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 library was a haven for Leila, a quiet refuge from the hum of university life. Sunlight streamed in through the tall windows, casting long shadows over the rows of bookshelves. Leila sat at a small wooden desk near the back, her psychology textbook open in front of her.
She loved this spot—away from the noise, tucked into a corner where she could disappear into her studies. The faint smell of old books filled the air, and the soft rustle of pages turning was the only sound that disturbed the peaceful silence.
She tried to focus on the passage about cognitive development, but her mind kept wandering. Every time she read a sentence, her thoughts drifted back to the party happening tomorrow. Grace had been talking about it all week, hyping it up, and Leila couldn't help but wonder what might unfold. Would Jesci be there?
She hadn't seen much of him outside of their class, but his presence lingered in her mind like a shadow she couldn't quite shake.
The week had flown by, and it had been better than she could have imagined. She felt a sense of belonging that she hadn't expected to find so quickly. Every day had been filled with something new—classes, new faces, and most of all, her growing friendship with Wayde.
At first, it had been just her and Grace, navigating the unfamiliar waters of life. But then Wayde had appeared, and it was like the trio had clicked into place. He was grounded in a way that balanced out Grace's wild energy. Leila wasn't bothered by the shift—on the contrary, it was a relief. Wayde had an easygoing presence that made everything feel calmer, more manageable.
Leila glanced down at her open textbook, trying to refocus on the material in front of her, but the words blurred as her thoughts returned to tomorrow's party. What would it be like? What might happen? Would Jesci talk to her? Would he even notice her? She shook her head, pushing the thoughts aside. It was just a party, and she didn't want to build it up in her mind. Still, she couldn't deny the flicker of excitement in her chest.
Her phone buzzed softly on the table, pulling her back to the present. It was a text from Grace.
**Grace:** "Are you ready for tomorrow?? It's gonna be insane! 😍🎉"
Leila smiled, her fingers hovering over the keyboard as she thought of a response.
**Leila:** "I'm ready! Just trying to get some studying done first. 😅"
She put her phone down and glanced at her psychology book one last time before closing it with a sigh. There was no use trying to study when her mind was already halfway at the party.
——
Leila adjusted the cushions on the couch when she heard a knock at the door. She straightened her shirt before walking over and swinging it open, revealing Grace, whose wide grin and bags filled with clothes and makeup gave away her excitement for the night ahead. Standing just behind her was Wayde, offering Leila a half-smile, his usual calm demeanor a contrast to Grace's obvious enthusiasm.
