new beginnings.

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Melanie stood in front of the bathroom mirror, adjusting her black faux leather pants and cropped black tank top. Layering on an off-white Moon Vars cardigan for a cozy touch, she slipped on her Calipso 300s. With cute little glasses perched on her nose and a small tan bag slung over her shoulder, she felt ready to take on the day.

After a quick shower, she caught her reflection. "Girl, you need a refill," she muttered, thinking about her lashes. Finding a new lash tech was on her to-do list, but today, she had no time.

Walking out of the bathroom feeling fresh, she noticed that Khia was already gone. Locking the door behind her, she decided to text Khia.

Mel: Hey! Want anything for breakfast?

Khia replied almost instantly. Khia: Yes, please!

With that, Melanie headed to a nearby café, grabbing some food for both of them. As she made her way to class, a mix of excitement and nerves bubbled in her stomach.

Upon entering the classroom, she spotted Khia sitting at their usual spot. Melanie handed her the bag, smiling. "Breakfast is served."

"Thank you! You look pretty," Khia said, her eyes sparkling as she looked up at Melanie. That gaze sent a flutter of butterflies through Melanie's stomach.

"Of course, lovely. You look pretty as well," Melanie replied, trying to keep her cool.

They chatted while enjoying their food until the professor started lecturing. The class flew by as they took notes and answered questions. As they walked out together, Melanie noticed a girl staring at her from the corner of her eye. She recognized her as one of the girls Khia had brought over before.

"Why is she looking at me like that?" Melanie whispered to herself.

"What was that?" Khia asked, glancing down at the girl.

"Nothing," Melanie said quickly.

"Hey, would you like to do my hair?" Khia asked with a playful smile. She had always thought Melanie was beautiful since the first day she walked into their dorm, but her own defensiveness had led her to act cold. Now, she wanted to change that.

"Of course! I'd love to, after my cosmetology class?" Melanie replied, excitement bubbling in her chest.

"Sounds good. I'll go to the hair store; I don't have a class right now," Khia said before they parted ways.

In her cosmetology class, Melanie received a text from Khia, saved in her phone as "Khia Monique <3." Khia wanted long boho knotless braids, and Melanie couldn't wait to get started.

"Okay," she texted back, finishing up her notes.

Once class was over, Melanie headed home. She jumped in the shower and threw on a white crop top and some comfy shorts, just chilling and waiting for Khia. "I didn't think it would take her this long to grab some hair," she giggled to herself.

Just then, the door swung open, and Khia walked in, arms laden with Chick-fil-A bags. Melanie's eyes lit up.

"Wait, did you get me some too?" she asked, half-jumping out of her seat, feeling a bit awkward.

Khia laughed and handed her a bag of chicken minis. "Of course."

"Thanks!" Melanie grinned, taking the bag. "I'll start on your hair whenever you're ready."

"Let me shower and blow dry my hair first," Khia said, disappearing into the bathroom.

With Khia busy, Melanie seized the opportunity to finish some homework while munching on her food. Time flew by, and soon, Khia emerged, sporting a casual outfit with her hair freshly blown out.

She plopped down between Melanie's legs on the floor as the TV hummed softly in the background. "Let's do this," Khia said, flashing a bright smile.

As Melanie began braiding Khia's hair, hours slipped by, filled with laughter and casual conversation.

Khia, feeling her eyes grow heavy, leaned back and let the soothing rhythm of the braiding put her to sleep.

After some time, Melanie gently shook Khia awake. "Hey, you gotta see your hair!"

Khia blinked, the sleep still in her eyes. "Really? You're done?"

"Yeah! Come look," Melanie said, excitement bubbling in her chest.

Khia sat up and turned to the mirror, her eyes widening as she took in the sight. "Oh wow, I love it! You did such a great job!" She ran her fingers through the long, boho knotless braids, admiring the way they framed her face.

"Do you really like it?" Melanie asked, biting her lip, hoping for a positive response.

"I love it! How much do I owe you?" Khia asked, her smile radiating genuine appreciation.

"Oh, nothing. I had fun doing it," Melanie replied, brushing off the offer.

Khia wasn't having it. She pulled out a hundred-dollar bill and placed it on Melanie's dresser. "Take it. You deserve it."

After they both put on their bonnets and exchanged goodnights, Melanie felt a sense of satisfaction. She had transformed Khia's hair and had fun doing it. As she settled into bed, she couldn't shake the feeling that their dynamic was shifting, and she was eager to see where it would lead them.

Tomorrow was a new day, and she was ready to embrace whatever came next.

𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗦𝗲𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗬𝗼𝘂.Where stories live. Discover now