Fragments of Elysium: Love on Campus

*Lily*Excitement boosted my mood as I slipped into the classroom on Monday morning for my first class of the week—Bioethics and Medical Law. My gaze flitted across the room filled with students from both Bronze and Silver Wings until it found Rachel in the middle row, waving a hand at me discreetly from her seat. "Excuse me," I repeated as I slid past knees and backpacks to claim the spot beside her. The cushioned chair received me with a soft sigh, and I immediately got my notebook, smoothing a stray lock behind my ear and fixing my gaze forward.Professor Caesar stood at the lectern, his presence commanding silence, the sort that fell heavily upon the room as he cleared his throat. "Welcome to Bioethics and Medical Law," he began, his voice resonating through the room. "Here, we will navigate the treacherous waters of morality that often surround the advancements of biological sciences."My pen poised above the page as I prepared myself. Professor Caesar checked us out, lik

*Lily*My mind was a jumble of thoughts as I strolled out of the library that evening. Clutched in my hands were the notes I had compiled during my research for Professor Caesar's joint project with Adrian next Monday—a day I was already dreading.I pushed open the heavy oak door, stepping out from the echo of my own footsteps into the embrace of the cold night. A silver glow enveloped the campus' manicured lawns and ivy-clad buildings, the moon standing sentinel in the night sky. The path to Bronze Wing was like a ghost town at this hour, shadows having a dance party under the rustling leaves. As I dragged myself toward my dorm, suddenly feeling exhausted and hungry, a hushed conversation tugged at my ears. It was like stumbling upon a forbidden secret, the hushed tones of their conversation dripping with clandestine urgency. I halted in my steps, afraid they would hear me if I carried on. For some reason, I knew I shouldn’t be listening to their conversation–I should just m

*Lily*"Looks like the dynamic duo is back," Rachel quipped from beside me, nudging me with her elbow, her voice holding a teasing lilt.My eyes drifted from Professor Alan and a group of five loud and squeaky girls chatting lively, to find Adrian reappearing, this time flanked by a new figure. The guy beside him was all athletic grace and easy charm, and I recognized him from the baseball team. He had a wide smile that seemed genuine and infectious.His eyes crinkled at the corners as he laughed at something Adrian said. His presence was as commanding as it was amiable—a stark contrast to the brooding intensity that Adrian exuded."Who is that?" I asked, ignoring the odd flutter in my stomach by seeing Adrian again. Now, with the room a bit less dark, I realized I hadn’t paid much attention to how good-looking he was tonight. The guy managed to turn jeans, a white T-shirt, and a jacket into an outfit that seemed to have stepped right off a catwalk."That's Chris Harrington, Adr

*Lily*Adrian walked beside me, his presence both comforting and confusing as we traded along the dimly lit pathways of Elysium. The night's chill seeped through my skin, making me regret not carrying a jacket with me tonight. But it wasn't this regret that made me shiver—it was the regret for abruptly breaking the moment we shared and avoiding Adrian’s kiss.I wrapped my arms around myself, more out of reflex than to fend off the cool air. "Are you cold?" Adrian's voice suddenly sliced through the silence."A little," I admitted, my gaze fixated on the cobblestones, their edges blurred by what I assumed was the alcohol I had consumed tonight."Here." Without a second thought, Adrian slipped off his own jacket and offered it to me. His actions were a balm, yet they only served to intensify the confusion that had taken root within me. To say I was shocked by his sudden chivalry and concern for me was an understatement. I believed he had been raised well, learning proper manner

*Adrian*I wandered closer to the fountain where a cluster of students lounged on the grass, chattering excitedly as they finished classes for the day. "Hey, guys. Mind if I ask you a few questions for a documentary?" I asked, waving the camera in my hand. My voice was a well-practiced blend of casual and authoritative—an artful performance honed by years of being underestimated. I’d normally have Kit–my assistant within the Campus Cinema Program–with me for these sorts of tasks, but since this was a personal project, I thought it would be better that I just did it by myself. I didn't think anyone would get exactly what I was after if I asked them to do it for me. As the head of the Program, I had to show a different side of myself—one marked by leadership and vision. But, even with all the responsibilities and creative work, I always managed to keep some of my rebellious nature. It was my way of connecting with people, making them open to helping me bring my projects to life.