Chapter Text
Okay, it’s a ten minute walk.
I skim my vision over the scenery as I press on. My hand against my chest as it’s beating at the speed of a racing car. I shouldn’t be surprised to be this nervous on my first day, but then again, I’ve been always been shy so it shouldn’t be.
It’s my first day of college. Since I started high school, I had my sights on college since Leon, my guardian, recommended it to me. I wasn't keen on it since I was gonna deal with four more grueling years. but the more I thought about it, maybe it be a good idea. A degree could help me more down the line, even though I mostly write & draw.
But, either way, I just pray to god that I don’t have to deal with trouble like I have been in the past.
A buzz vibrated in my skirt pocket. I rummaged through it, pulling out my phone. It lit up, showing a photo of me & Leon when I was like, six, at the time. I was hoist up on his shoulders, a shy smile on my face, arms close to my chest. Leon holding my ankles to keep me balanced; his usual easygoing grin clear on his expression.
I smiled warmly at the pic. A sense of nostalgia & familiarity filling my heart. How long it’s been since we took this photo?
A notif was below the picture, reading:
< You there, yet? >
I clicked it, my phone transition from my Lock Screen to my chat log. Now typing in a response.
Shea: < Not yet. But I’m almost there, I’m about 5 minutes away. >
Leon: < Okay. You nervous? >
I’m just an open book to him, aren’t I? I groaned. I’ve should’ve known that I’ve made it obvious. Considering I was looking at my acceptance letter a lot & been focus on the time, it was pretty clear that I was tense.
Shea: < A little. >
Leon: < You’ll be fine. Just focus on doing your best. >
Shea: < I’ll try. >
I know I’ll be okay. Even when I was nervous, things would be okay. At least I hope it won’t be as bad as elementary I kinda have a habit of overthinking, a little.
But sometimes I wonder if anyone at my major would want to talk to me…? If I muster the courage to do so.
Letting out a sigh, another message was sent.
Leon: < Remember, you’re tough. I know you’ll push through. You always know how to bounce back. >
I smiled at the message. Leon usually doesn’t express these kind of things to me. But when he does; makes me feel a little better about being nervous.
Shea: < Thanks. >
Leon: < Try not to stress, okay? >
Shea: < Kay! ^^ >
I bounce side to side. Squealing a bit from Leon’s message. Leon doesn’t really show or express his emotions, but when he does, it’s really sweet.
Leon: < Alright, I’ll see you later. Have fun. >
Shea: < I’ll will! >
With that said, I stuff my phone back into my pocket, now picking up speed. Forgetting my heighten nerves when I left. Okay, I just got to be positive & try to not be worried so much. I got this! Just remember what Leon said that you’re tough; you can handle stuff like, morons & tough school work, okay?
It meant a lot to me that he said that I was tough. I look up to Leon. Since I was a kid, he was someone I admired. He was strong, brave & charismatic. Contrast to sensitive, shy & reserved me. Leon kinda had the qualities that I wanted for myself. Particularly, strength. Back as a kid, I was small & pretty weak.
Which made sense, for a kid. But during that time, I wanted to be strong due to things that weren’t really in my control, but kinda contributed in my desire of wanting to be strong.
But Leon said I was so… I should believe him. But right now, I should be getting to class. Even if it won’t be always fruitful, hopefully it would be bearable.
…
Crap.
When I enter the campus, I looked through my book bag to pull out my college map so I find my major course, only to realize… it wasn’t there. I looked though it like, two times! & it wasn’t there. I must’ve forgotten it when I was high on my nerves. Damnit!
Great! Now what am I gonna do? Without the map, how am I gonna find my class?! I could look for someone that might get me another one. But that might take a while; I don’t like wasting time when heading to class. I can’t find it on my own, either since I’ll probably get lost in there. Lose - lose situation for me.
Argh! I hate it when this happens! Okay, okay. Let’s try to figure this out. If I’m gonna start somewhere, might as well go for my former option.
Not wanting to waste a second, I made a sharp turn, but then felt a big impact that thrashed against my entire body! Making me fall backwards, onto the cold, white floor.
“Ow! The heck!”
I closed my eyes from the impact. Pressing my hand against my face since I hit whatever, face - first. What ever the hell was that?! Did I hit a wall or something? When I recovered from the impact, I removed my hand from my face. Opening my eyes which… they widened.
Now what was right before me was a boy that appears to be my age. He had dark, almost black hair, some strands of hair red & gray. Fair skin as white as snow. He wore a white sweater. He was wincing a bit, face scrunched up. Wait? Was he the one that I bumped into? Breaking from my surprise, I hesitantly reach out but sorta flinch back a little. In case, he recoiled. But still worry about the guy since I ran into him. I did bump into him pretty hard. I hope I didn’t hurt him.
He opened his eyes that were crimson then his expression changed to apologetic.
“Sorry. Didn’t mean to bump into you like that.”
“N…No, it’s fine. That was my bad, actually.” I switched it around. I wasn’t really lying, I was the one that made a fast turn & knocked us both over. The black raven stand up, then offering me a hand.
“Here, let me help you up.” He took both of my hands, pulling me back up. “No, it’s…um… okay,” I tried to protest but as he pick me up back on my feet, I didn’t really have time to.
“Thanks.”
“No problem. You okay?”
I gave a nod. Hiding my face behind my hair. “Um… y-yeah. I’m fine.” The boy then gave a small smile, shyness also reflected in his eyes. “Good. I was worried that you might gotten hurt.”
“Really, I’m good. I can take a bump so, no need to worry.”
Not sure how reassuring I was being from how I worded it.
But he breathed a sigh of relief, hinting that he was okay. So, I guess, it was fine. Despite the cringing feeling in my stomach.
“Are you lookin’ for your class?”
My face lit up. Right! I need to get to class. “Yeah. But I forgot my map so I’m gonna look where I can get another one.”
“What’s your class?”
“It’s art major, class A 3 - 1.”
He looked at me surprised. I tilt my head.
“Somethin’ wrong, umm…”
Right, I didn’t know his name yet.
“Oh! I’m Ver. Ver Vermillion.”
Ver. I was a bit transfixed. Ver Vermillion, huh? For some reason, I think that suit him. Kinda fit his elegant & gentle appearance.
“And you?”
I snapped out of it. Clasping a hand around my wrist, behind my back. “Shea. My name is Shea.”
“Shea,” He repeated my name. “Suits you. Nice to meet you.”
“Y-Yeah. You too.”
He’s quite pleasant. Not what I expect for some reason. But it’s nice, it’s good to see people showing kind & happy energy. But I should get back to my question.
“So… somethin’ a matter, Ver? You were givin’ me a funny look.” I asked again. His cheeks turned a bit cherry blossom pink.
“It’s nothin’, I was just surprised.”
“By what?”
“By your classroom, I go there too.”
I immediately felt stupidity hit me right in the face. I should’ve known that was why he was surprise by that. I’m pretty sure it was obvious, yet I didn’t pick up on it.
That’s embarrassing. But, anyway, if he’s in my class then…
“We share the same class. Then, um…”
He gave me a curious look. “Hm?”
“If it’s alright, if you know, could you help me find it?”
I almost hesitated on asking him. I didn’t want to put pressure on him even when I needed help. But I needed to get to class; him & I share it, so I’m hoping he won’t mind if he knows. But also hope it isn’t too, much, trouble.
“Sure. I don’t mind. I have a map, so we should be able to find it.”
My nerves lessen. But I had a worrying look. “You sure? It’s not too much trouble, is it?”
“Course’ not. Really, I don’t mind.” He led out a bit of a chuckle, kinda getting a smile out of me.
“Thanks.” I thanked him.
Thank god I got some help. It’s really sweet of him to do this. Didn’t expect my day to start like this, but you never know with life.