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Ava thought starting university would be exciting, but between getting lost on her first day, struggling with online classes, and surviving off snacks, she quickly realized she had no clue what she was doing. With her best friend Lydia joining her a year later, things started looking up—until a party changed everything.

At the party, Ava comes face-to-face with her longtime crush—a ridiculously handsome, smooth-talking guy she’s only admired from a distance. He’s got silky hair, stunning eyes, and an effortless charm that makes everyone fall for him. Ava never thought he’d notice her… until he did.

But when he finally approaches her, she panics so hard she chokes on her drink and embarrasses herself in front of everyone. Lydia watches in horror (or amusement), while Ava wonders if she can ever recover from the most humiliating moment of her life.

With her current boyfriend, Elijah, giving off major red flags, and a crush who’s a known player suddenly showing interest, Ava’s university life is about to get way more complicated.

Between friendships, romance, and reckless decisions, will Ava find herself—or just more trouble?

campus days and coffee breaks

Chapter 3: Shifting Priorities

Ava had always envisioned her 18th birthday as a milestone—a celebration of adulthood filled with laughter, friends, and unforgettable memories. But with university resumption looming and a checklist of essentials growing longer by the day, her birthday plans took a backseat. At 17, on the cusp of 18, she found herself navigating the complexities of impending independence.

Financial constraints were a constant undercurrent in Ava's life. Her parents, though supportive, struggled to make ends meet. The prospect of university expenses weighed heavily on her mind. Determined to ease the burden, Ava spent countless nights researching affordable options for everything she needed—from textbooks to toiletries. She meticulously compared prices, hunted for student discounts, and sought advice from online forums.

One evening, after hours of scouring the internet, Ava's phone buzzed with a message from her boyfriend, Jide. Their relationship had always been unconventional. Elijah's involvement with a local gang was an open secret, a reality that baffled those who knew Ava. Yet, beneath his rough exterior, she saw a depth others overlooked—a shared history, moments of vulnerability, and an unspoken understanding.

Elijah: Heard you got into uni. Congrats.

Ava: Thanks, Ji. Means a lot coming from you.

There was a pause before his next message appeared.

Elijah: So, you're leaving soon?

Ava sensed the underlying concern in his words.

Ava: Yeah, but it's not like I'm disappearing. We'll make it work.

He didn't respond immediately, and Ava imagined him wrestling with the implications of her departure. Their worlds had always been different, but now the gap seemed to widen.

As the week progressed, Ava's preparations intensified. She compiled a list of essentials, mindful of her limited budget. Items like a mattress topper, storage solutions, and basic cookware topped her list, each chosen for practicality and affordability. She also considered personal touches—a small rug, a desk lamp—to make her new space feel like home.

Despite the whirlwind of activities, a pang of sadness lingered. Her birthday, once a beacon of celebration, would pass quietly, overshadowed by the demands of a new chapter. Yet, Ava found solace in the promise of the future—a chance to redefine herself, pursue her passions, and perhaps, in time, bridge the worlds she straddled.

As she packed her belongings, each item symbolized a step toward independence. The sacrifices—missed celebrations, financial strains, emotional farewells—became the threads weaving the fabric of her journey. And with each thread, Ava stitched a narrative of resilience, hope, and the unyielding pursuit of her dreams.

shifting priorities