The campus buzzed with excitement as the annual Westham College Fall Festival approached. It was a beloved tradition that brought students, faculty, and the local community together for a weekend of fun, food, and festivities. The event transforms the usually quiet grounds into a lively hub of activity, with colorful banners, strings of fairy lights, and the tantalizing aroma of food wafting through the crisp autumn air. Carnival rides, games, food stalls, and live music were just some of the highlights, promising a weekend full of joy, laughter, and cherished memories.
Mira and Jenna could hardly contain their enthusiasm as they sat in their cozy dorm room, scrolling through the festival schedule on their phones. Jenna, sprawled out on her bed with a blanket draped over her legs, was practically bouncing with excitement as she rattled off a list of must-see events.
"Okay, Mira, listen to this," Jenna said, her voice tinged with urgency. "There's a pie-eating contest at noon on Saturday, pumpkin carving in the afternoon, and the haunted hayride after sunset. Oh, and the live music lineup looks insane, there's this indie band I've been dying to see!"
Mira laughed softly, amused by Jenna's energy. "It sounds like you've got the entire weekend planned down to the minute."
"Of course I do! It's my job as your best friend to make sure we don't miss a single thing," Jenna declared, grinning. "What are you looking forward to the most?"
"The food, obviously," Mira replied, her eyes lighting up. "Apple cider, caramel apples, and those roasted chestnuts from the food trucks. It's the only time of year I let myself go overboard."
Jenna raised an eyebrow playfully. "That's because you work too hard the rest of the year. You deserve to indulge."
After a while, Mira felt the need to step away. The excitement on campus was infectious, but it was also overwhelming. She craved a moment of peace before the festivities began. Deciding on a walk, she grabbed her jacket and headed out toward the small woods behind the library. It was one of her favorite spots on campus, a quiet refuge from the constant buzz of college life.
The woods welcomed her with open arms, their beauty magnified by the golden hour light. The crunch of leaves underfoot and the soft rustle of trees created a soothing symphony that enveloped her. The earthy scent of damp soil mingled with the crispness of pine, filling her lungs as she inhaled deeply, letting the tension melt away.
Lost in thought, Mira was startled by a familiar voice behind her.
"Didn't expect to see anyone else out here."
She turned to see Jake, his hands tucked casually into his jacket pockets, his ever-present, slightly mischievous smile playing on his lips.
"I could say the same about you," she replied, her surprise softening into a warm smile. "You seem to have a knack for showing up wherever I am. Should I be concerned?"
Jake chuckled, his breath visible in the chilly air. "Concerned? Or flattered? Maybe it's you who's following me."
"Yeah, you wish," Mira teased, rolling her eyes. "Seriously, though, why do we keep running into each other? It's getting suspicious."
Jake shrugged, feigning nonchalance. "Maybe it's fate."
"Fate?" Mira raised an eyebrow, fighting the smile threatening to spread across her face.
"Or maybe just coincidence," Jake admitted with a grin. "But I'll take fate if it means you don't mind me tagging along."
Mira shook her head, unable to suppress a small laugh. "You're ridiculous."
"I like this spot," Jake said, his tone softening. "It's quiet. Helps clear my head."
Mira nodded in agreement. "Exactly. It's nice to escape the chaos for a while."
The two walked in silence, the path winding through trees dressed in brilliant shades of red, orange, and gold. Jake occasionally kicked at a pile of fallen leaves, while Mira found herself marveling at the sheer beauty of the season.
"So," Jake said after a while, his voice breaking the tranquil silence. "Are you excited about the festival?"
"Of course, who wouldn't be" Mira replied, her voice tinged with genuine enthusiasm. "It's such a nice break from the grind of classes and midterms. What about you?"
Jake hesitated for a moment; his gaze fixed ahead. "Honestly? I wasn't all that excited at first. But now… yeah, I think it'll be fun. Especially with good company."
Mira felt a warmth rise to her cheeks at his words, but she kept her focus on the path ahead, her voice light. "It'll be great to hang out as a group. Jenna's already got every second planned out."
Jake laughed. "That doesn't surprise me. She's like the unofficial event coordinator for everything on campus."
They walked a bit further before coming across a small clearing. At its center stood a weathered wooden bench, its surface worn smooth by years of use. Jake gestured toward it.
"Want to sit for a bit?"
"Sure," Mira said, settling onto the bench as Jake sat beside her.
The quiet of the woods wrapped around them like a comforting blanket. Mira pulled her jacket tighter against the chill, and Jake glanced at her, concern flickering in his eyes.
"Cold?" he asked.
"A little," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.
Without hesitation, Jake unwrapped the scarf from around his neck and handed it to her.
Mira hesitated. "You don't have to"
"Take it," Jake insisted, his tone gentle but firm. "I'm fine. Really."
She accepted the scarf, wrapping it around her neck. It was warm, carrying a faint trace of his cologne, a subtle, comforting scent that made her heart skip a beat.
"Thanks," she murmured, her fingers brushing the soft fabric.
They sat in silence for a moment before Jake spoke again. "So, what's your favorite part of the festival?"
"The food," Mira said without missing a beat, a grin spreading across her face. "Especially the apple cider donuts."
Jake chuckled. "You've got good taste. For me, it's pumpkin pie. Can't get enough of it."
Mira raised an eyebrow, teasing. "Pumpkin pie? I didn't peg you for a dessert guy."
"Everyone has their weaknesses," Jake replied, smirking. "What's yours?"
"Hot chocolate," Mira admitted. "With extra marshmallows. Always."
"Duly noted," Jake said, his tone light but his eyes warm. "I'll remember that for winter."
Mira glanced at him, her heart skipping a beat at the subtle promise in his words.
As the sun dipped lower, casting the woods in a soft, golden glow, Jake stood and extended a hand toward her.
"Ready to head back?" he asked.
Mira slipped her hand into his, allowing him to pull her to her feet. "Yeah. Thanks for this, Jake. It was… nice."
"It was," he agreed, his gaze steady. "Maybe we can do it again sometime."
"Maybe," Mira said, a soft smile playing on her lips.
They walked back to campus side by side, their steps in sync, the connection between them deepening with each passing moment.
As they neared the edge of the woods, Jake glanced at Mira, a playful glint in his eyes. "So, about that dance at the festival…"
Mira's heart fluttered, but she masked it with a teasing grin.
Jake hesitated for a moment, then said, "save me a dance at the festival".
Mira's eyes widened slightly, but she quickly recovered, a smile spreading across her face "We'll see, Jake. We'll see."