That evening, Ere'ana and Avarina settled into their shared dorm room. The walls were already plastered with posters of bands, string lights, and photos from last year.
"So, are you going to tell me more about Jack, or do I have to stalk your texts while you sleep?" Avarina asked, flopping onto her bed.
Ere'ana laughed, tossing a pillow at her. "There's not much to tell. He's cool, I guess. We haven't even met in person."
"Yet," Avarina said, wiggling her eyebrows. "Senior year is all about new experiences. You should totally meet him."
"Maybe…" Ere'ana trailed off, unsure.
Meanwhile, across campus, Jack and Ira were having a similar conversation in their dorm.
"Have you even thought about meeting her in real life?" Ira asked, glancing up from his phone.
"Yeah, I've thought about it," Jack admitted. "But what if it's weird? What if she doesn't like me in person?"
Ira laughed. "You? Come on, man. Girls love the mysterious, broody thing you've got going on."
Jack rolled his eyes, but a small part of him wondered if Ira was right. He wanted to meet Ere'ana, but something held him back.
Both Ere'ana and Jack lay awake that night, staring at their phones, neither realizing just how intertwined their pasts—and futures—already were.