In Echoes of Us, Izuko and Sarah start as best friends, but a misunderstanding drives them apart for a year. When they reconnect in their last year of high school and college at 18, they discover the love that has always been there. As Sarah, the ol...
You'd think the first day of college would come with a grand entrance, maybe even some dramatic music playing in the background. But here I was, just another girl waking up to the sound of my alarm blaring like it was auditioning for a horror movie. Still, excitement coursed through me. New beginnings, fresh faces, and the chance to wipe the slate clean.
After a quick shower, I stood in front of the mirror, taking in my reflection with a sense of confidence. Today felt different, like a fresh start. I adjusted my black cropped top, feeling comfortable yet stylish. The light-washed jeans I wore were a bit oversized, their relaxed fit and rolled cuffs giving me that effortless vibe I loved. The rips in the jeans added just the right touch of edginess, and I couldn't help but smile at how they felt so "me."
I slipped on my checkered slip-on sneakers, knowing they'd keep me moving without fuss. I threw on my loose black oversized shirt, letting it hang open over my top for a casual, cool look. A simple necklace and my watch were all I needed to complete the outfit, just enough to feel put together without trying too hard. I let my hair fall in loose waves around my shoulders, catching a glimpse of my reflection once more. and a splash of my go-to perfume. Confidence? Check.
(This is how she looked)
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
Once I was ready, I grabbed my bag and headed downstairs, where I could already hear my friends, Aysh and Riy, chatting about the day ahead in my head. They lived just a quick fifteen minutes away, so picking them up was a breeze. I hopped into my car, blasting some of our favorite tunes as I made my way to their houses.
First stop was Aysh's place. She was practically bouncing with excitement, her artistic energy lighting up the room. "You look amazing!" she exclaimed, giving me a quick twirl. I smirked, knowing I was serving looks today.
"Right? It's time to make a statement," I replied, feeling the confidence radiate from me.
Next up was Riy's house. She was always the funniest one in our trio, and true to form, she greeted me with a dramatic, "Behold! The queen has arrived!" I laughed, and we all piled into the car, ready to conquer our first day of college.
As we drove, our chatter flowed effortlessly, filled with hopes and dreams for the future. I felt on top of the world—nothing could bring me down. But as we pulled into the college parking lot, a wave of nerves hit me.
"Okay, ladies, ready to rock this?" I said, trying to mask the flutter in my stomach.
"Absolutely!" Aysh cheered, while Riy added, "Let's make it unforgettable!"
We headed inside, and the atmosphere was buzzing. Everyone was in their own world, and as we walked toward the auditorium, I felt a strange mix of excitement and dread.
Once inside, I scanned the room, noting all the unfamiliar faces. The principal's voice droned on about 'new journeys' and 'great opportunities,' but honestly? I barely registered any of it. My mind was elsewhere.
That's when I heard it—laughter. A sound that cut through the noise like a bolt of lightning. It was unmistakable. My heart raced as I turned toward the door, and there she was—Izuko.
In an instant, all the memories flooded back: the laughter we shared, the late-night talks, the moments that felt like magic. But just as quickly, the ache of silence between us tightened its grip. The principal's voice faded into the background as I felt a need to escape, to breathe.
With a swift decision, I slipped out of the auditorium and headed to my favorite spot—the music room. The piano waited for me, a familiar friend. I sat down and let my fingers dance over the keys, playing "Espresso," my heart pouring into each note.
Lost in the music, I thought of nothing but the melody—until I heard the door creak open. I turned, and our eyes locked. In that moment, everything else fell away, leaving just the two of us, caught in a whirlwind of unresolved feelings and past memories.
