Bet ~Jean x Reader AU~

Chapter 2: Day Number One

An icy gust of wind breezed past me, nearly slicing through me like a knife cutting through raw meat, softly kissing my nose with its bitter lips as shivers darted the length of my spine. The soles of my hefty combat boots knocked and scraped at the cold cement which had been shoveled and salted over the night before to prevent any ice from crystalizing on its surface. A fresh blanket of the purest of white snows rested over the dead grass and bare trees' branches, glistening like tiny jewels in the early golden hues of the morning light. A few birds that remain in Trost year long took flight, their wings flapping and slicing through the gale as they began for wherever it was they were going. It was all so calm and serene.

Until a strong gust of wind blew past me.

I wrapped my arms around myself and increased my speed slightly, envisioning what the interior of the Liberal Arts and Literature (LAL) building would feel like. I imagined how pleasant it'd be to feel the warm embrace of the heating system as I'd barrel through the front entrance. I smiled to myself at the thought of it when another keen gust blew, stinging the exposed flesh of my face and hands.

January was a painfully blistering cold time in the city of Trost as I was learning. My first semester at the renown college known as Maria Rose University (MRU) had been in the "fall" semester, which began in late August and ended in early December. At that point, I was now in the "spring" semester, which was from early January to early May. To say it plainly, I was discovering what winter was like in a city that was not my own and it was crippling.

After trudging along with the bitter gale slicing through me every few steps, I finally reached the LAL building. I nearly bolted up the stairs to its entrance and pulled open the door, allowing for the warm touch of the air inside to escape out into the elements as the cold followed me in before being cut off by the door slamming shut. My cheeks and ears stung as the heat began to engulf me, thawing me from the icy veil that had been swaddling and choking me just mere moments before. But it was a sting I appreciated.

I glanced around, my eyes scanning my surroundings as I made my way to the staircase. There were a few lingering students moseying about, most sporting expressions of pure exhaustion, their eyes blank of any true emotion due to the sleepiness that plagued them. I almost found it amusing in a way. They all looked like zombified versions of themselves, which was rather funny. I only hoped the Styrofoam cups of steaming coffee in their clutches cleared the fog from their minds enough to concentrate. After all, it was the first day.

I finally focused back on my walk and began up the staircase. The hardy weight of my shoes' soles pounded against the smooth cement stairs, echoing through the stairwell, bouncing off each surface. It was a little loud for my own personal liking, but it wasn't long before I reached the second floor and pushed through the double doors that led to the main lobby on that floor. The whole area was empty, not a single soul residing in any of the seats as they waited for their classes. But, that did not bother me one bit.

I began through the lobby and headed down a hall to where I knew my first class was; Art Studio I for Drawing III. I scanned the hall, tightening my grasp on my bag's straps. Okay, Y/N. Today's the first day. Today is day number one. You got this. You can do this. I swallowed, cheering myself on as I approached the door that would lead into my classroom. My pulse was strumming in my ears in perfect sync with my heart, which was racing vigorously against my ribs.

It felt like forever since I had been in a classroom even though it had realistically only been a few weeks. Still, I was anxious. I would be surrounded by a whole new cluster of faces with a few familiar ones if I was lucky. And the very idea of that fueled the anxiety I harbored deep within myself. I could feel my stomach trying to knot, but I did my best to fight it. Just chill. Just chill, Y/N.

I was quickly approaching the door when I finally reached it. Instead of seeing the empty room that I had secretly prayed for, there were a few folks perched in different seats. Most were spread out, a vast majority of them playing on their phones while two or three conversed in the back corner. None really seemed prepared for class. All their materials were still snuggly tucked away in their bags. But, then again, it was the first day. There was a high chance we weren't going to need any of our stuff. Still, better safe than sorry.

So, I breathed in a haggard breath and began for an empty chair. I claimed it as my own and began the tedious preparation of my things. I laid out my 11"x14" sketchbook and set of graphite, just in case our professor decided to jump right into things. It wasn't completely unheard of, after all. It was college and first days didn't always mean a slack day.

I finished arranging my things just as a few more people made their way into the room. I glanced up and observed them. They were a trio of boys happily chatting away, all three bright eyed and bushy tailed, which was completely opposite as opposed to the rest of us. Most of us were still trying to wake up after spending the entire break sleeping in. At least, that was what I assumed. But, I watched, carefully observing as the three fellows chatted amongst themselves...well, that was a generous way of putting it. They were chatting, but amongst themselves wasn't the correct way to put it. They were loud and almost obnoxious, though it was mainly two of them that were contributing to the ruckus.

The first fellow my eyes landed on was a small boyish guy with large hazel eyes that appeared blue and short golden locks cut at the base of his skull, framing his soft features nicely. His skin was fair, mixing well with his lighter appearances, only adding to his charms. He was a verily innocent looking boy who seemed to be the quieter one of the three. To the blonde boy's left was a taller guy with messy brunette hair that was shorter and warm gray orbs that bounced between the two. He was smiling away at the two, but he was certainly not quiet in his words. To the blonde's right was the final boy who was the second big mouth amongst them. Unlike the other two, his hair was cut into a verily short buzzcut that almost made him appear bald. And, much like the taller fellow, they were both not quite as fair in complexion. In fact, both had slightly tanned skin.

I watched as they made their way over a few seats all situated together. Of course, that only encouraged them to continue talking. I couldn't be sure, but I thought I could almost feel the tension of my other classmates glaring at the trio. We were all ready to crawl back into bed and they were fully awake, just chattering away as happily as possible. And, honestly, it was all more than a little annoying.

I rested my cheek on my balled fist, throwing my own glare at them. I was too tired and caught up in my own zombified state to be too thrilled about their conversation. I was certain all any of us really wanted was for them to just quiet down. That was all I wanted. I just wanted blissful silence.

That was all.

**Ello my sweet lovelies! I hope y'all enjoyed this chapter! Remember, if you read my Levi x Reader trilogy, the MRU in this project has nothing to do with the MRU in this project. Just a reminder lol. Anyway, thank you so much for any and all support!! Y'all rock!! Wuv yous!! <3**

-Noel Ross