The Encounter

Thuran strolled across the university campus, his eyes scanning the lush greenery and vibrant students milling about. He was a familiar figure here, known for his charm, good looks, and effortless charisma. As he walked, girls couldn't help but steal glances at him, their faces lighting up with smiles. Thuran was used to the attention, but it still amused him.

He had always been the center of attention, even as a child. His parents were wealthy and influential, and their social status had rubbed off on Thuran. He had grown up with the best of everything – the best education, the best clothes, the best opportunities. And he had made the most of them, becoming a star student and a sought-after bachelor.

As he approached the student union building, Thuran's phone buzzed with a text from his best friend, Sam. "Hey, man, where are you? We're supposed to meet for lunch." Thuran smiled and typed out a response. "Just walking across campus. See you in 10."

Thuran entered the bustling student union, weaving past tables laden with flyers and posters advertising various campus events. He spotted Sam sitting at their usual table, nursing a cup of coffee. Thuran slid into the chair across from him, flashing a charming smile.

"Hey, sorry I'm late," Thuran said, snagging a menu from the table. "I got held up by Professor Thompson. She's still going on about the importance of deadlines."

Sam chuckled. "You'd think she'd know better than to try to rush a guy like you."

Thuran laughed, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Hey, I'm not that bad. I get my work done."

Their conversation flowed easily, covering everything from their classes to their social lives. Thuran was comfortable around Sam, who had been his friend since freshman year. Sam knew Thuran's secrets, the ones he kept hidden from the rest of the world.

As they finished their lunch, Thuran felt a familiar tingle at the edge of his perception. It was a sensation he had grown accustomed to over the years, a feeling that signaled the presence of something...else. Thuran's eyes scanned the room, his heart rate quickening as he searched for the source of the sensation.

That was when he saw her.

She was standing by the coffee machine, her back to him. Thuran's gaze was drawn to the way her long, curly brown hair cascaded down her back. There was something about her that seemed...off. As he watched, she turned, and their eyes met.

Thuran's breath caught in his throat. She wasn't...solid. Her eyes seemed to bore into his, and he felt a jolt of electricity run through his body. For a moment, they just stared at each other, the world around them fading into the background.

Then, she vanished.

Thuran's eyes scanned the room, his mind reeling. What had just happened? He felt Sam's hand on his arm, concern etched on his face.

"Hey, man, what's wrong? You look like you've seen a ghost."

Thuran's laughter was forced, but he tried to play it cool. "Just a little surprised, that's all. I thought I saw someone I knew."

Sam raised an eyebrow. "Who?"

Thuran hesitated, unsure how to explain. "No one, really. Just someone who looked familiar."

Sam nodded, but Thuran could tell he didn't believe him. Thuran didn't blame him; he barely believed it himself. Who was that girl, and why had she seemed so...real?

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