The Transfer Girl

Chapter Two

The campus buzzed with life.

Laughter bounced off the old stone walls, sneakers squeaked sharply on the polished floors, and the warm scent of freshly baked pastries drifted from the café nearby, wrapping the morning air like a soft, buttery hug. Students chatted in clusters, exchanging weekend stories, comparing schedules, and rushing to early classes with half-zipped bags swinging behind them.

Nora stepped onto the school grounds with a slow breath, her fingers tightening around the strap of her denim backpack. Her curly hair framed her face in soft waves that swayed with each step, and a slim sketchbook peeked out from her tote bag a little piece of comfort from her previous life. She kept her gaze low, headphones in, and her entire presence small, like she was trying to fold herself into the background.

This was her first official day at Springfield Creative University.

The school was known for two things: their elite art programs… and their ridiculously attractive students who walked around like models waiting to be discovered. But Nora wasn’t here for either. She wasn’t looking for friends, fame, or any kind of spotlight. All she wanted was to finish her degree quietly, rebuild her portfolio, and avoid the chaos that had ruined her last school experience.

Still, as she walked past groups of giggling girls, confident guys leaning on lockers like they were in a teen drama series, and stylish students taking mirror selfies in the hallway windows, she realized something unsettling staying invisible might not be easy here.

“Excuse me?”

Nora stopped, pulling out one earbud. A tall, curvy girl with long braids and a warm, pearly smile stood in front of her.

“You’re new, right? Transfer student?” the girl asked, eyes bright with curiosity.

Nora nodded. “Yeah. Just started today.”

“I knew it!” the girl said, clapping her hands together. “I’m Trisha. But everyone around here calls me Queen T. You’re too pretty to be wandering around alone like some lost cat.”

Nora blinked, then let out a tiny laugh she didn’t expect. “I’m Nora.”

“Well, Nora,” Trisha said proudly, flipping one braid over her shoulder, “you’ve just made your first friend.” She gave Nora a playful wink. “Come on, I’m gonna show you around and spill all the juicy gist. Let’s go.”

“Uh… okay?” Nora murmured, slightly overwhelmed but not entirely opposed.

“Trust me,” Trisha said, looping her arm through Nora’s, “you’re going to thank me later.”

Trisha was exactly the type of girl who lit up a room just by walking into it. She led Nora through campus like a personal tour guide with sass, charm, and zero fear of talking too loudly.

“That building?” she said, pointing with dramatic flair. “Best place to nap during lunch just don’t get caught by Mr. Douglas unless you want a lecture about discipline.”

She pointed to another hallway. “Over there? Free snacks every Wednesday if you pretend to be interested in poetry club. And that studio? Avoid Professor Grant unless you enjoy pain and suffering.”

Nora found herself smiling more than she expected. Trisha’s energy was contagious warm, bold, and exactly what Nora didn’t know she needed.

Then they reached the school’s outdoor court.

Nora stopped walking.

The place was huge clean, smooth, and bordered by tall bleachers packed with students. Sunlight poured over the court in vibrant golden beams, making the freshly painted lines glow. Music blasted from a speaker someone placed on the bleachers, adding to the lively atmosphere.

“Welcome to the jungle,” Trisha announced dramatically.

“The court is where everything happens, drama, flexing, flirting… and him.”

She nudged Nora and pointed to the far end of the court.

Nora’s stomach tightened.

Because there he was.

Jaden.

The same guy from yesterday. The guy who knocked her off her bike. The guy with the annoying smirk, ridiculous confidence, and muscles that made his hoodie look tailor-made.

He held a basketball with one hand, dribbling effortlessly before spinning it behind his back. He wore black shorts and a sleeveless tee, sweat glistening on his skin like it chose him personally. Every time he made a shot, a ripple of excited squeals rose from the sidelines.

Girls chanted his name like he was some kind of campus royalty.

Trisha tilted her head, noticing the tension in Nora’s face. “You know him?”

“Kind of,” Nora muttered. “We met. Briefly.”

“Mmmhmm,” Trisha hummed knowingly. “Well, that’s Jaden Malek. Second year. Star player of the basketball team. Tall, hot, caramel-fine, and a certified flirt. Literally every girl on this campus wants him.”

Nora rolled her eyes. “Sounds exhausting.”

“It is,” Trisha laughed. “But girl, listen let me warn you before problems start: Don’t fall for that boy. He’s trouble. The cute kind of trouble, but still trouble.”

Nora scoffed. “Trust me, I’m not here to fall for anyone.”

“Good.” Trisha gave a pleased nod. “Focus on your art, your grades, and your glow. Boys like him? They come and go.”

Nora tried to follow her as they walked away, but her eyes betrayed her. She glanced back.

Jaden was laughing at something one of his teammates said, tossing the ball behind his back with casual confidence. He looked carefree, like life always bent in his favor. Like he belonged everywhere he stepped.

Nora wasn’t sure what annoyed her more how loud his presence was… or how her heartbeat quietly reacted to it.

She forced herself to look away, swallowing the strange feeling rising in her chest.

She didn’t stand a chance with someone like that.

She didn’t even want to stand a chance.

But still… deep down, a small whisper formed a whisper she tried to ignore.

What if he noticed her again?