As Liana gazed out at the golden-lit expanse of Flodwell City from her high-rise apartment, she let out a sigh of relief.
"Finally, it's done," she whispered, wiping the sweat from her brow. The intricate details of her latest project had consumed her every moment, but now, she could bask in the glow of completion.
"Liana!" Zoe's voice crackled through the phone.
"Yes, granny?" Liana replied.
"Have you finished packing your bag?" Zoe uttered, her face showing concern.
"Yes, granny. You know I can't head to college unprepared," she smiled, stepping into the sleek dining area where breakfast was waiting.
After a quick but nourishing meal, Liana gathered her things and patted her dog, jax, on the head before heading out to school.
The city's automated transport system whisked her away to Westfield college of Science.
The academy was buzzing with energy. Everything seemed to hum with the same rhythm, the murmur of students, the whir of drones.
Liana walked confidently to her seat, only to be tripped by Kiana's leg, causing her to stumble and fall to the ground.
"Aaah!" Liana gasped in pain.
The class burst into laughter. Liana closed her eyes, trying to block out the noise as she attempted to get up.
"Need a hand pretty?" a young, strikingly handsome guy appeared before her, extending his hand.
Liana shyly took his hand, feeling the firm, gentle grip. The chaotic classroom seemed to fall silent, and she could hear only the thud of her heartbeat.
Kiara's face contorted with jealousy.
"Who is he?" she asked her friend Nora.
"I haven't seen him before. He must be the new student," Nora replied, with her eyes glued on him.
He picked up Liana's belongings and walked her to her seat, sparking even more jealousy in Kiana.
'Th….thank you,' Liana stuttered, her gaze dropping to her desk, her cheeks still flushed.
"No worries," he replied with a nod, his charming smile illuminated the surrounding space. He headed to his seat, leaving Liana feeling intrigued.
Mr. Donald, their professor, walked in, and the classroom fell silent. The hum of electronic screens ceased, replaced by the soft clicking of the board screen. The chattering noise of students and the rustling of pages subsided as students closed their books and turned their attention to the front.
"Good morning, class," he said, his tone firm yet welcoming.
"Good morning, Mr. Donald," the class replied in unison.
"I see you've met your new course mate, Christopher," Mr. Donald continued, signaling for him to step forward.
Christopher walked to the front, his movements confident yet relaxed, hands casually in his pockets.
"Hey, everyone. I'm Christopher, but you can call me Chris. I'm looking forward to getting to know all of you," he said, his voice carrying a friendly, upbeat tone. He headed back to his seat, giving a nod to his new course mates.
The class erupted in chatter again.
"Quiet!" Mr. Donald barked, his voice cutting through the noise and restoring order instantly.
"Anyone who speaks out of turn will spend time outside the classroom," he warned, while writing the day's assignment on the digital board.
Liana couldn't help but replay Christopher's words in her mind.
"Pretty." She mumbled.
As the lunch bell rang, Liana gathered her things and made her way to the bustling cafeteria. The aroma of various dishes filled the air, blending with the sound of students chatting and laughing. She scanned the cafeteria, hoping to see Chris again and thank him properly.
She spotted him sitting at a corner table, surrounded by a group of curious students. Taking a deep breath, she walked over, her heart pounding with each step. Just as she was about to reach him, Kiara and her clique intercepted her, blocking her path.
"Liana, what are you doing here?" Kiara sneered, her eyes glinting with malice.
"I'm just… I wanted to thank Chris," Liana replied, trying to keep her voice steady.
"Oh, how sweet," Kiara mocked. "But he's busy right now. Why don't you run along?"
Liana ignored her and continued her step forward.
Chris saw her coming. He quickly stood up, and their eyes locked once more.
"Hi there, we meet again. Is there anything I might help you with?" he asked softly.
Liana's mind went blank as she got lost in his gaze.
"I… I," she stammered, forgetting her words.