carefully packed things, eyes wide with curiosity. "And what brings you to Saint Monarch? Do you like it? Oh my gosh, your outfit is really cute!"
Her words poured out in a constant stream, like a river that refused to stop. I opened my mouth, not even sure what to say, but Juniper didn't pause for an answer.
Isa gave me a small, apologetic smile and gently held up a hand. "Juniper…" she said softly, "maybe we should do introductions properly first?"
Finally, Juniper relented, and Isa stepped forward. "I'm Isa, and I study Fashion. You're Zara, right?" I gave her a weird look. How does she know my name?
"Oh, sorry. Well, it's a school dorm, so obviously students living together would have known each other's names. Plus, we can't just live with anyone without knowing who they are," she explained. I nodded—it made sense, even if I hadn't really cared enough to check.
"Fashion," I muttered quietly.
Isa's face lit up. "You too? That's amazing! We can walk together, work together… I can even show you some of the best spots in the school if you like."
I swallowed, suddenly self-conscious. "Uh… maybe later," I said, trying to keep my distance.
Juniper, though, wasn't done. "Come on! I can show you around—quick tour, just a little one!"
I furrowed my brow, feeling my patience fray. "No," I said firmly, almost losing my temper. "I just… need to settle in for now."
Isa gave me a small, understanding nod, while Juniper pouted in mock disappointment. I could already tell she didn't get that I just didn't want to be around someone who reminded me too much of… my old self.
Isa glanced at me again, reading the subtle signs. "That's okay," she said quietly, smiling. "Later then. We'll leave you to unpack and get comfortable. If you need anything, we're just a knock away."
Juniper leaned back on my bed with a dramatic sigh, while Isa gently nudged her toward the door. I exhaled, finally feeling a little control over my space again.
---
Finally done unpacking. Not going to lie—it was a lot. Now to freshen up and probably grab something to eat, because there's no way I'm cooking in this state. I'd have ordered, but I'm still new here; I don't even know which apps they use, or the stores, or how anything works. Ugh… just thinking about it made my stomach flip.
I headed to the bathroom to shower. Shouldn't take long… it won't, not with how hungry I am. Winter here was actually chill as hell. Nigeria could never—if it were like this there, I'd die.
After stepping out of the shower, I threw on something simple but warm: a fitted jumper and a pair of jeans. Practical for the cold, nothing flashy—just enough to feel put-together without drawing attention. I did a quick lip combo—balm plus a dab of tint, because why the hell not—and gave myself a once-over. Not bad, I guessed.
Heading out, I didn't have a specific place in mind. First restaurant I saw, I'd enter.
I'd been walking for about ten minutes. The school was beautiful, yes, but where the hell was a restaurant? Did I have to leave campus to eat before I starved? My stomach churned as I debated giving up and ordering later…
Lost in thought, I didn't notice until I bumped into someone.
"Oh! Shit, I'm so sorry!" I blurted, bowing reflexively. Wait… why was I bowing? I barely looked up, but I could tell it was a male. Rich boys were often dramatic, right? I braced for an over-the-top reaction.
Instead, he calmly grabbed my jumper and pulled me back. "I'm yet to accept your apology, darling," he said, his voice smooth, deliberate.
I froze. The tone… the voice… I almost glanced at him, but no. Eye contact would make everything worse. "I-I'm… really… sorry," I whispered, barely audible.
"Tsk, tsk. Darling, it's considered rude not to look the person you're speaking to in the eye," he said, voice serious but teasing just enough to make my heart thump.
I hesitated, then quickly met his gaze. He was… ginger. And painfully hot. When did gingers become this hot? My brain scrambled to ignore the distraction. "I-I'm… really sorry. I didn't—"
Before I could finish, a sharp, familiar voice cut through. "REUBEN… LEAVE THAT GIRL ALONE!"
I spun around, relief washing over me. Isa. Never had I been so grateful to see anyone in my life.
"Oh, come on, Izzy, I was just playing around," he said, flashing her a grin that screamed mischief.
I didn't care. I stayed behind Isa, letting her shield me as he reluctantly released my jumper. My stomach finally stopped flipping.