Chapter 0: prologue (Sophie's side)

Sophie walked into her first day at college feeling excited and nervous. She had always been an excellent student, but this college was different. It was an entirely different universe, full of new people, new experiences, and new opportunities.

As Sophie walked through the campus quad, she noticed a group of students laughing and talking animatedly. One of them caught her eye: a young man with dark curly hair and bright brown eyes. He seemed to be the centre of attention, but he didn't seem to try to be. He had something unique about him which drew people towards him.

Sophie felt a flutter in her chest and a blush crept up her cheeks. She quickly looked away, hoping no one had noticed her staring. She was here to study, not to fall in love.

Over the next few weeks, Sophie saw that curly-haired boy on the campus several times. She learned his name was Max, and he studied medicine. She found herself thinking about him more and more, wondering what it would be like to talk to him, to get to know him.

One day, Sophie was sitting in the coffee shop near campus, studying for her entrance exam, when Max walked in. Sophie couldn't believe her luck. There was no other seat left. The manager asked Max to take a seat, and Sophie, Max agreed.

They struck up a conversation, and Sophie found Max smart, funny, and charming. They talked about their classes, families, and hobbies. Sophie felt genuinely interested in the way he talks. And was attracted to the way he smiled.

As they finished their coffee, Max asked if Sophie would like to take a walk around campus with him. She hesitated for a moment, wondering if it was the right idea to spend more time with him or not. But then she looked into his eyes and knew she couldn't have resisted.

They walked around campus, talking and laughing until sunset. As they said goodbye, Max asked for Sophie's number, and she gave it to him without the slightest hesitation.

Sophie walked back to her dorm room, feeling butterflies down her stomach. She couldn't believe she had just spent an afternoon with the boy she had been secretly crushing on for weeks. She wondered what would happen next, and if she was ready for whatever it could be.

Neither did she know, this was just the beginning of a new chapter that would change her life forever.