Chapter 2 STOLEN GLANCES

The soft hum of the fluorescent lights above me filled the room as I sat at my desk, surrounded by textbooks and scattered notes. It was late, much later than I intended, but the looming exams felt like a giant boulder pressing down on my chest. Medical school was a dream I had held for as long as I could remember, and now that I was finally on the brink of achieving it, I was drowning in the pressure of it all. My name is Ava. I'm twenty years old, with dark hair that cascades in soft waves around my shoulders, and deep brown eyes that often reflect my thoughts more than I'd like. I had spent countless hours in the library, poring over anatomy textbooks and clinical guidelines, trying to absorb every detail I could before the exams. But tonight, as I stared at the screen of my laptop, everything felt too difficult to overcome. After a long week of studying, i was resting in my room for the weekend. It was the first night after i had met my study group for the first time, I had spent the evening scrolling through social media, trying to distract myself from the stressful week i have had. But what i could not shake away was the thoughts of Nath. That was his name. He had exuded so much confidence with his charming smile. Although he introduced himself calmly i could have sworn my heart raced a bit and time slowed down as our eyes met. There was something different about him, he had this charisma that drew me in despite my best efforts to maintain my composure and it was magnetic. ohh the way he spoke, his voice smooth and inviting. I remembered the way he spoke, his voice smooth and inviting. "Do you want to go with me to get an empty class to study before the others join us?" It was a simple request yet it had sent ripples of excitement through me. Although i was nervous, his warmth eased my tension and i found myself catching a glimpse of him any chance i get, hoping he had not noticed the blush creeping across my cheeks.

The next day, I arrived at the after lecture hall where we were to meet, my heart pounding with anticipation. I was dressed simply, in a cute little top and shorts with my hair styled in a pony trying to look cute and casual at the same time trying to look comfortable. I took a deep breath as I pushed the door open, stepping into the room where they waited for me. Lucy, the girl i met some days earlier, who had introduced me to the group waved as soon as she saw me. i felt a warm sense of belonging from the way she called my name as soon as she saw me. When i got in, i noticed Liam, leaning against the wall, engrossed in a conversation with Lisa who wore stylish glasses that accentuated her features. They seemed comfortable together, laughing easily, and i could not help but feel a pang of envy at their easy camaraderie. I reminded myself that this was an opportunity for me to connect and make new friends and to break out of my old shell.

"Okay, everyone!" Lucy clapped her hands to gather everyone's attention. "Let's get started! I'm so excited to study together!"

The group settled down together into a circle on the floor, and I found myself sitting beside Nath. I could feel the excitement bubbling in my stomach as I tried to focus on the discussion. He was animated as he shared insights about the exam structure because he had taken it a year before and has knowledge about it. His eyes sparkled as he talked and i found myself getting lost in them.

Every time Nath laughed or made a witty comment, i could not help but smile along with him even though the others did not do so.

"Okay, let's take a break!" Lucy suggested after a particularly intense session on human anatomy. "I brought snacks! "she shouted.

I watched as she opened a bag of chips and passed them around, the atmosphere lightening as we all settled back into casual conversation. Nath leaned back against the wall, his gaze wandering around the room, and I had a feeling of nervous excitement as he turned and caught my eyes.

"Hey, Ava," he said, his voice low and inviting. "What do you think about the exam format? Are you feeling prepared?"

I swallowed hard, as my cheek filled up with heat. feeling my cheeks heat up. "I am a little nervous, to be honest. It feels like there is so much to do and cover. But I think having a group helps. It is nice to have support."

Nath nodded, a thoughtful expression on his face. "I get that. I felt the same way last year. But if we work together, we will be able to tackle it. Just take it one step at a time."

His encouragement was reassuring, and I found a bit relaxed.

"Thanks, Nath. That means a lot."

As the day came to an end, i felt more at ease and comfortable with them. most especially to Nath. Our conversations were whole full and with each interactions i felt a spark. When it was time to leave he offered to drop me home which i gladly accepted. When we got to my gate he called out to me as soon as i stepped out of the car.

"Hey, Ava," he called out, his voice cutting through the chatter. "I am glad you joined us. Let us keep this going. We can help each other through the next few weeks."

I felt a smile bloom on my face, warmth flooding through me. "I would like that," I replied, my heart racing. As I stepped out into the cool night air, I could not help but feel a sense of joy and happiness. Perhaps this was the start of something beautiful, something beyond just studying. This was love.