The cool evening air wrapped around us as Sophie, James, and I walked slowly across the campus quad. The sun was setting, painting the sky with streaks of pink and orange — a perfect backdrop for a conversation I could tell James had been holding in for a while.
We reached a quiet bench near the library, the only sound the distant chatter of students heading to evening classes. James sat down first, running a hand through his hair, looking more serious than I'd ever seen him.
"I've been meaning to tell you both something," he started, voice low and hesitant. "It's… complicated."
Sophie and I exchanged glances. We knew whatever it was, it mattered.
"I'm supposed to take over my dad's business when I graduate," James continued, staring at the ground. "That's what everyone expects. My whole life has been planned out for me — Princeton University, law school, business meetings, dinners with the right people."
He laughed bitterly, shaking his head. "But that's not me. At all."
I nudged him gently, "What do you want, James?"
He looked up, his eyes reflecting a vulnerability I hadn't seen before. "I love music. Writing songs. Sometimes I stay up late, just scribbling lyrics in my notebook. But if I tell my parents… they'll be disappointed. They want me to be the perfect heir, the successful businessman."
Sophie's face softened. "That sounds really tough. You don't have to live someone else's dream."
James sighed deeply. "I'm scared. Scared of disappointing them, of failing, of… being alone."
There was a long pause. Then I said firmly, "You're not alone. You've got us."
James smiled faintly. "Thanks, Charlotte. Sophie."
Back in our dorm, the three of us sprawled across the floor, surrounded by notebooks, laptops, and half-empty coffee cups.
"Okay, let's figure this out," Sophie said, tapping on her tablet. "What are your options if you want to study music or creative writing?"
James shrugged. "There are programs at a few colleges, but it means leaving Princeton and disappointing my family."
I looked up from my notes. "Maybe you don't have to choose right now. What if you finish Princeton but minor in something you love? Or take summer courses?"
James rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "I never thought of that."
Sophie grinned. "See? We're your personal cheerleaders."
James laughed softly. "Feels good to have that."
A week later, James confided in me after class.
"My dad called," he said, voice tight. "He expects me to sign up for a summer internship at the family firm."
I nodded. "And what do you want?"
He hesitated, then whispered, "I want to take that music workshop I told you about."
"That's important," I said firmly. "You have to do what feels right."
James smiled weakly. "I'm scared, but you're right. I have to try".
One night, after a tough day, the three of us sat on the dorm balcony, stars twinkling above.
James leaned back, sighing. "I don't know what the future holds, but having you both makes it less scary."
Sophie bumped his shoulder. "We've got your back."
I smiled, feeling a warmth spread through me. "Whatever happens, we face it together."
James looked at us, gratitude shining in his eyes. "Thank you — for believing in me when I couldn't."