Reunion

An hour later, you arrive at your dorm room. Having only moved in a couple of days prior, you count yourself lucky to have secured a single room.

Entering and placing your bag on the table, you flop down on the bed with a heavy sigh. The day's events replay in your mind—the nerve-wracking first day at a new school, the reunion with Trish, the confession of her long-held feelings...

You can't help but grin at the memory. Trish, your girlfriend. The mere thought sends a thrill through you.

It had been a whirlwind afternoon. After your intimate moment, you and Trish had rejoined the others, but not before Casey had noticed Trish's flushed cheeks and put two and two together. By the end of the day, there was no doubt that everyone in your grade was aware of your new relationship status.

As you lay there, lost in thought, your phone buzzes with a message notification. Curious, you reach for it, wondering who could be reaching out to you so late.

You sigh as you see the message is from Robert, your disappointment palpable. He's asking to meet up, something about a "boys-only party." Part of you wants to ignore the request, content to spend the evening alone with your thoughts (and perhaps a few fantasies of your new girlfriend). But you know that blowing him off this early could damage your burgeoning reputation.

With a resigned sigh, you heave yourself off the bed and change into a comfortable blue T-shirt and leave.

The next day, you find yourself seated in the cafeteria with Trish across from you and Casey beside her. Robert is next to you, engaged in an animated conversation with Casey about some rock band.

Casey turns to you abruptly, interrupting her discussion with Robert. "Hey John, have you decided what club you're going to join yet?"

You had decided earlier—photography was your choice. "Yeah," you reply, trying to sound nonchalant. "I'm thinking about the photography club."

Casey looks surprised, as does Robert. She cocks an eyebrow at you. "Photography? Really? You don't strike me as the artsy type."

Before you can respond, Trish jumps in. "Well, John's father owns a photo studio and is quite a famous photographer. So I guess it runs in the family," she says proudly.

You smile at Trish, touched that she still remembers these details about your life.

Casey looks to Robert with interest as he raises his hand. "Oh, I'm joining the track club with David," he says casually.

Casey's mouth forms a small 'oh' of understanding. Then she turns to Trish. "Trish is in the track club too, isn't that right? She could show you around."

Robert flashes a charming smile. "That would be really helpful, thanks."

Trish nods, looking pleased to be of assistance. "Of course. It's a great club to be a part of."

The conversation continues, and soon you all agree to meet up after your respective club meetings to compare notes and experiences.

You can't help but feel a twinge of envy as you watch Trish and Robert chat amiably. You have still not able to spend some quality time with her. Shaking your head you decide to focus on joining the photography club.

15 minutes later, you find yourself seated at a desk in the photography club room, filling out the membership form. The space is impressive—a semi-decent sized studio with professional-grade equipment.

You're surprised to see how popular the club is, with a mix of both girls and boys vying for a spot. After completing the form, you hand it over to one of the club members manning the desk.

Deciding to leave and explore more of the school, you make your way to the door. But just as you reach for the handle, the door swings open—and there, standing in the doorway, is a familiar face.

Your ex, Priya.

You both freeze, eyes wide in shock. "John!" she exclaims at the same time you shout, "Priya!"