Switched Romance

Chapter 5: Separate Paths

After high school, the girls began to part ways with their life decisions.

To Mina's surprise, she got accepted at Stanford University to study fashion. 

Which was approximately 3,000 miles away from town.

The day had arrived for Mina to embark on a journey to her new life at Stanford University. There was a hint of melancholy as Mina, her parents, and Bridgette gathered at the train station on a cloudy afternoon. Mina stood amidst her luggage and bags, the weight of the moment evident in her expression. The train station buzzed with activity, but there was a sense of quiet acknowledgment in the air. Her parents, proud yet bittersweet, flanked her on one side, while Bridgette, her steadfast friend, stood by her other side. When the train finally emerged on the tracks, a sense of finality settled over the platform. Mina, clad in anticipation and a touch of nostalgia, gathered her belongings. Her parents embraced her tightly, a mixture of pride and parental concern etched across their faces.

Mina's mom: Take care and have a safe trip to Stanford, dear.

Mina's dad: We will miss you lots. Please keep us updated about your experience.

Mina: I will, mom and dad. I'm gonna miss you guys so much.

Mina: I'm so nervous...It's the first time I'll be away on my own.

Mina's mom: Don't be. You worked so hard to get into one of the prestigious unis out there.

Mina's mom: Remember what you have achieved and I'm sure you'll do phenomenal.

Mina's dad: Don't stress. Keep your head high up and have confidence, Mina.

Mina: Thank you. You guys are right.

Then, turning to her lifetime best friend Bridgette, the hug between them was longer.

Bridgette: I wish you didn't have to leave so early in August, girl.

Bridgette: I kinda hate how your uni is almost all the way across the country, but I guess it is what it is.

Bridgette: Make sure to call and text me everyday too so I can teleport and intimidate some jerks that dare to bother you.

Mina: Will do, Bridgette. But it'll just be a couple months and then I'll be back during winter break.

Bridgette: She sighed a bit. Yes, and until then...We will do what we normally do as BFFs.

As the train doors opened, Mina gathered her belongings and made her way to her seat. Looking back through the window, she caught the final glimpses of her teary-eyed parents and Bridgette, who continued to wave goodbye. The train slowly pulled away from the station, carrying Mina into the unknown. Inside the train, Mina waved back with tears in her eyes. The landscape shifted, the familiar scenes of her hometown gradually fading away.

Despite Mina's sad departure, she and Bridgette still contacted almost everyday like she had promised.

Although the friendship became more of a long distance situation, they swore to never let their sisterly bond break.

Bridgette, however, decided to not attend university since she thought it was unnecessary for her to succeed.

But that shouldn't be a surprise. Given how studying isn't her "thing".

She chose to cosplay in public places by dressing up as her favorite anime female fighters.

Particularly Nobara Kugisaki from Jujutsu Kaisen and Motoko Kusanagi from Ghost in the Shell.

She gained heaps of fans in a short period of time.

The art museum buzzed with excitement as a massive cosplaying event unfolded within its hallowed halls. Enthusiastic fans, adorned in elaborate costumes, flocked to witness the spectacle. Among the cosplayers, Bridgette stood out as she embodied the fierce and captivating character of Ezra Scarlet from Fairy Tail. Bridgette's purplish-red hair, a striking match to Ezra's vibrant locks, cascaded in waves around her shoulders. Her custom-made armor, meticulously crafted, captured the essence of Ezra's powerful and formidable presence. Metal silver gloves adorned her hands, adding a touch of authenticity to the ensemble. A flowing blue skirt, paired with knee-high black boots, completed the outfit with flair, and was holding a fake sword using both of her hands. Diamond-shaped silver earrings dangled from her ears, perfectly mirroring the character's iconic accessories. A dedicated camera guy trailed Bridgette, capturing every pose and angle as she brought Ezra Scarlet to life. Bridgette, in her role, embraced the character's savage spirit, striking powerful and dynamic poses that mirrored the fiery personality of Ezra. The camera flashes illuminated the art museum, creating a mesmerizing display of colors and movements.

Camera guy: As he snapped another picture of her. Look this way! That's it...Perfect!

Fans lined up eagerly, patiently awaiting their turns to take selfies with Bridgette. One of them was a girl with dyed pink hair dressed in gothic clothing and wearing clear rimmed glasses.

Girl with pink hair: It's so good to finally see you cosplaying in person, Bridgette!

Girl with pink hair: Ezra Scarlet is my favorite anime character! 

Girl with pink hair: May I get a photo with you too and have you sign my autograph?

Bridgette: Sure, why not? Let's do this now!

The girl approached Bridgette, looking excited to take a photo with her. Standing on Bridgette's right, she boldly wrapped her hands around Bridgette's waist, positioning herself for the perfect snapshot. The camera guy, adeptly wielding the girl's phone, ensured he captured the moment with precision. As the shutter clicked, freezing the vibrant scene into a single frame, the resulting picture turned out perfect. The camera guy handed the phone back to the girl who eagerly unlocked the device to inspect the photo. A smile of satisfaction spread across her face. With the photo secured, Bridgette then added her signature to the girl's autograph.

While Mina was in university, she had quickly come to realize the lifestyle was nothing like high school.

She had to study extra hours each night to prepare for unexpected pop quizzes and exams coming up in a short amount of time.

She barely had time for social media or relaxing.

Despite the struggle, she phoned her parents and Bridgette daily to tell them how it's going for her.

But uni life wasn't a total bummer for her.

There was one person who she had her eyes on. Hunter Maddox.

Also known as the "Heartbreaker Prince" of the campus.

He often had girls running after him and joining him everywhere he went due to his ladies' man reputation.

Hunter was no ordinary tall, handsome guy. He had soft, silky golden brown hair, which cascaded in waves, resembling the majestic mane of a male lion. The luscious locks framed his face, adding an air of charm to his already captivating presence. His olive green eyes were a mesmerizing feature, possessing a subtle glimmer that seemed to intensify every time he made eye contact. Adding to his impeccable charm, Hunter boasted a set of teeth so white that they gleamed like polished pearls. One day Mina was in the library trying to retrieve some books talking about fashion and beauty when she suddenly bumped into someone and fell on top of him. To her surprise, the person she bumped into was none other than Hunter, the Heartbreaker Prince. As Mina found herself on top of him, her face turned a shade of red reminiscent of a ripe tomato. Flustered and embarrassed, she quickly scrambled to get up.

Mina: Umm, sorry about that. I literally didn't see you in front of me.

Hunter: Apologies aren't necessary, cutie. Accidents happen, don't they?