Later that evening, the dorm room was a buzzing hub of activity. Music thumped softly from Sabrina's phone, and clothes were scattered everywhere.
"Okay, this skirt or these jeans?" Tasha held up two options, frowning. She wanted to look good, but not like she was trying too hard.
Sabrina, already shimmering in a sparkly top, giggled. "Definitely the skirt! It's Welcome Week, Tasha, you gotta make an entrance! Plus, it'll help you forget about Mr. Grumpy Pants."
Tasha rolled her eyes, but a small smile touched her lips. "Don't remind me." She slipped on the skirt and a cute top. They both put on some light makeup, chatting about classes and hopes for the semester. It felt good to be with Sabrina, who always knew how to lift her spirits.
"Alright, mission distraction is a go!" Sabrina cheered, grabbing her small purse. "Let's go find some fun people!"
They followed the sound of loud music and laughter across campus. The party was happening in one of the open courtyards, lit by strings of fairy lights and spotlights. Hundreds of students were already there, dancing, talking, and laughing. The air vibrated with energy and the beat of a popular song.
"Whoa," Tasha said, her eyes wide. "This is huge!"
Sabrina pulled her into the crowd. "Told ya! Come on, let's find the snack table!"
They pushed through groups of students. Tasha felt a thrill of excitement. This was what university was supposed to be like! Meeting new people, experiencing new things. She found herself swaying to the music, a genuine smile on her face for the first time since morning.
They grabbed some drinks and found a spot near a group of students playing a casual game. Tasha started to relax, chatting with Sabrina and soaking in the lively atmosphere.
Just as she was laughing at one of Sabrina's jokes, her eyes drifted across the courtyard. And her smile froze.
There he was. Liam.
He was standing near the edge of the crowd, talking to a couple of other guys. He was wearing a simple dark shirt, but even from a distance, he looked effortlessly cool. His expression was still serious, almost bored, even amidst the loud music and laughter.
Tasha quickly looked away, a wave of annoyance washing over her. Of course. Of course he's here. Was he following her? Or was Evergreen University just too small?
"What's wrong?" Sabrina asked, noticing Tasha's sudden change in mood.
Tasha muttered, "He's here. That guy. Liam."
Sabrina followed Tasha's gaze and spotted him. "Ugh. Seriously? He actually came to a social event?"
Just then, Liam turned his head, as if he felt Tasha's stare. His eyes scanned the crowd, and for a terrifying second, they locked with Tasha's. His unreadable expression didn't change, but Tasha felt a jolt, like an electric shock. She quickly broke eye contact, looking down at her drink.
"Well, don't look at him!" Sabrina urged, pulling Tasha slightly. "Just ignore him. He's not worth it."
Tasha tried. She really did. She forced herself to laugh at Sabrina's next joke, to focus on the music. But knowing Liam was there, in the same space, seemed to dim the bright lights of the party. Her distraction had just been crashed. It seemed like no matter how hard she tried, Liam was always there, a dark cloud over her new university life.