Love between classes

Chapter One: The Boy in My Seat

Maya

The first thing I learned about Westbridge University was that the campus was enormous. The second thing I learned was that being late to your first lecture was a terrible idea. I hurried across the courtyard, clutching my notebook against my chest while trying not to trip over my own feet. “Move, move, move,” I muttered. My phone said 9:03. My lecture had started at nine. Perfect. I pushed open the doors of the humanities building and rushed down the hallway. Students were already disappearing into classrooms, and the professor's voice echoed through the walls. I finally found Room 204. I took a deep breath before opening the door. Every head turned. Wonderful. “Miss Bennett,” the professor said, looking over his glasses. “How nice of you to join us.”

A few students laughed.

“Sorry,” I whispered. “Take a seat.” I scanned the room. There was exactly one empty chair. Near the window. I hurried toward it and dropped into the seat, trying to make myself invisible. Then I noticed the person sitting beside me.

A guy. Tall. Dark hair. Expensive-looking watch. White shirt with the sleeves rolled up. He was staring at me. Not casually. Actually staring.

“What?” I whispered. His lips curved into a smile. “Nothing.” “Then stop looking at me.” “I wasn't aware I needed permission.”

I blinked. Who was this guy?

I turned toward the professor and tried to ignore him. For the next ten minutes, I focused on taking notes. Then a folded piece of paper landed on my notebook. I looked at the guy beside me. He was still facing the professor. I unfolded the paper. You know you're sitting in my seat, right?

I glanced at the chair.

There was no name on it.

I wrote beneath his message.

Then you should have gotten here earlier.

I folded it and pushed it back. A moment later, it returned. I was here first. I frowned. I wrote: And yet I'm sitting here. Seems like you lost.

He looked at me.

This time, his smile was bigger.

What's your name, trouble?

I should have ignored him.

Instead, I wrote: Maya.

He took the pen from his desk and scribbled something.

Then he pushed the paper toward me. Ethan.

I stared at the name. For some reason, it felt familiar. Before I could ask why, the professor suddenly stopped speaking. “Since you two seem to have something more interesting to discuss…” The entire room went silent. “…perhaps you'd like to share it with everyone?” My face burned. “No, Professor.”

Ethan leaned back in his chair, completely relaxed.

“Definitely not.”

The professor sighed and continued the lecture.

I glared at Ethan.

He whispered, “Worth it.” I shook my head.

This was going to be the longest semester of my life.I didn't know it yet, but the boy sitting beside me would become much more than the stranger who stole my attention during a boring Monday morning lecture. He would become my best friend. My biggest heartbreak. And eventually…The love I never saw coming.