Fate

Chapter two: The New Beginning

Ann stepped off the bus, inhaling deeply as she took in her new surroundings. The university campus was massive—bigger than anything she had imagined. Tall buildings with glass windows stretched into the sky, tree-lined pathways led to different faculty blocks, and students moved around, chatting, laughing, or rushing to their destinations.

The energy in the air was different from anything she had experienced before. It was a mixture of excitement, freedom, and a little bit of chaos.

Adjusting the strap of her backpack, she clutched her suitcase tightly and took her first steps into her new life.

Navigating the campus alone was harder than she expected. Though she had studied the map multiple times before arriving, everything felt different in real life. She wandered through long hallways, occasionally stopping to check her phone, but the more she looked at the map, the more lost she felt.

"Excuse me," she finally asked a girl wearing a school T-shirt. "Can you tell me where Block C is?"

The girl smiled. "You’re going in the opposite direction. It’s back that way, past the administration building."

Ann flushed. "Oh, thank you!"

She turned back, dragging her suitcase, feeling awkward and out of place.

It seemed like everyone else already knew what they were doing. Groups of students walked together, laughing like old friends. Some freshmen looked just as confused as she felt, but many seemed at ease, like they belonged here.

For a moment, insecurity crept in.

Would she fit in?

Would she make friends?

Would people judge her if they found out she had taken five years to get here?

She pushed the thoughts aside. This was her chance to start over. She couldn’t let fear hold her back.

The hostel was buzzing with activity. Students were unpacking, parents were saying their goodbyes, and some seniors were already making themselves at home. Ann checked in at the front desk and was given her room key.

When she entered the room, she was relieved to see it was clean and spacious. Two single beds, two study desks, a wardrobe, and a small window that overlooked the courtyard.

Her new roommate was already there, folding clothes neatly into her wardrobe.

"Hi," Ann said shyly.

The girl turned around and smiled. She was tall, with dark skin and neatly braided hair. "Hey! You must be my roommate. I’m Joy."

"I’m Ann."

"Nice to meet you!" Joy extended her hand, and Ann shook it, already feeling a little more comfortable.

As they unpacked, they exchanged stories.

"Where are you from?" Joy asked.

"Maple Town," Ann replied. "It’s a small place, about three hours from here. What about you?"

"Greenwich City," Joy said. "It’s my first time being this far from home, though."

"Same," Ann admitted. "It’s a little overwhelming."

Joy laughed. "Tell me about it! But don’t worry, we’ll figure things out together."

Ann smiled, grateful that her roommate was friendly. Maybe this wouldn’t be so bad after all.

Later that evening, Ann decided to explore the campus. Joy had gone to meet some friends, so she wandered alone.

She found the library—huge and filled with endless rows of books. She found the cafeteria, where students crowded around tables, eating and talking loudly. She passed by the student union building, where a group was organizing an event.

Then, just as she was about to return to her hostel, she saw him.

Demian.

Her breath caught in her throat.

He was standing with a group of guys near the faculty building, laughing at something one of them had said.

He looked different from how she remembered. Taller. More confident. His broad shoulders filled out his T-shirt, and his hair, which used to be neatly trimmed in high school, was slightly curly now, giving him a more effortless, charming look.

Ann’s heart pounded.

She had spent years convincing herself that her feelings for him didn’t matter anymore. That she had moved on. But seeing him now, all those emotions came rushing back.

She turned quickly, hoping he hadn’t seen her.

"Ann?"

Her stomach dropped.

Slowly, she turned back around.

Demian was looking straight at her, his eyebrows raised in surprise.

"You’re here?" he said, stepping closer.

Ann swallowed. "Uh… yeah. I just got in."

A slow smile spread across his face. "Wow. I didn’t expect to see you here."

She forced herself to smile back. "Yeah, me neither."

"What course?" he asked.

"English."

"Nice. I’m studying Business Administration."

Ann nodded, unsure of what else to say.

Demian had always been friendly, but that was the problem—he was friendly with everyone. He had never looked at her the way she looked at him.

"You look good," he said suddenly.

Her heart skipped a beat.

"Uh… thanks," she said, feeling her face heat up. "You too."

There was a brief silence. Then one of his friends called his name.

"Guess I’ll see you around?" he said, giving her a casual nod.

"Yeah," she said quickly. "See you around."

As he walked away, Ann exhaled, feeling like she had just run a marathon.

What was she supposed to do now?

----------------------------

Back in her room, Ann lay in bed staring at the ceiling.

Seeing Demian again had shaken her.

She had told herself that coming to university was a fresh start. That she wouldn’t let anything distract her—not even old feelings.

But was that even possible?

Joy, who had just finished arranging her side of the room, looked over at her. "Why do you look like you just saw a ghost?"

Ann sighed. "I ran into someone from high school today."

"A bad someone?"

"No… just someone I wasn’t expecting."

Joy smirked. "An ex?"

Ann snorted. "No. I never even dated him."

"But you wanted to," Joy guessed.

Ann hesitated, then admitted, "Yeah."

Joy sat up. "And how did he react when he saw you?"

"He was friendly. But he’s always friendly."

Joy raised an eyebrow. "Hmm. Sounds complicated."

Ann sighed. "It is."

"Well, do you still like him?"

Ann turned to look at her. "That’s the problem. I don’t know."

Joy grinned. "Well, you’ll find out soon enough."

Ann groaned, burying her face in her pillow.

The last thing she wanted was to let old emotions interfere with her new beginning.

But deep down, she already knew the truth.

She had never really stopped liking Demian.

And now that they were in the same university, avoiding him would be impossible.