Jonathan's car glided along the campus road, sunlight bouncing off the windshield, illuminating Justin's face in warmth. The campus was slowly waking up, students in hoodies walking toward lecture halls, the smell of coffee drifting in the air, cars pulling into parking lots. It was Monday morning, first real week of lectures, new hopes, lingering excitement from yesterday's party still in the air.
Justin sat in the passenger seat, his bag beside him, heart still fluttering from last night. He felt both tired and alive. Jonathan was driving, music playing softly, R&B mixed with some mellow pop just enough to shake off the grogginess of early morning.
"Man," Jonathan said, glancing over at Justin in the rearview mirror. "You look like someone thinking hard. Spill it."
Justin cleared his throat, trying to steady his voice. "Just thinking about last night… about Bella." He paused. "We chatted a lot, John. She's… easy to talk to. Fun. I didn't expect to feel that comfortable."
Jonathan smiled, one corner of his mouth lifting. "That's good, bro. That's really good."
Justin looked out the window at the campus buildings passing by green lawns, big glass windows, students with backpacks slung over shoulders. "I don't know. I like how she laughs, how she teases… It feels different."
Jonathan nodded, concentrating on the road but listening. "Hey, fun to talk to is the best start. And you told her you'll see her after class today, right?"
Justin nodded, voice a little hesitant. "Yeah. She's having a class. I'll wait till she's done. I just… want to make sure I don't mess up."
Jonathan laughed softly. "You? Mess up? You've got this. Just drop that shyness, man. That's the only thing standing between you and making it real."
Justin stared ahead a moment. He could feel Jonathan's encouragement rooting in him. "I'll try," he said. "Today I'll try."
The moment Jonathan's sleek black car rolled to a stop in front of their department building, the day already felt different.
Justin pushed the door open and stepped out first, adjusting the strap of his cross-body bag. He ran a hand through his curly hair, letting the morning breeze do the rest. His silver hoop earrings glinted in the sunlight, and his crisp black T-shirt hugged his body just right, paired with faded jeans and white sneakers that made him look effortlessly cool.
Jonathan stepped out next, locking the car as they both walked toward the building.
As soon as they entered the hallway that led to their lecture room, it was like the world paused for a second.
Heads turned.
Whispers followed.
Phones slid out subtly.
"Wait… is that the guy from the Freshman Party?"
"Omg, that's him! The one who danced with that hot girl on stage!"
"He's in our department?"
"His hair is givinggg…."
Justin didn't miss it. The sideways glances, the lingering stares, the not-so-subtle pointing. Girls nudged their friends. Even guys turned to get a look. It wasn't just him, they noticed Jonathan too, but something about Justin's laid-back charm and that dance video made him stand out even more.
Jonathan leaned in and whispered, "Bro, you better get used to this. You're officially the talk of the school."
Justin smirked, confidence slowly settling in his shoulders. "I mean, can you blame them?"
"Okay! Confidence level: certified menace," Jonathan laughed.
They pushed open the door to their lecture room and walked in casually, but the reaction doubled.
Eyes flicked toward them. Voices hushed into muffled whispers.
"Is he in this class?"
"I thought he was in a different department."
"Justin… right? That's his name?"
"He's even finer in person."
Jonathan chuckled under his breath, nudging Justin's side. "Don't let it get to your head, Mr. Celebrity."
Justin didn't respond, he was soaking it in. This wasn't attention he was used to. Sure, he had always been the quiet fine guy in the background, but now? Now he was front stage. That dance with Bella had made rounds across every group chat, every social media circle on campus. He was the guy who danced like a dream and looked like a movie character.
They picked two seats near the center, just enough to blend in, but close enough to observe. As they sat, Jonathan pulled out his notepad while Justin took a quick glance around the room. A few girls were still stealing glances, a few even waved subtly.
One bold one from the far corner smiled and whispered loudly enough, "Are you the guy from the red carpet dance?"
Justin smirked, nodded casually.
She giggled and turned to her friend.
Jonathan shook his head in amusement. "I told you, bro. Fame has entered. You're about to have girls sending you lunch deliveries."
Justin leaned back in his chair. "As long as none of them are crazy."
They both burst into low laughter.
As their lecturer walked in moments later, the noise died down. The board was written on, introductions began, and the class officially kicked off, but Justin knew one thing clearly:
This semester wasn't going to be quiet.
Just a few minutes before the class was about to end, Justin's phone buzzed quietly in his pocket.
He leaned back slightly and slipped it out, expecting it to be some random notification, but when he saw Bella on the screen, his heart jumped a little.
*Bella:*
"Hey you, class done yet?"
Justin blinked. "Sh*t," he muttered under his breath, realizing he totally forgot to text her. He had promised to message her before his class, but with all the chaos and attention he'd been receiving since morning, it slipped his mind.
He looked up at the lecturer who was still scribbling formulas on the board, and then back down at his phone.
"Omg I'm so sorry! I forgot to text , class is almost done though. Just a few more minutes."
He hit send and ran a hand through his hair, now a bit nervous. What if she thought he ghosted her? He wasn't about to ruin his first real chance.
Another message came in.
*Bella:*
"It's finee, I figured you were distracted with your new fanbase "
He smiled immediately.
*Justin:*
"Pleaseee don't tease me. Can I make it up by buying you lunch?"
*Bella:*
"Lunch sounds nice. Pick a chill place."
Justin turned to Jonathan and nudged him.
"What's a chill spot where I can meet Bella?" he whispered.
Jonathan raised a brow, clearly amused. "You mean like a café?"
"Yeah, somewhere lowkey," Justin nodded.
"Tell her to meet you at Coco Yard. It's close to her department, and the vibe is calm."
"Bet," Justin quickly typed.
*Justin:*
"Should we meet at Coco Yard?"
*Bella:*
"Coco Yard is perfect. I'll be there after my class"
Relieved, Justin pocketed his phone and zoned out of class completely. The lecture, which had once felt bearable, now felt like it was dragging for hours. He kept glancing at the clock above the whiteboard, praying for a miracle.
"Wrap it up already," he muttered.
Jonathan chuckled beside him. "Suddenly in a hurry now?"
"Bro, I've never wanted to leave class this badly."
Finally, the lecturer began packing up. Students started shifting, whispering, and stretching. Justin was halfway out of his seat already.
As soon as the class was dismissed, Justin stood and grabbed his bag.
"You going to Coco Yard now?" Jonathan asked as they walked out.
"Yeah, she's already on her way, I don't want to keep her waiting."
"Alright then. I'll drop you off. " he said.
"Perfect," Justin replied.