On That Day When I met you

Chapter 1: The New Girl

The air at Excel College buzzed with a peculiar energy, a mix of excitement and apprehension that always accompanied the start of a new academic year. Fresh faces mingled, eager to forge new friendships and embark on exciting adventures. Amidst this flurry of activity, Sophia, a new student with cascading auburn hair and eyes the color of a stormy sea, navigated the bustling corridors with a mixture of excitement and trepidation.Sophia, a quiet observer by nature, felt a pang of apprehension as she sought out her assigned classroom. Inside, a group of giggling girls caught her eye. Maya, the reigning queen bee of the college, pointed a mocking finger at Sophia, sneering, "Look who's here, the new kid."The other girls echoed Maya's laughter, their words like icy darts. Sophia shrank back, humiliation washing over her. Just as the taunts threatened to overwhelm her, a voice cut through the air. "Leave her alone, Maya," declared Riya, a girl with fiery red hair and a defiant spirit. "She's new here. Doesn't give you the right to be a bully."Maya's face contorted in fury, but Riya stood her ground, her gaze unwavering. Slowly, Maya and her cronies backed away, muttering threats under their breath. Overwhelmed with gratitude, Sophia turned to her rescuer. "Thank you," she whispered, her voice trembling. "You saved me."Riya smiled warmly. "No problem. I'm Riya." Thus began an unlikely friendship. Riya, with her infectious laughter and zest for life, quickly drew Sophia out of her shell. They spent hours exploring the college grounds, discovering hidden gardens, and sharing secrets under the watchful gaze of the ancient oak tree.Riya was a whirlwind of energy, a vibrant force in Sophia's life. She introduced Sophia to the college's vibrant social scene – the lively football matches, the energetic dance performances, the melodic choir practices, and the spirited debates that often turned into heated arguments. Sophia, initially hesitant, gradually blossomed under Riya's influence, her quiet confidence slowly emerging.Excel College was a microcosm of the world, a place where friendships bloomed and rivalries simmered. Riya and James, the college's most popular boy, were the undisputed royalty of this social scene. James, with his easy charm and athletic prowess, was the heartthrob of the college, while Riya, with her infectious laughter and sharp wit, was the social butterfly, admired for her intelligence and independent spirit.Their friendship, however, remained purely platonic. Riya, though fiercely independent, valued their bond deeply. Sophia, in turn, found solace in Riya's unwavering support, a safe haven in the sometimes-overwhelming world of college life.One afternoon, while crossing the quad, Sophia tripped over a stray football, her body hurtling towards the unforgiving concrete. A figure materialized before her, strong arms scooping her up just in time. Sophia gasped, her eyes widening as she gazed into the intense blue eyes of James, the college's most popular boy. He smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners, and gently placed her on her feet."Are you alright?" he asked, his voice a low rumble that sent shivers down her spine. Sophia, still breathless from the shock, could only nodNews of James's heroic rescue spread like wildfire throughout the college. Whispers of a budding romance filled the air, much to Riya's dismay. Sophia, however, remained oblivious. She assured Riya that she didn't have any feelings for James, but the words felt hollow even as she uttered them.James, captivated by Sophia's kind spirit and captivating beauty, began to seek her out. He would linger near her during lectures, offer to walk her home, and shower her with unexpected acts of kindness. Sophia, despite her initial protests, found herself inexplicably drawn to him.But as their connection deepened, Sophia began to feel a growing unease. She knew she shouldn't be falling for him. Not only was Riya her friend, but she also sensed a dangerous undercurrent beneath James's charm.And so, Sophia found herself caught in a whirlwind of emotions, her heart torn between friendship and an undeniable attraction she couldn't seem to escape.To be continued...This is just the beginning of the story. In the following chapters, we'll explore Sophia's internal conflict, the deepening of her feelings for James, the escalating tension with Riya, and the potential for a love triangle.Will Sophia and James find happiness without hurting Riya?Only time will tell.I hope you enjoyed this first chapter!