chapter 7

ZARA- first day at school.

I was kind of surprised our housemate walked up to me. I didn’t think he’d ever want to speak to me. Bambi, that name sounded so cute. I kind of liked it.

Wait… what if he’s a creep? Maybe that’s why he liked being isolated.

The thought flashed through my head, but I brushed it away.

I was still embarrassed that he saw me cry, but honestly, I was grateful he didn’t ask why. Talking to him, he didn’t seem that bad after all.

“That’s why Amber—” I started to say, but before I could finish, Jace’s voice interrupted me. I turned to see him standing at the doorway.

I quickly got up from the floor. Thank God for Noah, at least Jace wouldn’t know I’d been crying.

“Aren’t you done calling your mum? Amber wants you inside. She says she wants to get to know you,” he muttered.

Amber again? The mention of her name made something heavy settle in my chest. What was she scheming again?

“What are you doing with this dude?” Jace asked, his tone a little sharper than usual.

My eyes flicked to Noah, he didn’t even move. He just stood there, face turned toward the night sky, calm as ever.

I looked back at Jace.

“His name is Noah. I happened to meet him out here on the balcony,” I said quietly.

“Let’s go,” Jace said, and I slowly followed him.

Before stepping off the balcony, I turned back to look at Noah but he’d already put his headset on, completely shutting the world out again.

When I got back to the living room, Amber rushed up to me and linked her arm with mine again. She dragged me to the side and started asking questions about Jace a few random things, things I answered only because Jace would’ve wanted me to. It didn’t take long before everyone began to leave, heading back to their homes. Jace walked Amber out, and I was just grateful the nightmare had finally ended.

Morning came after such a long night, and it was finally the first day of lectures. I felt a bit more energized than usual, maybe because I promised myself this semester would be different.

I slipped into my cream ribbed top and high-waisted jeans, the ones that made me feel a little confident even on off days. My cardigan draped over my arms, soft and comforting. I left my curly hair down, letting it fall over my shoulders, it framed my face perfectly.

I took one last look in the mirror. Not bad, I told myself. Just simple. Just me.

I walked to the kitchen to quickly fix my breakfast. I made pancakes with oat flour and barely any sugar. My doctor had warned me to cut down if I wanted to drop some kilos faster. During the holiday, I only managed to lose 3 kg in three months. I still weigh 80.

I sat at the dining table, my plate full of oat pancakes and a handful of berries. Just as I picked up my fork, Jace came out of his room, all dressed up, looking annoyingly handsome as usual. I tried not to stare.

“Hey, Zee,” he greeted, flashing that wide grin.

“Heyyy,” I replied, trying to sound casual.

Before I could blink, his familiar cologne filled the air as he leaned in, grabbed my plate, and stuffed all the pancakes into his mouth.

“Jace!” I snapped, watching him with wide eyes as he tried to talk through his mouthful of food, cheeks puffed like a chipmunk.

“I thought you were avoiding pancakes, Zee!” he teased.

I rolled my eyes. “These were made with oat flour and less sugar, dummy!”

He just laughed, still chewing, looking way too pleased with himself.

“You’re so annoying. I clearly kept yours in the kitchen,” I gritted out, snatching my now-empty plate and heading back toward the counter.

Just then, Noah’s door creaked open. He stepped out dressed in dark jeans and a black jacket, a bag slung over one shoulder. His usual all-black look.

“Oh… hi—” I started, but he brushed past me, eyes fixed straight ahead, not even sparing a glance. The door slammed behind him.

A little pang of disappointment tugged at my chest. What’s wrong with him again?

Jace strolled into the kitchen to wash his hands.

“He’s as rude as always,” he muttered, shaking his head. “Told you to stay away from that guy.”

Jace and I walked into Elmswood University, Briar City. What can I say? The building was breathtaking tall glass walls, students scattered everywhere, laughter echoing through the open space. It was all so alive, almost too alive.

He was showing me around since he had been here before.

We walked into the Arts and Humanities Building. I was sure we would be having the same lectures at least for the first year.

“This place is amazing,” I said, staring around.

“I know, right? And there are so many amazing women here too,” he added, eyes already scanning around.

I rolled my eyes. “Must you include women in everything?”

“Yesss,” he muttered with that grin that made me want to smack him.

“What’s your first lecture?” I asked.

“introduction to philosophy ” he replied.

“Oh same,” I said, a small smile tugging at my lips.

“Where is it holding?” he inquired.

“Lecture Hall 1, I guess,” I said.

“Oh, I figured we’d be offering the same courses for first year, so I helped with some of your assignments since it’s the same.”

I stopped and dipped my hand into my tote bag, handing the papers over to him.

There was instantly a huge grin on his face.

“Oh, Zeee, I’d be a nobody without you!” he said, taking them from me as he pulled me into a hug.

God, I was melting. He had no idea what his hugs did to me.

It didn’t stop there, he leaned in and pressed a kiss on my forehead before pulling away.

Jesus Christ, Jace.

My tongue felt tied, and I just hoped I hadn’t turned bright red.

“Let’s go,” he said, flashing that wide grin again.

“Oh okay,” I replied, praying no one could hear how hard my heart was pounding.

We walked a little further down the corridor until we located the lecture hall.

“Oh, it’s here, Zeee,” he said, pushing the door open.

We stepped inside, and I froze.

There were so many people and the hall was massive.

There was no space left except the back row.

“We’ll probably stay at the back,” Jace muttered under his breath, just then,

“Jace!”

We both turned to see Amber waving from the middle of the hall, signalling him to come over.

“Wow…” he exhaled, grinning. “I guess she kept a space for me. Sorry, bestie,” he said before heading straight to her, leaving me standing alone at the back.

Yeah, Jace did mention Amber was in his department. Explains why she had that slender, sexy body.

I hissed under my breath. “I denounce him as my best friend,” I muttered, pouting, even though I knew that was impossible.

With a small sigh, I finally dragged my feet toward the back row where there was space. Just as I was about to sit, someone tapped me on the shoulder from behind.