Chapter 27: "Monday Morning"
Boy's hostel ~
The sun had just begun to shine its bright rays into the boys' hostel room, casting a warm glow over the three boys, Leo, Gael, and Ivan, as they busied themselves preparing for their day. Monday mornings were always a bit of a struggle, but these three final-year students were determined to make the most of it.
"Ugh, Monday already," Ivan groaned, stretching his arms and yawning. "Can't we just skip it and start the week on a better note?"
Leo, who was meticulously packing his bag, shot Ivan a stern glance. "You think you're the only one who's not looking forward to class, Ivan? We're in our final year, and we've got bigger things to worry about. Now, let's get moving!"
Gael, who was busy spraying his hands with sanitizer, chuckled. "Yeah, Ivan, stop being such a slacker. We've got Finance lectures to attend, and I don't plan on failing just because you're not feeling it."
Ivan chuckled good-naturedly. "Hey, someone's got to keep things light around here, what do you mean by failing. Have you heard the smartest students fail before. Besides, I'm going to ace my Engineering courses, no worries!"
The trio were all dressed in their usual Monday attire: Leo in his crisp white shirt and navy blue trousers with his white shoes, Gael in his sleek black jeans and a graphic tee with his black shoes, and Ivan in his faded denim and a blue hoodie also in black shoes. Their bags were packed with books, laptops, and snacks, ready for a long day of lectures and seminars.
As they finished packing, Leo strolled over to the window and gazed out, his eyes scanning the opposite building. Gael noticed and raised an eyebrow. "Leo, let's go, man. We're going to be late."
Leo sighed, still staring out the window, as if waiting for someone. "Yeah, yeah, I'm coming."
The three friends exchanged a knowing look and headed out, locking the door behind them.
Girl's hostel ~
Meanwhile, in the girls' hostel, Nell was watching outside her window, lost in thought. Tris's voice snapped her back to reality. "Nell, what are you watching? Let's go!"
Nell turned to face her friends, Tris and Gabby, and smiled. "Just enjoying the view," she said, shouldering her bag.
Tris, who had picked out Nell's outfit for the day – a cute yellow sundress with a matching pair of sandals, her hair in an updo– grinned. "You look fabulous, Nell. Time to show off our first-day style!"
Tris, herself wore a black baggy pants with a cream sleeveless top, with matching black snicker.Her hair was left loose and swaying when she moved.
Gabby, who was also rocking a trendy blue jumpsuits with black heels, nodded in agreement.Her hair was also in pony with two strands left Infront on either sides.
Nell had been up since 6 am, her mind racing with a mix of emotions about her first day back at school. She had gotten dressed and ready, thanks to Tris's expert styling.
"Are you ready, guys?" Tris asked, eyeing the girls.
"I'm ready," Nell replied, smiling brightly.
Gabby nodded, and Tris took a deep breath. "I'm ready too, let's go!"Totally! And we're all going to crush this first day."
The two girls linked arms, trailing behind Gabby and headed out, ready to take on the day.
As they walked through the corridor, Nell couldn't help but feel a sense of nervous excitement. She had been waiting for this moment for what felt like forever – to be in her dream school, surrounded by her friends, and pursuing her dreams.
Tris seemed to sense her mood and squeezed her arm reassuringly. "You got this, Nell. We're all in this together."
As they stepped out of their hostel, they were greeted by the bustling campus scene. Students were rushing to and fro, some in pairs, others in groups, and a few solo individuals typing away on their phones. Cars were packed with students, and the sound of chatter and laughter filled the air. It was already 7:40 am, and the girls knew they had to get moving.
"What do you guys have this morning?" Tris asked, adjusting her bag.
"I have English," Nell replied, checking her schedule.
"I have Architectural Design Studio," Tris said, smiling. "What about you, Gabby?"
"I'm having Engineering Mathematics," Gabby replied, tucking her hair behind her ear.
"Okay, let's go so we don't be late on our first day," Tris said, leading the way. "Let's grab breakfast together after class, my treat!"
The girls nodded in agreement and set off towards their respective classes, ready to tackle the day ahead.
RB