The door swings open, and I'm startled to see the same guy from earlier standing there, his presence both familiar and unexpected.

"Can I help you?" I ask, keeping my voice neutral, trying to read his intentions.

A wide grin spreads across his face.

"Sorry about earlier," he says casually, as if we've known each other for years. "I'm handing out flyers for Fresher's Week events to everyone in this block ... interested in a party tonight."

I take the flyer, feeling a bit confused. "Fresher's flyers?"

"Yeah, it's a thing. I'm Finn, by the way," he adds smoothly, his grin still annoyingly infectious.

Of course, I already knew that—someone had shouted his name earlier during our less-than-graceful encounter—but I wasn't about to let on.

I glance down at the flyer, half listening as he describes the week of activities, the parties, the club sign-ups. My eyes linger on the part about tonight's party, but I hand it back to him with a shrug. "Thanks, but no thanks."

Finn raises an eyebrow and blocks my hand, pushing the flyer back toward me with a teasing smirk. "What, too cool for Fresher's Week? How do you expect to meet people with that attitude?"

I roll my eyes, but he's not backing down. "Also, where are your manners? I didn't get your name."

I quirk an eyebrow. "Maybe I didn't want to give it."

Finn fakes a scandalized gasp. "What, am I supposed to keep calling you 'Butterfingers' from now on?"

I bite back a smile at the reminder of my earlier clumsiness. "Do as you wish," I say with a nonchalant shrug, inching the door closed.

Before it clicks shut, Finn wedges his foot in the doorway, refusing to let this go. "Come on, at least think about it. It'll be fun."

Reluctantly, I take the flyer back, mostly to avoid dragging this out longer. "Fine," I mutter, forcing a tight smile.

He grins triumphantly. "That's the spirit."

After he leaves, I toss the flyer onto the table with a sigh. Parties weren't exactly my scene, but maybe I'd regret not going. I settle onto my bed, pulling my laptop from my duffel, deciding to kill some time with a rom-com—How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, because, why not?

****

After the movie ended, I decided to leave my room and get some groceries. I grabbed my phone from the table, my tote bag, and headed out.

I walked over to the campus grocery shop I noticed while Mum was driving earlier and grabbed a basket. After picking up some essentials, I headed to the self-checkout. I glanced at the regular checkout points.

"Sorry, can you please try another card? We don't accept American Express," the employee asked the customer at the counter.

The customer has long braids cascading down her back. I can't make out her full face but from her side profile, her beauty is striking, with mesmerizing ebony features.

"Oh, uh yeah sure, give me a second" the flustered customer responds and rummages through her bag for cash, I assume.

I turned my attention back to my checkout machine, finished scanning my items, and paid. As I started walking out, I heard a rather loud and frustrated guy.

"For fuck's sake, it's been five minutes. If you don't have another card, drop the items and leave," he grumbled.

The girl, evidently embarrassed by the outburst, started to drop the items and walk away.

I intervene, "No need to make an ass of yourself" I snap staring at the guy in line. 

I scanned my Apple Pay on the card machine. She looked stunned but grateful. I helped her pack her groceries and we headed out together.

"Thank you, and I'm so sorry. I thought I had cash on me, and I didn't know they wouldn't accept my card," she profusely apologized.

"No worries, it's fine honestly," I smiled. "I'm Lily, and you are?"

"Kamilah" she responds, with a gorgeous grin.

"Well Kamilah, can I assume you're a first year as well," I ask as we started walking.

"Yes, I am, I'm studying Law, you?" she asks 

"Omg, Same !!" I replied  excitedly.

"What building do you stay in?" I ask

"I stay in Ivy Manor; I think it's beside Charleston Buildings" she replies with a smile.

What are the odds?

"Nice, I stay at Charleston Buildings, so we're walking in the same direction," I state

"Do you have any plans, Kamilah? Cause there's a party at 9pm and I'd rather not go alone" I politely ask. It's a bit forward but might as well.

She nodded  "Yeah, I was going to go so it'll be nice to have the company"

We slowly approach the intersection between our two buildings.

"Can I get your number, so I can text you when I'm ready?" Kamilah asks

"Yeah sure" I chirped.

We exchange phones and add our contact information.

She smiles then continues "Alright, meet you at yours. See you soon Lily" She waved and walked away.

I got back home and put the groceries in the mini fridge. The fridge looked stuffed. I wondered when my new roommate would show up.

I scanned through the rows of clothes, searching for the perfect outfit. After a few moments of deliberation, my fingers landed on a slinky black dress that hugged my curves in all the right places and stopped mid-thigh.

With the dress decided, I turned my attention to my long brunette hair. I brushed out the tangles, letting the silky strands cascade down my back like a waterfall of chocolate.

Next came my makeup. I opted for a sultry smoky eye, using shades of bronze and gold to accentuate the deep brown of my eyes. A swipe of mascara added length to my lashes, making them flutter with every blink. I dusted a hint of shimmering highlighter along my cheekbones, giving my skin a radiant glow. Finally, I applied a bold red lipstick.

As I stood back and admired the finished look in the mirror, I couldn't help but smile.

I glanced at my watch and it was 8:30 pm. Suddenly, the silence was pierced by the familiar tone of my phone. I walked over to the bed and picked it up – it was Kam.

"Hi Kam, just finished getting ready. Are you here yet?" I asked.

"Yeah, what floor and room number are you?" she asked.

"Second floor, Room 203. See you in a bit!" I responded.

I heard a slight knocking and opened the door. There stood Kam.

Kam was wearing a lace bralette top with baggy jeans and sleek black heels. Her chic braids were styled in a top bun with a few loose strands, perfectly complementing her face's natural vibe. She had a subtle bronze eyeshadow to enhance her eyes and a swipe of nude lip gloss.

"You look amazing!" I exclaimed

"Thanks but you look gorgeous !!" She retorts.

"Shall we make the best of the night" I link my arms with hers after carrying my phone and closing the door behind me.

"We shall" she giggled and we but made our way to Bridges Hall for the party.

The bass thumped through the walls, echoing into my chest as we approached the Bridges  Hall Neon lights flashed against the darkness, casting a kaleidoscope of colours onto the rowdy crowd spilling out onto the lawn. Kam gripped my arm, excitement sparking in her eyes as she grinned at me.

"Ready for this, Lily?" she shouted over the pulsing music, her voice barely audible amidst the chaos.

I nodded, my heart racing with a mixture of anticipation and nerves. This was my first university party, and I wasn't entirely sure what to expect. The air was thick with the scent of sweat and alcohol as we pushed our way through the throng of partygoers, the energy palpable.

Inside, the house was a maze of dimly lit rooms and echoing hallways, each one packed with bodies gyrating to the music.

Kam tugged me toward the makeshift dance floor, where bodies swayed and moved in time with the pounding beat. The music was deafening, but I found myself swept up in the rhythm, letting it carry me away from my worries.

As the night wore on, the atmosphere grew more frenzied. People laughed and danced abandoning their inhibitions drowned in a sea of alcohol. Kam and I found ourselves laughing and dancing along, caught up in the whirlwind of excitement.

But amidst the chaos, as I looked around at the sea of faces, I couldn't help but notice a somewhat familiar face, Finn.

He's wearing a snug navy v-neck tee, its fabric soft against his skin, paired jeans, faded and hair styled into a man bun.

He noticed me staring and flashed a grin. I blushed with embarrassment and felt the need to leave.

"Kam, I'm going to go get something to drink, want to come with?" I ask over the loud music booming.

"Yeah, let's go" Kam smiled.

We walk over to the room with drinks arranged all over the tables. Red plastic cups littered every surface, and the air was thick with laughter and the occasional shout.

I grab a cider and pass one to Kam, who smiles in thanks, and we both down our fruity alcoholic beverages.

Amidst the chatter and laughter, I catch sight of Finn again, a mischievous grin playing on his lips.

As he approaches, he teases, "Careful there, butterfingers, don't want to drop your cider" referring to my clumsy encounter earlier on.

"So you could make it after all" he continues to tease.

I rolled my eyes playfully. "Guess I couldn't resist the charms of Fresher's Week," I replied, my sarcasm barely hidden.

Kam nudged me with a knowing smile. "Lily, who's your friend?"

"This is Finn," I introduced, gesturing towards him. "Finn, this is Kamilah,"

"Nice to meet you, Kamilah," Finn said,

"Likewise," Kam responded

"So, what are your plans for the night?" Finn asked, leaning in slightly to be heard over the music.

"We were just going to mingle and see where the night takes us," Kam answered, glancing at me for confirmation.

"Sounds like a plan. Mind if I join you ladies?" Finn asked, his eyes twinkling with mischief.

Kam and I exchanged a look. "Sure, why not," I said, knowing this interaction with Finn is just the beginning of an eventful night.