Getting Tasha's bags from the ground floor to Room 3B was a challenge. They were heavy, packed with all her favorite clothes and necessities. Sabrina, though full of energy, wasn't much help with the heavy lifting.
"Ugh, what did you pack in here? Bricks?" Sabrina puffed, trying to drag one suitcase that was almost bigger than her.
"Only my entire life!" Tasha grunted, wrestling with another large bag. "And Mum insisted on packing my winter clothes too, 'just in case'!"
They finally managed to get all the bags into the room. Tasha's side of the room still looked empty compared to Sabrina's explosion of color and personal touches.
"Okay, unpacking can wait," Sabrina declared, wiping her brow. "It's time for the grand tour! My treat at the campus cafe first."
Tasha's stomach rumbled in agreement. "Sounds perfect."
They stepped out into the bustling hallway. The dorm building was alive with sounds – laughter, music, doors opening and closing. As they walked towards the stairs, Tasha felt a strong push from behind.
"Hey!" she yelped, stumbling forward.
Sabrina quickly grabbed her arm, stopping her from falling. "Whoa, you okay?"
Tasha turned around, annoyed. And there he was. The rude guy from the gate. He was walking past them, talking on his phone, not even looking their way. He had short, dark hair and was wearing a dark hoodie. He seemed to carry an invisible wall around him that screamed "don't bother me."
"Seriously?" Tasha muttered, glaring at his back as he walked away. "That guy again? Does he have a problem with personal space, or does he just enjoy running into people?"
Sabrina looked confused. "Who was that? You know him?"
"No! That's the guy who bumped into me at the gate and didn't even say sorry!" Tasha explained, her voice low but angry. "And now he just did it again! What a jerk!"
The guy, already a few steps ahead, seemed to hear her. He paused, turning his head slightly. He didn't fully turn, but his eyes, sharp and dark, briefly met Tasha's over his shoulder. There was no apology, just a flash of something unreadable – maybe annoyance, maybe mild surprise, then he kept walking.
Sabrina whistled softly. "Well, he certainly knows how to make an impression." She then shrugged. "Come on, don't let one rude dude ruin our first day. Campus awaits!"
Tasha took a deep breath, forcing herself to calm down. Sabrina was right. She wouldn't let him spoil her mood. She had a whole university to explore, a new life to start. She'd just have to find a way to avoid that guy.
Little did she know, avoiding him would be harder than she thought.