Back to You, BAD BOY.

Campus Night

As they strolled through the campus, a group of girls walked by and one of them called out, “Okay, queens! I see y’all looking like runway models!”

Cassie twirled dramatically, making Ariella laugh. “Thank you! Day one and we already slaying,” she said back.

Ariella, not used to so much open friendliness, blushed but smiled. “People here are really nice.”

Cassie nudged her. “Told you. You’re cute, Ari. Get used to the compliments.”

They made it to the food court, which was buzzing with students. The aroma of fries, burgers, spicy noodles, and fresh salads filled the air. Cassie led them to a taco stall she claimed was “life-changing,” and soon the two of them were seated at a high-top table near the window, munching on loaded tacos and sipping sodas.

“So,” Cassie said between bites, “what made you choose Westbridge?”

Ariella took a moment. “Honestly? I needed a fresh start. My mom passed a few months ago. Everything back home just... hurt to look at.”

Cassie’s smile softened. “I’m so sorry, Ari.”

“Thanks,” Ariella said, stirring her drink. “But I think I needed this. A place where no one knows me, where I can just… be.”

“Well,” Cassie said, raising her soda, “here’s to new beginnings. And to badass girls like you.”

Ariella clinked her cup against Cassie’s. “New beginnings.”

After dinner, they decided to take the long route back to the dorm. The campus buzzed with activity, clubs handing out flyers, music playing in the background, students skating or lounging with acoustic guitars. It was the kind of scene Ariella had only seen in movies.

They paused near the central fountain, where water danced under soft lights.

“This place is kind of magical,” Ariella said, eyes wide.

Cassie leaned over. “And it’s only the first day.”

Back at Maple Hall, the room was dim and cozy. The girls changed into their pajamas and curled up on their respective beds, the air now filled with the soft hum of their tiny fan and muffled laughter from down the hall.

“So,” Cassie said, brushing through her braids, “what’s your type?”

Ariella laughed. “Jumping straight to that, huh?”

Cassie grinned. “I like to know who my roommate’s likely to fall for. Makes for good gossip.”

Ariella chuckled. “I don’t know… I’ve only ever had one serious relationship, and it didn’t end well.”

“Oh girl, there’s tea. We’re gonna get into that one day.”

“Maybe,” Ariella said, pulling her blanket over her legs. “One day.”

They spent the next hour talking about music, dream jobs, embarrassing childhood moments, and everything in between. By the time midnight rolled around, both girls were giggling like old friends.

“Cassie?” Ariella said, turning off her lamp.

“Yeah?”

“I’m glad you’re my roommate.”

There was a pause, then a soft reply. “Me too, Ari. It’s gonna be a good year.”

As sleep finally settled over the room, Ariella stared at the ceiling, heart feeling just a little lighter. For the first time in a while, she felt like she might actually belong.