leighton murray had been on campus for exactly four hours and twenty eight minutes and already, she looked like she owned the place

in her sharp plaid blazer and matching shorts, blonde hair tucked perfectly behind her ears, she strutted through the weekend student fair like she belonged on the cover of a glossy college admissions brochure. she wasnt even trying to make an impression, she simply existed and people noticed

you definitely noticed

you were mid run, sweat dripping from your brow, sports bra clinging to your chest, tank top tossed over one shoulder, and earbuds in but music long forgotten. you spotted her from halfway down the path, just standing there and clutching her sleek little handbag like she hadnt decided whether she was annoyed or amused by everything around her

she noticed you at the same time. her eyes locked on you and, yeah, she held it

she didnt look away and you smirked to yourself. ballsy for a freshman

you jogged up, slowing just a bit as you passed, looping a lazy circle around her before stopping directly in front of her. her lips parted slightly like she wasnt expecting you to actually say anything

"you know" you said, breath heavy but playful "its not cool to stare"

she blinked, defensively tossing her hair behind one shoulder "i wasnt staring"

you grinned, tilting your head "you definitely were and its okay. im used to it"

her eyes narrowed, that signature leighton skepticism already written all over her face "youre cocky"

you wiped a streak of sweat from your cheek with the back of your hand "confident. theres a difference"

she laughed, just a little. a quiet involuntary thing like she hated that you got one out of her

"whats your name?" you asked, already pulling your phone out, ready to type it in

"leighton" she said cautiously "murray"

"cute name" you replied, glancing up at her "let me get your number?"

she froze for half a second then with a light, clipped tone "no"

that made you pause. not in a bruised ego way. just curious. she wasnt flustered or giggling or playing hard to get. she was stone cold serious

"no?" you echoed with one brow raised, stepping back just slightly

she folded her arms "no"

you could tell there was more behind it. the way her gaze lingered half a second too long before she looked away like she didnt even fully believe the no herself but she meant it. for now

you raised both hands, backing off like it was no big deal "alright leighton murray. i respect it. but if you keep staring, im gonna have to ask again"

she rolled her eyes but you saw the faintest curve of her lips like the edge of something unexpected

you shot her one last grin, turned on my heel, and kept running. you didnt need her number. not yet