Chapter 1 Ordinary Moments

The sun-drenched campus of Oakwood University buzzed with activity. Students hurried to class, clutching coffee cups and laptops. Amidst the chaos, Emily Chen and Ryan Thompson lounged on a worn couch in the student lounge, engaged in a heated debate. "I'm telling you, Ryan, pineapple belongs on pizza," Emily said, her eyes sparkling with mischief. Ryan raised an eyebrow. "You're killing me, Em. That's a culinary sin." Their banter was interrupted by the sound of laughter and chatter from a group of freshmen playing pool nearby. Emily grinned, nudging Ryan with her elbow.

"Hey, you're just mad because I won the last game of Mario Kart." Ryan chuckled, shaking his head. "You got lucky." As they teased each other, their easy camaraderie was palpable. They'd known each other since freshman year, bonding over late-night pizza runs and study sessions. Their friendship had become a staple of college life. Emily glanced at her watch. "Oh no, I'm going to be late for psych class. Want to walk with me?" Ryan stood up, stretching his tall frame. "Sure thing. I'll walk you to class, and then I've got a meeting with my project group." As they strolled across campus, the warm sunlight cast a golden glow over their faces. Emily felt a sense of comfort in Ryan's presence, a feeling she'd grown accustomed to over the years. Little did she know, this ordinary moment would be the calm before the storm that would change everything.