Her GxG

Orientation

The ivy-covered walls of Hargrave University towered above me as I stepped onto the cobblestone path, my heart pounding in sync with the rhythmic footsteps of students hurrying past. I had imagined this moment a thousand times—my first day at college—but the reality was more intimidating than I'd expected. The campus buzzed with laughter, conversations, and the energy of new beginnings, yet I felt like an outsider, someone standing at the edge of a world I wasn't sure I belonged to.

"Hey, focus! We need to find the auditorium," Clara's voice jolted me from my thoughts. She was my high school friend and roommate, and while she was eager to dive into this new adventure, I felt more like I was watching a play without knowing my lines.

"Right. Of course," I replied, forcing a smile. We wove through the crowd, my gaze wandering over the bustling campus. Students moved in packs, their voices bright and filled with confidence, decked out in styles that ranged from designer chic to casual grunge. I couldn't help but feel underdressed in my jeans and the hoodie Clara had practically shoved into my hands earlier.

We finally found the auditorium and slipped into two empty seats near the back. "I heard she doesn't talk to anyone," a voice behind me said. "Some kind of mysterious past—family drama or something."

Curious, I started glancing around, trying to spot the subject of their gossip.

"Seriously, when have you ever seen her with her family?" another voice chimed in.

"You're scaring me," someone whispered, their tone mockingly hushed.

"She's not scary. Just... a loner."

Clara leaned over and whispered with a smirk, "Maybe we should stay clear of that one."

I nodded but couldn't shake my curiosity. Who were they talking about? I barely knew anyone, and yet the intrigue had already hooked me. As the orientation began, the speaker's voice became white noise. My thoughts drifted back to the mysterious girl, my focus barely on the applause or the speeches. Something about it all left me feeling unsettled, like I was standing on the edge of something significant, though I couldn't pinpoint what.

When it finally ended, Clara stretched dramatically. "Thank God that's over! I'm gonna check out the art room. Want to come?"

I shook my head. "I think I'll just explore for a bit."

"Suit yourself. See you at the dorms!" Clara waved before disappearing into the sea of students.

With no real direction in mind, I wandered aimlessly until my eyes landed on a figure standing alone at the edge of the courtyard. A girl, her dark hair spilling down her back, stood still, seemingly apart from the world around her. Even from this distance, she exuded something magnetic, an air of mystery that both unnerved and fascinated me. My heart sped up, this time not from nerves but from something deeper, more primal.

I took a step toward her, then another, as if drawn by an invisible force. But just as I neared her, a phone rang, breaking the spell. I shook my head, snapping out of my trance. What was I doing? Chasing a stranger across campus on my first day? Ridiculous.

As night settled and the stars began to twinkle, I felt a strange sense of exhilaration. Everything was new, and the thrill of the unknown tingled in the air.

I found myself wandering again, the cool evening breeze brushing against my skin. The old stone buildings of Hargrave stood tall, their windows glowing with warm light. I passed under a weathered archway where an ancient wooden door hung slightly ajar. Intrigued, I pushed it open and stepped inside the dimly lit corridor beyond. The musty scent of old books greeted me, and I realized I had entered the library.

The vast space was beautiful, with shelves that reached toward the high ceilings and chandeliers that cast a soft, golden glow. I felt instantly at home, surrounded by the quiet hum of knowledge.

As I moved deeper into the library, I heard a faint rustling sound—the unmistakable sound of pages turning. I followed it to a small, cozy nook where a fire crackled softly. There, sitting in a plush armchair, was the girl from the courtyard. Her dark hair framed her face as she focused intently on the book in her hands.

My heart leaped again, and I hesitated, unsure of whether to approach her. But before I could decide, she looked up, her gaze locking onto mine. Her eyes were dark, intense, and unreadable.

"Hey," she said, her voice low and smooth. "Didn't think I'd see anyone else here."

"I—uh, I'm Jordan," I stammered, stepping closer despite my racing heart. "I was just... exploring."

She raised an eyebrow, a faint smile tugging at her lips. "Exploring the library on your first day? You must be either a nerd or really lost."

"Maybe a little of both," I replied, feeling slightly more at ease. The warmth of the fire was inviting, and despite the awkward start, there was something comfortable about her presence. "What's your name?"

"Alex," she said, closing her book and leaning back in her chair. "So, what did you think of orientation?"

I shrugged, the earlier anxiety now a distant memory. "It was... overwhelming."

Alex nodded, her expression softening. "You'll get used to it."

We sat in silence for a moment, the fire crackling softly between us. There was something about her, a quiet confidence that put me at ease, even though I barely knew her.

After a while, laughter echoed from the corridor, pulling me back to reality. Clara was probably looking for me by now. I stood up, reluctant to leave.

"This was nice," I said, though I felt like I was walking away from something I didn't yet understand.

"Kind of short to call it nice, isn't it?" she teased, a glimmer of amusement in her eyes.

I smiled. "I meant the fireplace."

She chuckled softly. "Nice meeting you, Jordan."

"See you around," I replied, though it came out more as a question.

"We'll see," she said, her tone playful but mysterious, leaving me wondering what exactly I had stumbled into.