"Um… excuse me, is this seat taken? Can I sit here?"
I looked up.
Beside me stood a girl whose presence was… ordinary at first glance. But something about her felt calm — and warm. Not warm like sunlight, more like… a quiet room in winter. Comforting, without saying anything. She wore round, simple glasses that gently rested on her nose, and every so often, she'd push them back with a quiet tap of her index finger.
"Hello?" she said again, tilting her head slightly.
I startled. "Y-yes?"
"Didn't you hear me? I'd like to sit by the window. Can you please move?"
Her tone wasn't rude — just direct. Honest.
She really did want that window seat. I had taken it mostly because no one else was around, and it had a peaceful view. But... sigh... whatever.
"Sure. Feel free," I said, moving aside so she could take the seat.
She sat down neatly, adjusted her skirt, then looked at me.
"What's your name?"
I raised an eyebrow.
"Isn't it a little rude to ask for someone's name when you haven't told me yours?"
She didn't flinch.
"My name is Rina Sierra. Now tell me yours."
"Silas. Nice to meet you."
"Yeah, same here."
That was the end of it. After exchanging names, we didn't talk much. It was clear we were both introverts. The silence wasn't uncomfortable — just quiet. Like neither of us felt the need to force conversation.
She wasn't tall, but she sat with a calm, collected posture that made her seem older than the rest of the class. Her hair was dark, shoulder-length, always tied back — not as a fashion statement, but just to keep it tidy while she read. No extra flair. Just... neat.
From what I'd seen, she didn't seem like someone who liked crowds. Probably why she chose the back of the lecture hall.
Then again, so did I.
The first day wasn't that long — just introductions, schedules, the usual. When class ended, I packed my stuff, unsure what to do next.
---
"What do I do now…?"
I pulled out my phone. "Alright... let's go bother my best friend."
Yeah, even introverts have one.
My best friend went to a different college, not too far from mine. Not close, either... but far enough that it'd be annoying if I didn't know the exact address.
Crap… I forgot to ask where he lives again. Oh well.
I sent him a message.
---
Me: Where the hell are you? I'm near your place.
Him: Seriously? Why?
Me: You don't wanna meet? 😒
Him: 🙂 Why you acting like a girl?
Me: Bruh. Just tell me where you are.
Him: Going home.
Me: Great. I'm coming.
Him: …Address? 🤦
Me: Oh. Right. 🙂🙏
Him: Come to Restaurant Road. Where we wasted our money. 🙂👍
Me: Ughh... Why do you remember that?
Me: And Wow, thanks for the welcome treat.
Him: What treat? It's near my place 😒
Stingy as ever... sigh
Me: Ok, I'm coming.