Tangled love

New Campus, Old Scars

DAISY’S POV

The campus was bigger than I’d imagined. I stood just outside the main gate, my suitcase upright beside me, backpack heavy against my shoulders, and for a moment, I just watched. Students swarmed past in clusters—laughing, hugging, calling out names like they’d been waiting all summer to say them again. Parents lingered nearby, offering last-minute advice, quick hugs, and emotional speeches. The air smelled faintly of sunscreen, coffee, and freshly cut grass.

I felt invisible and strange, which made me feel comfortable. My mum had to drive a long way to drop me off despite all my suggestions to take the train. She hugged me the last time and she made sure I was okay before leaving.

Now I was on my own. No family nearby. No little brother bursting in with his endless energy. No old friends from back home.

And definitely no Ethan.

I shifted the weight of my backpack, trying to push the memory away, but it crept in anyway—- he'd shown up at the house unannounced, looking pathetic in the porch light,hair messy, eyes red like he’d been crying or pretending to, telling me how bad he messed and he's so sorry and also trying to play the victim like always. I'd walk out and close the door while he was still trying to manipulate the whole situation.

I adjusted my grip on the suitcase handle and stepped onto the paved path, letting the university swallow me whole. Tall brick buildings rose on either side, their windows catching the late morning sunlight and reflecting it in sharp glints. Banners flapped in the breeze, cheerful and loud

*Welcome Home.*

I almost laughed. Home was complicated. This place was just… new.

My dorm was on the north side of campus, tucked behind a row of trees that hadn’t yet started shedding their leaves. The walk felt endless, my arms aching by the time I finally reached the entrance. Each step echoed a little too loudly against the stone path, reminding me that I was alone here, truly alone—at least for now.

Inside, the air smelled like fresh paint and something vaguely floral. A student volunteer, dressed in a bright campus T-shirt, held out a clipboard and smiled in that overly polished way that made me both grateful and suspicious.

“First year?” she asked. I nodded.

“Literature major?”I blinked. “How did you—”

She tapped the list on her clipboard. “Lucky guess. You look like someone who loves books.”

I smiled, a little forced, as she handed me my keycard. “Thanks.”

She held out her hand and said

“Maya what's your name?” I shook her hand and said

“Daisy”. Proceeding to leave

“Oh—wait,” she said, flipping the clipboard closed and leaning against the counter like she’d just remembered something important.

“There’s a welcome party tonight. Courtyard by the student center. Music, free food, awkward icebreakers—you know, the full experience.”

My first instinct was to shake my head. The word party tightened something in my chest. Crowds, noise, conversations that felt like tests I didn’t know how to pass.

“I’m not really—” I started, then stopped. “I might just unpack.”

Maya studied me for a moment, her smile softening, losing that polished edge. “Totally fair,” she said. “

“First day can be… a lot.” Then she tilted her head.

“But you don’t have to stay long. You could show up, grab a drink, people-watch for ten minutes, and disappear. No one will even notice.”

I hesitated, fingers curling around the strap of my backpack. The idea of staying alone in my room suddenly felt heavier than the thought of going.

“I don’t really know anyone,” I admitted.

“That’s kind of the point,” Maya replied gently. “No one knows anyone yet. It’s the safest time to be awkward. and you know me now, you can stay with me.”

That earned a quiet laugh from me. She smiled wider, like she knew she’d won.

“Come on,” she said. “Don’t be a spoiler.”

I rolled my eyes, but the tension eased. After a second, I nodded. “Okay. I’ll… I’ll try.”

“Perfect! Give me your number. Tonight at seven—I’ll text you the exact spot and don't overthink it.”

I recited my number, watching her type it in. Then I headed upstairs, keycard in hand, feeling just a fraction lighter.

———————-

My dorm room was smaller than I expected, but that was okay. The walls were bare, the bed neatly made, and the window looked out over a courtyard where a few students were tossing a frisbee. It should have felt intimidating, but somehow, it felt like… a blank page.

I dropped my suitcase and backpack by the door, sat on the edge of the bed, and let the quiet wash over me. My old life, all of it felt distant here, though I knew the scars would follow me. Old memories, old betrayals, they had a way of sneaking in when I least expected them.

The door creaked open, and a girl peeked in. She was wearing paint-stained jeans and a bright scarf, her hair pulled back in a messy braid.

“Hi! I’m Lena, your roommate. Well, technically, I’m the only one here right now, but—” She hesitated, then shrugged. “First day of chaos.”

I smiled again, this time genuinely. “Daisy.”

She grinned. “Nice to meet you. Don’t worry, the chaos gets better… sort of… Eventually.”

We both laughed, the sound filling the room in a way that made the space feel warmer, less empty.

As I unpacked my things, I thought about the summer I’d left behind. Here, I had a chance to rewrite myself, even if it was just a little.

I set my favorite notebook on the desk, the leather worn from years of use, and ran my fingers over its cover. This was where it would start—new classes, new faces, new challenges. And maybe, just maybe, a place where my scars wouldn’t define me.

I glanced out the window again. Students moved across the courtyard, laughing and arguing and living in ways I’d watched from the sidelines for years. My heart tightened and loosened at the same time. I wasn’t just watching anymore. I was part of it.

My phone buzzed on the bed beside me.

*Unknown number*

“Hey Daisy! It’s Maya from check-in. Save this number. Party starts at 7, I’ll send the pin. Don’t be late or I’ll come drag you myself! See you tonight ;).”

I smiled despite myself, thumbs hovering over the keyboard before I typed back a quick.

“Saved. I’ll be there.”