Leila Wilson never imagined that a single night at a frat party would change her life forever. Quiet, reserved, and more comfortable with a book than in the chaotic swirl of party life, she's never been the type to take risks-until she meets Jesci K...
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The first class of the day wrapped up, and the low murmur of conversation filled the room as students began packing up their things, eager to move on to whatever came next. Leila had spent the entire lecture trying to keep her focus on Mr. Rossi's words, but her thoughts kept straying to the back of the room where Jesci sat, his presence a quiet distraction that she couldn't seem to shake.
As she slipped her laptop back into her bag, the movement of students around her created a sudden flurry of motion. She felt someone brush past her, and when she looked up, there he was—Jesci, moving through the crowd with that same effortless ease. Their eyes met for a brief moment.
"Hey," he said simply, his voice low and smooth as he passed by.
Leila's cheeks flushed a deep red, the heat spreading across her face in an instant. She mumbled a quiet "hi" in return, but it was so soft she wasn't sure if he even heard her. The moment passed quickly, Jesci continuing on his way, but the effect lingered, leaving her heart racing in her chest.
Grace, who had been watching the entire exchange with a grin on her face, leaned in closer as they gathered their things. "Did that really just happen?" she whispered excitedly, nudging Leila with her elbow. "I can't believe he's in our class!"
Leila shook her head slightly, still trying to process the brief interaction. "Yeah... I guess he is," she replied, her voice a little breathless.
As they walked out of the classroom, the noise of the other students gradually fading into the background, Grace's expression shifted slightly. She seemed to be wrestling with something, a thought that had been nagging at her for a while. Finally, as they stepped out into the hallway, she turned to Leila, her tone more serious now.
"Leila, there's something I need to tell you," Grace began, her voice tinged with hesitation.
Leila stopped walking, turning to face her friend. The concern in Grace's eyes made her heart skip a beat. "What is it?" she asked, a sense of unease settling in.
Grace sighed, gathering her thoughts before speaking. "Okay, so... remember the day after the party? After you went home?"
Leila nodded, the memory still fresh in her mind. "Yeah?"
"Well," Grace continued, her words coming out in a rush, "Jesci messaged me on TikTok. He asked for your social media handles, and I gave them to him. I thought he would have messaged you by now, but when you didn't mention anything, I didn't want to bring it up... just in case he never did."
Leila's eyes widened slightly as she processed what Grace had just said. "He asked for my handles?" she repeated, her voice a mix of surprise and confusion.
Grace nodded, looking a little sheepish. "Yeah, he did. I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner. I just... I wanted it to be something you could share with me when you were ready, instead of me getting in the middle of it."
