Wakling to university, and meeting someone.

I walk into the university's grand hall, the place decked out with fancy decorations, colorful banners hanging all over, and the lighting giving off a cozy vibe. A podium stands in the middle of the stage, surrounded by chairs for everyone.

As I scout for a spot to sit, I clock the diverse crowd filling up the hall. Students from all walks of life and cultures are mixing it up, chatting away while waiting for the ceremony to kick off. There's a real sense of togetherness and excitement for the upcoming academic year.

I settle down towards the back and the hall fills up gradually, the buzz of conversation getting louder as more new students take their seats. I can actually feel the anticipation in the air. That's the way to set the mood, damn.

The ceremony starts with a blast of music, drawing all eyes to the stage. The university big shots, all dressed to the nines, take their places, ready to address the crowd. Their speeches are all about inspiration and motivation, setting the tone for the year ahead.

Now I feel like I'm part of something big. Well I guess university is something big, atleast for most people. Atleast I'm on high spirits now.

Once the ceremony wraps up, people start dispersing, chatting and getting to know each other, some louder than others. A bit too loud, if you ask me. I hang back for a bit, taking in the lively scene before deciding to dip and explore more of the campus.

Stepping outside, a cool breeze hits me, a nice change to the warmth of the hall. I take a deep breath, feeling the cold airrown down into my lungs.

Well then, lets see what all this shit here has to offer.

I stroll through the bustling campus, lost in my thoughts, before I accidentally bump into a tall stranger. Oof, I don't have it together, with everything that has happened in the last few hours. We both jump back a bit, apologizing quickly, with a hint of laughter.

"Sorry 'bout that," he says, a grin dancing on his lips. "You new here? I don't think I've seen you around."

He's tall, towering over me by like a head. Got brown eyes and hair, and a pretty average face, but somehow he looks really good, in a not-trying-too-hard way. Can't quite make out if he's muscular or not. I nod, feeling my cheeks warm up as I check him out. Did I seriously just blush? What the heck...

Oh man, he's staring! Got lost in his loo- my thoughts! Gotta say something quick. "Yeah, fresh here. Still figuring my way around."

He reaches out his hand. "I'm Tom, 'not-so-new-here'. Nice to meet you."

I shake his hand. "I'm Mar- eh Ma..y..., ... nice to meet you too...?"

"Mei? So, the ceremony's where it's at for newbies. What brings you out here?" he asks. I suttered to much for him to catch my name. Damn get yourself together! Well I think 'Mei' is okay as a nickname for 'Maya'.

Oh, like anyone really cares? "What about you? Why aren't you at the main event?"

Tom looks at me, curiosly. "Too much of a crowd for my taste."

I grin, feeling more at ease. "I felt the same. I prefer a more reserved and chilly atmosphere."

He nods in agreement, his gaze locked on mine. "Not a party animal, huh? That's cool. Rare breed around here, most of 'em are party animals, haha. You seem to fit in, and I ain't mad at what I see. Wanna hang out sometime?"

Normally, I'd be down. New friends are always a plus. But now? He's not mad at what he sees? It's weird accepting, from my new perspective. But dang, he's good-looking... STOP IT. Geez... and my daydream earlier...

"Sure. This place ain't that big, so we're bound to run into each other again." Screw it. Why not accept? No real reason not to. And I can't just ignore these new 'feelings' and stuff forever.

"Yeah, you've got a point there. And if you need anything, just ask for Professor Langten. He'll help you out or let you know where to find me." He checks his phone. "Oh man, time's up. See ya." And off he goes down the hallway.

Tom? Interesting guy. Pretty sure we would've been tight in my old life. And who knows, maybe more than friends now...

Oh! I don't think I can do that...

yet.