Untouchable

Awkward Beginnings

The jet's wheels kiss the ground just as the sun awakens, casting its gentle rays over the horizon. The aircraft's door yawns open, allowing a rush of cold morning air to caress my face, startling me to full consciousness. Stepping outside, I'm met with a sight I didn't expect—a young man, not much older than myself, perhaps around 21. His dark, tousled curls frame his face with an almost poetic precision, and his striking features make it nearly impossible not to stare.

An awkward silence envelops us, only to be shattered by his charming British accent as he ventures, "Mia, is it?" My cheeks ignite, and before I can respond, I lose my balance, tumbling forward. Gravity claims us both, but this handsome stranger proves to be my savior, catching me just in time to prevent an unceremonious fall. The collision brings our faces inches from each other, and when I open my eyes, they're met by the captivating emerald orbs of this enigmatic British gentleman. The sun's ascent accentuates every detail of his striking face, and I can't help but be captivated by his beauty.

Speech seems unnecessary as our gazes lock, and they wander from my eyes to my lips and back again. I find myself tracing his full, inviting lips with my own, the proximity of our mouths sending my heart racing. His breath grazes my lips, and a sense of intoxicating anticipation courses through me. With a gentle touch, he brushes a stray strand of hair from my face, his fingers trailing down my cheek, and his intense gaze follows their path to my lips.

In that suspended moment, it feels as though our lips are destined to meet, and I find myself welcoming the prospect of being kissed by this unnamed British mystery. Our lips inch closer, electric tension pulsating between us. But just as the bridge between us is about to be crossed, a sudden throat clearing shatters the enchantment.

In a flash, I spring away from him, my cheeks aflame with embarrassment. "I'm so sorry," I stammer, the heat of humiliation refusing to fade. "I'm not usually this clumsy." Reluctantly, I turn my attention to the source of the interruption.

Before me stands a girl who appears to be my age, her long blonde hair cascading around her shoulders, her brown eyes warm yet possessing a possessive gleam. Tall and beautiful, she wears a knowing smile as she approaches the man who had briefly stolen my breath away. With a quick peck on his lips, she addresses me, "You must be Mia. I see you've already met my boyfriend, Cole." She makes it clear he's spoken for, her fingers intertwined with his. "I'm Josie," she introduces herself, a possessive aura surrounding her.

A skeptical arch of my eyebrow conveys my unease as I follow her lead, reluctantly descending the stairs. "Classes begin at 8 a.m., and I would recommend something more appropriate attire," Josie advises, scanning my casual ensemble—a simple t-shirt, jeans, and my favorite white sneakers. She leads me down a corridor, eventually passing me a set of keys. "Your suitcases are already in your room, and your roommate should be settled in," she informs me, her voice tinged with annoyance.

With that, Cole takes my hand, a genuine smile gracing his lips as he adds, "It's been a pleasure meeting you, Mia. I look forward to seeing you again." I return the smile warmly, saying, "Thank you, Cole."

Josie's look of annoyance is palpable as she turns to me and utters a begrudging, "Welcome, I guess," before walking away, leaving me to navigate this new world I've been thrust into.