Chapter 2 Whirlwind Arrivals

Just like the ceiling of my apartment, the sky the next morning was devoid of clouds. A sigh escapes my lips as I glance up from my crumpled map, futilely attempting to smooth it against my pants.

"God, it sure is hot here," I mutter, regretting my choice of jeans. Anxiety mingles with the humid air, causing sweat to pool in the small of my back. Supposedly, there are campus tours today, but ironically, I can't seem to locate the meeting place.

The campus sprawls like a tiny city, with an apartment-style building to my left and some sort of pub to my right. Debating whether to ask for directions, I opt against it to avoid embarrassment before classes even begin. I study my map again, trying to decipher the labyrinth of roads. Deciding to continue walking forward, I realize I'm going to miss the last tour, and a low groan escapes me.

"I guess this walk will be self-guided."

As I trek forward, the quiet campus reveals a few passersby. With classes not starting until tomorrow, the atmosphere is subdued. Engrossed in the map, I notice a pattern of beautiful faces that prompts me to lower my head, attempting to conceal myself. Regret floods me as I collide with an unseen body.

"Shit!" I mutter, launched backward by the impact. A hand promptly pulls me up.

"I am so sorry," I exclaim, brushing myself off and stepping back. It's the cute guy from the convenience store, but his name has slipped my mind.

"Would you like to join the tour, Ulry?" My face drops as I see the group behind him. "You definitely could use the direction," he smirked.

Nodding, I let myself fade to the back of the group. Faces scrutinize me, making me feel like an outsider. The sea of faces blends together, each possessing different hair and eye colors but sharing the same sharp features and athletic builds. Slightly fuller in shape, I became acutely aware of my rosy cheeks. As I sulk at the back, I remember his name-Dacia. His voice interrupts my thoughts, discussing the library.

"Get used to seeing this building. Seriously, this is where most first-years spend all of their time."

The old structure atop a hill becomes our last stop. Dacia shares the university's history, but my attention wanes as I focus on locating my future classes. When he announces the observatory as our final destination, a chuckle runs through the group.

Everyone disperses, and I check my phone for the next bus. Dacia approaches when only a few people remain.

"It was nice seeing you again, Ulry. I hope we get to see each other again soon." A dazzling smile precedes his eyes falling on my necklace. "Nice necklace," he says before quickly walking away. Frowning, I whisper a "thank you" while unconsciously touching the stone against my skin.

At the bus stop, I join others waiting. The bus nearly lulls me to sleep with its soft vibrations against the window before reaching my apartment. Tired and still embarrassed from earlier, I notice scrapes on my knees. I sign, rubbing away dried blood with my hands and changing into shorts to let the cuts breathe.

My laptop hums on the table as I snack on French fries. Burning my mouth, I devour them hurriedly. Grabbing my laptop, I pull up my weekly schedule, pondering the last class to fill my course list. The options seem strange-from Iccan Studies to Human Sexuality and Creature Studies in Myles. Wondering if you can get a degree in the latter, I shake my head and decide randomly on ancient history.

A knock interrupts my thoughts. I jump, opening the door to find a girl about my age.

"Hi, I'm your neighbor, Tala!" I relax, shaking her hand and inviting her inside. "I'm Ulry; it's really nice to meet you," I say casually.

"Do you go to Gilgamesh University too?" I ask. "And are you going to the party tonight?"

"Yeah, of course! This is the first party of the year, and it might be the biggest. All of the first years are invited!" Tala exclaims.

"I didn't even know there was one," I admit.

Tala grins. "The first day of classes is all syllabus review anyway. If you want, we can go together and look out for each other."

I shake my head. "I don't think that's very good."

Suddenly, Tala grabs my hand, pulling me across the hall to her apartment. "Don't worry; this is going to be so much fun!" She says it with a wink and a wicked grin. Oh boy.