Echoes of Resolve

The first day of college felt like stepping into a new world. The campus was massive, buzzing with life and possibilities. Beside me, Jia was practically bouncing with excitement.

"This is it, Suri," Jia said, using my Japanese name as she often did when she was especially animated. "A fresh start! Can you feel it?"

I smiled at her energy, her excitement infectious. "Yeah, I can."

We had spent the morning exploring the campus, stopping by the cafeteria, and marveling at the enormous library. By the time we reached the main building, though, the reality of parting ways hit us.

Jia turned to me, her grin faltering slightly. "Okay, so… arts department for me, medical for you." She rolled her eyes dramatically. "What genius decided to put them on opposite ends of the campus?"

I laughed. "We'll meet up after classes."

"You better text me," she said, pointing a finger at me. "Don't you dare get lost in all that medical seriousness and forget about me."

"I won't," I promised, hugging her. "Good luck, Jia."

"Good luck, Suri," she said, her voice softening. Then she added with a wink, "Don't let anyone scare you. You're way cooler than all of them combined."

With that, she turned and headed toward her building. I watched her go, feeling a pang of nervousness as I turned toward the medical wing.

The corridors were wide and bright, filled with students. As I walked, I felt their stares before I heard their thoughts.

"Who's she? Is she new?"

"She's gorgeous. I wonder if she's single."

"I'm calling it now—she's going to be the top student and break all our hearts."

"Ahhh, she's so my type!"

I winced, trying not to let it show. Their mouths were silent, but their minds were anything but. I kept my head high and focused on finding my classroom, though the constant flood of thoughts made it harder to breathe.

When I finally reached the lecture hall, I slipped into a seat near the back. For a moment, I closed my eyes and let out a small sigh of relief. Here, no one knew me. I was just another student, a blank slate.

But the thoughts didn't stop.

"She's definitely new. Wonder if she's single."

"I'd totally ask her out by the end of the semester."

"She looks smart. Probably too smart for me."

I bit the inside of my cheek, gripping the edge of my desk. Their admiration wasn't malicious, but it was overwhelming. I didn't want to stand out, not like this. I just wanted to focus on school, on building a future.

Taking a deep breath, I reminded myself of why I was here. This was a fresh start, a chance to prove to myself that I could thrive outside the bubble I'd been trapped in for so long.

As the professor walked in and the lecture began, I forced myself to tune out the noise and focus. Determination sparked in my chest. This was my path now, and I wasn't going to let anything—or anyone—distract me.

As the lecture continued, I tried my best to focus on the professor, my eyes glued to the notes I was scribbling down. The flood of thoughts around me was relentless, but I couldn't let it distract me now. I had a goal, and it didn't include making friends or dealing with people's curiosity about me.

Then, someone sat down next to me.

I didn't need to look up to know it was a guy. The energy was different—more self-assured, almost cocky, but not in the way that made my skin crawl. No, this felt... confident. He wasn't looking at me the way the others did, as if I were some new shiny thing to admire. Instead, he seemed to be here to learn, just like I was. I found that strangely refreshing.

I tried to ignore him, refocusing on my book. But I couldn't help stealing a glance in his direction, and as soon as I did, I caught a flicker of his thoughts.

"She's pretty, but I'm not here to make friends."

His thoughts were brief, disinterested, just focusing on the task at hand. I couldn't help but appreciate the simplicity of it. He wasn't thinking about me, and I liked that.

I turned my attention back to the notes in front of me, letting the thoughts of my classmates wash over me in the background. I knew I'd have to get used to it. This was the reality now—people everywhere, all thinking so loudly. But for the first time today, I felt a little more at ease.

But then, the silence between us was broken.

"Um, excuse me," a voice came from beside me, calm and measured.

I looked up, and the guy was staring at me with a polite, almost neutral expression. "Do you happen to have an extra pen by any chance?"

I blinked, momentarily thrown off guard.

I reached into my bag without a word and handed him one of my pens. He nodded in thanks, and I returned to my book. The whole interaction felt oddly casual, like he wasn't trying to impress me or make any sort of connection.

I liked that.

I returned to my notes, trying to focus, but I couldn't help feeling a sense of calm from this brief, simple exchange. For once, the noise in my head didn't feel overwhelming. I didn't have to think about what anyone wanted from me. It was just... quiet.