The afternoon sunlight spilled through the window of Reina's room as she sat cross-legged on her bed, phone in hand. The notifications from Chatterline buzzed continuously, each ping a reminder that she was no longer invisible. Her new classmates were already active, chatting and joking, sharing notes, and asking questions about each other.
"Hey, Reina! Just curious—what sports do you like? Heard you're into athletics?" a message popped up from one of her classmates.
Reina smiled softly, fingers hovering over the keyboard. Sports… I haven't really played much lately, but I guess I can start. She typed back, trying to sound casual. "I've always liked running and a little bit of badminton. Haven't played competitively yet though."
Almost immediately, responses came flooding in. "Oh, you'll love it here! We have competitions coming up in the university!""Yeah! And you should meet Adrian—he's one of the best athletes here, everyone admires him!"
Reina's heart skipped. Adrian… the charming boy I met yesterday? She felt a strange warmth spread through her chest. Her mind wandered back to his confident posture, his easy smile, the way everyone seemed drawn to him. He wasn't just friendly—he was genuinely admired, almost like a small legend among his peers.
No wonder I felt… charmed by him yesterday, she thought, cheeks flushing. Maybe that's why I found him so captivating. It's not just me imagining it—he truly has that presence.
Messages kept coming in, teasing her playfully and sharing small updates about the upcoming sports contests. Reina found herself engaging with ease, replying with laughter, curiosity, and excitement she hadn't felt in a long time. She realized how natural it felt to connect with people when she allowed herself to step out of her shell.
Maybe I've been hiding too much… maybe I've let my past self hold me back too long, she thought, staring at her phone. I don't want to be trapped in that old version of me anymore—the shy, anxious one who didn't believe she belonged.
Her fingers hovered over the keyboard again, but this time she didn't reply. She let herself think, reflecting on what she truly wanted. I should… try harder. Be more outgoing. Join the sports competitions. Talk to more people. Explore everything I can here at the university. Maybe even… surprise myself.
The thought brought a small, determined smile to her lips. I want to break free from that jail I've built in my own mind. I want to feel alive… to push myself. If Adrian can carry that energy effortlessly, maybe I can find my own version too.
She scrolled through the Chatterline group, seeing messages about upcoming badminton matches, running events, and small athletic challenges. I can do this. I can participate. I'll train a little every day. I'll meet new people. I'll learn more about myself… The idea felt exhilarating, almost addictive.
One message made her pause: "By the way, Adrian is planning to join the relay competition next month. You should come watch!"
Reina felt a flutter in her chest. Watch him? Or… maybe join too? Her fingers hovered again. She realized that even small steps, like attending events, talking to friends, and being active, could slowly reshape her confidence.
This is my chance, she thought, her pulse quickening with determination. A chance to stop being stuck in the past. To build a better me. A me who's brave, outgoing, and alive.
Reina smiled at the messages, replying eagerly, planning small meet-ups, asking questions, laughing over jokes. Each ping, each conversation, felt like a brick breaking down the walls around her. She imagined herself running on the track, participating in contests, cheering, and laughing with her peers.
And somewhere in the back of her mind, she felt a quiet thrill—Adrian might still be a part of it, yes, but this journey was hers. The spark of connection, the small admiration, the chatter and laughter—all of it combined into a single, motivating flame.
I will not let the past define me anymore, she told herself. I will be brave. I will explore. I will push myself. And maybe… just maybe, I'll discover a version of me that I actually like.
Reina put down her phone for a moment, taking a deep breath. The evening sun bathed her room in gold, and for the first time in a long time, she felt a steady, unwavering sense of possibility. The walls of her mind were still there, yes, but they were no longer unbreakable.