STUCK IN YESTERDAY'S LAUGH

CHAPTER 1: The Hallway Encounter

Czenia walked down the busy hallway of Melxia Academy. The walls were full of posters about business classes and job fairs. It was the end of the year, and everyone was excited about graduation. She was a business student, carrying her books tight to her chest. Her mind was on exams and the future, but she felt a little lost.

Then, she bumped into someone. Books fell everywhere. "Sorry!" she said, and look up.

It was Zachie. He was tall, with a messy hair and a quick smile. He was also graduating in business, like her. They had seen each other in class but never talked.

Zachie laughed softly. "No problem. I was not watching where I went." He helped pick up her books. His hands brushed hers, and Czenia felt a warm spark.

She smiled back, a bit shy. "Thanks. I'm Czenia."

"I'm Zachie," he said, handing her the last book.

Their eyes met for a second longer than needed. The hallway noise faded. It felt like the start of something, but Czenia pushed the thought away. Graduation was coming. Dreams were for later.

As they walked apart, Czenia glanced back. Zachie was gone, but the bump stayed in her mind, like a joke that made her day brighter.