Chapter 33

Chapter 33

  At the cafeteria, Sophia and her roommates had already settled in for dinner. The place was calmer than the night before—less crowded, students were not much there . It was a relief, really.

They moved through the line quickly , each of them picking different meals from what they had chosen yesterday.it was equally nice as the previous days 

Mia, however, stuck with her usual—except this time, she added more protein to her plate. “You know I have to keep up the gains,it is healdt5,” she said with a grin when Sophia gave her a questioning look.

Sophia shook her head with a laugh. “You’re serious about this, huh?”

“Dead serious,” Mia replied, flexing her arm playfully. “Gotta stay strong.”

Olivia, who had been quiet for most of the time, finally chimed in. “Honestly, I just want to eat in peace today. Yesterday was too much.”,plus that girl that was in here, banging on table and yapping about a broken phone about our face 

Sophia couldn’t help but agree, she had forgotten about the Lana incident, mostly didn't want to remember but even asides . The cafeteria had been packed, and the energy had been overwhelming. Tonight, however, felt different. The calmer setting made it easier to actually enjoy their meal without feeling rushed or crowded.

They found a table near the window, similar to where they sat the previous day where the view of the campus was surprisingly nice. The night sky was clear, and the lights from nearby buildings gave a fine look over the grounds.

Sophia took a bite of her meal, savoring the taste. “This is way better than yesterday,” or maybe it is because I picked something different, she admitted.

Mia nodded in agreement. “Yeah, maybe because we’re not being shoved around in line and you're actually going to finish your meal.”then laughed 

As they ate, their conversation drifted to random topics—things they usually have not spoken about together , classes,weekend plans, and even the idea of trying out new places to eat on campus

“You know,” Olivia started, stirring her drink thoughtfully, “once you get that job, we should be coming to that new café that just opened up regularly,from what I was perceiving yesterday they have really good pastries.”

Sophia’s interest piqued. “i have not gotten the job there ,I am still going to apply and there is no assurance I will be picked , but we can still go to the Pappie’s anyway 

“Yeah, that’s what I'm talking about !” Olivia said, excited. 

“I saw their page earlier. The reviews are great, and apparently, it’s a chill spot to study too.”sophia said to her 

    You see , and you both know very well that I love to study 

Mia smirked. “Oh, so that’s why you want to go. You’re not fooling anyone, Olivia.”

Olivia rolled her eyes. “What? I like good food and a quiet place to read. That’s not a crime.”allow me please 

Sophia chuckled. “I actually wouldn’t mind ,it would be nice having you to check it out with you guys. It might be a nice change from the cafeteria.”

Mia leaned back in her chair. “Well,I am already sold on their pizza and I am sure they have more good food,so count me in.”

   Hey you are going to be able to balance work and school right? Let's say you get the job mia asked with genuine concern and it touched Sophia

    Yes that is true I have been meaning to ask and mia took the questions right out of my mouth Olivia Chimed in

     Yeah guys you don't have to worry I can handle this, I am going to be fine ,but I really appreciate your concern guys 

   They both smiled at her 

  

Olivia turned her head, and something—or rather, someone—caught her gaze. Her breath went up slightly before she nudged Mia and Sophia, her voice coming out in a hushed gasp.

“Would you look at that handsome dude?”

Mia, intrigued by Olivia’s reaction, immediately turned her head, and Sophia, though less interested, followed suit.

From the counter, a guy was making his way toward a nearby table, a tray in hand. And, just as Olivia had pointed out, he was handsome. He had an effortlessly cool demeanor, his broad shoulders carrying a quiet confidence. His dark, slightly wavy hair looked soft—almost too soft, like the kind you’d want to run your fingers through just to test if it was as fluffy as it looked.

“Oh my gosh,” Olivia whispered, her eyes widening as she shamelessly watched him walk. “Look at his physique. Those arms? That jawline? That hair!”

   Sophia never saw Olivia as the type to be into a boy, she thought it was all about academics with her.but this was a different side of Olivia she was seeing 

She practically melted in her seat, pressing a hand to her chest as if to steady herself , acting all dramatic. “It’s so fluffy. And perfectly messy. How is that even possible?”

Mia smirked, amused by Olivia’s reaction. “You’re really out here analyzing every detail of this guy like you’re writing a report of something,come on girl.”

Olivia didn’t even deny it. “I mean, can you blame me? Look at him! He’s like some kind of movie lead—one of those effortlessly cool, totally out-of-reach types.”

Sophia, on the other hand, barely spared him another glance.turned away from him and she watched Olivia melt then She took a sip of her drink, unimpressed. “I don’t get the hype,” she muttered, setting her cup down.

Olivia turned to her, with a wide smile on her face . “Sophia. Are you even looking at the same guy? I mean, seriously?”

Sophia shrugged. “I mean yes he looks quite good but to me He’s just another guy getting his food. I don’t see what the big deal is.”

Mia chuckled. “I have to admit, he is good-looking. But I feel like you’re about two seconds away from drooling, Olivia.”

“I’m already there,” Olivia admitted, watching the guy as he effortlessly walked through the cafeteria tables. He moved with ease, not an overly confident stance but clearly aware of the attention he was drawing. And he was drawing attention.

Sophia noticed a few other student's at the cafeteria too equally sneaking glances his way—some whispering, some just straight-up staring like Olivia was.

“Who is he?” Olivia wondered aloud, still with her eyes fixed on him . “I’ve never seen him around before.”

Mia leaned forward, we have been here for less than a week. How do you want to see everyone in that period of time? “Maybe he’s just resuming today though?”

“Or maybe he just doesn’t eat here often,” Sophia offered, glancing back at her plate.

The guy reached his table, setting his tray down as he slid into a seat across from another student. He had an easy smile, the kind that could probably make someone’s heart race if they stared too long.

Olivia let out a dreamy sigh. “I swear, I need to talk to him if I don’t find out his name, I won’t be able to sleep tonight.”

Mia rolled her eyes. “Now you are being dramatic, is he the first cute guy you have seen at this school? 

“I mean I have stumbled upon a few but this one is different,” Olivia insisted. “I feel it.”

Sophia snorted. “Right. And next week, you will see another and you’ll be saying the same thing about someone else.”

Mia laughed. “Honestly, though, what’s your plan? Just sit here and admire him from a distance?”

  Don't tell me you are advising her to go talk to him mia? I say we finish up with our food and then leave, Sophia didn't want to be around this 

Olivia pursed her lips, thinking for a moment. Then, suddenly, it was like she was smiling with her eyes. “Maybe I should go introduce myself.”

Sophia nearly choked on her food. “Are you serious?”

Mia grinned. “Oh, this I have to see.”

“I am serious.” Olivia straightened her posture, flipping her hair over her shoulder. “Confidence is key, ladies. If I want to get to know him, I have to take the first step.”

Sophia sighed, shaking her head. “This is going to be a disaster.” I never knew I would see this side of you Olivia 

Olivia ignored her, already pushing her chair back. “Wish me luck.”