02-Sparks, Stolen Glances, First Day Jitters.

OLIVIA.

Arriving at Aunt Stella's, we exited the cab and walked in after paying. It felt like entering a haven of warmth and nostalgia. 

The rustic charm enveloped us as soft jazz tunes played in the background. Cozy booths with worn leather seats and mismatched throw pillows offered a private retreat. Fresh flowers adorned the tables, and the aroma of coffee and baked goods filled the air.

Aunt Stella, with her bright smile, bustled behind the counter. The unique decorations - vintage posters, paintings, and antique teapots, added character to the space. The gentle glow of pendant lamps cast a warm ambiance, creating a play of shadows on the walls adorned with framed photographs.

"Emma, Oh my lovely Emma, how I've missed you," Stella cooed once she sighted us, locking Em in a tight hug and pinching her cheeks.

"Auntieeee," Emma groaned.

"I can imagine how that feels," Isabella giggled. "My mum is almost worse than this."

I laughed, shaking my head, turning when Aunt Stella acknowledged me.

"Olivia," Aunt Stella said, pulling me into a warm hug and taking a step back to appraise. "Look at you, you've grown so much since the last time I saw you; you look so pretty, just like her."

A bittersweet smile tugged at my lips, and I felt a gentle warmth spreading through my chest. I've always been told I looked like her, and that's the best compliment I could ever receive.

"And who might this pretty young lady be?" she asked, turning to Isabella.

"Aunty, this is our roommate, Isabella," Emma said.

"Ciao," Izzy greeted, offering a sheepish smile as Aunt Stella pulled her into a hug.

"You all find a place to sit, and I'll send a waitress to bring you chocolate frappes and muffins, yeah?"

"Absolutely, we'd love that," Izzy replied, leading us toward a booth closer to the window.

As we settled into the cozy booth by the window, Izzy's enthusiasm burst forth as she painted a picture of our new college life.

"You won't believe the quirks of this place!" she exclaimed, eyes sparkling.

Izzy painted Emma and me a vivid rundown of how the school has been since she got there, detailing the dynamics and, of course, the boys.

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, chuckling.

"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 exhausting 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.

As I looked up to confront the source of the commotion, my breath caught in my throat at the sight before me. The figure standing there 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!"

"Who do you think you're talking to?" he asked menacingly, his voice carrying a low and sexy tone with a hint of an Italian accent.

Wait, No!

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

Glancing at me in surprise, he sighed irritably.

"Move out of my fucking way; I have more important things to do than deal with you," he said, brushing past me rather aggressively, and walked 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, 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 you girls around. You three should be good girls and make sure you don't do drugs or illicit activities, 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.

•••••••

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.