At Riverstone University, a new semester burst onto the scene with a mix of familiar faces and fresh unknowns. Michael, a quiet fellow who practically lived in his books, mostly kept to himself—even though his pals kept nudging him to join in the chatter. He always found comfort in his own little routine, yet there was something, generally speaking, a bit different in this air, a promise of change that he hadn't quite expected.
One cool September afternoon, Michael wandered into the campus cafe hoping to grab a coffee that could really jumpstart his long study session. He fumbled with his wallet when, in a random twist, his eyes caught a young woman sitting by a sunlit window. There she was, casually sipping a caramel latte and lost in a book, and for a split second the world seemed to hit pause—even if just briefly.