From Tension to Touch

Prologue

War

"You've got this, Kenzie. Just be yourself." I softly said to myself

I weave through the crowded hallway, my heart racing with a mix of excitement and nerves. Clutching my books tightly, I glance at my schedule, trying to ignore the noise of laughter and chatter all around me.

Okay, Kenzie, just find room 505...

As I walk, I take in the vibrant posters on the walls and the groups of friends chatting. I can't help but feel a little envious of their ease. I pick up my pace, trying to shake off the nerves. Just keep moving.

 I keep my eyes on the doors, counting down as I pass each classroom number. Room 401... Room 402...

Suddenly, I hear a loud burst of laughter coming from behind me. I turn just in time to see a guy rushing down the hallway, a stack of books in one hand and a large iced coffee in the other. He's so caught up in his laughter that he doesn't even notice me.

Before I can react, we collide. Time seems to slow as I feel the cold coffee splash across my uniform. I stand there, frozen in shock, staring down at the dark stain spreading across my shirt.

"No way. This cannot be happening!" I snapped.

I look up to see the g's eyes widen in horror, and my irritation flares.

"Lah gagi! sorry! I didn't see you there!"

"Do you even know how to look where you're going?" I asked, firmly.

He takes a step back, his hands raised in a nervous gesture, clearly flustered. I can see he didn't mean to, but it doesn't help my anger.

"Miss, I really didn't mean to." Tumikhim siya. "Let me help you clean it up."

My annoyance deepens, and I shake my head, feeling utterly humiliated.

"Oh sure, because that'll fix my uniform!" I sarcastically said.

I storm past him, heart racing with a mix of embarrassment and rage. As I walk away, I can hear his friends laughing behind me, making me feel like the punchline to their joke.

Great. Just what I needed on my first day. Coffee all over me and a clueless stranger.

With frustration swirling in my chest, I head toward the bathroom, trying to shake off the encounter. I can't believe this is how my first day is going. Definitely not what I had in mind.

The bathroom is mostly empty, the quiet a stark contrast to the chaos of the hallway. I head straight for the mirror, my heart still racing from the encounter with that guy. Staring at my reflection, I can't help but frown at the mess on my uniform. The dark stain from the iced coffee is a glaring reminder of my disastrous first day.

"Great. Just great." I said to myself

I grab a handful of paper towels and start dabbing at the stain, wishing it would magically vanish. Instead, it just smudges, making the situation even worse. Frustrated, I toss the paper towels into the trash and splash some water on my face.

The sound of laughter drifts in from the hallway, and I can't help but feel a sense of dread. I'm already late for class, but I need to at least try to look somewhat presentable.

Taking a deep breath, I head for the door, but as I step out into the hallway, I feel like all eyes are on me. The laughter grows louder, and I realize they're pointing and whispering. I catch snippets of their comments.

"Anyare? Did she just roll in a coffee shop?" Sabi nung babaeng may pink na ribbon sa buhok.

"More like a coffee spill!" Sabat pa nung katabi niya.