a goddess and a god

Frodo drove himself to the university. He made no plans with his friends, primarily because he was the only one in the engineering department. He was studying computers. His parents had offered to come along. His father offered to take the morning off, show him around the university as an alumni. And his mother, knowing him better and so understanding better how he would be embarrassed to be seen with his parents on the very first day, offered to at least drive him to the university. He insisted he would be fine. And he was right. The university made it particularly easy for the new students. Little boards were put up everywhere, directing the new students. And the seniors had all shown up too, and were walking around relaxedly, eager to help any new student who might need it. Frode drove his car to the designated parking area. He wasn't the only new student who drove himself. His car wasn't even the most eye catching. He smirked, praising himself for his success at keeping a low profile. And followed the directions to the registration.

There, he froze. Because, standing in front of him, was the astonishingly beautiful girl from the nightclub. And like that night, she was centre of attention now too. All eyes were glued to her. Including his. And that was more frustrating. He scolded himself mentally, forced his eyes away, rushed forward to complete the registration, and then rushed out, without looking her way through the corner of his eyes.

When he left the engineering department far behind, he regained his wits. He let the smile out. Pulled out his phone. And called his friends. He had to tell them his words had come true.

He was so lost in his head, he didn't see where he was walking. And he inevitably crashed into someone. His phone fell out of his hands to the ground. He was scowling as he picked it up. And was ready to swear when he looked up at whoever it was that crashed into him, because it had to be the other person's fault.

And then he froze. For standing in front of him was the handsomest boy he had ever seen. More handsome than he imagined a boy was allowed.

"I'm sorry," the handsome boy apologised. "I'm a new student. I guess I was too taken with looking around, I didn't see you. It's amazing, isn't it? The number one university deserves the praise. I'm so happy. So proud. I'm Tom."

Tom offered his hand. Frodo absently reached out, shook the hand.

"I'm Frodo. I'm new too. Just done registering."

Only then did he realise what he'd done. His face fell. But Tom didn't see it.

"Oh my," Tom said with alarm. "I should complete my registration too. I'll see you around. You're my first friend here. Bye. And sorry, again."

Tom rushed away. Leaving a bewildered Frodo.

*

Tom was studying literature. He could read the boards. But he liked asking people better. He was sure he would eventually cross paths with someone from his department. A senior. Hopefully, a pretty senior. Hopefully, leave a lasting impression. It was always better leaving a good impression. He certainly had the looks to his advantage.

And he struck gold, eventually. Two pretty girls were bewitched when he greeted them. He asked for directions to the literature department. And both answered together, in one voice.

"You're joining the literature department?"

"Yes," he answered, bringing out his best smile, and his best voice.

"Oh my," the girls screamed. "You're our junior. Such a handsome junior. You'll be popular alright. A god. Of the department. Of the university. This will be so interesting. Word is that the engineering department has a goddess. We have a god. Let's see who stands taller."

He blushed. "Thank you. It's really great being praised by such beautiful girls."

The girls blushed.

"Such a sweet mouth," one said.

"You'll definitely be popular," the other said.

"Can you hear it? My heart? It's beating so hard," the first said.

"No, you're too far. Here. Feel it," the second said, grabbing his hand and resting it above her heart. She was red faced, and excited.

He was red faced, and scared.

The first girl grabbed his other hand, and put it over her heart. "Mine too," she said.

And then, the two girls burst into laughter, seeing him lost. They held his hands, with him between them, and led him to the literature department. Along the way, they didn't forget to gloat. Their department had a god. And everyone who encountered them, had to agree. He truly was a god. They helped with his registration. And then, dragged him along, to show off to their friends and classmates and all of the department.

*

Emily was on her way back, on the phone as she drove her car with her friends, when she learned of the god of the literature department. A young boy so handsome he could even defeat her. She was amused, more than anything else. There had never been anyone who could compete with her beauty. She was intrigued. Just how handsome was he that he could supposedly defeat her beauty? A boy more handsome than a girl. That wasn't fair. She knew. But such was bias. There could be no one without it.

"I'm definitely seeing him tomorrow. We'll see for ourselves, just how handsome this god is."