Lose you to Love me...

Look What You Made Me Do ♡♡

As the sun crested the horizon, casting a golden glow across Monash University South Africa, I let out a resigned sigh. My alarm blared Taylor Swift's "Look What You Made Me Do," an anthem of chaos that somehow echoed my life. Not that I was particularly obsessed with Taylor; I just appreciated how this song managed to express all the things I wanted to say but couldn't quite articulate.

Why I had an alarm clock at all remained a mystery. I barely slept, yet somehow, the rhythmic beeping provided a semblance of normalcy. Who was I kidding? Normal was a distant dream. But on the bright side, today marked the start of classes, and a flicker of excitement ignited within me.

I hopped out of bed, quickly shedding my pajama cocoon for a refreshing shower. No time for dawdling; every second counted. I finished my business and moved to my closet, sifting through my clothes with determination. After a moment of deliberation, I settled on my washed-out blue boyfriend jeans and a pastel green and white hoodie. Slipping on my white sneakers, which had an adorable lip emoji on the front courtesy of Dad's last trip, I tied my hair back into a ponytail, giving myself a nod of approval.

Feeling pretty satisfied with my look, I tossed my MacBook and notebooks into my satchel. I paused, my stomach grumbling in protest—breakfast had to wait. With my heart racing at the thought of being late (my punctuality phobia was all too real), I stepped out into the crisp morning air, heading towards the main campus.

The campus greeted me with its vibrant energy, a sprawling landscape designed to inspire and invigorate. As I walked along the wide brick pathways, I couldn't help but notice the palm trees swaying gently in the breeze. They stood guard at the entrance, flanking the modern architectural wonders of the university. Students bustled past me, chatting and laughing, their voices mingling with the sound of nature—a comforting hum that made the campus feel alive.

I headed toward the central courtyard, where large lecture halls and classrooms formed the academic heart of the university. The buildings, each with their unique designs and glass façades, flooded the spaces with natural light. I had always appreciated how the greenery softened the concrete; it made the environment feel less intimidating and more welcoming.

I made my way to the library, a multi-level gem of the campus. Its sleek design and serene reading rooms were a sanctuary for students like me, seeking solace in the pages of a book. I could almost smell the comforting scent of old books mingling with fresh coffee from the nearby café—a perfect backdrop for the academic chaos that awaited.

Reaching the lecture room, I was greeted by an empty space, the silence welcoming in its familiarity. I closed my eyes, taking a moment to pray, a practice that had become my morning ritual since starting school. Faith had always been a pillar in my family, and without the solace of church, I clung to these quiet moments for grounding.

When I opened my eyes, a few students trickled in, their chatter breaking the peaceful ambiance. Just then, a deep voice startled me. "Didn't you sleep well last night?"

I turned to find a guy with striking blue eyes and messy blonde hair, looking like he had just rolled out of bed. Seriously, did he just step out of a Calvin Klein ad? He flashed a disarming smile, and my heart raced. "Um, yeah. I couldn't fall asleep, but I'm not that tired," I replied, forcing a casual tone despite my body's protest.

"Do you need, like, sleeping pills? I mean, when I can't fall asleep, I always drink those, and they help," he suggested earnestly.

I almost laughed. If only he knew it wasn't that I couldn't sleep; I just didn't want to. Before I could respond, my phone buzzed, pulling my attention away. I recognized the ringtone immediately—Mom.