Unexpected Encounters
520 Words
Episode 7
Maya settled into university life faster than she expected. Her first few days were filled with excitement meeting new classmates, exploring the campus, and getting used to a new routine. On her second day, their lecturer, Mr. Daniels, announced that the students would be separated into groups for their first big photography project.
Each group had to find a location around the city to capture “a moment that speaks.” Maya ended up in a group of five students and that’s when she met Ethan McKenzie.
Ethan was a 22-year-old from Sandton, Johannesburg. He was tall, quiet, and always seemed deep in thought. There was something about the way he carried his camera steady, focused, confident that made him stand out. He was the complete opposite of Maya.
When Maya first saw him, her stomach twisted in knots. He looked serious, maybe too serious. Ethan, on the other hand, thought Maya was far too adventurous with her bright yellow top, ripped jeans, and her camera swinging freely as she explored every corner with curiosity and excitement.
When it came time to find their shooting location, their group decided on the campus rooftop, which Ethan suggested for its perfect sunset view. But finding it wasn’t easy. The campus was huge, full of buildings that looked the same, and no one seemed to know exactly how to get there.
They spent nearly an hour walking in circles, laughing and arguing over directions. Ethan tried to lead, but Maya’s free spirit kept pulling them into side paths, insisting that “the light looks better this way.” Eventually, though, it was her instinct that led them to a narrow staircase tucked behind the old art block — the hidden path to the rooftop.
When they finally reached the top, the view took their breath away. The city stretched out below them, the sky slowly turning shades of orange and pink. Everyone went quiet for a moment, just taking it all in. Maya lifted her camera, her heart full, and whispered, “It’s perfect.”
Ethan glanced at her and, for the first time, smiled. “You were right,” he said softly.
That small moment felt special — like the beginning of something neither of them could name.
After they finished taking photos, the group decided to go into the city for dinner. It was already evening, and Durban’s lights were just coming to life. They found a small café tucked on a corner street, filled with music and laughter.
Over burgers and milkshakes, Maya and Ethan found themselves sitting next to each other. They talked really talked about their dreams, their families, and what art meant to them. Maya spoke about her love for capturing real-life stories, while Ethan shared how photography had helped him find peace after a tough time in his life.
For the first time, Maya saw a softer side of him and he, in turn, saw how passionate and genuine she really was.
As they walked back to campus under the city lights, both of them smiled quietly to themselves. It wasn’t love, not yet
- Writer
