The bustle of campus was beginning to calm down as we walked to the common room Nathan had mentioned. He said it would be a good opportunity to meet other new students, but I wasn't so sure I wanted to spend the night listening to the same old questions: "Where are you from?", "What are you studying?". Marcus seemed somewhat more interested, though more for the potential social opportunities than the event itself.
When we arrived, the atmosphere was completely different from what I had imagined. Instead of a solemn room filled with books and deep discussions, the space was lively, with students laughing, chatting, and sharing stories. The walls were decorated with posters of campus events and warm lights, creating a welcoming atmosphere. In one corner was a table with drinks and snacks, and several people were gathered around, pouring themselves glasses of lemonade or coffee.
I stood near the entrance, watching the others. Nathan was already in his element, chatting with a group about extracurricular activities and the best classes for the first semester. Marcus, for his part, had found a couple of guys who seemed to talk about sports, probably football. I didn't know where to fit into all this. The laughter and conversations seemed noisy, almost unbearable.
I took a couple of steps toward the snack table, more because I had something to do with my hands than out of hunger. I took a glass of lemonade and took a sip as I watched the others seem to blend in effortlessly. I realized this wasn't for me.
"This isn't my thing," I murmured, turning to Marcus.
He barely looked up from their conversation, but nodded.
"I don't blame you. I think I'll stay a while longer, but then I want to go to the sports field. They say that some of the football team meet there.
"Good luck with that," I said before setting the empty glass down on the table and heading for the door. I didn't want to stay longer than necessary.
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Once outside, I took a deep breath. The cool night air was a relief after the bustle of the common room. I decided to walk aimlessly, letting the campus guide me. There was something comforting about the tranquility of the lantern-lit trails.
I passed imposing buildings with arches and columns, and more modern areas that reflected light like mirrors. In the distance, I saw a group of students next to a fountain, but I didn't stop. I preferred to be alone.
My thoughts drifted to Lindsay. Although we had only spent a few weeks together, I felt that there was something special between us. She was different from the other people i had ever met; She did not try to force conversations or fill the silences with unnecessary words. With her, everything seemed simpler. More real.
Before I knew it, my steps led me to Stern Hall, the building where she lived. I stopped at a safe distance, looking at the lighted windows. I didn't want to seem intrusive, but I couldn't help but wonder if I would be in her room. What would she be doing? Maybe I should look for an excuse to watch it, even though I didn't know what it might be.
Just then, my phone vibrated in my pocket. I took out my cell phone and saw a message from Lindsay:
"Hello, Sack. Megan and I were thinking of going to the Frost Amphitheater. They say that some bands from the university are going to perform tonight. Do you dare to come with us? :)"
I sighed, undecided. Although it wasn't what I had in mind, something about her kind tone and the idea of spending time with her won me over. I answered with a simple:
"It's okay. What time?"
Not a minute passed before she answered:
"Great! We're coming out now. Are we at the entrance to Stern Hall?"
"I guess I have no excuse," I muttered to myself as I walked there. When I arrived, Lindsay and a red-haired girl who I assumed was Megan were already waiting for me. Lindsay greeted me with a warm smile.
"How fast!" Sack, this is Megan, my roommate. Megan, he's Sack.
"Hello, Sack," Megan said with a friendly smile.
"Hello," I replied. Lindsay seemed accustomed to my attitude, because she simply turned toward the path leading to the amphitheater.
"Come on. I think it's going to be fun. Her enthusiasm was contagious, though she wouldn't admit it out loud.
The three of us walked to the amphitheater under the starry sky, with Lindsay leading the conversation and Megan providing animated commentary.
"So, Sack, what did you think of the common room?" Megan asked, trying to break the ice.
"Boring," I replied bluntly. Megan looked at me with a mixture of surprise and bewilderment, but Lindsay laughed softly, as if she had expected it.
"Ah... Well, I guess it's not for everyone," Megan said, trying to keep the conversation going. "And what do you think of the campus?" It's huge, don't you think?
"Yes, I suppose," I said with a shrug. Megan paused, then gave Lindsay a meaningful look.
"You were right, it's cold," Megan said with a mischievous smile, though she said it in a tone low enough for only Lindsay to hear. Lindsay laughed again, pulling over to me and gently shaking my arm.
"Sack, you could try a little harder. Megan is nice, you know? She said in that kind tone she always seemed to use with me, as if everything was easy for her.
"I'm being honest," I replied, though not ill-intentioned. Lindsay shook her head, smiling, and returned to her place in front as we continued walking.
Megan seemed to relax a bit after that, the road to the amphitheater wasn't as awkward as she had imagined.