HE'S MY RUIN

CHAPTER 1 : New Beginnings

Anna glanced out of the taxi window at the unfamiliar cityscape whizzing past. Tall buildings loomed overhead, casting long shadows in the fading afternoon light. This was it—the start of a new chapter in her life. Freshman year at college in a city far from home.

The transition hadn't been easy. Leaving behind the comfort of her small town and the familiarity of her high school friends was daunting. Anna was smart, always at the top of her class, but her shy nature often kept her on the sidelines. Making new friends had never been her strong suit, and now, in this bustling metropolis, she felt more isolated than ever.

As the taxi pulled up to her dormitory, Anna took a deep breath to steady herself. The building soared upwards, filled with students buzzing around like bees in a hive. She hefted her suitcase out of the trunk, thanked the driver, and made her way inside.

Inside the dorm, chaos reigned. Students were unpacking, laughing, and shouting in the corridors. Anna found her room—a small, nondescript space with bare walls and twin beds. Her roommate hadn't arrived yet, leaving Anna to face the daunting task of unpacking and settling in alone.

Hours passed as Anna organized her belongings with meticulous care. She kept her head down, avoiding eye contact with the other students who popped in and out of neighboring rooms. Anxiety gnawed at her stomach, but she pushed it aside, determined to start fresh.

That evening, Anna ventured downstairs to the common room, hoping to meet someone, anyone who might become a friend. The room was packed with students chatting, playing games, and studying. She found an empty chair in a corner and settled in, observing the lively scene with a mix of longing and trepidation.

Just as she was about to retreat back to her room, a friendly voice interrupted her thoughts. "Hey there! Mind if I join you?"

Anna looked up to see a girl with bright eyes and an infectious smile standing before her. "Oh, um, sure," Anna replied, surprised but grateful for the company.

"I'm Kyra," the girl said, extending a hand. "I'm a sophomore. Are you new here?"

Anna nodded, feeling a flicker of hope ignite within her. Maybe this city wouldn't be so lonely after all.

Kyra introduced Anna to her friends—a lively group of students from different majors and backgrounds. They welcomed Anna with open arms, drawing her into their conversations and activities. For the first time since arriving, Anna felt a sense of belonging.

As the weeks passed, Anna's circle of friends grew. They studied together, explored the city, and shared meals in the campus cafeteria. Friday nights became a ritual of hanging out at local bars and clubs, where Anna found herself gradually loosening up with the help of alcohol. It started innocently enough—just a drink or two to relax and join in the fun.

One crisp autumn evening, Kyra handed Anna a shot glass filled with amber liquid. "Cheers to us!" Kyra exclaimed, clinking her glass against Anna's.

"Cheers," Anna echoed, lifting the glass to her lips and swallowing the fiery liquid in one gulp. The burning sensation spread through her chest, but so did a sense of camaraderie and excitement. This, she realized, was what it felt like to truly belong.

As the night wore on, laughter echoed off the walls, mingling with the pulsing beat of the music. Anna danced with newfound confidence, her inhibitions melting away with each sip. For the first time in her life, she felt carefree, unburdened by the weight of her shyness.

The chapter ended with Anna stumbling back to her dormitory in the early hours of the morning, giddy with exhilaration and a sense of liberation. Her new friends had opened doors she never knew existed, and in doing so, had unwittingly introduced her to a new habit—one that would shape her college experience in ways she never imagined.

As she collapsed onto her bed, the room spinning slightly around her, Anna couldn't help but smile. She had friends now, friends who had brought her out of her shell and into a world of possibilities. And as she drifted off to sleep, she knew that this was only the beginning of her journey in this new city, with all its adventures and challenges yet to come.