The lecture hall loomed ahead, quiet and cavernous, its empty seats stretching out in orderly rows. Bella paused just inside the entrance of her new college, her pulse quick with a blend of anticipation and nerves.
The campus was alive with movement, students hurried between buildings, their laughter and chatter blending with the distant hum of engines and rustling leaves. Towering trees lined the brick pathways and banners advertising clubs and events fluttered in the gentle breeze.
Bella clutched her backpack straps a little tighter, scanning the crowd for anything familiar. It was overwhelming, so many faces, so many stories all tangled together in this sprawling place. She felt small and out of place, like a single drop lost in an endless ocean.
Bella scanned the lecture hall, searching for a seat when she spotted a familiar face near the middle row. It was Emily, someone from her old primary school back home. They hadn't spoken much back then, but recognition sparked immediately.
Emily's eyes widened in surprise and then softened into a warm smile. "Bella? Is that you?"
Bella smiled back, relief flooding through her. "Emily! I didn't expect to see anyone I knew here."
They quickly fell into easy conversation, reminiscing about their school days and how strange it felt to be starting fresh again at college.
"It's kind of comforting," Emily said, "knowing at least one familiar face in this sea of strangers."
Bella nodded. "Yeah. It makes everything feel a little less overwhelming."
Feeling a little less alone, Bella followed Emily toward the gymnasium for orientation, ready to face the day ahead.
The gymnasium buzzed with energy as freshmen flooded the room, weaving between tables and colourful banners. Bella and Emily stuck close, scanning the booths.
Bella's eyes caught a group demonstrating tennis swings, rackets slicing through the air as players called out encouraging cheers. Emily nudged her. "You thinking about joining?"
Bella hesitated. "Maybe. I used to play a bit back in school."
They moved on, drawn by the louder crowd gathered around the swimming club's booth.
There, standing tall and confident, was Yunho.
A sea of students, mostly girls, clustered around him, hanging on his every word. Bella's heart skipped. Yunho's dark, damp hair and the lean strength in his posture made him impossible to ignore.
Emily noticed Bella's gaze and leaned in, whispering, "That's Yunho, captain of the swim team. Everyone's kind of obsessed with him."
Bella swallowed, feeling a mix of nerves and curiosity as Yunho smiled and answered questions with effortless charm.
For a moment, their eyes met across the crowd, an electric connection that sent a small jolt through Bella.
She looked away quickly, pushing down a smile.
As they turned to leave, Bella's attention went back to the booth where a group practiced tennis swings. A tall, athletic guy with sun-kissed hair and an easy smile stood at the centre, directing the players.
He noticed Bella and Emily approaching and waved them over.
"Hey! You two thinking about joining the tennis team?" he asked, stepping forward confidently.
Emily grinned. "Maybe. This is Bella, she used to play back home."
The guy offered a hand. "I'm Jason, captain of the tennis team. Welcome to the club."
Bella shook his hand, noting the firm grip and the friendly sparkle in his eyes.
Jason glanced at Bella's backpack. "If you're looking for something competitive but fun, we'd love to have you."
Bella smiled, feeling the excitement of new possibilities stirring inside her.
Between Yunho's magnetic presence at the swimming club and Jason's easy charm here, Bella's first day suddenly felt a lot more interesting.