SOPHIA’S POV
I raced through the bustling campus, my heels clicking against the pavement with each hurried step. My heart was racing, not just from the physical exertion, but also from the realization that I was about to be late for my meeting with my faculty guidance. I was mentally calculating the quickest route to the meeting spot when, in my haste, I collided with someone.
"Can't you see I am running?" I blurted out in frustration, my annoyance clear in my tone. But the guy I had bumped into didn't seem impressed by my irritation. He should watch where he is going.
He shot back with equal vehemence, "You were the one that bumped into me! Now I'm to blame? Should I be watching out for everyone who thinks walking is for aliens?" I would have smirked at his humor but I had no time for that and I was not about to give the satisfaction of having a better combat.
My eyebrows shot up in disbelief. I didn't have time to argue with a stranger, I needed to get to that meeting before my faculty guidance's infamous wrath rained down on me. "I don't have time for this," I retorted sharply, "I have an urgent meeting with a faculty guidance who's probably an old cranky person, and low on dopamine and if I don't leave now, they'll curse at me."
To my surprise, the guy burst into laughter, and I found myself narrowing my eyes at him. Why was he laughing? Wasn't this a valid reason to be in a hurry?
"Why are you laughing?" I demanded, crossing my arms impatiently.
His laughter subsided, replaced with an amused smile. "Are you by any chance Sophia Skye?"
Oh my God, how did he know my name, am I secretly famous or does everyone know all the freshman here.
I nodded, puzzled and a bit wary now. "Yes, why?"
He extended his hand towards me, still grinning. "Nice to meet you, Sophia. I'm Jason Jackson, and as luck would have it, I'm your old cranky faculty guidance."
I blinked at him, momentarily dumbfounded. This guy was my faculty guidance? The one I was about to be late for? The absurdity of the situation hit me, and I couldn't help but burst out laughing myself.
Jason joined in, his laughter filling the air. I shook my head in disbelief, feeling a mixture of relief and embarrassment. "Of course, it had to happen like this," I muttered to myself.
I always had the worst lucks and this wasn’t going to be some special case, this was one of those cases where I knew I had run out of luck and my good luck charm.
He raised an eyebrow, still grinning. "You know, I was expecting a more formal introduction, but I guess bumping into each other works too." He does have a sense of humor and I was already impressed by it.
I chuckled, feeling my tension ease as I realized he wasn't the stern figure I had imagined. "Well, you did say you're not your typical faculty guidance."
He shrugged, his smile warm. "True. And hey, at least we've broken the ice now."
I couldn't help but smile back. "Yeah, I guess we have. Sorry for snapping earlier, by the way."
He waved it off. "No worries. I'm used to students being frazzled and yes I am also a student with some political status so I know how it can be and the whole Faculty guidance is just a title take it like a tour guide. Come on, let's walk to my office. We can chat on the way."
He has an office and is a student, now I am impressed by him. He is also catchy in the eyes.
I let out a sheepish chuckle as I walked alongside Jason. "I'm really sorry about earlier, you know, calling you old and cranky."
He grinned, his blue eyes twinkling mischievously. "No need to sweat it. It's not the first time I've been called that, and probably won't be the last."
I felt my cheeks flush slightly, both from embarrassment and from the realization that he was kind enough to brush off my hasty comment. As we continued walking, I finally took a proper look at him. I couldn't help but notice that he was really handsome, and his smile was genuinely cute. He is handsome beyond this world, he had this calm feel to his being and the way he brows furrowed earlier on, he is both eye catching and hot at the same time.
He turned his attention to me, breaking the brief silence. "So, what do you major in?"
I cleared my throat, trying not to let my nerves get the best of me. "I'm a freshman, actually. I'm thinking of majoring in Creative Writing."
I have always been good with writing and not just because I left a man twice my age a well crafted email.
He raised an eyebrow, impressed. "Creative Writing, huh? That's great. I major in cinematography, and I'm in my senior year, would soon be leaving this place."
A small smile tugged at the corners of my lips. "Cinematography sounds fascinating."
He chuckled. "It has its moments. So, you're fresh blood here. Excited?"
I nodded eagerly, the anxiety from earlier giving way to genuine enthusiasm. "Definitely. UCLA has always been my dream school." again with the lie, UCLA isn’t my dream school maybe because my dream man is here. If my dream man was somewhere in a cave then I will go to cave school.
Jason's grin widened. "Well, you've made a good choice. Now, let's get started with the grand tour of our beloved faculty!"
As we strolled through the campus, I fired off questions, and he answered them with an easy humor that put me at ease. "So, Jason, tell me, is it true that writers hang out in cafes all day, sipping coffee and staring at their laptops dramatically?" I had done some digging in the rigourousness of the program and how most writers has been turned into a meme.
He laughed. "Well, not all of them, but some do. It's a rite of passage, you know, the whole 'tortured writer' aesthetic."
I chuckled. "Guess I better start working on my moody writer look."
He winked. "Just make sure you nail the dramatic sighing and intense coffee sipping."
We moved on, passing by the campus library. "And what about libraries? Are they as quiet and serene as they show in movies?"
Jason leaned in conspiratorially, his tone hushed. "Let me let you in on a secret—libraries can be peaceful, but they're also home to silent battles over power outlets and the comfiest chairs."
I laughed, enjoying our banter. "Ah, the untold struggles of college life."
He nodded solemnly. "Exactly. Remember, survival of the fittest applies in libraries too."
As we continued the tour, I couldn't help but feel a sense of camaraderie with Jason. He was down-to-earth, approachable, and his humor was infectious. My initial apprehension about the meeting had transformed into a genuine excitement for the journey ahead at UCLA.
The campus was abuzz with activity, and Jason's stories and anecdotes made me feel like I was already a part of this vibrant community. Our conversations flowed effortlessly, and by the time our tour concluded, I had forgotten my initial nervousness.
"Well, Sophia," Jason said, his tone playful, "that concludes our thrilling expedition through the hallowed halls of the Creative Writing department. Any final thoughts?"
I grinned, feeling at ease around him. "I'm definitely looking forward to being part of this quirky, caffeine-fueled world."
He chuckled. "Quirky is right. And trust me, caffeine will be your most reliable companion."
I glanced at my watch and let out a soft gasp. "Oh no, I've lost track of time again! I should head back, I don't want to be late for any more meetings. You know I have other faulty guidant to run into, I had my luck with you but I am sure the rest won’t be that forgiving”
Jason waved me off with a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, you'll find your way around. And remember, if you need any advice or help, just ask."
I nodded gratefully, the tension from earlier nowhere to be found. "Thanks, Jason. You've been really kind."
He winked. "Anytime, Sophia. Enjoy your time here. Oh, and practice those dramatic writer sighs!"
I laughed, a genuine sound that echoed through the campus.
I glanced at my watch, realizing that I should probably head to my first class. "Well, Jason, thanks for the tour. I've got to run to class now."
He grinned, his hands shoved into his pockets. "No problem, Sophia. Oh, by the way, there's a freshman party happening at the frat house tonight. You should come."
A party, I have heard of a lot of famous college parties and then I looked forward to attending a fair share but I am not sure I am ready to be sucked in that life right now.
I raised an eyebrow, considering his offer. "A party on my first day? I don't know..."
He chuckled. "Come on, don't be such a party pooper. It's a great way to kick off your college experience."
I hesitated, not entirely sure if I wanted to jump straight into the party scene. "I'm not sure I want to start my college life by attending a party."
Jason playfully rolled his eyes. "Sophia, you've got a good four years to be all serious and studious. Live a little!"
He was right, I had four years to deal with this and now is a time I should consider leaving and being too bothered, besides, if I attend it on the first day or last what difference does it actually makes.
I couldn't help but chuckle. "You make it sound like I'm going to be a hermit for the next four years."
He shrugged. "Hey, I'm just saying, college is about finding that balance between work and play."
I crossed my arms, pretending to be contemplative. "But what if I embarrass myself in front of everyone?"
He raised an eyebrow. "Embarrass yourself? How? Are you planning on doing a dramatic dance routine or something?"
I laughed, imagining the absurdity of the situation. "No, but there's a myriad of ways to embarrass oneself at a party."
Jason leaned in with a grin. "Alright, enlighten me. Give me your top three ways to embarrass yourself at a college party."
I held up a finger, counting them off. "One, tripping and falling flat on my face while trying to make a grand entrance. Two, accidentally spilling a drink on someone's nice outfit. Three, misinterpreting a dance move and looking like I'm doing the chicken dance instead." I just came up with a bunch of excuse but they were real valid, because I am as clumsy as one can get.
He burst into laughter. "Okay, okay, you've got a point there. But honestly, what's the worst that can happen? You'll have fun, meet new people, and maybe create some hilarious memories."
I chuckled. "Or create a lifetime of embarrassing stories that will haunt me forever."
He grinned. "See? There's a silver lining to everything."
I sighed dramatically. "Fine, you've convinced me. I'll consider attending the party."
He clapped his hands in mock celebration. "That's the spirit! I'll take that as a yes."
I shot him a playful glare. "Don't get too excited. I said I'll consider it."
He shrugged nonchalantly. "Hey, I'll take what I can get."
I turned to leave, I couldn't help but smile at our banter. Jason had a way of making even the most apprehensive situations seem light-hearted and fun. Maybe attending that party wouldn't be such a bad idea after all. With a wave, I headed off to my first class, feeling a newfound excitement for the evening's festivities and the college experiences that lay ahead.
If i wasn’t into older men then I would definitely be into Jason, I thought to myself.