Hearts in Scrubs

May was resuming her second year of pre-med but in another school. Her parents didn't particularly like the one she was in before and were glad when there was an opening, even though this new school was in an entirely different state. The smell of sterilized floors, the coffee-fueled tension in the air, the nervous freshmen with dreams bigger than their backpacks-everything buzzed with the promise of something new. In this college they had a pre-med programme and a college of medicine, that's why her parents loved it. She learned they'll get to take some lectures in the halls of med students from time to time, that was pretty awesome. She tightened the straps on her tote and adjusted her red curls in her dark phone screen and took her first step into the large hallway. “May Lynn?” a voice called. Shocked, she turned to see Suliver, breathless and clutching two hot drinks. His smile could light up the fluorescent hallway. “You remembered my name,” she said, half-smiling. “Of course. And I remembered your caffeine preferences. Triple shot, oat milk, one sugar.” He held out a cup like an offering, giving a slight giggle. She blinked, surprised. “How?” Suliver chuckled. “You said it once after your orientation, when the coffee machine jammed. I took note.” May took the cup slowly. “Well, that’s either incredibly sweet or mildly concerning.” She smiled lightly. “I’m going for sweet,” Suliver replied, with a subtle smirk. May shook her head, amused. “Well, thanks. This’ll keep me awake through ‘Intro to Human Structure’.” “Or at least until lunch,” he said, walking beside her. “Sorry I didn't quite get your name the last time,” she said, taking a sip. “It’s Suliver,” he said with a cute smile. “Nice to meet you again Suliver,” she said with a full smile this time. As they entered the lecture hall, the buzz reduced. Students took their seats more calmly than she had remembered from her first year—the memory brought a light smile. May and Suliver found space in the middle row, a safe distance from both overachievers and daydreamers. Then he walked in. Tall. Confident. Late. Adam didn’t bother apologizing to the professor as he strolled in. His shirt wasn't buttoned all the way up, few books in hand, and his piercing blue eyes scanned the room until they landed—on her. May felt a jolt, a slightly likeable one—but totally ignored it. He took a seat in the row behind her and immediately began toying with his phone, caring less for the discomfort of those right beside him. “Seriously?” Suliver muttered. “Who is he?” May whispered. “Adam Blake. Third year. Repeating some classes. He’s... got a reputation.” “Let me guess, bad boy?” “More like heartbreak and hospital bills,” Suliver said. “Better to ignore.” Adam leaned forward just then, close enough for May to hear his low voice. “Right here, lover boy.” Suliver stiffened. Adam smirked. May turned halfway, arching an eyebrow. “Do you always eavesdrop, or is this a special occasion?” “Only when I’m being talked about by interesting girls,” he replied with a devious grin. “And who said I was interesting?” “You did. The moment I saw you.” May blinked. She wasn’t new to flirtation, but this? This was casual chaos wrapped in confidence. She turned back, heart slightly offbeat. Suliver stared ahead, jaw clenched. “Sorry, can I see that? Missed what the professor just said,” he said addressing May. “Sure,” she replied, also trying to ignore Adam. The rest of the class was nothing interesting, Suliver tried his best to pay attention while jotting things down rapidly, stealing glances at May occasionally. May battled sleep like it was her greatest enemy, but tried not to make it so obvious. She had spent the previous night unpacking. She arrived in the city late because her flight was delayed. Is this even coffee? She thought frustrated. Adam weirdly paid good enough attention, scrolled the net and observed poor Suliver’s occasional stares-with a cute mean grin. Meanwhile, across campus, Amber Blake stood in front of her locker, trying not to cry. Someone had scribbled “Princess of Pain” across it in red marker. Again. She’d only just started premed, and she was already a target—thanks to her brother’s history of charming, using, and dumping half the upperclassmen. Karma had receipts, and Amber was paying in full. “Need help?” a voice asked. She startled a bit and turned. Miles stood there, taller than she remembered from high school. His eyes weren’t mocking like they used to be—they were quieter now. Wiser. Maybe even apologetic. “I’m fine,” she said quickly, wondering if he recognized her. He nodded, but didn’t leave. He read the statement and said, “don’t take it to heart,” offering a comforting smile. She shifted her gaze. Easy for him to say. Does he think a change of scenery wiped my memory? He leaned against the locker beside hers. “I’m just trying to help.” Amber looked at him, unsure what to believe. “People change,” he said simply, then walked away. He knew she would need more convincing than that, but he had the patience. Why should she trust him. No one liked her. Back in lecture after getting over the drowsiness, May was trying to focus, but her mind kept drifting—to Adam’s unsettling charm. As class ended, Suliver offered to walk her to the library. Adam got up, stretching. “She’s a big girl. Maybe she wants to walk herself.” Ignoring him, she replied.“Thanks Suliver.I have to get somewhere quickly,” rising and grabbing her bag, she left. Adam smirked. Suliver looked crushed. May walked off, pretending her heart wasn’t doing tiny flips. As she left, she heard Adam chuckle behind her. “Interesting girl.” Suliver wasn't having any of this.