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The morning I left home felt heavier than I expected.
My suitcase sat by the door, neatly packed, too neatly packed — like it knew I was trying to hold myself together. My mom hovered, giving last-minute instructions I'd heard a hundred times. My younger brother pretended he wasn't sad even though he hugged me longer than usual.
My dad helped load my bags into the car and then pulled me into one of his quiet, grounding hugs.
"Be good," he murmured.
"I always am," I whispered back.
Goodbyes never felt dramatic with my family.
Just warm.
Steady.
Soft in the places that mattered.
---
Lily was already standing outside her house as wen went to pick her up, dragging her suitcase with one hand and waving wildly with the other.
The moment she saw me, she gasped.
"Maya! You look gorgeous — turn around, let me see the full fit!"
I did a slow spin, laughing.
I had worn a pretty floral dress, the soft kind that moved when the breeze hit. My hair was down, flowing freely across my shoulders. I didn't do it for anyone in particular. I just wanted to feel pretty today — and I did.
"Ugh," Lily groaned, shaking her head dramatically.
"You're going to break hearts the second we step on campus."
"Relax," I said, rolling my eyes. But inside… it felt nice to hear.
My dad dropped us off, wished us luck, and waited until we disappeared into the mass of students before driving away.
---
Back to school
The moment I stepped onto campus, the reality of it all hit me — the crowds, the noise, the smell of fresh paint and grass, the low hum of excitement buzzing through the air.
A fresh start.
A new semester.
A chance to breathe differently.
I let out a slow sigh, feeling the weight and hope of it all settle into my chest.
So much could change.
So much already had.
Lily, on the other hand, was vibrating with excitement.
"Oh my God, look! They renovated the entrance! And— Maya, is that Zoey? ZOEY!" She dragged me across the walkway before I could react.
We reunited with the others — Zoey, Ivy, a few girls from our dorm. Everyone was talking at once, comparing breaks, showing outfits, complimenting everything in sight.
It felt good.
Loud, chaotic, but good.
For a moment, I let myself just exist in it.
---
After settling into the noise, I slipped away for a bit.
Something in me wanted to check on Rav — we hadn't seen each other in person since before break.
He was leaning against a tree near the main path, scrolling through his phone. When he looked up and saw me approaching, his expression shifted — almost like he froze for a second.
His eyes lingered longer than usual.
Just… surprised. Soft.
Like he saw something he didn't expect.
"Wow," he said quietly, smiling.
"You look really nice, Maya."
I smiled back, warmth settling into my chest — the kind that wasn't complicated and didn't hurt.
"Thank you," I said, brushing my hair behind my ear.
There was no hidden meaning in his compliment.
No tension.
No pressure.
Just kindness.
We walked a little, catching up about classes and schedules, his usual sarcastic humor making me laugh in a way I hadn't realized I missed.
It felt like stepping into the semester with a gentle start — nothing intense, nothing overwhelming.
Just… right.
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