Chapter 1: The New GirlThe air at Excel College buzzed with anticipation. It was the start of a new academic year, a time for fresh faces, new friendships, and the promise of exciting adventures. Amidst the flurry of introductions and nervous laughter, a new student, Sophia, timidly navigated the bustling corridors.Sophia, with her cascading auburn hair and eyes the color of a stormy sea, was a striking contrast to the vibrant hues that dominated the college. She clutched her timetable, her heart pounding a frantic rhythm against her ribs. Finding her assigned classroom, she slipped inside, her gaze immediately drawn to a group of giggling girls.One of the girls, maya, the reigning queen bee of the college, pointed a mocking finger at Sophia. "Look who's here," she sneered, her voice dripping with venom. "The new kid."The other girls echoed maya's laughter, their cruel words like icy darts. Sophia shrank back, her cheeks burning with humiliation. Just as the taunts threatened to overwhelm her, a voice cut through the air."Leave her alone, maya," a girl with fiery red hair and a defiant spirit stepped forward. "She's new here. Doesn't give you the right to be a bully."maya's face contorted in fury, but the red-haired girl stood her ground, her gaze unwavering. Slowly, maya and her cronies backed away, muttering threats under their breath.Sophia, overwhelmed with gratitude, turned to her rescuer. "Thank you," she whispered, her voice trembling. "You saved me."The red-haired girl 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.Their friendship blossomed, a beacon of light in the sometimes-cruel world of college life. Sophia, however, remained unaware of the storm brewing beneath the surface. maya, stung by Sophia's growing popularity and the unexpected alliance with riya, plotted her revenge.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 nod.News 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!