Love at First Sight.

Ciara and Ariel stumbled into their room, practically collapsing from the day's academic onslaught. "English class? More like English exhaustion!" Ariel groaned, dramatically flopping onto a chair. Ciara chuckled, "At least we dodged a bullet – imagine if we were studying law! That would be a real nightmare."

"Think Maureen's around?" Ariel asked, already heading for the fridge.

Ciara jiggled the room's doorknob. "Seems she's in," she announced, pushing the door open. "Maureen!" Ciara called out, her voice echoing slightly.

Maureen emerged from the bathroom, all smiles. "Hey, ladies! How was the torture – I mean, classes?" she chirped, radiating a positive energy that was seriously infectious as she heads out with Ciara to the living room to join Ariel.

Ariel grabbed a water bottle. "Torture is a pretty accurate description," she deadpanned. Ciara nodded vehemently. "History, history, history and more history! It was a total snooze-fest!" she sighed dramatically. Maureen laughed, a genuine, bubbly sound. "Sorry about that, but hey, guess what? Ben and I are going out on a movie date tonight, and I desperately need you guys fashion expertise!"

Ciara grinned. "Girl, we've got you covered!"

Ariel, handing Ciara a glass of juice, grinned mischievously. "Speaking of dates...I think I'm head-over-heels for Alpha." She paused, eyes darting between her friends, gauging their reactions.

Maureen's eyebrows shot up. "Whoa, hold up, Ariel! You barely know the guy! One fleeting encounter doesn't exactly scream 'true love'," she said, a hint of exasperation in her tone. Ariel looked expectantly at Ciara.

Ciara, caught in the crossfire, hemmed and hawed. "Well, it could be love at first sight, right? It happens in movies all the time!"

Maureen rolled her eyes. "This isn't some romantic movie, Ciara! Reality bites," she retorted, grabbing a glass of juice for herself.

Ariel, unfazed, clinked her glass against Ciara's. "I'm sticking with 'love at first sight'," she declared. "It's a done deal!"

"So, what's the master plan?" Maureen asked, taking a sip of her juice. The question hung in the air for a bit before Ariel and Maureen simultaneously turned to Ciara, who nearly choked on her juice.

"Okay, okay, Ariel, I know where this is going". Ciara said, a sly smile playing on her lips. "This is going to cost you."

"Name your price, darling!" Ariel replied, and the three erupted into laughter. "Alpha left the other day without saying goodbye – we had a little misunderstanding, but we're meeting for dinner tonight to clear the air," Ciara explained. "And, I might just introduce you two..."

Ariel's eyes lit up. "Or, how about you invite him over more often?" Maureen suggested, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "More opportunities for…conversation," she added, her voice dripping with playful innuendo. Ariel cut her off, practically bouncing with excitement. "I love that idea! Absolutely!"

Ciara, completely exhausted, declared, "I need a shower and a nap. Like, now."

Maureen, however, was having none of it. "No sleep until I find the perfect outfit!" she declared, her voice ringing with excitement.

"Urgh," Ciara groaned, burying her face in a pillow. But before she could fully succumb to slumber, Ariel and Maureen dragged her up, initiating Operation: Find the Perfect Dress for Maureen!