Chap 1

The auditorium was filled with noise.

Voices overlapped, chairs scraped against the floor, and the air carried a mix of excitement and nervous energy.

It was the first day for freshers.

Students sat in rows, some confident, some curious, and some completely lost.

On the stage, the principal stood behind the podium, giving a long speech about discipline, success, and opportunities. Teachers stood beside him, nodding occasionally, their expressions calm and practiced.

But most students weren’t listening.

Seniors walked around casually, observing, whispering, sometimes smiling at the new faces.

And among all of them—

Sat a girl.

Quiet.

Still.

Trying to look normal.

Her name was Elina.

She sat in the middle row, her hands resting on her lap, fingers tightly intertwined. Her eyes moved from one group to another.

Everywhere she looked—

People were talking.

Laughing.

Connecting.

As if they already belonged.

Elina swallowed nervously.

She wanted to talk.

She really did.

She tried to gather the courage, to turn to the person beside her, to say something simple like “Hi”…

But the words never came out.

Every face felt like a stranger.

Every moment felt heavy.

“Just say something…” she whispered to herself.

But she couldn’t.

Time passed.

Slowly, the nervousness started to fade—not because she felt better, but because she was getting used to it.

Used to being quiet.

Used to being alone.

Finally, the speech ended.

A loud round of applause filled the auditorium.

Elina clapped too, a little late, her thoughts still somewhere else.

Then, a new person stepped onto the stage.

The Student Council President.

Confident.

Smiling.

“Welcome, everyone,” he began. “College is not just about studies. It’s about growth, experience, and finding your place.”

The room grew quieter.

“If you want to improve your grades, build skills, and make friends, I strongly suggest joining a club.”

A soft wave of excitement passed through the students.

“You are free to explore. Seniors will guide you. Don’t hesitate to ask questions.”

He paused, then smiled wider.

“The main club introductions are happening in the big hall. You can go now.”

The room burst into energy.

Students stood up immediately.

Voices filled the space again—

“Hey! Long time no see!”

“Which group are you joining?”

“Let’s go together!”

“Where are you from?”

Laughter.

Footsteps.

Endless conversations.

Elina stayed seated for a moment.

Watching.

Waiting.

Maybe someone would talk to her.

Maybe someone would ask—

“Do you want to come?”

But no one did.

She slowly stood up, adjusting her bag.

Her eyes searched the crowd one more time.

Hope.

Even a little.

Nothing.

She sighed softly and turned to leave.

“Excuse me!”

A voice stopped her.

Elina turned around.

A girl stood there.

She had big round glasses, her hair tied into two ponytails like a child’s.

She looked small, cute… and slightly out of place.

Her hand was raised, holding a pen.

“You dropped this,” she said.

Elina blinked.

She looked at the pen.

Then at the girl.

“I… did?” she asked softly.

The girl nodded quickly and smiled.

“Yes! It rolled under your chair.”

For a moment—

Elina didn’t know what to say.

Then, slowly…

She smiled back.

“Thank you.”

And just like that—

Something small changed.

Maybe…

This was how it started.

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