At East High University, Dara immediately established a routine. She woke up early, attended lectures, and spent long hours in the library.
It was comforting to plan and control a world that still seems foreign to her. But that focus didn't protect her from the stares and whispers that sometimes haunted her on campus. But she paid no attention.
At home, she'd learned to let such things pass her ears. The important thing was to remain herself.
One morning as Dara crossed the plaza, the whispers grew louder. Students were gathered under a large oak tree. The unmistakable sound of laughter reached her ears, and she looked to its source.
On a low stone wall sat a group of bad boys from East High. Christian, with his striking blue eyes and confident smile, seemed to command the platform at the very center of the group. Jackson, muscular and perpetually grinning, leaned back in his chair casually, while Kim, a shaggy brunette with adorable hair, tossed a soccer ball into the air.
"Don't mind them," Chloe appeared next to Dara.
Aisha looked on doubtfully. "Do they always get this much attention?"
"All the time," Chloe replied with a shake of her head. "They live for it. Everyone wants to be them and be with them. Personally, I think they're overrated."
Dara laughed. "They are overconfident,"
"To say the least. Especially Christian. He gives off that 'king of campus' vibe. Trust me, you'd better stay away from him."
Dara nodded her thanks for Chloe's advice. However, she didn't shake the feeling that Christian was watching her.
She chalked it up to her imagination.
That night, Dara found a quiet spot in the student lounge to review her notes.
The living room was spacious and bright, with comfortable couches and students chatting in groups. She settled down at a small table in the corner and laid out her book. Just then a shadow fell over her.
She looked up and saw Christian standing there with his trademark smile. "May I sit down?" He asked without waiting for an answer.
Dara frowned slightly, but kept her tone polite. "Of course."
Christian pulled up a chair and sat down. His relaxed posture contrasted with Dara's straight back. "I hope you won't ignore me like you did that time."
"I didn't ignore you. I'm sure I responded to your greeting," she replied in a measured voice.
"I heard that you are very intelligent. You were one of the best students at home,weren't you?"
"Something like that," Dara said.
"Impressive. Not many people can combine intelligence and looks," Christian added with a wink.
Dara blinked, caught off guard by the unexpected compliment. "Thank you."
Christian laughed. "You're a tough one. Most girls would have melted long ago."
"Well, I'm not most girls," she replied firmly, gathering her notes. "Now if you'll excuse me, I have a lot of studying to do." Christian watched as she gathered her things and left.
Dara was different from the others. She wasn't charmed by his attention.
That evening Christian met up with Jackson and Kim at their favorite hangout spot, a modern cafe near campus; the three of them took a booth in the back and discussed the latest campus gossip over drinks.
"So, what's up with the new girl?" Jackson asked, leaning forward. "I saw you talking to her."
Christian grinned. "She's different from the other girls."
"'Different how?" asked Kim, raising an eyebrow.
"She has an unwavering air about her. It's like she doesn't care who I am," Christian said. "It's refreshing and infuriating."
Jackson laughed. "You probably take it as a challenge."
Christian shrugged his shoulders. "Maybe."
Kim tilted his head thoughtfully. "So what are you going to do about it? Are you going to win her over?"
Christian's smile returned. "Sure! But let's make it interesting."
Jackson and Kim exchanged knowing glances. When Christian suggested "make it interesting," it usually meant trouble.
"What are you up to?" asked Jackson.
Christian leaned back, flashing his eyes mischievously.
"A bet. We're all going to try to win her over. The first one to succeed gets a thousand dollars."
Jackson whistled. "That's bold, even for you."
"Why not?" Christian said. "She's different, of course, but no one's impossible to crack."
Kim hesitated. "Are you sure about that? If she finds out. It could backfire,"
Christian said confidently, "It's just a game."
Kim's unease lingered, but they reluctantly agreed. The bet was placed and the game was on.
One afternoon, Chloe talked Dara into attending a student party. The party, held in a large hall, was decorated with lights, filled with music and conversation. Dara wasn't particularly interested in the party, but Chloe insisted that it would be a good place to meet people.
As Dara entered the hall, she felt a slight unease. The room was crowded, and she didn't recognize anyone but Chloe. She tried to adjust, sipping a soda next to her friend.
That's when she saw Christian. He was standing at the other end of the room, laughing with a group of students. Christian's gaze fell on her and he gave her a mock salute.
Dara quickly averted her gaze and felt her cheeks heat up.
"Are you okay?" asked Chloe, noticing her discomfort.
"I'm fine," Dara replied quickly. "I'm going to go get some air."
Chloe nodded, and Dara stepped out onto the patio.
The cool evening breeze was pleasant. She leaned against the railing, looking up at the stars and trying to calm her nerves.
"You don't like parties," came a voice from behind her. Turning around, Dara saw Kim standing there. She hadn't expected one of the infamous bad boys to follow her.
"Not really," she admitted.
"Me neither," Kim said. "Too loud."
Dara nodded, not knowing what to say. Unlike Christian, Kim was quiet and didn't inspire confidence. They stood in silence for a while, the noise of the party fading into the background.
"I have to go," Dara finally said. "It's getting late."
"Be careful, Dara," he told her in a calm voice.
As she walked, the feeling that something was happening never left her. This was just the beginning.