Natasha: Coming Of Age

Liam

The crisp autumn air carried the faint scent of fallen leaves, and the campus was bathed in the soft, golden light of the late afternoon sun. A gentle breeze rustled the branches of the oak trees, sending a cascade of leaves fluttering to the ground.

The sky was a brilliant blue, with just a few wispy clouds drifting lazily by.

As I sat under a large oak tree on the quad, engrossed in a book for my literature class, the peacefulness of the day was a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of college life. Students lounged on the grass, some tossing Frisbees, others engaged in deep conversations, their laughter blending with the rustling leaves.

“Hey, Natasha!” a cheerful voice called out, pulling me from my concentration. I looked up to see Daniel approaching with a broad smile.

The relationship between us has being mutual as we depend on each for academic problems.

Daniel, an intro-extroverted with a social streak, enjoyed meaningful conversations in small groups but often felt the need to retreat and recharge after spending time with others.

Apart from jennie, my roomie who has always being my college backbone. I would say Daniel is a soulmate whom i trust so much for a friend.

“Hey, Daniel. What’s up?” I asked, marking my place in the book.

“Just finished a study group. Thought I’d see what you’re up to,” he said, plopping down beside me.

“By the way, have you met Liam?”

I looked up to see a tall, athletic guy with tousled brown hair and a slightly nervous smile standing a few feet away. He had an easy, laid-back demeanor that instantly put me at ease.

“Uh, hey. I’m Liam,” he said, stepping forward and offering his hand.

“Hi, I’m Natasha,” I replied, shaking his hand. “Nice to meet you.”

Liam nodded, looking a bit awkward but genuinely friendly. “Nice to meet you too.

Daniel’s told me a lot about you. Mind if I join?”

“Not at all,” I said, smiling.

As we chatted, I learned that Liam was a junior studying engineering. He had a quiet charm about him, and I found myself enjoying our conversation.

Liam who seems to be the social butterfly, soon introduced another group of friends who joined us—Liam’s close-knit circle.

There was Jake, a jokester with a knack for impressions that had us all in stitches, and Sam, a sarcastic yet kind-hearted guy who seemed to know everyone on campus. The dynamic among them was infectious, and I felt myself relaxing, enjoying the company.

“So, Natasha,” Jake said, waggling his eyebrows.

“What’s the most embarrassing thing that’s happened to you since you got here?"

I laughed, thinking back to my first week. “Well, I did manage to walk into the wrong lecture hall and sit through half a philosophy class before realizing I was supposed to be in economics.”

They all burst out laughing, and I couldn’t help but join in. The light-hearted banter was a welcome break from the stress of classes.

As the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the campus, we all decided to grab dinner together.

It was the first time in weeks that I felt genuinely relaxed and happy.

Over the next few days, I noticed Liam more often. He’d wave at me from across the quad, or we’d bump into each other at the library.

There was something about him that intrigued me—a quiet confidence and a kindness that I found myself drawn to.

One evening, as I was leaving the writing club, I saw Liam sitting alone on a bench, staring up at the stars. I hesitated for a moment before walking over.

“Hey, Liam. Mind if I join you?” I asked.

He looked up, surprised but pleased. “Not at all. Have a seat.”

We sat in comfortable silence for a while, just watching the night sky. Finally, he spoke.

“You know, I’ve been wanting to tell you something,” he said, his voice soft.“What’s that?” I asked, curious.

“I’ve kind of had my eye on you since the beginning of the semester,” he admitted, looking a bit embarrassed. “But I wasn’t sure how to approach you.”

I was taken aback, but a warm feeling spread through me.
“Really? I had no idea.”

“Yeah,” he said, rubbing the back of his neck.

“I guess I’m not great at this sort of thing.”

“Well, you’re doing just fine,” I said, smiling.“I’m glad you decided to talk to me.

The atmosphere thickened with awkward tension, words hanging in the air unspoken, and uneasy glances exchanged, filling the space with discomfort.
In a moment of awkward tension.

with a warm smile, i excused myself, "I just remembered an errand I need to run. I'll catch up with you later."

I gracefully left, easing the uncomfortable atmosphere between us.

D.C

Thanks so much friends for coming this far with me on this journey.

This story been my first here, am so nervous on how well and far i will go. But i believe something good will come out of it.

If you hav been with  me up to this level, please i will appreciate if you continue giving me your support. ❤❤

Promise to make the next chapter worth time with.
Have a nice day.