Hearts Across Halls

Chapter 2

As the day wore on, the halls gradually came to life, with new arrivals trickling in one by one. Much to Elara's relief, most of them turned out to be just as friendly as Emmy. She found herself smiling more as she mentally cataloged the growing list of personalities in their little corner of the dorms.

In room one was Tabitha, a shy but sweet girl whose quiet nature hinted at an intriguing depth. Elara noted her warm smile, even as Tabitha kept mostly to herself while setting up her room. Room two belonged to Leo, an athletic guy who had arrived flanked by four equally sporty friends. His energy was infectious, and his grin made it clear he was the kind of person everyone gravitated toward. Dylan, who claimed room three, turned out to be the most laid-back person Elara had ever met. She soon learned his easygoing vibe stemmed from spending most of his time in his room with his friends, indulging in snacks and smoking weed.

Room four was Rachel's—a surprise, given her entrance with sleek designer luggage. Elara initially pegged her as high-maintenance, but Rachel's down-to-earth humor quickly won her over. Then there was Kenzie in room five, who wasted no time announcing her mission to turn their halls into what she gleefully dubbed the party palace. Emmy, her first friend here, was in room six, and Elara herself occupied room eight. That left room seven, home to the mysterious boy with a vaguely intimidating vibe.

Elara hadn't caught so much as a glimpse of him yet, but she couldn't deny a curiosity about the closed door across the hall.

"You coming?" Kenzie's voice jolted her from her thoughts. She turned to see the blonde poking her head into her room, with Emmy hovering just behind her.

"Where to?" Elara asked, tilting her head.

"We're heading to the shop for supplies," Kenzie declared, a mischievous grin spreading across her face. "I'm making a 'shit-mix' tonight."

Elara blinked. "A what now?"

Kenzie's grin widened. "A shit-mix! You take a big tub, mix a ton of alcohol and mixers together, and voilà—instant party fuel. It's iconic."

Elara hesitated, only for Kenzie to cut her off with a dramatic sigh. "Don't worry. I've got the tub. You'll see."

That was all it took to convince her. "Alright, count me in," she said, standing and grabbing her keys.

Their little shopping trip quickly turned into a communal outing, with nearly everyone in their halls tagging along. Only Tabitha opted to stay behind to keep organizing her room, while the enigmatic boy from room seven—predictably—didn't join them. Elara didn't dwell on it, especially as the group descended on the campus shop like a small, chaotic army. True to their student status, everyone loaded up on the cheapest alcohol they could find—except Dylan, who quietly amassed an impressive stash of snacks instead.

"Pro tip," Kenzie announced, holding up a bottle of wine like a lecturer commanding attention. "Never buy the cheapestwine. Always go for the second-cheapest. Trust me."

Her wisdom was met with a chorus of exaggerated nods, and Elara couldn't help but laugh at the absurdity of it all.

By the time they returned, their arms were overloaded with bottles, cans, and mixers, as no one had thought to bring a bag. They managed to make it back to the kitchen, where they spread their haul across the table like triumphant scavengers.

As everyone scattered to their rooms to get ready for the night, Elara felt a growing buzz of excitement in the air. This wasn't just any night out; this was the start of something new. The idea of living, studying, and partying with these people—day in, day out—felt thrilling and a little surreal.

Elara chose a simple black A-line dress for the occasion, figuring it was the safest option for a night of unknown expectations. She let her hair fall naturally, not one to fuss over styling. By 8 PM, everyone had reconvened in the kitchen, eyes fixated on the large plastic tub Kenzie had ceremoniously placed in the center of the table.