02-Sparks, Stolen Glances, First Day Jitters.

OLIVIA

Still sitted at Aunt Stella's Cafe, Izzy continued rambling about college life.

"Alright, let's dive into the juicy details about boys in college!" Izzy exclaimed, wiggling her eyebrows mischievously.

Emma raised an amused eyebrow. "Oh, this should be interesting. spill the tea, Izzy."

"Alright, listen up, my dear roomies. College boys come in different flavors. First, you have the charming heartbreakers who knows exactly how to make you swoon. Be cautious; they're smooth talkers. Then there's the mysterious artist-usually spotted with a sketchbook in hand. They're intriguing, but good luck figuring them out. And of course, the jocks, the scholars, and the free spirits - each with their unique appeal."

Izzy leaned. "Now, if you're up for a challenge, there's the intellectual debate enthusiasts. Trust me, trying to keep up with their discussions feels like running a mental marathon. And, brace yourselves for the occasional awkward encounter with the 'campus celebrities.' They might be famous for who knows what - sports, music, famous parent's, whatever or even a YouTube channel."

Emma burst into laughter. "So, basically, it's a feast of boys with different flavors, and we get to pick our favorites?"

Izzy winked. "Exactly! Just remember, girls, college is a playground, and the boys are just part of the adventure."

"Wow," Emma exclaimed, sounding a bit exasperated.

"Now, spill about yourself," she urged.

"Well, you've got my name down. I'm not big on personal space, just a heads-up so you won't freak when I casually barge into your room, clothed or not. And yeah, I'm the life-of-the-party type, love outings, picnics, and all that jazz. But secretly, I'm a nerd, dead serious about my education. Keep that under wraps, or I might have to cut off your nonexistent male parts. Got two brothers, Dante and Matteo. We all live here in LA. I convinced my dad and older brother to let me go here, so here I am," Izzy shared.

"Wait, you're Isabella Russo, meaning your brother is Dante Russo, THE Dante Russo, the hot eligible billionaire bachelor?" Emma exclaimed with wide-eyed curiosity.

"First of all, ew. Secondly, yes, he is."

"So, I'm the only one here who doesn't know who Dante is?" I quipped, and Emma gasped.

"It's not a big deal; let's not make it one. I'd rather not talk about how hot and well-known my brother is. It's weird and disgusting," Izzy rolled her eyes.

"So, you're one of the 'campus celebrities' then," Emma laughed.

Izzy shrugged, "I mean, most people know who my dad, my twin brother, and my brother are. I was mostly kept under wraps; they're so protective of me. It's exasperating sometimes."

"I totally get it," Emma and I said simultaneously, then chuckled.

I stood up, excusing myself to go to the ladies' room, the lively chatter of the cafe surrounded me. 

The aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air, creating a cozy ambiance.

Making my way through the scattered tables and animated conversations, I headed towards where the female barista pointed was the ladies' room.

Just as I approached the entrance, a sudden collision disrupted the peaceful atmosphere. 

Hot black coffee cascaded down, drenching my chest area, and an immediate burning sensation followed.

"Are you kidding me?" I hissed, the discomfort evident in my voice.

"Are you blind?" he retorted at the same time, rather too loudly.

Looking up to confront the source of this commotion, my breath caught in my throat.

The figure before me was truly remarkable. Towering at an impressive 6'3", he commanded attention with both his imposing stature and captivating aura. His impeccably tailored suit and snugly fitted shirt accentuated his athletic physique. 

The rich brown hue of his hair, meticulously styled, contributed to his overall allure. A well-groomed beard added a touch of rugged sophistication. 

However, it was his eyes, a profound and intense brown, that truly captured my gaze, possessing a mesmerizing depth that drew me in.

Snapping out of my trance, I glared at him.

"You asshole!, you just bumped into me and spilled coffee all over me!"

"Do you know who I am?" he asked menacingly, his voice carrying a low and sexy tone with a hint of an Italian accent.

Wait ew.

"Am I supposed to?" I raised my eyebrows at him.

Glancing at me in surprise, he sighed irritably.

"Look, unlike you, I have important things to do. Now, get out of my fucking way," he said, brushing past me rather aggressively, walking out of the cafe.

Annoyed, I headed to the ladies' room, fixed myself up, and returned to Em and Izzy. 

"Oh Dios mio, cosa ti è successo (Oh my gosh, what happened to you?)" Isabella asked, concern evident in her voice.

"I have no idea what she just said, but I guess it's along the lines of 'what the hell happened to you?'" Em exclaimed.

"This stupid, hot, arrogant, brooding asshole bumped into me, spilled coffee on me, and he had the nerve to insult me," I grumbled.

"Che cazzo (What a dick), whoever he is, he deserves a headbutt and a proper slap," Izzy said, trying to wipe me off with paper towels.

"I'll go tell Aunt Stella we're leaving," I nodded stiffly as Emma left.

She came back minutes later with Aunt Stella behind her.

"I'm so sorry about this, dear," Aunt Stella apologized.

"It's not your fault, Auntie, don't sweat it," I reassured, standing up.

"Okay, then, I guess I'll see y'all around. You three should be good girls and make sure you don't do drugs, okay?" Aunt Stella advised.

"Yes, yes, we won't," Emma rolled her eyes, ushering us out of the cafe.

As we walked away from Aunt Stella's cafe, the lingering scent of coffee mixed with the day's unexpected events. I couldn't shake off the encounter with the mysterious stranger; his intense gaze still played in my mind. I stayed, wondering what tomorrow would hold because honestly, this might just be the beginning.

°°°°°°

The blaring of my alarm rudely disrupted the peaceful realm of sleep, forcing me to face the reality of a new day. 

Groaning, I fumbled to shut it off, my hand blindly searching for the snooze button. As I finally silenced the alarm, a yawn escaped, and I reluctantly swung my legs over the edge of the bed.

With sleepy eyes, I stumbled through my morning routine - the habitual dance of toothpaste, hairbrush, and the obligatory splash of cold water.

The sun was beginning to stretch its golden hues across the horizon as I made my way to the kitchen. 

Breakfast was a quick affair, a hasty dance of cereal and milk, fuel for the day ahead.

Silently munching on my cereal,Taylor Swift's music blared from my iPad, setting the vibe as I grappled with a surge of excitement and nerves. 

Today wasn't just any day; it was my first day into the world of college classes, a thought that had my stomach doing somersaults. 

The weight of uncertainty and bundled nerves hung in the air as I wondered if I'd fit in or if the coursework would be too challenging. 

Be bold, Olivia. You've got the strength to conquer, My mum's voice echoed. 

A grin spread across my face at the sight of Dad's contact ID on my phone. Swiftly, I answered, tossing my headphones aside and putting the call on speaker.

"Hey, Dad."

"Hey Olly, how's my favorite daughter doing?"

"Dad, I'm your only daughter," I chuckled.

"So what's happening there? How's the college experience?"

"I'm gearing up for my first class, and honestly, I'm, like, super nervous."

"Nervous about soaking up knowledge or seeing new faces?"

"Both."

"You have nothing to worry about. Just be yourself, and everything else will work out."

"Okay, Dad, I gotta go now. Love you."

"Love you more."

I hung up at the same time a text came from a group chat created by Izzy.

Isabella:Ciao amori!

Emma: Izzy, seriously. I do not understand Italian.

Isabella: Emma, relax! Just a little cultural infusion.

Me: What the hell is this group?

Isabella: Oh, this is a sacred sanctuary where we profess our undying love for each other and perform daily blood rituals. You in?

Emma: You're so dumb!

Me: Both of you geniuses need to get your asses out of your bed. Classes begin in the next 43 minutes.

Isabella: Aye aye captain!

I smiled at the playful banter, realizing that this friendship was likely going to be the highlight of my college life. 

I glanced at the clock on my phone, realizing that we had consumed more time than I thought.

Me: Guys, we better hurry if we want to make it to class on time.

"Yeah, yeah, let's not keep wisdom waiting," Isabella said, strolling into the kitchen, munching on an apple, with Em trailing behind her.

I gestured towards the door, signaling for us to go. They both stepped out, and I locked the door behind us. Fortunately, our apartment wasn't far, so we walked. 

°°°°°°

Today marked Em and I's first day at UCLA. We walked through the hallways, a mix of nerves and excitement in the air-I know I'm nervous, I don't know about about Em. 

Taking a deep breath, I glanced at Em. She shot me a reassuring smile, acknowledging my nerves. Her hand squeezed mine, and a smile found its way to my face.

College brought a sense of independence I'd never felt before, a departure from my dad's watchful eye, although not entirely. 

As much as the newfound freedom excited me, it also sparked a fear-what if I needed guidance down an uncertain path?

As we navigated through the bustling hallways, Isabella's infectious energy seemed to lighten the weight of uncertainty that hung in the air. She greeted familiar faces with ease, introducing Em and I to a handful of friendly strangers.

Arriving at our destination, Isabella paused, giving Em and I encouraging smiles. We entered the lecture hall, our footsteps echoing against the hushed anticipation of students settling into their seats.

Izzy pulled Em and I to the middle row, and we took three seats there.

"It's about time you showed up," a deep, boyish voice remarked.

Lifting my head to identify the speaker, I nearly embarrassed myself by choking on my spit. LA seems to be the breeding ground for attractive guys. 

The one in front of me was striking. I found myself drawn to his appearance - short, tousled light brown hair, well-defined cheekbones, and a subtle five o'clock shadow. His arms looked toned but not overly so. 

My mind ceased to function when our eyes met, his blue gaze seemingly fixed on mine. I shifted in my seat when I caught him checking me out.

"Oh, dear," Izzy murmured beside me.

"I got up quite late," she sighed, "and unlike some, I've got to look presentable to humans before I make an appearance." Izzy's eyes rolled with a hint of sarcasm.

"Was that an insult attempt?" he questioned, "Because you fell flat on that one!"

I snickered, diverting his attention toward me.

"Hello there, bellissima. Come stai?" A full-blown boyish grin greeted me.

"Sto bene, grazie," I muttered shyly. Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed Emma silently chuckling at the unfolding scene.

"An Italian, I see. For once, I'm impressed by your choice of friends." He glanced toward Izzy and then smiled at me. I coughed awkwardly, averting my gaze. 

Our awkward exchange was cut short as the professor walked in, and I'd never been more thankful for a class to start. I was literally on the verge of embarrassing myself. 

My phone pinged with a notification from the group chat.

Emma: That was painful to watch!

Izzy: Tell me about it.

Me: ತ⁠_⁠ತ

I rolled my eyes visibly, dropping my phone to pay attention.