No, she's slowed down.

As Bianca hurried down the sidewalk, her heart raced with anxiety about being late for class. She glanced at her phone again, hoping for a response from Robert, but there was nothing yet.

Suddenly, a tall Asian girl with curly black hair appeared beside her. "Hey, you're going the same way as me." she said with a smile. "I'm Nikki. First day of class, huh?"

Bianca looked at the stranger, surprised. "Oh, um, yes actually. Nice to meet you Nikki. I'm Bianca." She hesitated, unsure if she should engage with this girl she just met, but she felt a bit relieved to have some company on her rushed walk.

Nikki reached out a hand to gently slow Bianca down, "Relax. It's your first day. You don't have to panic." Her soft voice was like a gentle breeze on a summer day, calming Bianca's frazzled nerves instantly. Bianca's green eyes met Nikki's dark brown ones, and for a moment, they just looked at each other. Nikki's gaze was kind and understanding, and Bianca felt a sense of ease wash over her. She slowed her pace, letting Nikki's words sink in. As she did, she noticed the way Nikki's curly black hair bounced with each step, and the way her dark eyes sparkled with a hint of mischief.

As Bianca's hand was enveloped by Nikki's, she felt a subtle yet pleasant sensation. Nikki's grip was firm, with a hint of nervous energy, and her black nails left a gentle impression on Bianca's skin.

Bianca's gaze roamed over Nikki's features, taking in the details she had initially overlooked. Her eyes landed on the way Nikki's dress accentuated her curves, and the delicate silver necklace that drew attention to her slender neck. The black leggings Nikki wore hugged her thighs, showcasing her athletic yet feminine physique.

"Let's grab a coffee," Nikki suggested, her voice dripping with warmth. Her eyes sparkled with a playful glint, and Bianca felt a flutter in her chest. She was intrigued by this charming stranger who had suddenly entered her life.

Just as Bianca was about to protest, citing their impending lateness, Nikki's fingers intertwined with her own. The sudden contact sent a jolt through Bianca's body, and she found herself lost in Nikki's gaze. There was something captivating about Nikki's presence, a magnetic quality that drew Bianca in.

Bianca nodded, "Okay, but coffee then I really need to get to class." Nikki's response was a warm, melodious laugh that made Bianca smile.

As they strolled, Nikki's hand remained clasped with Bianca's, the gentle pressure a comforting sensation. They turned a corner and discovered a charming café, its aroma of freshly brewed coffee enticing them to enter. Inside, the atmosphere was cozy, with the soft hum of conversation and the occasional clinking of cups.

Nikki led Bianca to a quiet corner table, where they settled in, their legs touching as they sat. Nikki leaned in, her eyes sparkling with interest. "What brings you to this neck of the woods, Bianca? What's your major?"

Bianca's fingers drummed a slow rhythm on the tabletop as she replied, "Honestly, I'm still undecided. I've been considering psychology or maybe literature." Her voice betrayed a hint of uncertainty.

Nikki's gaze was thoughtful, her eyes crinkling at the corners as she smiled. "Psychology's a complex field. I'm sure you'll find it fascinating. And who knows, maybe you'll discover a passion for it." A group of students laughed loudly near the door, drawing Nikki's attention, and her eyes flickered towards a tall, handsome man who had just walked in.

As Nikki's gaze lingered on the handsome stranger, a faint blush tinted her cheeks, her eyelids drooping slightly as if to veil her eyes from view. Bianca, sensing the shift in Nikki's attention, turned to follow her gaze. Their eyes met the stranger's, locking for an instant before he flashed a disarming smile, his teeth gleaming against his olive-toned skin, before turning away to join a group of laughing friends near the counter.

Nikki's focus snapped back to Bianca, her expression composed despite the brief distraction. "Sorry about that," she whispered, her breath barely audible over the background chatter. "Old friend." With a subtle gesture, she summoned the attention of their barista, ordering two cappuccinos without asking Bianca's preference. As they waited for their drinks, Nikki's eyes sparkled with a playful intensity, her gaze tracing the contours of Bianca's face with an almost palpable curiosity.

"So, tell me more about yourself," Nikki coaxed, leaning forward, her voice a husky, conspiratorial whisper that seemed to dance on the air between them.

As Nikki's gaze continued to hold hers, Bianca felt a gentle warmth spread through her cheeks, like the first whispered promise of a sunrise. The air seemed to vibrate with anticipation, as if the very atmosphere was attuned to the thrumming of her heart. Nikki's fingers, still clasped around her cupless hand, exerted a subtle pressure, a reassuring reminder of the connection that had sparked between them.

The soft clinking of cups and muted hum of conversation provided a soothing background melody, as Nikki's eyes cradled Bianca's face. With her free hand, Nikki began to play with the delicate silver necklace that glinted against the ebony expanse of her dress, the movement a testament to her relaxed demeanor. The tiny pendant, shaped like a miniature bat, danced on its chain, its wings beating out a staccato rhythm that seemed to match the cadence of Bianca's pulse.

As the barista delivered their cappuccinos, Nikki's gaze never wavered from Bianca's face, her eyes sparkling with an unwavering interest. Bianca, feeling the warmth of Nikki's attention, began to open up, her words spilling forth in a gentle cascade. "I moved here a few days ago, actually," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "My boyfriend, Robert, and I wanted to start fresh, you know? We're both in university now." A soft smile played on her lips as she reached for her cup, her fingers brushing against Nikki's as they both grasped for the saucer.

Nikki's eyes danced with curiosity, her pupils constricting slightly as she asked, "That's exciting! Where are you from originally?" Bianca's response was accompanied by a subtle shrug, her shoulders barely rising off the chair. "We're from a smaller town a few hours away. My parents wanted me to have the best education possible, so they're covering my rent." A hint of gratitude tinged her voice as she added, "I'm really lucky to have them."

The pendant on Nikki's necklace continued to dance, its gentle motion hypnotic, as she leaned in, her voice taking on a conspiratorial tone. "I know how that feels. Family can be a blessing, right?" Bianca nodded, her ponytail bobbing gently behind her. "It really is." Her fingers curled around her cup, the steam rising between them, carrying with it the scent of fresh coffee and the unspoken promise of shared secrets.

Bianca's gaze drifted to her phone, her thumb instinctively reaching for the screen to check the time. The gentle clinking of cups and muted hum of conversation seemed to recede into the background as she tapped the display, the soft glow of the screen casting an ethereal light on her face. "I think I'm officially late," she murmured, a flicker of anxiety crossing her features.

Nikki's hand waved dismissively, her fingers fluttering like a dark butterfly against the backdrop of her dress. "Rules were meant to be broken," she declared, her voice low and husky, imbuing the phrase with a hint of reckless abandon. The sparkle in her eyes seemed to dare Bianca to throw caution to the wind, to join her in a delicious rebellion against the constraints of time.

Bianca laughed, a soft and melodious sound that seemed to dance in the air between them. "Where were you in my past, I could've used a little devil on my shoulder sometimes," she quipped, her eyes twinkling with mirth. The tension that had been building in her shoulders eased, replaced by a relaxed confidence.

Nikki's lips curved into a mischievous grin, her eyes gleaming with a playful intensity. "Ah, but then where would you have been without your guardian angel?" she teased, her voice a silky purr. With a fluid motion, she lifted her cup, the steam curling around her face like a veil. "Besides, sometimes the best adventures are the ones we're not supposed to have."

Nikki took a slow sip of her cappuccino, the foam lingering on her lips as she gazed out the café window. The morning sunlight filtered through the trees, casting dappled shadows across her face. She sighed softly, a wistful expression flitting across her features.

"Relax. Enjoy it," she murmured, her voice a low, soothing melody. "You're on your own now. You'll find most professors don't actually care much as long as you are getting your homework done and passing the exams."

Nikki's gaze drifted back to Bianca, her eyes softening with understanding. She reached across the table, her fingers brushing against Bianca's hand in a gentle, reassuring touch. "It's okay to be anxious, but remember, this is your chance to figure out who you are without anyone else's expectations."

As Nikki spoke, her fingers absently traced patterns on Bianca's palm, her touch feather-light and comforting. The barista's laughter echoed from behind the counter, mingling with the low murmur of conversation among the other patrons. The café's warm, inviting atmosphere seemed to wrap around them like a cozy blanket, a stark contrast to the uncertainty of their situation.