Luna stood in front of the mirror, adjusting the simple black jeans and a soft pink top she had picked out for her first day. Her hair was packed into a sleek ponytail, and her eyes sparkled with a mix of nervousness and excitement. She looked good. No,she looked amazing.
"Mama, are you sure I look okay?" she asked, stepping into the sitting room.
Her mother, Grace, looked up from her sewing. "You look like a star, my dear. Your father would be proud of you."
That sentence made Luna pause. Her chest tightened a little, but she smiled anyway.
Ashy, now back home and healing steadily, grinned from where he sat sketching. "Just don't go and forget us when you become a big girl in school o!"
Luna laughed. "You're my baby brother, I can never forget you."
She gave them both a hug, picked up her bag, and headed for the door. The weather was perfect. Sunny but not too hot. As she waited for the bus, she stared up at the sky.
"A new chapter," she whispered.
~~~~
Crescent City University was lively that morning. Students moved around the campus like busy bees. Some were chatting, some reading, and some rushing to classes.
Luna stepped out of the school shuttle and took it all in. It was a lot,big buildings, green lawns, and noise. She was no stranger to hard work, but university life felt like stepping into another world.
"Luna!"
She turned and saw Tomi, her childhood friend, waving from across the parking lot.
"Tomi!"
They hugged like they hadn't seen each other in years.
"You're glowing," Tomi said, teasing.
"You too," Luna replied. "I missed you."
As they walked toward their first class, a sleek black motorcycle zoomed past them and stopped near the lecture hall. A guy in dark jeans, white shirt, and headphones hopped off. He removed the helmet and that's when Luna saw his face.
He was handsome. As in, really handsome. Tall, chocolate-skinned, low-cut fade, and a pair of eyes that looked like they held secrets. He noticed them staring and gave a slight smile before walking in.
"I'm not breathing," Tomi whispered. "Did you see that fine boy?!"
Luna chuckled, but her eyes lingered a little longer.
When they entered the lecture hall, they found seats, and Luna turned to see that the same guy was sitting just two rows away. He looked up and their eyes met.
"Hey," he said.
"Hi."
"New here?"
She nodded.
"Adrian. Architecture major. You?"
"Luna. Same."
"Nice. You'll love the department. If you need help, I got you."
Luna smiled, surprised by how easy he was to talk to. He was confident, but not arrogant. Cool, but not proud.
"Thanks," she said.
But somewhere far away in his glass office, Steve Collins was suddenly restless.
He didn't know why,but he didn't like the silence.
Back at the Collins Mansion, Steve was staring at the same report for over ten minutes. His mind wasn't there. He looked out through the large window of his office, the city below glimmering in the afternoon light.
Why was he thinking about Luna?
He had seen her the day before. She told him she would start school soon. He had nodded, even smiled faintly. But deep down, something had tightened in his chest.
He had watched her walk away, her steps light, full of purpose. He hadn't stopped thinking about her since.
Just then, Marcus strolled in, carrying a bottle of orange juice.
"You're doing that thing again."
"What thing?"
Marcus slumped on the couch. "The stare-into-nothing-like-a-lovesick-lion thing."
Steve scowled. "I'm fine."
"You like her, don't you?"
There was silence.
"Steve?" Marcus pressed, raising an eyebrow.
Steve looked away. "She's… different."
Marcus grinned. "My guy. It's happening."
Steve sighed. "She deserves someone simple. Not someone with blood on their family name."
Marcus got serious. "Maybe she's the one who will clean it."
That afternoon at Crescent City University, Luna was walking to the cafeteria with Adrian. They had just completed their group project in the library and were laughing over something silly he had said.
Adrian had a way of making her forget everything,her past, her burdens, even her worries. He was open, fun, and gentle with his words.
"You're easy to talk to," she told him.
"I hear that a lot," Adrian replied. "But it means more coming from you."
They reached the food counter. Just as they were deciding what to eat, Luna's phone buzzed. A message from Steve.
"Hope your first day's going well. Just checking on you."
She smiled and quickly replied.
"Yes, thank you. Just grabbing lunch."
Steve saw the reply and paused.
Lunch? With who?
He tapped his phone again.
"Who's feeding you?"
Luna laughed when she read it.
Adrian peeped. "Boyfriend?"
"Something like that," she said softly.
Adrian didn't ask more,but the smile on his face faded slightly.
The next day, Steve pulled up outside Luna's school. He had no meetings,just thoughts. Too many of them.
He stepped out of his sleek black car and stood by the gate, ignoring the stares from students. Even the security man stammered.
"Sir… uh, can I help you?"
"I'm here to see Luna Charlotte."
Luna stepped out of a lecture hall, her backpack swinging over one shoulder, laughter bubbling from her lips as Adrian walked beside her.
Then she saw Steve.
Her smile faded. Adrian paused too.
"Steve?"
Steve's jaw tightened when his eyes landed on Adrian. "So this is who's been feeding you?"
"Excuse me?" Adrian asked, confused.
"Steve, stop," Luna said, stepping between them. "You're overreacting."
"You told me you were going to focus on school," he said sharply.
"I am. What's this about?"
Steve's eyes didn't leave Adrian. "You didn't say school came with a handsome package."
Adrian chuckled dryly. "I don't want problems, man."
"Good. Then stay away from mine," Steve snapped.
"Yours?" Luna's eyes widened. "I'm not property, Steve!"
People were watching now. Luna's cheeks burned with embarrassment.
"I'll call you later," she said and walked away with Adrian.
Steve stood there, alone, the weight of his jealousy crashing like thunder.
That evening, Luna sat in her room, staring at the ceiling. Steve had never acted like that before. It had annoyed her,but deep down, it had also revealed something.
He cared.
A knock on the door.
Grace opened it. "Luna, he's here."
Luna came down to the gate to find Steve holding a small paper bag and a sheepish look.
"I brought… pie. Your favorite."
"You still remember?"
"Of course," he muttered. "Listen… I messed up."
"You were jealous."
"Very."
"And you acted like a fool."
"Exactly."
She sighed. "You can't control me, Steve."
"I know. I just… I didn't want to lose you."
"You won't. Just be honest with your feelings."
He stepped closer. "I am now."
They stood close, eyes locked.
Then she took the pie. "I'll share. But only if you behave."
"I'll behave," he whispered, brushing her hand with his fingers.