Fell For A Stranger

-: Chapter 1:-

                                       SARAH

It started with a dog. Yes, a full-on, teeth-baring, tail-wagging, overly enthusiastic dog who decided I was its afternoon entertainment.

I was just walking toward college, minding my own very introverted business,  lost in my thoughts, thinking about the classes ahead, when a loud bark shattered the calm.
When I heard the bark. I turned around, and there it was—charging toward me like I had stolen its last biscuit. I panicked, obviously. My elegant escape involved tripping over my own feet and nearly kissing the pavement.

A large, scruffy dog was charging toward me, barking furiously. My body froze in shock, and my breath caught in my throat as I instinctively took a step back. The dog wasn’t just running—it was coming straight for me. Its wild, wagging tail seemed to be all the more threatening with every growl.

Oh no, no, no… Panic surged, and I turned to flee, my sneakers skidding on the pavement, but the dog was faster, its barking growing louder, more relentless.

I couldn’t run forever.

"Hey! Get away!" I shouted, my voice trembling as I continued to backpedal. The dog wasn’t listening; it was more interested in having a chase than obeying my commands. My heart raced, my pulse hammering in my ears. Why is it chasing me? What did I do wrong?

And then—a figure.

Before I could process it, a man stepped into my path, his presence blocking my retreat. He didn’t flinch as the dog lunged forward, barking even more aggressively. With one swift motion, the stranger grabbed the dog's collar, pulling it back effortlessly. The mutt wagged its tail like they were old buddies.

"Easy there," he murmured, his tone smooth, steady, like he’d done this a hundred times. It was strange. The dog seemed to listen to him immediately, almost as if it recognized his authority.

I stood frozen, my mind trying to catch up with what was happening. Who was this guy? Why did he appear out of nowhere?

I glanced up at him, and for a second, our eyes met. His eyes. They were the first thing I noticed. Striking—intense, even under the shadow of his mask. What was it about his gaze? It was like he was looking right through me or maybe seeing something I didn’t even understand myself. A shiver ran down my spine, but it wasn’t from fear. No, it was something else—something strange, like he’d just stirred something inside me that I couldn’t quite put a name to.

He wore a black hoodie, the fabric swallowing his form, and his messy hair fell over his forehead like it was deliberately untamed. But it was those eyes—those captivating eyes that held me in place.

I didn’t know why I was staring, but I couldn’t seem to look away. Focus, Sarah. He’s just some guy. Just a stranger. So why does it feel like there’s more?

The dog whimpered slightly as he held it back, giving me a brief moment to regain my composure. And just as quickly as he had appeared, he turned, his figure retreating into the distance, his movements purposeful and quiet.

My heart was still pounding, and my mind was swirling with thoughts. Who was he? What was that all about?

I took a few shaky steps back, trying to breathe normally again, but the feeling of those eyes—the intensity of that brief moment—lingered in the air.

This is ridiculous. It’s just a guy. Why am I even thinking about him?

But no matter how much I tried to shake it off, the image of the mysterious stranger stayed etched in my mind. And deep down, I had a nagging feeling I hadn’t seen the last of him.
                               
I barged into the classroom, breathless, heart pounding like a drum—still recovering from the unexpected dog chase outside. My adrenaline hadn’t even cooled when—splash—Yasir poured water on me.