CH:02
Upbeat music thumps faintly through the hallway.
Layla adjusts her skirt in front of a mirror as Mia pulls two outfits from the closet.
Mia
Classic cute or trendy chic?
Layla
(Without missing a beat)
Mia
(Nods, holding the outfit up to her chest)
Mia
And you casual, cute, and… approachable.
Layla spins in her flowy skirt, striking a dramatic pose.
Layla
Is that code for ‘no effort’?
Mia
No, it’s code for ‘you’re ready to mingle!’
Mia
Let’s go before all the good snacks are gone.
The dorm lounge pulses with energy.
Fairy lights crisscross the ceiling
And colorful banners sway as students chatter and laugh.
A DJ booth hums in the corner, playing upbeat pop.
Claire
Name: Claire
Age: 20
Gender: Female
Role: Mia’s roommate
in the dorm.
Claire
(Waving from the snack table)
Claire
Mia! Layla! Over here!
Mia grabs Layla’s wrist and drags her to Claire and Rose
Who are filling plastic cups with punch.
Rose
Name: Rose
Age: 20
Gender: Female
Role: Photography student
living in the dorms.
Rose
(Handing Layla a cup)
Rose
First week surviving or thriving?
Layla
I joined the Theater Society today.
Layla
That’s one way to describe him.
Mia grabs a cookie from the table, glancing around at the crowd.
Mia
So, who’s worth knowing here?”
Claire
That depends looking for a friend or a crush?
Nate lingers by the entrance, fiddling with his drink.
Ethan spots him and waves enthusiastically.
Ethan
Thought you’d be in the lab.
Nate
(Shrugs, glancing around nervously)
Nate
You said to branch out.
Ethan
(Claps his shoulder)
Ethan
College isn’t just coding, rookie.
Ethan
(He gestures at the lively crowd.)
Nate smiles faintly but scans the room like he’s already planning his escape.
Ethan leads Nate to the snack table.
where Layla and Mia are chatting.
Layla
(Turns, recognizing him)
Ethan
I’m friends with Ryan.
Ethan
This is Nate freshman extraordinaire.
Nate gives a small wave, looking slightly out of place.
Mia
A freshman at a mixer?
Layla
Welcome to dorm life.
Layla
Always chaotic, sometimes fun.
**Later – Quiet Balcony**
Layla leans on the railing, the cool night air brushing her face.
The muffled bass of the music vibrates in the background.
Nate steps outside, pausing when he notices her.
He offers a small smile before walking to the other side of the balcony.
Nate
It’s… a lot in there.
Layla
But hey, stepping out of your comfort zone isn’t bad.
They fall into a comfortable silence.
The sounds of the party fading into the night.
**Dorm Lounge – Closing Moments**
The music slows as the mixer winds down.
Students trickle out, their voices fading into the hallway.
Mia
Not bad for our first mixer.
Mia
You even made friends.
Layla
(Smiling to herself)
Layla
I think it’s going to be a good year.
Across the room, Ethan nudges Nate as they leave.
Ethan
Smooth move on the balcony, Casanova.
The dorm quiets, but the night leaves behind new connections and the promise of more to come.
Comments
Noh Eun-ha
Thank you for uploading a wonderful story first day of the year.
2025-01-01
9
Nami
Love this picture 😍
2025-01-01
8
Noh Eun-ha
Happy New Year 🎆
2025-01-01
9