Between Circuits and Us

“Bismillah.” Hana whispered the word softly before stepping into the Engineering Faculty building for the first time. Students moved confidently around her carrying laptops, files, and thick reference books while she stood there gripping her student folder slightly too tightly. Everything felt intimidating. The tall glass buildings. The unfamiliar faces. The overwhelming number of male students. And suddenly, Hana missed her boarding school days terribly. At least there, she knew who she was. Here? She wasn’t even sure anymore. Just three months ago, she was supposed to continue Physical Science at the university’s suburban branch. Different campus. Different environment. Far from the city. Far from convenience. The city campus was easier. Easier access to transportation. Easier to return home to her village during semester breaks. Easier for her parents too. So she changed courses. Engineering. Not because she dreamed about it. Not because she loved machines or circuits. Honestly? She was just tired of feeling left behind. During foundation year, Hana spent too much time laughing with friends instead of focusing on her studies. Especially after finding out her best friend from boarding school entered another prestigious university entirely. That disappointment stayed with her longer than she expected. Now everyone else seemed to move forward confidently while she was still trying to figure herself out. The lecture hall was already half full when Hana entered quietly. And immediately regretted it. Almost entirely boys. “Ya Allah…” She lowered her gaze slightly while walking down the stairs searching for empty seats. A few students glanced toward her. Some whispered softly. “Transfer student?” “There’s another girl in engineering?” Hana pretended not to hear. Then she noticed one empty seat near the front row. Beside a guy dressed entirely in black, focused on writing notes with an expression that looked permanently annoyed. Perfect. She sat down quickly and pulled out her calculator. The lecturer looked up from the projector screen. “You’re the transfer student from Physical Science?” Hana nodded awkwardly. “Yes, sir.” “Introduce yourself.” Every head turned toward her instantly. Wonderful. Hana stood slowly. “I’m Nurul Hana. Previously from Physical Science programme.” “Why transfer?” The question caught her off guard. She hesitated briefly before answering honestly. “I wanted to stay at the city campus.” The lecturer nodded casually before continuing the lesson. Beside her, the guy suddenly glanced over for the first time. Sharp eyes. Calm face. Slightly intimidating. Then his gaze dropped toward her calculator. “Your calculator is upside down.” Hana froze. It actually was upside down. Heat rushed into her cheeks as she quickly fixed it. The guy returned to his notes immediately afterward without another word. No smile. No reaction. For some reason, that annoyed her more than if he had laughed. The two-hour lecture felt endless. Half the engineering terms sounded like another language while the guy beside her wrote notes effortlessly like he had already mastered everything. Annoying. At the end of class, the lecturer adjusted his glasses before speaking again. “For lab sessions, partners will be assigned today.” Groans filled the lecture hall instantly. Hana silently prayed not to end up with someone difficult. Unfortunately— “Nurul Hana.” She looked up. “You’ll partner with Danish Rayyan.” The same guy beside her finally closed his notebook slowly. Then he sighed. Actually sighed. Excuse me? Hana narrowed her eyes immediately. Arrogant.