Matriage in the lecture halls

Chapter 3- the hall

Arabella clutched her anatomy textbook tightly against her chest, her eyes glued to the floor as she navigated the bustling hallway. It was only her second day, but the swarm of students, the endless chatter, and the labyrinth of corridors still overwhelmed her. Her thoughts drifted to the intricate bones of the foot, each name and function she had memorized a soothing mantra in the chaos.

As she turned a corner, she collided with someone small and surprisingly sturdy. Her book tumbled from her grasp, and she stumbled backward, managing to catch herself against the wall. Blinking rapidly, she looked up to find herself face-to-face with LaDon.

"OMGOMGOMG, Arabella! Is that you?" LaDon's eyes sparkled with excitement. She bounced on the balls of her feet, her energy infectious. "You lovveeeee me, don't you? Ahhahahaahheheheh, you're a crazyyyy gal!"

Arabella felt her cheeks heat up. "I-I'm s-s-sorry," she stammered, bending down to pick up her book. Her hands shook slightly as she grasped it.

LaDon bent down to help, her movements quick and precise. "No worries, girl! I knowwwww you just want to marry me, right?" She handed Arabella the book with a broad grin. "Where are you headed BBG?"

Arabella swallowed, trying to steady her nerves. "J-just...just c-class," she managed to say, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.

"Oh, me too! Which one?" LaDon asked, her eyes wide with curiosity.

"P-podiatry," Arabella replied, feeling a small surge of confidence. Talking about her passion always helped.

LaDon's eyes lit up. "Feet! That's so cool! I mean, not everyone gets excited about feet, but you do, and that's awesome! I'm headed to yaoiology, but we totally should hang out more. Like, have you ever watched BL anime? It's the best!"

Arabella blinked, trying to keep up with LaDon's rapid-fire speech. "B-B-B-B-B-B-BL...anime?"

"Boys' Love! It's super cute and emotional and just...ahhh, so good! I'll show you sometime. You'd love it!" LaDon's enthusiasm was palpable, and despite her usual shyness, Arabella found herself nodding along.

"O-okay," she said softly, a small smile tugging at her lips. LaDon's energy was infectious, and she couldn't help but feel a little bit of it rubbing off on her.

"Great! It's a plan then!" LaDon looped her arm through Arabella's, guiding her down the hallway. "Let's get to class before we're late. And after, I'll teach you allllll about BL. and do you know... Yaoi??? You'll love it, I promise!"

Arabella nodded along, giggling slightly.

Turning another corner, Arabella's gaze drifted down the hallway and froze. Walking in the opposite direction was Lasia. The memory of tripping and falling into Lasia's strong arms flashed through Arabellas mind, making her cheeks flush.

In her surprise, Arabella's grip on her book slipped, and it clattered to the floor. "Oh no, I-i-i-i-im such a clutz...." she gasped, bending down to retrieve it.

LaDon stopped and followed Arabella's gaze, her expression shifting from cheerful to something slightly... angry?

Lasia, noticing Arabella's distress, quickened her pace and reached down to help. As she handed Arabella the book, her fingers brushed lightly against Arabella's foot. Arabella felt a shiver run through her, their eyes locking in an intense moment.

"Are you okay, Arabella?" Lasia asked, her voice soft and concerned, lightly mogging LaDon.

Arabella nodded, unable to speak, her heart pounding in her chest. "Th-t-t-t-t--t-thank you, Lasia."

Before anything more could be said, Lasia's gaze shifted to LaDon. The atmosphere around them changed instantly. The warmth in Lasia's honey glowing orbs eyes was replaced by a cold, hard stare, and LaDon's usual cheerful demeanor turned tense. Lasia stood up abruptly, the moment between them shattered. "I have to go," she said, her voice clipped. Without another word, she turned and walked briskly down the hallway, her long strides rippling her buffscular muscles and quickly taking her out of sight.

Arabella shook her head... what was going on???