Sophie Ashford sat quietly in the backseat, her hands folded neatly on her lap as the sleek black car rolled up the driveway of her new college. Outside, the campus buzzed with activity students laughing, parents giving last-minute advice, suitcases rolling over the concrete.
The driver jumped out and began carrying her luggage toward the dorm, while her parents lingered in the car, their voices warm but laced with expectation.
"You've always made us proud, Sophie," her mother said, her hand resting on the steering wheel. "We know you'll get straight A's, just like we talked about. And don't forget, medicine is the path we planned for you. The family business will need someone with your talent."
Her father nodded, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "We just want the best for you. Don't forget who you are and what we've taught you."
Sophie smiled politely, nodding, her lips curved in reassurance. "I'll do my best. I promise. Good grades… and more," she added lightly, and smiled.
Inside, her heart raced. Medicine and family business weren't what she truly dreamed of. That passion the one that made her pulse quicken, that kept her awake at night with ideas and dreams remained safely hidden, tucked behind her polite nods and rehearsed smiles.
She watched the driver roll her suitcase toward the dorm, the campus stretching ahead of her like a new world full of possibilities and unknowns. The chatter of students, the distant hum of car engines, and the occasional call of a new roommate made her chest tighten with a mix of nerves and excitement.
As she stepped out, the sunlight caught her eyes, and that's when she noticed her. Across the courtyard, standing near the dorm entrance, was someone who made her pause. A girl, tall and striking, with an air of quiet confidence that seemed to command attention without trying. The way she stood poised, slightly turned away, yet entirely present made Sophie's chest flutter in a way she hadn't expected.
For a moment, Sophie simply watched, unsure why her gaze lingered. Something about her was magnetic, mysterious, and undeniably… captivating.
Shaking herself slightly, Sophie adjusted her bag on her shoulder and walked toward her dorm, the first step into this new chapter of her life unaware that the girl she had just noticed, Lex Sterling, would change everything.
Sophie adjusted the strap of her bag as she walked across the campus courtyard, her steps careful but purposeful. To anyone watching, she would appear as the perfect student polite, composed, with a gentle smile that seemed effortless. That was Sophie Ashford, the girl everyone expected to excel, to please, to follow the path laid out for her.
She had always been her parents' "perfect princess," the dutiful daughter from a respected family. Polished, well-behaved, and always achieving, Sophie knew how to wear the mask of perfection like second skin. Medicine, grades, and family honor they were all important, and she would give them what they wanted.
But beneath the neat smiles and careful words, there was another Sophie the one her parents didn't know. The Sophie who had dreams that had nothing to do with charts, prescriptions, or lectures.
She glanced around at the busy campus, the students chatting and laughing, the energy crackling around her, and felt a mixture of anticipation and unease. This was her chance to start fresh, to carve out a piece of the world where she could breathe on her own terms even if only in small ways, for now.
And then, as if fate wanted to remind her that life had a way of shaking things up, her gaze drifted again to the girl she had noticed earlier Lex Sterling. Mysterious, confident, untouchable. Someone who seemed like she belonged entirely to herself, and yet, in a way Sophie didn't understand yet, had already captured her attention.
She got to her dorm room and noticed her roomie had already moved she was surprised because she was told she won't be resuming early. Her eyes quickly scanned the space. On the left side of the room, neatly made, was a bed with crisp, dark sheets and a sleek black comforter. A small nightstand held a minimalist lamp and a few neatly stacked books. Shoes were lined up perfectly by the bed, and a stylish backpack rested against the dresser. Everything was impeccably organized, giving off a sense of someone who had planned this space down to the last detail.
The desk along that side was almost empty, save for a laptop and a single notebook, hinting at someone who didn't linger long in clutter. A few personal touches a framed photo, a small plant were arranged just so, adding subtle warmth to an otherwise precise, orderly corner.
Sophie's own side of the room now felt soft and neutral, pale sunlight spilling across her bed, her luggage still waiting to be unpacked. The contrast was stark neat, curated, confident and Sophie couldn't help but feel a little out of place.
She began to neatly arrange her stuffs and even decorating her side of the room with artistic wallpaper and more. After about an hour she was done and she felt tired she knew she needed to get something to eat but decided to shower first. She grabbed her toiletries, opened the bathroom door, and stepped inside but forgetting one crucial thing: her towel.
"Oh… shoot," she muttered under her breath, realizing she'd left it on her bed. With a small sigh, she stepped out quickly, intending to grab it before maybe her roommate arrives.
Her bare skin brushed the cool air as she moved swiftly toward her towel. That's when the sound of the door clicking open froze her mid-step.
Her chest went rigid. The girl she had glimpsed from outside the dorm was standing there, cool, poised, and looking… startled, but not moving. Sophie's face burned hotter than she thought possible.
"Oh my—" she gasped, spinning instinctively to cover herself, fumbling for the towel. Lex's eyes widened slightly, but her expression remained unreadable, calm and almost unnervingly so.
Sophie's mind raced, heart hammering. "I-I thought… I thought you weren't here yet!" she stammered, wrapping the towel around herself as quickly as she could.
The girl didn't say anything, just gave a faint, almost imperceptible raise of an eyebrow, as if this was both shocking and mildly amusing. The silence stretched, thick and awkward, until Sophie finally found her voice.
"I… I'm so sorry. I didn't lock the door. I didn't think anyone would—"
The girl's gaze lingered on her for a moment longer before she finally spoke, her voice calm, controlled, but carrying a subtle edge,
"You should probably lock the door next time."
Sophie's face flushed crimson. "Yeah… right. Of course."
Before Sophie could say another word, her roommate moved quickly, She picked up the item she had come for a sleek black notebook and without even glancing at Sophie, turned and left the room.
Sophie stood frozen, her towel clutched tightly around her, trying to slow the rapid thumping of her heart. She pressed her hands against her cheeks, willing the heat to leave her face.
Okay, okay… it's fine, she muttered to herself. It's just a girl. Just a girl.
Her mind raced, every detail replaying in her head the calm composure, the unreadable expression.
Sophie shook her head, taking a deep breath. "It's fine. She saw… it's fine," she whispered again, trying to convince herself. It's just a girl. Nothing more. Calm down.
She exhaled slowly, letting herself sink back onto her bed, though the warmth in her cheeks and the pounding in her chest told her otherwise.
After the shower she dressed in something comfortable, Sophie tucked her hair behind her ear and stepped out of the dorm. The campus was lively, students moving in every direction, the hum of chatter and laughter filling the air. She turned on her map and headed to the closest cafeteria
At the cafeteria, she scanned the crowd, a bit overwhelmed by the noise and activity. That's when a friendly-looking guy noticed her hesitance and waved her over. She reluctantly smiled back and looked away before she knew it he was already walking up to her.
"Hey! You look new here," he said with a bright smile. "I'm Ethan."
"Hi, I'm Sophie,and yes am new here,"
" Lucky guess, Why don't you come sit with me and my friends? Lunch is on me."
Sophie blinked, caught off guard. "Oh… um, that's really kind of you, but I don't want to intrude," she mumbled, glancing at her tray.
Ethan chuckled. "You won't intrude, I promise. Come on, it'll be fun and my friends are nice trust me." He gestured toward a table where four other students were already seated, laughing and chatting.
After a moment of hesitation and a little persuasion from Ethan Sophie nodded. "Okay… thank you," she said softly, following him.
As they approached the table, Sophie's eyes flicked around the cafeteria, taking in the chatter, the smell of food, and the clusters of students. And then, for a split second, she saw her roommate.
Their eyes met — just for a second — and Lex's expression remained completely unreadable, cold as ever, before she looked away as if she hadn't seen Sophie at all. Sophie's cheeks warmed immediately, but she forced herself to keep walking.
Ethan guided her to the table, where he and four of his friends were already sitting. Sophie slid into the empty seat, giving a small, polite smile to the group.
"So, this is your first day?" Ethan asked as he sat across from her, setting down his tray.
Sophie nodded. "Yeah… just transferred. It's… a lot to take in."
"You'll get used to it," Ethan said reassuringly. "We're glad you joined us. Don't worry, you're in good hands."
Sophie glanced around the table again. The four friends looked friendly and welcoming, but in the back of her mind, Lex's cold, composed face lingered. The memory of earlier in the dorm, the fleeting eye contact, made her heart skip an extra beat.
Ethan gently claps his hands together. "Guys, this is Sophie. She's new."
"Welcome!" one of the girls said warmly.
Ethan began pointing around the table. "That's Maya, Josh, Renee, Tobi and Lex," he said gesturing to Lex leaning back in her chair, arms crossed.
Lex didn't look up. She just took a sip of her drink, expression cold, distant.
Sophie swallowed. "Nice to meet you all."
Maya smiled. "So, Sophie, what's your major?"
"Pre-med," Sophie answered.
Ethan nodded approvingly. "Wow. That's serious."
"It's… family thing," Sophie said with a small smile.
Renee tilted her head. "Say no more."
Sophie tried to focus on the conversation, but she could feel Lex's presence like a weight in the room. Even without looking at her, Lex seemed to control the space effortlessly.
"So where are you staying?" Ethan asked.
"In the dorms," Sophie replied. "Block C."
Lex's hand paused briefly on her cup.
Ethan's eyes widened. "No way. That's where Lex stays too."
Sophie nodded slowly. "Yeah. We're roommates."
Maya gasped. "Wait seriously?"
Josh laughed. "That's wild."
Ethan looked between them. "Small world."
Lex finally spoke, her voice calm, detached.
"Yeah. Small world."
She still didn't look at Sophie.
Sophie forced a smile, her appetite suddenly gone.
"So," he said, leaning slightly closer, "how are you finding the school so far? First impressions matter."
She smiled politely. "It's… nice. Big. A little intimidating."
"That's fair," he said. "But you don't look like someone who gets intimidated easily."
Sophie laughed softly. "You don't know me that well."
"Then I guess I should change that," Ethan replied, grinning.
Maya rolled her eyes playfully. "Ethan, please."
"What?" he said innocently. "I'm just being friendly."
Josh smirked. "Friendly my foot."
Sophie felt her cheeks warm. "You guys are funny."
Ethan glanced at her tray. "You barely touched your food."
"I got distracted," she admitted.
"Well, I'll make it up to you," he said. "There's a small welcome party tomorrow night. Nothing crazy. Just music, food, people."
"A party?" Sophie repeated.
"Yeah," Ethan nodded. "You should come. It'll help you loosen up and meet people."
She hesitated. "I don't really do parties."
"That's okay," he said quickly. "You don't have to stay long. Just show up. I'll be there."
Maya leaned over. "You should come, Sophie. It'll be fun."
Sophie glanced around the table, then nodded slowly. "Okay… I'll think about it."
Ethan smiled, clearly pleased. "I'll take that as a yes."
Across the table, Lex shifted in her seat. Her jaw tightened just slightly, barely noticeable. She still didn't look at Sophie, but the air around her felt colder.
Renee noticed and raised an eyebrow but said nothing.
Sophie didn't see it. She was too busy trying to convince herself that the flutter in her chest was just nerves nothing more.
Later in the night.....
Sophie returned to the dorm from the library, tho her mind til buzzing from the cafeteria chatter. She kicked off her shoes, flopped onto her bed, and scrolled through her phone, replying to messages from her parents and a few friends who wanted updates about the new school.
The room was quiet. Almost too quiet. About an hour later, the door opened. Sophie looked up instinctively. Lex stepped in, She moved like she belonged there keys tossed onto the desk, jacket shrugged off, expression unreadable. She didn't look at Sophie at first, just crossed the room and set her bag down.
"Oh...hi," Sophie said quickly, sitting up. "You're… back."
Lex nodded once. "Yeah."
Silence followed. Thick. Awkward.
Sophie cleared her throat. "Um… about earlier. The bathroom thing. I'm really sorry about that."
Lex paused for a moment, then shrugged. "It's fine."
Her voice was calm, flat. No emotion.
"I honestly thought I was alone," Sophie added, nervous laughter slipping out. "I wouldn't have...."
"I said it's fine," Lex repeated, a little firmer this time.
"Oh. Okay." Sophie nodded, then smiled softly. "Still… welcome home, I guess. I'm Sophie."
Lex finally turned to look at her. Just briefly.
"I know,"
Sophie's smile widened. "Nice to officially meet you."
"Yeah."
Another pause.
Sophie shifted on her bed, uncomfortable with the silence. "So… how long have you been here? I was told my roommate wouldn't resume early."
Lex leaned against her dresser. "Plans changed."
"Oh," Sophie said. "That makes sense."
She hesitated, then added, "I hope I'm not… invading your space or anything. We can set boundaries if you want."
Lex studied her for a moment, eyes sharp, almost searching.
"You talk a lot," Lex said.
Sophie blinked, then laughed softly. "Sorry. I get nervous."
"Hm."
Sophie tucked her phone aside. "I just want us to be cool, you know? We're roommates. I don't want things to be awkward."
Lex looked away. "We'll be fine."
"That's good," Sophie said quickly. "I'm glad."
Lex grabbed a bottle of water from her bag and took a sip, still avoiding eye contact.
"You were at the cafeteria," Sophie said casually. "With Ethan and the others."
"Yeah, you saw me,"
"They're nice," Sophie added. "Well… Ethan is very talkative."
Lex's jaw tightened almost imperceptibly. "He always is."
Sophie smiled, unaware. "He invited me to a party tomorrow, are you going?"
Lex's hand paused mid-cap.
"None of your business," she said, voice neutral.
Sophie shrugged. "I'm not even sure I'll go."
Lex screwed the cap back on. "Do whatever you want."
"Oh," Sophie said gently. "I just thought I'd mention it."
Lex turned toward her bed. "I'm tired."
"Oh okay," Sophie said quickly. "Goodnight then."
Lex stopped at her bedside. "Goodnight."
She lay down, facing the wall.
Sophie watched her for a moment, confused but still smiling faintly.
She's quiet, Sophie thought. But maybe she's just not used to people. She lay back too, staring at the ceiling, unaware that on the other side of the room, Lex's eyes were wide open heart beating faster than she would ever admit.
Lex's POV
I stare at the wall, counting my breaths, listening to the soft rhythm of Sophie's breathing on the other side of the room.
I hate this.
Not the silence. I'm used to silence. I hate the way my chest still feels tight, the way her voice keeps replaying in my head like something I didn't ask to remember.
You talk a lot.....
I shouldn't have said it like that. But softness is dangerous. Softness makes people stay. And I don't let people stay.
I turn onto my back and stare at the ceiling.
Earlier, when I walked into the room and saw her standing there naked, flustered, eyes wide with shock my brain had gone completely blank. That's why I grabbed my notebook and left without looking back. If I had stayed, I would've stared. And staring leads to wanting. Wanting leads to weakness.
I glance toward her bed now, careful not to make a sound. She's curled slightly on her side, hair loose, face relaxed like she belongs somewhere safe. She talks to me like I'm normal, Like I'm not something closed off and difficult. Like I can be understood. And that scares me more than being alone ever did.
Then there's Ethan.
I clench my jaw just thinking about him. The way he leaned in. The way he smiled like he had a right to her attention. She didn't notice she's looks too innocent to notice but I saw it instantly,The interest in his eyes.
Do whatever you want, I told her. It was a lie.
I care,More than I should.More than I can afford.
I force myself to breathe slowly, to calm the storm under my skin. Feelings are distractions. I learned that early from my parents who walked away, from people who loved me until loving me became inconvenient. I turn back toward the wall.
Sophie isn't mine.....
She never will be...
But as sleep finally creeps in, one thought settles heavy in my chest, refusing to leave:
If she lets him touch her… I'll hate myself for feeling this way.
Sophie lay on her bed long after the lights were off, staring at the ceiling as shadows from passing headlights danced across it. Her phone buzzed once on the mattress beside her, a message from Ethan reminding her about the party tomorrow.
Don't forget. I'll be waiting.
She sighed softly and placed the phone face down.
Today had been… a lot.
New school. New faces. New expectations. And a roommate she couldn't quite understand. She turned her head slightly, careful not to make noise, and glanced across the room. Lex's back was to her, facing the wall, her posture stiff even in rest. She looked like someone who never fully relaxed, even in sleep.
Sophie frowned.
She's quiet, Sophie thought. But not rude. Just… distant.
She replayed their short conversation earlier, the clipped replies, the way Lex avoided eye contact, the calm voice that gave nothing away. It wasn't anger. It wasn't annoyance either. If anything, it felt like Lex was deliberately keeping herself at arm's length.
Sophie wasn't used to that. Most people either warmed up to her quickly or didn't hide their dislike. Lex did neither. She existed beside Sophie, close enough to touch, yet impossibly far away. Sophie rolled onto her side. Maybe Lex just wasn't the friendly type..... Maybe she preferred space. Sophie told herself not to take it personally. After all, she'd only just arrived. Relationships even simple ones took time.
Still, she couldn't stop thinking about the way Lex had looked at her in the cafeteria before pretending she didn't exist. That brief moment of eye contact had felt heavy, charged with something Sophie couldn't name. Awkwardness, maybe or discomfort.
She hugged her pillow closer and exhaled slowly.
Tomorrow would be better. Tomorrow she'd settle into classes, learn her schedule, maybe even attend that party if she felt brave enough. Tomorrow, she'd try again with Lex maybe ask about her major, or her interests, or at least agree on dorm rules. She believed in effort, in kindness and trying.
As sleep finally began to claim her, Sophie made a quiet promise to herself. She would make this place feel like home.
Sophie closed her eyes, unaware that the distance between her and Lex was already charged with something far more dangerous than awkwardness something waiting patiently to unfold.
And tomorrow would change everything.