The Unexpected Seat

The next morning, Bella stood in front of the mirror, buttoning her uniform. But today, something felt different. She couldn’t explain it—maybe it was the way her reflection looked back at her, calmer, more alive. There was a quiet strength in her eyes she hadn’t seen before.

“Ready?” Ava’s voice broke her thoughts.

Bella nodded, grabbed her bag, and the two walked to college together. As they reached the main gate, they smiled at each other and parted ways—Ava headed toward her science building, while Bella turned down the literature wing.

Bella entered the classroom early. A few students were already scattered around, chatting or scrolling through their phones. She spotted an empty bench by the window and quietly slipped into the seat. Pulling out her notebook, she slid on her headphones and let the music wash over her—a soft, nostalgic tune from years ago, the kind that made her heart ache in the best way.

She didn’t notice Euston until he was standing beside her.

“Hey,” he said casually, “Can I sit here?”

Bella blinked in surprise and quickly pulled out one earbud. “Um… yeah. Sure.”

Euston dropped into the seat next to her like it was the most natural thing in the world. Bella’s heart raced. A boy—a popular boy—was sitting next to her. That had never happened before.

“What are you listening to?” he asked, glancing at her headphone cord.

“It’s… just an old song,” she mumbled, hoping he wouldn’t ask more.

Instead, he smiled and gently took one of her earbuds, placing it in his own ear. They sat like that for a few seconds, both listening. Then he leaned back and said, “Wow. You’ve got really good music taste.”

Bella didn’t know what to say. Compliments weren’t something she was used to. She just nodded and looked away, hoping her face wasn’t as red as it felt.

Moments later, the professor entered the room and called for silence. He introduced the course, handed out the syllabus, and then gave the students their first assignment: “Prepare your own handwritten notes on today’s topic. No photocopies. I want to see your words.”

Class ended before Bella had fully processed what had happened. As she packed her bag, Euston gave her a small smile. “See you around,” he said and walked off.

Bella still hadn’t found the words when Ava appeared outside the building, waving at her.

Back at the hostel, the girls kicked off their shoes and collapsed on their beds. Ava turned to Bella, grinning.

“So? How was your day?”

Bella hesitated, then softly said, “Euston sat next to me in class.”

Ava bolted upright. “Wait—Euston Euston?”

Bella nodded slowly. “He asked if he could sit. Then… he listened to my music.”

Ava stared at her like she had just announced she met a celebrity. “That’s… weird. I mean—not in a bad way! But Euston isn’t like that. He’s the dream boy of half the girls in Eldermere.”

Bella frowned. “Why is it so surprising?”

Ava leaned in, lowering her voice. “Because Euston the leader of his group. He’s cool, confident, kind of mysterious. The kind of guy who usually sticks with his own circle. I’ve been here two years, and he’s never just walked up and talked to someone new like that—not even to me.”

Bella looked down at her hands, unsure what to make of it.

“I’m just saying…” Ava continued, narrowing her eyes playfully, “I feel something fishy here. Like—why you? Not that you’re not amazing, Bella, but… there’s something he’s not telling.”

Bella smiled faintly. “Maybe he just liked the music.”

Ava raised an eyebrow. “Or maybe the mysterious Euston is finally curious about someone different.”

And with that thought, Bella lay back on her bed, staring at the ceiling. The day had surprised her in ways she didn’t expect. But what lingered most in her mind wasn’t the music, or even the compliment.

It was the way Euston had looked at her—like he saw something she hadn’t even seen in herself yet.

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***