IN LOVE WITH YOU [SLOW UPDATES]

1

Phi's POV

Water splashed up my leg as my shoes pounded on the ground. My calves burned, my heart was ready to explode. Beads of sweat trickled down my temples as I ran through the narrow street, panting in the drizzle. It was dark, but I could feel him running behind me. I had to focus before he crumbled me to the ground. My right leg tripped over something. I landed with a thud, my jaw ached and saline taste filled my mouth. I sat upright to see him approaching, his face concealed by the shadows and a silvery weapon in his hand. He squatted in front of me, his asymmetrical eyes savoured the fear in mine as he raised his knife for one last shot.

I woke up, startled by the alarm. Taking deep breaths to ease the knot in my stomach, I wiped my sweaty brow and palms.

Everything will go great. There is no need to stress.

My lack of sleep made me drowsy in the morning. I've had this problem ever since I was a kid: a new bed, a new room and I'm sleepless for a few nights. I was nervous. It was my first day at college, far from home and far from my friends.

Maybe I won't be able to keep up with the others.

Standing up, I walked over to the wardrobe and reached for the first thing that caught my eye. I walked to the washroom with all these negative thoughts in my head.

It took me 20 minutes to travel from my room to the university, trying to settle my ruffled hair as I walked (I didn't care enough to style them even on the first day). The college was just two lanes away from my apartment. It was difficult to get a room on campus, and I was not the only one struggling.

The campus of the university was enormous, and it was located near the Iowa River. Along the way, I checked the campus maps to get a better idea of the area. There was a fairly large distance between the library, recreation area, and classes.

A gym membership will not be necessary, I guess.

Gardens were beautifully crafted, the avenue trees complemented the shrubbery along the path and flowers danced to the morning breeze. My class location was difficult to find on my own, so I asked a few students for directions. I went to the classroom and sat in the second last row, despite my desire to sit on the last one. This was my first day of class, so I decided to demonstrate some decency. Several students were already in class, some glued to their cellphone screens, making introductory small talk with other classmates, and others tapping their feet or biting their nails showing their sense of anxiety. I could find students of all ethnicity and race in the large classroom- Batch of 2015, Economics major, University of Iowa.

An Asian girl approached the last bench and sat down. After a long period of reflection, I concluded that my decision not to occupy the last bench had been a useless one. Her skin was dusky bronze with a few pimple spots on her cheeks, and her black hair was pinned back in a ponytail that grazed her shoulders when she moved. There were also a few dark circles under her eyes.

The thought of not being the only one who could not sleep last night made me chuckle inside.

Based on her looks, I tried to guess her nationality. It's likely that she hails from South West Asia. Two more students joined the class: an Asian girl and a young white boy who looked like a cartoon character. The new Asian girl looked around the classroom before turning her attention to me. She hastily walked and sat beside me.

Although, I didn't mean to sound racist, guessing everyone's nationality was something I did to pass the time. However, when I reflected on my it, I felt guilty. I was interrupted from my thoughts when the girl next to me nudged to inform that my shoelaces had come undone.

Meanwhile, the other girl-possibly South West Asian- got company with the middle eastern guy on the last bench. A chiseled jawline, brown skin, brown eyes and black curly hair defined his facial features. Together they were gawking at his cellphone. I wonder what they were looking for, but they sure would make a great couple. Her big glasses made her look studious and serious but she had a big beautiful smile to go along with it.

I was interrupted by the professor, a charming man in his 40s. Dr Stewart introduced himself and asked for our introductions. The students presented themselves one by one at the podium. Before starting the introduction, the professor asked everyone to greet the class in their native language. The Asian girl with glasses went up to the podium and greeted us with a 'Namaste' and folded her hands in the same manner as I do. I didn't know her name's meaning or how to pronounce it, but it sounded good. It was Naina.