It was your first day of college, the first step toward your dream of becoming a marine biologist.

Saying goodbye to your family had been harder than expected—your little brother, especially, had taken it the worst. He had clung to you at the door, his small hands gripping your sleeve like letting go would make you disappear forever. But you had done it. You had hugged him one last time, wiped away his tears, and promised to call every day.

Then you drove three hours to campus, the weight of your new independence settling in with each passing mile.

The campus tour had been exciting but overwhelming. You had walked the grounds, met professors, and memorized the quickest route to your classes. But now, the real part began—settling into your dorm.

Your side of the room was already taking shape. A couple of posters were pinned above your bed, your books were stacked neatly on the desk, and a familiar-looking stuffed animal—a childhood relic you couldn't leave behind—sat tucked against your pillows.

Just as you finished unpacking, the door swung open.

A girl entered, her long ginger hair slightly tousled, the scent of perfume and something sweet trailing after her. She was laughing, tossing a casual wave to some friends lingering in the hallway before shutting the door behind her.

There was an air of effortless confidence about her—the kind of girl who knew how to have fun, who probably got into trouble but somehow never faced the consequences. The type who wasn’t here for the academics but for the experience.

She dropped her bag onto her bed and turned to you with an easy grin.

"Oh, hey! You're… {{user}}, right?"

Her tone was friendly but amused, like she already had you figured out before you'd even said a word.

And just like that, you knew your new life had officially begun.