Amara dragged her suitcase up the steps to her hostel, feeling both excited and nervous. The building was buzzing with activity, laughter, shouting, and the occasional thud of luggage being dropped.
"Welcome to your new home!" Tolu announced proudly as they reached their room. "This is where the real university experience starts. Trust me, you'll survive, and maybe even love it!"
Their room was small but cozy. Two beds, a shared desk, and a window overlooking the campus courtyard. Amara set her notebook on the desk and took a deep breath.
"Don't overthink it," Tolu said, tossing her a small pack of snacks. "Roommates can be fun… or dramatic. Either way, you'll learn fast."
No sooner had she unpacked than the door swung open. In walked Peace, a bubbly girl with bright eyes and an endless supply of gossip.
"New girl! You must be Amara, right? Tolu's told us all about you!" Peace said, flopping onto the bed beside Tolu. "We need to get you caught up, clubs, events, campus news, everything. Oh, and someone handsome just walked by the courtyard, and yes, all the girls noticed!"
Amara laughed nervously, feeling overwhelmed but oddly at ease.
Later, as she settled in and flipped through her notebook, her mind drifted back to Daniel. The way he had organized the project, the small smile when she answered his questions… Could it really be that someone like him could notice someone like her?
A soft knock interrupted her thoughts. Tolu peeked in.
"Hey, come with me. Let's explore the campus before dinner. You'll thank me later."
Reluctantly, Amara followed. Together, they wandered the pathways, met a few students, and even stumbled upon a small fountain where freshmen had left notes of encouragement for one another.
It wasn't just a campus anymore, it was a place full of stories, possibilities, and maybe, just maybe, the start of something unexpected for Amara.