The hallway buzzed with nervous energy as students streamed into Lecture Hall B — most with coffee cups in hand, some still adjusting their outfits, and others staring blankly at their phones. Bibxy and Soya made their way in, scanning for empty seats.
"Middle row?" Soya suggested.
"Perfect," Bibxy said, clutching her bag a little tighter.
As they slid into their seats, a soft voice called out from the front. "Good morning, everyone."
The room quieted.
A graceful woman in a lilac blouse and gold-rimmed glasses stood at the lectern. Her poise commanded attention without a raised voice.
"I'm Dr. Erin," she said warmly. "Welcome to Contemporary World Literature. Before we dive into today's material, we have a new student joining us."
Bibxy felt her heart lurch.
Dr. Erin smiled directly at her. "Would you please stand and introduce yourself?"
Bibxy rose slowly, legs a little wobbly. "Hi, I'm Bibxy… Um, I just transferred in yesterday. I'm from... far away," she added with a nervous chuckle.
A few students laughed lightly. One even clapped.
"Well, Bibxy," Dr. Erin said, "we're happy to have you. Let's do a quick round of names so she can start putting faces to all of you."
One by one, the students around the room introduced themselves. Bibxy tried to remember as many names as she could — which was about three.
And then—
"Josh," came a deep voice.
She turned her head instinctively.
Third row, right near the window.
He sat relaxed but sharp, a casual hoodie over a fitted white tee, black jeans, one earbud still in. His eyes — cool, unreadable — met hers briefly.
"Class prefect," he added with a nod.
Bibxy didn't know why her stomach flipped. There was something unsettlingly calm about him, like he wasn't just part of the room — he owned it.
After the introductions, Dr. Erin launched into the syllabus. Bibxy tried to focus, but her thoughts kept slipping sideways — back to Josh, and why he felt oddly familiar.
When class ended, students began packing up.
"Hey," someone said behind her.
She turned.
Josh. Closer now, still calm. "You did good. Introductions suck."
"Thanks," she said, trying not to stare.
"Dr. Erin's cool. You'll like this class." He gave a small nod, then turned and walked away.
Soya leaned in, wide-eyed. "Did Josh just talk to you?"
"I… guess?"
"You're already attracting mystery men on day one," Soya teased.
Bibxy smiled faintly, but a small spark of curiosity burned inside her.
---
That spark followed her back to her dorm.
The door clicked shut behind her with a soft sigh. She dropped her bag and fell onto her bed, exhausted but restless.
Josh.
The name echoed like a whisper. His face had burned itself into her memory — not just because he was attractive in that rugged, careless way, but because… there was something familiar about him.
And that unsettled her most.
This wasn't a crush. This was something else — a pull, like a memory half-formed.
She needed air.
Without bothering to fix her hair or grab her hoodie, she slipped into her sneakers and walked into the cool evening.
The path winding through the back of campus was quiet. Lampposts buzzed with soft light, wind brushed through the trees, and the ache in her chest began to ease.
Until she saw it.
A small building tucked behind ivy and shadow — hidden between the old science wing and the sculpture garden.
Above the arched wooden door, in fading gold letters: The West Library.
Bibxy frowned. The librarian had told her the university only had one central library.
This one looked ancient, older than the rest of campus. Its stained-glass windows flickered faintly, as though candlelight glowed inside.
She stepped closer, reaching for the handle—
"You really like finding trouble, huh?"
The voice came from the shadows.
Bibxy froze.
Josh stepped out from beside the wall, his figure haloed by lamplight. Hoodie on. Hands in pockets. That same unreadable look in his eyes.
"You again," she said, masking the flutter in her chest. "Are you following me?"
"You wish," he smirked.
"This place wasn't here earlier," she said.
"It shows up when it wants to."
Bibxy blinked. "What does that mean?"
"Some places aren't for everyone," Josh said. "Some doors open only when they're meant to."
"Why now? Why me?"
Josh's gaze didn't waver. "That's the question, isn't it?"
For a moment, the world felt still, like something was holding its breath.
The windows flickered. The air shimmered faintly — or maybe it was just her nerves.
Her instincts whispered: There's more to this place.
And more to him.
A chill passed down her spine — not from fear, but from recognition.
Whatever she was about to walk into… it had already begun.