burn for you

New Beginning

   ~Y/n's POV~

I stood outside the dormitory at UCONN, my heart pounding with a mix of excitement and nerves. I clutched the handle of her suitcase, taking a deep breath before stepping inside. The lobby buzzed with activity as new students moving in, parents offering last-minute advice, and Resident Advisors directed traffic. The air was filled with a mixture of laughter, anxious chatter, and the occasional sound of a suitcase rolling across the floor.

  I smoothed down my UCONN woman's basketball sweatshirt before I glanced around. I spotted the elevator and headed towards it, my mind racing with thoughts of what the next chapter of my life would hold. I felt a little uneasy, hoping I wouldn't run into anyone from my past. Someone in particular.

When I reached my room on the third floor, I found the door already open. Inside, a girl was unpacking her belongings. She was tall, with dark skin and a warm smile that lit up the room. The sunlight streaming through the window highlighted her features, giving the room a welcoming glow.

"Hi! You must be Y/n," the girl said, extending her hand. "I'm Evanii Smith, your roommate."

I smiled back, relieved by the friendly greeting. "Yeah, that's me. Nice to meet you, Evanii."

As we unpacked and settled in, I couldn't help but notice how much taller Evanii was. At 5'5", I was shorter than most basketball players, but I had always made up for it with my speed and skill on the court. I shook the thought away and smiled at my new roommate once more as we began unpacking. The walls of the room slowly filled with posters and photos, each item a small piece of their personalities and histories.

"So, you're on the basketball team?" Evanii asked, glancing at the UCONN hoodie Y/n had tossed on her bed.

"Yeah, I'm a point guard," Y/n replied, a hint of pride in her voice. The hoodie was a gift from her high school coach, a reminder of the hard work and dedication that had brought her here.

"That's awesome! I'm on the track team," Evanii said with a confident nod. "I guess we'll both be pretty busy with practices and games. But don't worry, I've got your back. If you ever need anything, just let me know."

I smiled at the girl, I couldn't help myself. Evanii's confidence was evident not just in her words, but in the way she carried herself. She moved with a grace and assurance that came from years of training and competing. Originally from Louisiana, Evanii had a natural warmth and friendliness that made me feel instantly at ease. She had a slight accent that added a musical lilt to her words, making her even more engaging.

We chatted easily as they finished unpacking, discovering shared interests and quickly forming a bond. Evanii shared stories of her life in Louisiana, her love for running, and the thrill of competing in track events. I found herself laughing and sharing my own stories, feeling more comfortable with each passing minute.

By the time our room was set up, it felt like we had known each other for much longer than a few hours. The room was now a cozy blend of their styles, with my basketball memorabilia complementing Evanii's track medals and running shoes.

"Hey, I'm starving. Want to grab something to eat?" Evanii suggested, her stomach growling audibly. I let out a small giggle, causing the taller girl to slap me lightly.

"Sure, sounds great," I agreed, my own hunger kicking in. We grabbed their wallets and keys, ready to explore the campus dining options. We eventually settled for Canes.

As we walked through the bustling campus, I felt a sense of belonging begin to settle in. I never felt like I belonged back at my old high school, thanks to a certain someone who made my life a living hell. But forget high school.

This was the start of a new adventure, and with my new friend Evanii, (my only friend), I knew it was going to be an unforgettable one. I couldn't wait to see what the future held for both of them at UCONN. I also couldn't wait to see the smug look on Paige Bueckers face when she sees me walk into the gym on our first day of practice.

A/N: First chapter done! Don't forget to vote and comment!

Published: 7-12-24