MAYA'S POV
The first week of college is supposed to feel exciting, but for me it felt more like standing in a crowded room where everyone already knew where they were going... except me.
By the second morning, Lily and I had figured out how to beat the long bathroom line and which cafeteria lady served the best portions. That was progress.
We walked across campus together, trying not to look too lost even though we definitely were.
"Do you ever feel like everyone here already knows who they want to be?" I asked.
"Yes," Lily replied. "But I also think half of them are pretending."
That made me laugh. Maybe she was right.
Classes Start
My first lecture was in a large hall that smelled like old wood and new books. Students filled every row, some already forming little groups.
I took a seat near the middle-visible but not too visible.
People kept staring.
Not for any dramatic reason.
Just because people notice me. I've made peace with it.
A girl sat beside me and introduced herself as Ivy. She had warm energy, easy confidence, and a smile that reached her eyes.
"You're Maya, right?" she said. "I saw you at orientation."
I nodded. "Yeah. Just trying to figure everything out."
"Same. Let's survive this place together."
I liked her instantly.
The Attention Continues
During the break, Kade from the hostel found me by accident-or on purpose, I wasn't sure.
"Maya! How's your first week going?"
"Fine," I said politely.
"You settling in? Need a tour? Someone to walk you around? Someone to sit with? Someone to-"
"I'm good," I cut in gently.
He laughed it off, but I could tell he wasn't used to girls brushing him off.
Lily later said, "He's not giving up any time soon."
I hoped she was wrong.
On my way to my next class, Rav-the quiet guy from orientation-caught up with me.
"Do you need help finding the lecture theatre?" he asked.
"Oh! No, I'm good. I have the map now."
"Okay," he said, but he walked beside me anyway, matching my pace.
He wasn't annoying. Just... present.
There were boys like this everywhere-curious, friendly, observant.
Sometimes it felt flattering.
Other times it felt overwhelming.
But no matter how many people noticed me, none of them stirred anything real in me.
Not yet.
Finding My Routine
By the end of the week, I had:
A new friend (Ivy)
A half-organized room
A favorite cafeteria table
A growing list of boys Lily believed were "interested"
And a schedule that no longer terrified me
But the biggest change wasn't the campus or the classes.
It was the feeling I couldn't shake-
like I was standing right at the edge of something I couldn't name yet.
I didn't know when or how...
but college was definitely not going to be "ordinary."
And deep down, I felt ready-
even if I didn't want to admit it out loud.