Stole My Heart 💕

1 - New Beginnings and Friendship

Excitement buzzed through Candice as she stepped onto the college campus, her heart pounding with anticipation. Today marked the beginning of a new chapter in her life—a fresh start filled with endless possibilities. Her family had moved to this city just for her, ensuring she had the best opportunities for success. Their unwavering belief in her filled her with both gratitude and nervous energy. As her parents dropped her off at the entrance, their warm smiles reassured her. "Good luck, sweetheart," her mother said softly, squeezing her hand. Her father ruffled her hair playfully, adding, "You've got this, Candy. Go show them what you're made of."

The college had already been in session for two days before her arrival, making her feel slightly out of place. She didn't know a single soul here, and the unfamiliarity of the city only intensified her unease. Taking a deep breath, she squared her shoulders and ventured into the maze of hallways in search of her classroom. After several wrong turns and a growing sense of frustration, she finally found it.

The professor was already at the podium, preparing to begin the lecture. Swallowing her nerves, Candice stepped inside. The murmurs in the classroom died down as she apologized for the interruption and introduced herself. She had hoped for a few welcoming smiles, some friendly faces that would put her at ease, but to her dismay, everyone seemed too absorbed in their own groups to acknowledge her presence. It was as if she were invisible.

Her gaze swept across the room, searching for an empty seat. Spotting one in the last row, she made her way toward it. As she moved, she caught sight of a girl glancing up at her. Their eyes met for a brief moment, and Candice offered a hesitant smile. To her relief, the girl returned it—a small yet reassuring gesture that eased her nerves slightly.

When the break arrived, Candice decided to take a chance. She approached the girl, introducing herself with a cheerful, "Hi, I'm Candice. But you can call me Candy."

The girl hesitated briefly before responding, "I'm Hanna. Just Hanna."

Candice grinned playfully. "Nice name! But I think Hanny suits you better. What do you think?"

Hanna blinked in surprise before a slow smile formed on her lips. "I actually like it."

From that moment, a beautiful friendship began to blossom. Hanna was warm, funny, and easy to talk to. Candice felt as though she had found a kindred spirit, someone who understood her in a way that no one else had before. And soon, they met Andrea—or Andy, as she preferred to be called.

Andy was different from the rest of the class. Most people barely noticed her, dismissing her as the quiet, unremarkable girl with oversized glasses and plain clothes. But Candice saw something else—something unique, something quietly beautiful. It wasn't until their first real conversation during a lab session that Candice and Hanna realized how intelligent Andy was. She had a wealth of knowledge, but her shyness often prevented her from expressing herself confidently.

Hanna and Candice took it upon themselves to help Andy break free from her shell. With gentle encouragement and unwavering support, Andy gradually began to open up. Before long, the three of them became inseparable, their bond strengthening with each passing day. They spent hours at Candice's place, laughing, studying, and sharing their dreams. Andy, with her brilliance, pushed them to work harder, making even the most challenging subjects feel less daunting.

But not everyone was thrilled with their growing presence. Misty and her clique—the so-called queens of the college—viewed their friendship as a threat. They were used to being the center of attention, reveling in their dominance over academics and social circles alike. Candice could see the irritation in Misty's eyes every time they crossed paths. She knew Misty resented their rising popularity and the fact that people were starting to notice them. But Candice didn't care. She wasn't here to play high school games. If Misty had a problem, that was her own to deal with.

One evening, as they walked home after class, Hanna teased Candice with a playful smirk. "You know, Candy, you're like a little doll—too perfect. I think I'm going to call you Dolly."

Candice groaned, rolling her eyes, but she couldn't suppress her laughter. "Please don't," she protested, though secretly, she loved how close they had become.

Meanwhile, unbeknownst to Candice, someone else had taken an interest in her.

Blake had always enjoyed college life. He was well-liked, popular, and academically accomplished. From the very first day, he had made plenty of friends, and every day felt like an adventure. But everything changed the day he saw her.

That morning, he had been on his way to class when he noticed a girl wandering around the campus, looking lost. She clutched a piece of paper, scanning the area with furrowed brows. Something about her intrigued him, and he felt an urge to help her. But with only ten minutes left before his class, he hesitated. He convinced himself he didn't have time and rushed off, yet he couldn't shake her image from his mind.

To his surprise, just as his professor began the lecture, there was a knock at the door. He turned his head, and there she was—the same girl from earlier. She introduced herself as Candice, her voice confident yet undeniably sweet.

Blake found himself captivated. Her name suited her perfectly, as elegant as she appeared. Her shiny, straight hair framed her delicate features, and her big, round eyes sparkled with curiosity. He watched, almost entranced, as she took her seat. Throughout the lecture, he caught himself stealing glances at her. She was different—there was something effortlessly charming about the way she carried herself.

During the break, he noticed Candice talking to Hanna. Before he knew it, his feet were moving on their own, carrying him toward them.

"Hi," he greeted casually, though his heart pounded.

Candice turned toward him, her smile as radiant as the sun. "Hi, I'm Candice."

"I know," he replied, unable to suppress a grin.

As they talked, Blake realized just how easy it was to be around her. She wasn't trying to impress anyone—she was simply herself, and that made her all the more captivating. Her laughter was contagious, her words filled with sincerity. Day by day, he found himself seeking excuses to spend time with her. The way she called his name, the way her eyes lit up when she was passionate about something—it all lingered in his mind long after she had walked away.

Something inside him told him that this girl, with her infectious smile and unshakable authenticity, was about to change his life in ways he never expected.