The Space Between Draft

Hello everyone it's my first time writing a chat story.. So please support me 😸

let's start the story

The campus courtyard hummed with energy. New students flooded in, eager to claim a fresh start. But amidst the chaos stood Arianna Lauren, clutching her bag strap tightly. Her sharp green eyes scanned the crowd, masking her unease behind a practiced calm. Her phone buzzed in her pocket, snapping her out of her thoughts.

Arianna Lauren ( fl )

*Take out phone*

sienna gray [fl bff]

Where are you? I’m saving a seat, but these vultures won’t stop asking! 📱

Arianna Lauren ( fl )

On my way. Chill, I’ll be there.😙

Arianna Lauren ( fl )

*Sliding her phone back, inhaled deeply and walked toward the hall.*

sienna gray [fl bff]

( Where is she? Sienna craned her neck, spotting her best friend walking in, her steps measured. ) Finally, I see you. You owe me snacks for this wait.📱

Arianna Lauren ( fl )

don't ask me to save a seat for you. ☺️ 📱

sienna gray [fl bff]

*chuckled waving Arianna over.* 👋

Arianna Lauren ( fl )

*approaches*

sienna gray [fl bff]

Took you long enough. Were you counting cracks in the pavement?

Arianna Lauren ( fl )

*Smirking faintly* Someone has to.😏

As the orientation began, the dean's voice filled the hall, but Arianna’s focus wavered. Her gaze drifted to the back, where a tall figure leaned casually against the wall. He didn’t look like he belonged there.

Arianna Lauren ( fl )

Who just... stands there? **The guy had an air of detachment, his dark hair falling over his forehead as if he’d just rolled out of bed. Arms crossed, he surveyed the room lazily, as though the entire event bored him. Who’s he waiting for? Her phone buzzed, pulling her back to reality.**

cris Dawson [fl bff]

Stop zoning out, Ari. You’re making us look bad.📲

Arianna Lauren ( fl )

You do that on your own, Chris.📲

cris Dawson [fl bff]

Ouch. Cold as always. I’ll survive, though.📲

The orientation wrapped up, and students began filing out. Arianna had just reached the hallway when a voice called out behind her.

？？？

“Excuse me.”

Arianna Lauren ( fl )

*She turned to find the guy from the back of the hall holding a notebook.*

ethan pov:

Ethan knight [ml]

*Ethan smirked as he held out the notebook*. “You dropped this.”

Arianna Lauren ( fl )

She blinked, momentarily confused, before realizing it was hers. “Oh. Thanks.”

Ethan knight [ml]

“Hemingway fan?” glancing at the title on the cover

Arianna Lauren ( fl )

Grabbing it quickly “Not really.”

Ethan knight [ml]

“Good. Neither am I.” pauses, extending a hand “Ethan.”

Arianna Lauren ( fl )

Hesitating “Arianna.”

Ethan knight [ml]

Grinning slightly “See you around, Arianna.”

Author pov :

He walked off, leaving her standing there, the notebook clutched in her hands.

sienna gray [fl bff]

“Who was that?” asked, appearing beside her.

sienna gray [fl bff]

Arianna Lauren ( fl )

“Nobody,” said quickly, tucking the notebook into her bag.

sienna gray [fl bff]

*Sienna’s raised eyebrow spoke volumes, but she let it slide—for now.*

Ryan Scott [ml bff]

*Caught up with Ethan outside*. “What’s with the smirk?”

Ethan knight [ml]

*Shrugged, shoving his hands into his pockets*. “Met someone interesting.”

Ryan Scott [ml bff]

*Grinned.* “Oh, this I gotta see.”

Author pov:

Later that evening, Arianna sat alone in her dorm room. The notebook lay on her desk, its cover slightly worn from being passed around. Her phone buzzed again.

Evelyn Lauren [fl mom]

How was your first day? Call me when you can.📲

Arianna stared at the message, her chest tightening.

Arianna Lauren ( fl )

( I can’t deal with this tonight. )

Sliding her phone face-down, she lay back on her bed, staring at the ceiling. Her mind wandered back to Ethan’s smirk, her lips curving into an unintentional frown.

Ethan pov:

Ethan lounged on his bed, scrolling through his phone. Ryan’s text popped up.

Ryan Scott [ml bff]

Spill. Who’s this “interesting” person?📲👀

Ethan knight [ml]

Just someone who caught my eye.📲😏

Ryan Scott [ml bff]

Bet. This is gonna be fun.😲

Ethan smirked, tossing his phone aside. The day had been better than he’d expected.