"No way am I letting bad luck ruin my first day of this new era."
I clenched my fist, dramatically punching the air like it would magically fix my situation.
"I just need to keep my eyes open. I got this. Forget the stupid past—this is my time to shine."
By the time evening rolled around, classes had drained the life out of me. Skipping the rest of the semester was starting to sound like a solid plan. I met up with my best friend at the cafeteria, ready to vent.
"Iced tea?"
"Sure."
"Sweet."
I grabbed drinks for us, and we settled into our usual routine—people-watching and silently (okay, not so silently) judging. Hey, don't come for me. It's fun.
That's when my eyes landed on him.
"Ooh, someone's got an eye candy."
"HUH?! How'd you know?"
"Your face gives you away so easily."
She laughed while I felt my entire soul leave my body from embarrassment.
"Look at that guy, Sam. The one in red, standing by the pillar."
Her gaze followed mine, and the moment she spotted him, her unimpressed expression said it all.
"Okayish. But go talk to him now. Get up."
"No, no, no, you know I can barely talk to a classmate. That's a stranger you're asking me to approach!"
"You said you'd try being more social. GET UP."
"Nope. Not happening."
"I dare you."
Oh, she knew I couldn't back down from a challenge. That was dirty.
I stood up, fixing my posture, smoothing out my clothes, and clearing my throat like I was about to deliver a speech. With shaky confidence, I walked towards the group by the pillar, my iced tea feeling heavier in my hands.
As I got closer, I could feel my heartbeat in my ears. Then, just as I looked up—BAM. Our eyes met.
Panic slammed into me at full force. I turned on my heel and booked it back to my bestie, half-running like my life depended on it.
"Let's go get some ciggies."
"You were so close. I'm proud of you."
"Aww, thanks, babe."
I hugged her, trying to slow my racing heart, and like the good friend she was, she immediately changed the topic to something random. We laughed all the way to the campus gates, the tension finally easing.
"Sam, I found him."
I handed her my phone with a victorious grin.
"Told you I'm a pro stalker."
She burst out laughing.
"You're insane. That was fast—what did you even search? 'Guy in red, campus pillar'?"
"Pfft, please. I have skills."
But just as I was basking in my investigative genius, Sam snatched my phone.
"Sam, what are you—SAM, give it back!"
She flashed me a wicked smirk as she tapped away.
"You're welcome."
"What did you do? give me the phone. Sam!"
She tossed it back with a smirk.
I stared at the screen, horror washing over me. No. No, no, no.
This looked desperate. It screamed desperation.
I groaned, lighting another cigarette and shooting her a death glare.
What the hell am I supposed to do now?