Noah Chen

[rrriley-lin-blog]

Riley beamed and laughed at Noah’s babbling. She felt a swelling in her heart from the new friendships she had formed. Things were already looking up. “Thanks guys, I’d love to go! I didn’t know colleges had parties so early on. It’s move in day today, but I guess I gotta start keeping up with how fast-paced it all is.”

[delafuente-nina-blog]

“It’s college, every day pretty much has a party.” She walked back over to Rileys desk to find a pen and a scrap of paper “This is my room number, I’m on the top floor, end of hall. How about we have pre drinks at mine? My uncle brought me some tequila from my home town and I feel like sharing.” she gave Noah her address too “So, mis amigos, is that ok?”

[im-noah-chen-blog]

“Uh, yeah, you had me at tequila.” Noah made a mental note of the dorm room “Well, I live a fraternity so I’m not even on this campus. Yeah I’m one of ‘those’ guys, its not that bad though.”

[rrriley-lin-blog]

Riley grinned and took the piece of paper. “Sounds like a plan. I should probably get to unpacking my things. We can all meet at Nina’s dorm around 7, does that sound good?”

[delafuente-nina-blog]

“It’s good to me…in that case I’ll head off so I can shower and tidy the place up.” she picked up her guitar “Oh, do you want my number?”

[im-noah-chen-blog]

“I’ll give you mine too, that way we can hang out in future.” when he was handed Rileys phone, he entered his number and saved it under ‘the Jock’ and smiled “there you go.”

[rrriley-lin-blog]

Riley beamed and laughed at Noah’s babbling. She felt a swelling in her heart from the new friendships she had formed. Things were already looking up. “Thanks guys, I’d love to go! I didn’t know colleges had parties so early on. It’s move in day today, but I guess I gotta start keeping up with how fast-paced it all is.”

[delafuente-nina-blog]

“It’s college, every day pretty much has a party.” She walked back over to Rileys desk to find a pen and a scrap of paper “This is my room number, I’m on the top floor, end of hall. How about we have pre drinks at mine? My uncle brought me some tequila from my home town and I feel like sharing.” she gave Noah her address too “So, mis amigos, is that ok?”

[im-noah-chen-blog]

“Uh, yeah, you had me at tequila.” Noah made a mental note of the dorm room “Well, I live a fraternity so I'm not even on this campus. Yeah I'm one of ‘those’ guys, its not that bad though.”

[delafuente-nina-blog]

Nina grinned at Rileys awe “I think you’re going to like it here a lot. They’ve really…um…” she struggled for a second trying to figure out the english translation but gave up quickly “They’ve really made it nice in here, so more people hang out and socialise. Got to make friends in your first year or it will be very lonely.”

[im-noah-chen-blog]

He was looking round, quite impressed by what he saw too “Maybe I’ll come here more often, flat screen tv’s, hell yeah.” he popped Rileys suitcases down for a moment and wiped his hands on his t-shirt.

[rrriley-lin-blog]

Riley referred back to the number on her paper. “Room 129 should be…. right at the end of this hall.” She pointed to where she figured it would be. Her companions followed her and she pulled the key from her pocket. When she opened the door, she was met by an empty room, two beds on either side of it, two dressers, and two desks. It was a bit smaller than Riley’s old room, but she could get used to it. “Looks like i beat my roommate here.” She beamed, coming to terms with the fact that this was all finally happening.

[delafuente-nina-blog]

“Not too shabby…too bad you have to share, but then again, if you get along with your roomie it’s going to be sweet.” She settled on one of the desk chairs “do you want to unpack a little before we show you to the art department and our dorms?”

[im-noah-chen-blog]

Noah asked which bed she was choosing and neatly set the suitcases on top of it “Very spacious…and I’m sure you’ll get along with your roommate.” he shot Nina a slight glare ‘its not like those college tv shows that depict roommates as rivals. You’re both away from home, you’ll find comfort in each other.”

[rrriley-lin-blog]

“Sure!” Riley nodded and thanked Noah before going to remove some of her things. She chanced a laugh at what Noah said. “I swear stuff like that only happens in TV. I’d consider myself easy to get along with, so if I develop a problem with anyone, they must have killed my entire family or something.”

[delafuente-nina-blog]

“My rooms a lot smaller than this so I get it to myself, it’s on the top floor. It still has enough room for my instruments and a rug.” she spun in the chair “so…do you have any questions? About campus or anything else.”

[im-noah-chen-blog]

“Lucky, I have to share buttery roommate hasn’t showed up yet, half the room is empty. It’s weird.” Noah sat on the desk next to Nina “like where to go and who to speak to if someone is harassing you. Though you could just tell us and we’ll sort them out, Nina and I.”

[rrriley-lin-blog]

“Hmmmm…” Riley sat down on her bed and pondered for a bit. “Maybe you guys could just tell me a few rules of thumb? That way I can still learn on my own and still be smart about stuff. Prevent me from making humiliating mistakes. I was told to try not to procrastinate as a first rule, but that’s generally for everything.”

[delafuente-nina-blog]

“Um, don’t copy down the lecturers slide shows, only write the extra stuff they say… Don’t forget to have a social life as well as study, find a balance between the two. That kind of stuff?” She inquired.

[im-noah-chen-blog]

“Don’t do drugs.” Noah smiled sheepishly “they’re not as fun as people make them out to be and don’t drink so much that you need your stomach pumped. That’s uh, speaking from personal experience… just get your work done and attend and you’ll be fine.”

[rrriley-lin-blog]

“Geez…” Riley ran a hand through her hair. “It’s already overwhelming and I haven’t even started classes yet. At least it’s more focused this time around and not general bullshit like highschool is.”

[delafuente-nina-blog]

Nina approached Riley and gently patted her shoulder “Don’t worry. Worrying leads to panicking and panicking will lead to mistakes and failure after that. So keep your chin up, newbie, you’ll be fine.” she stuck her tongue out playfully “these first two weeks before classes are for fun. So lets have fun!”

[im-noah-chen-blog]

Excitement flashed across Noah’s face and he wiggled his legs “There’s a party on the main campus this evening, you have to let us take you to your first college party! It’ll be so cool, and me and Nina are safe party goers, well ok, Nina is, even I get hazy after a while, but I’ll be good.” he stood “I’ll make sure nobody harasses you ladies, not that you can't handle yourselves, I know you guys are fucking tough, I can see that.” he babbled.

[delafuente-nina-blog]

Nina grinned at Rileys awe “I think you’re going to like it here a lot. They’ve really…um…” she struggled for a second trying to figure out the english translation but gave up quickly “They’ve really made it nice in here, so more people hang out and socialise. Got to make friends in your first year or it will be very lonely.”

[im-noah-chen-blog]

He was looking round, quite impressed by what he saw too “Maybe I’ll come here more often, flat screen tv’s, hell yeah.” he popped Rileys suitcases down for a moment and wiped his hands on his t-shirt.

[rrriley-lin-blog]

Riley referred back to the number on her paper. “Room 129 should be…. right at the end of this hall.” She pointed to where she figured it would be. Her companions followed her and she pulled the key from her pocket. When she opened the door, she was met by an empty room, two beds on either side of it, two dressers, and two desks. It was a bit smaller than Riley’s old room, but she could get used to it. “Looks like i beat my roommate here.” She beamed, coming to terms with the fact that this was all finally happening.

[delafuente-nina-blog]

“Not too shabby…too bad you have to share, but then again, if you get along with your roomie it’s going to be sweet.” She settled on one of the desk chairs “do you want to unpack a little before we show you to the art department and our dorms?”

[im-noah-chen-blog]

Noah asked which bed she was choosing and neatly set the suitcases on top of it “Very spacious…and I’m sure you’ll get along with your roommate.” he shot Nina a slight glare ‘its not like those college tv shows that depict roommates as rivals. You’re both away from home, you’ll find comfort in each other.”

[rrriley-lin-blog]

“Sure!” Riley nodded and thanked Noah before going to remove some of her things. She chanced a laugh at what Noah said. “I swear stuff like that only happens in TV. I’d consider myself easy to get along with, so if I develop a problem with anyone, they must have killed my entire family or something.”

[delafuente-nina-blog]

“My rooms a lot smaller than this so I get it to myself, it’s on the top floor. It still has enough room for my instruments and a rug.” she spun in the chair “so…do you have any questions? About campus or anything else.”

[im-noah-chen-blog]

“Lucky, I have to share buttery roommate hasn’t showed up yet, half the room is empty. It’s weird.” Noah sat on the desk next to Nina “like where to go and who to speak to if someone is harassing you. Though you could just tell us and we’ll sort them out, Nina and I.”

[rrriley-lin-blog]

“Hmmmm…” Riley sat down on her bed and pondered for a bit. “Maybe you guys could just tell me a few rules of thumb? That way I can still learn on my own and still be smart about stuff. Prevent me from making humiliating mistakes. I was told to try not to procrastinate as a first rule, but that’s generally for everything.”

[delafuente-nina-blog]

“Um, don’t copy down the lecturers slide shows, only write the extra stuff they say… Don’t forget to have a social life as well as study, find a balance between the two. That kind of stuff?” She inquired.

[im-noah-chen-blog]

“Don’t do drugs.” Noah smiled sheepishly “they're not as fun as people make them out to be and don't drink so much that you need your stomach pumped. That’s uh, speaking from personal experience... just get your work done and attend and you'll be fine.”

[delafuente-nina-blog]

Nina grinned at Rileys awe “I think you’re going to like it here a lot. They’ve really…um…” she struggled for a second trying to figure out the english translation but gave up quickly “They’ve really made it nice in here, so more people hang out and socialise. Got to make friends in your first year or it will be very lonely.”

[im-noah-chen-blog]

He was looking round, quite impressed by what he saw too “Maybe I’ll come here more often, flat screen tv’s, hell yeah.” he popped Rileys suitcases down for a moment and wiped his hands on his t-shirt.

[rrriley-lin-blog]

Riley referred back to the number on her paper. “Room 129 should be…. right at the end of this hall.” She pointed to where she figured it would be. Her companions followed her and she pulled the key from her pocket. When she opened the door, she was met by an empty room, two beds on either side of it, two dressers, and two desks. It was a bit smaller than Riley’s old room, but she could get used to it. “Looks like i beat my roommate here.” She beamed, coming to terms with the fact that this was all finally happening.

[delafuente-nina-blog]

“Not too shabby…too bad you have to share, but then again, if you get along with your roomie it’s going to be sweet.” She settled on one of the desk chairs “do you want to unpack a little before we show you to the art department and our dorms?”

[im-noah-chen-blog]

Noah asked which bed she was choosing and neatly set the suitcases on top of it “Very spacious…and I’m sure you’ll get along with your roommate.” he shot Nina a slight glare ‘its not like those college tv shows that depict roommates as rivals. You’re both away from home, you’ll find comfort in each other.”

[rrriley-lin-blog]

“Sure!” Riley nodded and thanked Noah before going to remove some of her things. She chanced a laugh at what Noah said. “I swear stuff like that only happens in TV. I’d consider myself easy to get along with, so if I develop a problem with anyone, they must have killed my entire family or something.”

[delafuente-nina-blog]

“My rooms a lot smaller than this so I get it to myself, it’s on the top floor. It still has enough room for my instruments and a rug.” she spun in the chair “so…do you have any questions? About campus or anything else.”

[im-noah-chen-blog]

“Lucky, I have to share buttery roommate hasn't showed up yet, half the room is empty. It’s weird.” Noah sat on the desk next to Nina “like where to go and who to speak to if someone is harassing you. Though you could just tell us and we’ll sort them out, Nina and I.”

[delafuente-nina-blog]

Nina grinned at Rileys awe “I think you’re going to like it here a lot. They’ve really…um…” she struggled for a second trying to figure out the english translation but gave up quickly “They’ve really made it nice in here, so more people hang out and socialise. Got to make friends in your first year or it will be very lonely.”

[im-noah-chen-blog]

He was looking round, quite impressed by what he saw too “Maybe I’ll come here more often, flat screen tv’s, hell yeah.” he popped Rileys suitcases down for a moment and wiped his hands on his t-shirt.

[rrriley-lin-blog]

Riley referred back to the number on her paper. “Room 129 should be…. right at the end of this hall.” She pointed to where she figured it would be. Her companions followed her and she pulled the key from her pocket. When she opened the door, she was met by an empty room, two beds on either side of it, two dressers, and two desks. It was a bit smaller than Riley’s old room, but she could get used to it. “Looks like i beat my roommate here.” She beamed, coming to terms with the fact that this was all finally happening.

[delafuente-nina-blog]

“Not too shabby…too bad you have to share, but then again, if you get along with your roomie it’s going to be sweet.” She settled on one of the desk chairs “do you want to unpack a little before we show you to the art department and our dorms?”

[im-noah-chen-blog]

Noah asked which bed she was choosing and neatly set the suitcases on top of it “Very spacious...and I’m sure you'll get along with your roommate.” he shot Nina a slight glare ‘its not like those college tv shows that depict roommates as rivals. You're both away from home, you'll find comfort in each other.”

[delafuente-nina-blog]

Nina grinned at Rileys awe “I think you’re going to like it here a lot. They’ve really…um…” she struggled for a second trying to figure out the english translation but gave up quickly “They’ve really made it nice in here, so more people hang out and socialise. Got to make friends in your first year or it will be very lonely.”

[im-noah-chen-blog]

He was looking round, quite impressed by what he saw too “Maybe I’ll come here more often, flat screen tv’s, hell yeah.” he popped Rileys suitcases down for a moment and wiped his hands on his t-shirt.

[im-noah-chen-blog]

“Aw, come on Ninis, you break my heart sometimes.” Noah pouted “all B.S aside, I consider us good friends, soul mates, even.” he joked then shrugged at Nina’s comment about his friends leaving “Let ‘em walk, I’d rather hang with you two. Oooh! We can show Riley round the campus and where our two dorms are, you know, for science purposes.” he winked, then caught a look from Nina “or we could let her know where our dorms are in case she wants to hang out as platonic and not-involved-in-the-sex-way friends.” his sentence almost sound rehearsed. Noah was joking of course, he had eyes for someone else, a boy in his baseball team, the harsh truth was that he’d never return those feelings and that was something Noah would have to get over.

[rrriley-lin-blog]

Riley scoffed in disgust. “That’s a really strange thing to say someone you literally just met, dude. Do you say this to everyone you’ve just met?” Riley glanced at Nina as if to say “is this guy serious?” Her start to college was already an eventful one.

[delafuente-nina-blog]

Nina sighed and got to her feet “It’s not one of his proudest moments. Luckily he’s all talk no action…but he’s got a point about dorms, I’ll show you only mine and he can tag along if he promises to keep his mouth shut like a good little boy.” she folded her arms.

[im-noah-chen-blog]

Noah felt his cheeks burn at the call out. He didn’t expect it but Riley was right and he was being an idiot “You, um. Sorry.” he hung his head in shame “Yeah, I’ll stop being an asshole if you let me tag along.” he shrugged. “I’ll even carry your bags for you…if you want?”

[rrriley-lin-blog]

Riley was surprised at the change in attitude. “Oh uh… sure.” She handed her bags to Noah. “Thanks.” She was impressed by how well Nina managed to shut him down. Her strength and confidence was clearly known.

[delafuente-nina-blog]

“How about we take you to register and pick up your dorm key so we can drop your stuff off first, yes?” Nina checked her phone quickly then pointed to a building in the near distance “it’s just there at the main reception building.” she let Riley lead so she could hang behind with Noah for a moment “I told you that putting on a act makes people think you’re a dick.” She said to him in Mandarin “and we both know you’re not a dick, so why act like one?”

[im-noah-chen-blog]

“Let it be, Nina.” He replied in the same language before pushing forwards to walk besides Riley “So…we don’t really know much about each other- including Nina, here- so if don’t mind, do you want to tell us a bit about yourself? Like what major you’ve picked and such?”

[rrriley-lin-blog]

Riley was off a far distance before the two caught up with her. “Ah, sure. Well, I’m from America originally. I live with my dad and I’m an only child so I guess we’ve always lived pretty quietly. I got a full ride offer from Himitsu after I sent in my portfolio and the school seemed great, plus I definitely needed a chance of scenery.” The dorms were coming into full view now, huge, polished and absolutely stunning. “Now I go here for art. What about you two?”

[delafuente-nina-blog]

“I’m for music, but for orchestra kind, not singing and song writing. I can’t sing very well in English.” she shrugged “I’m from Mexico originally but I’ve moved around a lot; Spain, China, Canada and finally Japan. I live with my mother and uncle. I was an only child too, up until last year, now, I have a brother; Mateo.” she dug her hands in her pockets “I love it here too, but this shit is expensive.”

[im-noah-chen-blog]

Noah swung one of the bags up onto his shoulder “Sports, my specialties are baseball and football. Sports science is included and I know about human anatomy, so I’m not completely braindead.” he chuckled “I have an older sister, both parents and a dog whom I love more than anyone in the world. I lived in Hong Kong, then here. Art sounds pretty cool, I’ve seen the department building displays, that place is full of talent, I can tell you’ll fit in.” he smiled.

[rrriley-lin-blog]

Riley smiled. “Do you like Japan better Nina? And what about you, Noah? Hong Kong must be super different from China. And for two hella different majors, you guys seemed to know each other well. How did you guys meet? Out of school?” Riley inquired. 

[delafuente-nina-blog]

“I liked Mexico a lot, that’s my real home, but here is good too, there’s so much culture and I love Japanese food.” Nina glanced at Noah “oh, we met last year…” She asked him in mandarin if it was ok to talk about.

[im-noah-chen-blog]

Noah gave her a small appreciative smile and nodded “She helped me home after a party we went to. We didn’t go together, she found me stumbling round, a sweaty mess because I took MDMA with my friends for the first time, they were fine and I wasn’t. I wondered off, she found me hallucinating, took me to my flat and stayed with me the night to make sure I didn’t choke on my own vomit or slip into a coma.” Noah bend to talk quietly to Riley “Ninis a real sweetheart…which is why I can’t apologise enough for the rumour that followed it. Because she stayed with me the night, people think we slept together.” He sighed “she doesn’t think it’s that big of a deal, but once people talk it’s hard to shut them up…as for Hong Kong, its very busy, I prefer it here, except people keep thinking I’m Japanese and they talk to me in Japanese and I only know a few phrases, unlike girl-wonder over there who knows as many languages as she does instruments.”

[rrriley-lin-blog]

“Oh, I see.” Riley frowned. “I’m really sorry that happened to you Noah. Rumors can be a bitch and I understand they can get to you sometimes. If you ever need someone to talk to about it, feel free to find me. Someone once spread a rumor about me and made people believe that I had slept with my art teachers to get special favors out of her. It sucked but by senior year it totally died. That or I just didn’t acknowledge it anymore.” Riley shrugged.

[delafuente-nina-blog]

“Honestly, it’s a tiny rumour, you worry too much hermano. If anything it bigged up your reputation and nobody gets to know your secret.” Nina piped up “as for your rumour, Riley, I’m sorry senior year was a buzz kill and people got jealous. Jealousy is the most ugly trait to have…” They approached the main building and Nina grinned “ah, I hope they give you a first story room, those are best, not on the bottom and not too many stairs.”

[im-noah-chen-blog]

“Not that I can’t handle the stairs.” Noah held both suitcase high up above his head and strutted forwards to demonstrate “hey, I had a bottom floor dorm, it wasn't that bad, it only flooded like...three, maybe four times and the university got rid of the mildew quickly. Speaking of mildew, you're gonna love the showers here...wear flip-flops of you own some.”

[im-noah-chen-blog]

“Aw, come on Ninis, you break my heart sometimes.” Noah pouted “all B.S aside, I consider us good friends, soul mates, even.” he joked then shrugged at Nina’s comment about his friends leaving “Let ‘em walk, I’d rather hang with you two. Oooh! We can show Riley round the campus and where our two dorms are, you know, for science purposes.” he winked, then caught a look from Nina “or we could let her know where our dorms are in case she wants to hang out as platonic and not-involved-in-the-sex-way friends.” his sentence almost sound rehearsed. Noah was joking of course, he had eyes for someone else, a boy in his baseball team, the harsh truth was that he’d never return those feelings and that was something Noah would have to get over.

[rrriley-lin-blog]

Riley scoffed in disgust. “That’s a really strange thing to say someone you literally just met, dude. Do you say this to everyone you’ve just met?” Riley glanced at Nina as if to say “is this guy serious?” Her start to college was already an eventful one.

[delafuente-nina-blog]

Nina sighed and got to her feet “It’s not one of his proudest moments. Luckily he’s all talk no action…but he’s got a point about dorms, I’ll show you only mine and he can tag along if he promises to keep his mouth shut like a good little boy.” she folded her arms.

[im-noah-chen-blog]

Noah felt his cheeks burn at the call out. He didn’t expect it but Riley was right and he was being an idiot “You, um. Sorry.” he hung his head in shame “Yeah, I’ll stop being an asshole if you let me tag along.” he shrugged. “I’ll even carry your bags for you…if you want?”

[rrriley-lin-blog]

Riley was surprised at the change in attitude. “Oh uh… sure.” She handed her bags to Noah. “Thanks.” She was impressed by how well Nina managed to shut him down. Her strength and confidence was clearly known.

[delafuente-nina-blog]

“How about we take you to register and pick up your dorm key so we can drop your stuff off first, yes?” Nina checked her phone quickly then pointed to a building in the near distance “it’s just there at the main reception building.” she let Riley lead so she could hang behind with Noah for a moment “I told you that putting on a act makes people think you’re a dick.” She said to him in Mandarin “and we both know you’re not a dick, so why act like one?”

[im-noah-chen-blog]

“Let it be, Nina.” He replied in the same language before pushing forwards to walk besides Riley “So…we don’t really know much about each other- including Nina, here- so if don’t mind, do you want to tell us a bit about yourself? Like what major you’ve picked and such?”

[rrriley-lin-blog]

Riley was off a far distance before the two caught up with her. “Ah, sure. Well, I’m from America originally. I live with my dad and I’m an only child so I guess we’ve always lived pretty quietly. I got a full ride offer from Himitsu after I sent in my portfolio and the school seemed great, plus I definitely needed a chance of scenery.” The dorms were coming into full view now, huge, polished and absolutely stunning. “Now I go here for art. What about you two?”

[delafuente-nina-blog]

“I’m for music, but for orchestra kind, not singing and song writing. I can’t sing very well in English.” she shrugged “I’m from Mexico originally but I’ve moved around a lot; Spain, China, Canada and finally Japan. I live with my mother and uncle. I was an only child too, up until last year, now, I have a brother; Mateo.” she dug her hands in her pockets “I love it here too, but this shit is expensive.”

[im-noah-chen-blog]

Noah swung one of the bags up onto his shoulder “Sports, my specialties are baseball and football. Sports science is included and I know about human anatomy, so I’m not completely braindead.” he chuckled “I have an older sister, both parents and a dog whom I love more than anyone in the world. I lived in Hong Kong, then here. Art sounds pretty cool, I’ve seen the department building displays, that place is full of talent, I can tell you’ll fit in.” he smiled.

[rrriley-lin-blog]

Riley smiled. “Do you like Japan better Nina? And what about you, Noah? Hong Kong must be super different from China. And for two hella different majors, you guys seemed to know each other well. How did you guys meet? Out of school?” Riley inquired. 

[delafuente-nina-blog]

“I liked Mexico a lot, that’s my real home, but here is good too, there’s so much culture and I love Japanese food.” Nina glanced at Noah “oh, we met last year…” She asked him in mandarin if it was ok to talk about.

[im-noah-chen-blog]

Noah gave her a small appreciative smile and nodded "She helped me home after a party we went to. We didn't go together, she found me stumbling round, a sweaty mess because I took MDMA with my friends for the first time, they were fine and I wasn't. I wondered off, she found me hallucinating, took me to my flat and stayed with me the night to make sure I didn't choke on my own vomit or slip into a coma." Noah bend to talk quietly to Riley "Ninis a real sweetheart...which is why I can't apologise enough for the rumour that followed it. Because she stayed with me the night, people think we slept together." He sighed "she doesn't think it's that big of a deal, but once people talk it's hard to shut them up...as for Hong Kong, its very busy, I prefer it here, except people keep thinking I’m Japanese and they talk to me in Japanese and I only know a few phrases, unlike girl-wonder over there who knows as many languages as she does instruments.”

[im-noah-chen-blog]

“Aw, come on Ninis, you break my heart sometimes.” Noah pouted “all B.S aside, I consider us good friends, soul mates, even.” he joked then shrugged at Nina’s comment about his friends leaving “Let ‘em walk, I’d rather hang with you two. Oooh! We can show Riley round the campus and where our two dorms are, you know, for science purposes.” he winked, then caught a look from Nina “or we could let her know where our dorms are in case she wants to hang out as platonic and not-involved-in-the-sex-way friends.” his sentence almost sound rehearsed. Noah was joking of course, he had eyes for someone else, a boy in his baseball team, the harsh truth was that he’d never return those feelings and that was something Noah would have to get over.

[rrriley-lin-blog]

Riley scoffed in disgust. “That’s a really strange thing to say someone you literally just met, dude. Do you say this to everyone you’ve just met?” Riley glanced at Nina as if to say “is this guy serious?” Her start to college was already an eventful one.

[delafuente-nina-blog]

Nina sighed and got to her feet “It’s not one of his proudest moments. Luckily he’s all talk no action…but he’s got a point about dorms, I’ll show you only mine and he can tag along if he promises to keep his mouth shut like a good little boy.” she folded her arms.

[im-noah-chen-blog]

Noah felt his cheeks burn at the call out. He didn’t expect it but Riley was right and he was being an idiot “You, um. Sorry.” he hung his head in shame “Yeah, I’ll stop being an asshole if you let me tag along.” he shrugged. “I’ll even carry your bags for you…if you want?”

[rrriley-lin-blog]

Riley was surprised at the change in attitude. “Oh uh… sure.” She handed her bags to Noah. “Thanks.” She was impressed by how well Nina managed to shut him down. Her strength and confidence was clearly known.

[delafuente-nina-blog]

“How about we take you to register and pick up your dorm key so we can drop your stuff off first, yes?” Nina checked her phone quickly then pointed to a building in the near distance “it’s just there at the main reception building.” she let Riley lead so she could hang behind with Noah for a moment “I told you that putting on a act makes people think you’re a dick.” She said to him in Mandarin “and we both know you’re not a dick, so why act like one?”

[im-noah-chen-blog]

“Let it be, Nina.” He replied in the same language before pushing forwards to walk besides Riley “So…we don’t really know much about each other- including Nina, here- so if don’t mind, do you want to tell us a bit about yourself? Like what major you’ve picked and such?”

[rrriley-lin-blog]

Riley was off a far distance before the two caught up with her. “Ah, sure. Well, I’m from America originally. I live with my dad and I’m an only child so I guess we’ve always lived pretty quietly. I got a full ride offer from Himitsu after I sent in my portfolio and the school seemed great, plus I definitely needed a chance of scenery.” The dorms were coming into full view now, huge, polished and absolutely stunning. “Now I go here for art. What about you two?”

[delafuente-nina-blog]

“I’m for music, but for orchestra kind, not singing and song writing. I can’t sing very well in English.” she shrugged “I’m from Mexico originally but I’ve moved around a lot; Spain, China, Canada and finally Japan. I live with my mother and uncle. I was an only child too, up until last year, now, I have a brother; Mateo.” she dug her hands in her pockets “I love it here too, but this shit is expensive.”

[im-noah-chen-blog]

Noah swung one of the bags up onto his shoulder “Sports, my specialties are baseball and football. Sports science is included and I know about human anatomy, so I’m not completely braindead.” he chuckled “I have an older sister, both parents and a dog whom I love more than anyone in the world. I lived in Hong Kong, then here. Art sounds pretty cool, I’ve seen the department building displays, that place is full of talent, I can tell you’ll fit in.” he smiled.

[im-noah-chen-blog]

“Aw, come on Ninis, you break my heart sometimes.” Noah pouted “all B.S aside, I consider us good friends, soul mates, even.” he joked then shrugged at Nina’s comment about his friends leaving “Let ‘em walk, I’d rather hang with you two. Oooh! We can show Riley round the campus and where our two dorms are, you know, for science purposes.” he winked, then caught a look from Nina “or we could let her know where our dorms are in case she wants to hang out as platonic and not-involved-in-the-sex-way friends.” his sentence almost sound rehearsed. Noah was joking of course, he had eyes for someone else, a boy in his baseball team, the harsh truth was that he’d never return those feelings and that was something Noah would have to get over.

[rrriley-lin-blog]

Riley scoffed in disgust. “That’s a really strange thing to say someone you literally just met, dude. Do you say this to everyone you’ve just met?” Riley glanced at Nina as if to say “is this guy serious?” Her start to college was already an eventful one.

[delafuente-nina-blog]

Nina sighed and got to her feet “It’s not one of his proudest moments. Luckily he’s all talk no action…but he’s got a point about dorms, I’ll show you only mine and he can tag along if he promises to keep his mouth shut like a good little boy.” she folded her arms.

[im-noah-chen-blog]

Noah felt his cheeks burn at the call out. He didn’t expect it but Riley was right and he was being an idiot “You, um. Sorry.” he hung his head in shame “Yeah, I’ll stop being an asshole if you let me tag along.” he shrugged. “I’ll even carry your bags for you…if you want?”

[rrriley-lin-blog]

Riley was surprised at the change in attitude. “Oh uh… sure.” She handed her bags to Noah. “Thanks.” She was impressed by how well Nina managed to shut him down. Her strength and confidence was clearly known.

[delafuente-nina-blog]

“How about we take you to register and pick up your dorm key so we can drop your stuff off first, yes?” Nina checked her phone quickly then pointed to a building in the near distance “it’s just there at the main reception building.” she let Riley lead so she could hang behind with Noah for a moment “I told you that putting on a act makes people think you’re a dick.” She said to him in Mandarin “and we both know you’re not a dick, so why act like one?”

[im-noah-chen-blog]

“Let it be, Nina.” He replied in the same language before pushing forwards to walk besides Riley “So...we don't really know much about each other- including Nina, here- so if don't mind, do you want to tell us a bit about yourself? Like what major you’ve picked and such?”

[im-noah-chen-blog]

“Aw, come on Ninis, you break my heart sometimes.” Noah pouted “all B.S aside, I consider us good friends, soul mates, even.” he joked then shrugged at Nina’s comment about his friends leaving “Let ‘em walk, I’d rather hang with you two. Oooh! We can show Riley round the campus and where our two dorms are, you know, for science purposes.” he winked, then caught a look from Nina “or we could let her know where our dorms are in case she wants to hang out as platonic and not-involved-in-the-sex-way friends.” his sentence almost sound rehearsed. Noah was joking of course, he had eyes for someone else, a boy in his baseball team, the harsh truth was that he’d never return those feelings and that was something Noah would have to get over.

[rrriley-lin-blog]

Riley scoffed in disgust. “That’s a really strange thing to say someone you literally just met, dude. Do you say this to everyone you’ve just met?” Riley glanced at Nina as if to say “is this guy serious?” Her start to college was already an eventful one.

[delafuente-nina-blog]

Nina sighed and got to her feet “It’s not one of his proudest moments. Luckily he’s all talk no action…but he’s got a point about dorms, I’ll show you only mine and he can tag along if he promises to keep his mouth shut like a good little boy.” she folded her arms.

[im-noah-chen-blog]

Noah felt his cheeks burn at the call out. He didn’t expect it but Riley was right and he was being an idiot “You, um. Sorry.” he hung his head in shame “Yeah, I’ll stop being an asshole if you let me tag along.” he shrugged. "I'll even carry your bags for you...if you want?"

[im-noah-chen-blog]

“Aw, come on Ninis, you break my heart sometimes.” Noah pouted “all B.S aside, I consider us good friends, soul mates, even.” he joked then shrugged at Nina’s comment about his friends leaving “Let ‘em walk, I’d rather hang with you two. Oooh! We can show Riley round the campus and where our two dorms are, you know, for science purposes.” he winked, then caught a look from Nina “or we could let her know where our dorms are in case she wants to hang out as platonic and not-involved-in-the-sex-way friends.” his sentence almost sound rehearsed. Noah was joking of course, he had eyes for someone else, a boy in his baseball team, the harsh truth was that he’d never return those feelings and that was something Noah would have to get over.

[im-noah-chen-blog]

Noah ‘not-as-big-of-an-asshole-as-you-may-think’ Chen

[rrriley-lin-blog]

Riley took a deep breath before exiting her car and going back to her trunk to retrieve her things. She had only heard horror stories about her first year of college, especially as an out of country art major- “be prepared to learn how to stretch fifteen dollars in a week” or “I hope you enjoy ramen noodles” were prevalent phrases she had heard all of her high school senior year. She remained hopeful, though. A change of scenery would do her good, after all the hell she had to deal with back in America.

Nearby she heard a guitar being played and saw a person who looked to be around her age, maybe a bit older, sitting on a bench. She decided the earlier she made friends in an unfamiliar place, the better off she’d be, so she rolled her suitcases over to the person.

“Excuse me? Hi there!” She smiled. “I couldn’t help but overhear your playing. You’re really good.”

[delafuente-nina-blog]

Nina had been getting a little practice in as she watched the freshmen arrive with all their heavy suitcases and crying family members when a girl approached her with a suitcase of her own and no family members in tow “Hola” she smiled and said with a slightly more exaggerated swainish accent to that of her own “Eh, thanks. Thought I’d play to a little audience while the newbies got here. I’m Nina.” she tucked her hair behind her ear before extending a hand “you?”

[im-noah-chen-blog]

Noah had moved in a couple of days earlier than everyone else so that he could settle and chill on campus before reconnecting with his university friends. It was freshmen move in day and he though back to his own when the seniors set about pranking the lone freshmen, even he fell victim to a flour bomb then, though no one would dare prank him these days. Noah stood with some of his jock friends and watched as people arrived in their cars with their trunks full and hopes high. He rose an eyebrow and sighed, get ready for disappointment.

[rrriley-lin-blog]

“Riley.” Riley shook the girl’s hand. “I’m a newbie myself, still trying to find my way around. I’m guessing you’ve been here for more than a year?” Riley chanced at taking a seat next to Nina. She seemed so cool and collected, far beyond Riley, who was trying her best not to freak out in such a new, exciting, and scary place. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw a group of jocks eyeing the place where she and Nina sat, while their dark-haired ring leader surveyed them with a raised eyebrow. Just like highschool, Riley thought to herself with a small scoff.

[delafuente-nina-blog]

“A year, having to re-do the previous year. I’m not stupid.” she added, feeling like she had to validate herself “a lot of family…stuff, nothing interesting.” she laughed cooly “So, I’m guessing you’ve not looked around yet? Don’t worry about how big it is, it’s quite easy to navigate around, and there are a lot of sign posts.”

[im-noah-chen-blog]

He was starting to become bored, his friends had already set their targets, as for him, pranking wasn’t his thing, but he had a reputation to up hold. His eyes scanned around until he found someone that he’d recognised, a girl he’d met this time last year, someone who’d forgive him in the long run. “Hey, Fuente!” he turned to give a quick forced smirk to his friends before bounding over, alone.

[rrriley-lin-blog]

Riley nodded, understanding. “I get that. Sometimes it takes way longer than expected to finish school. It took my mom eleven years to get her degree. Life just got in the way.” Riley whipped her head around as her companion’s name was called. The ringleader of the jock squad was making his way over to the both of them, making Riley raise her eyebrows.

[delafuente-nina-blog]

“Son of a bitch…” she then muttered curse words in Spanish and watched, eyes narrowed as Noah approached “Chen.” she returned the calling of surnames “please return to your assigned herd of sheep.”

[im-noah-chen-blog]

He laughed loud enough for his friends to hear and sat on the other side of Nina and put an arm around her “Sorry.” he whispered through gritted teeth “You know how they are, besides, would you rather I prey on the weak?” he glanced at the girl next to Nina and flashed her one of his most charming smiles “Hey, I’m Noah. I didn't realise Ninis had other friends?”

[rrriley-lin-blog]

Riley took a deep breath before exiting her car and going back to her trunk to retrieve her things. She had only heard horror stories about her first year of college, especially as an out of country art major- “be prepared to learn how to stretch fifteen dollars in a week” or “I hope you enjoy ramen noodles” were prevalent phrases she had heard all of her high school senior year. She remained hopeful, though. A change of scenery would do her good, after all the hell she had to deal with back in America.

Nearby she heard a guitar being played and saw a person who looked to be around her age, maybe a bit older, sitting on a bench. She decided the earlier she made friends in an unfamiliar place, the better off she’d be, so she rolled her suitcases over to the person.

“Excuse me? Hi there!” She smiled. “I couldn’t help but overhear your playing. You’re really good.”

[delafuente-nina-blog]

Nina had been getting a little practice in as she watched the freshmen arrive with all their heavy suitcases and crying family members when a girl approached her with a suitcase of her own and no family members in tow “Hola” she smiled and said with a slightly more exaggerated swainish accent to that of her own “Eh, thanks. Thought I’d play to a little audience while the newbies got here. I’m Nina.” she tucked her hair behind her ear before extending a hand “you?”

[im-noah-chen-blog]

Noah had moved in a couple of days earlier than everyone else so that he could settle and chill on campus before reconnecting with his university friends. It was freshmen move in day and he though back to his own when the seniors set about pranking the lone freshmen, even he fell victim to a flour bomb then, though no one would dare prank him these days. Noah stood with some of his jock friends and watched as people arrived in their cars with their trunks full and hopes high. He rose an eyebrow and sighed, get ready for disappointment.

[rrriley-lin-blog]

“Riley.” Riley shook the girl’s hand. “I’m a newbie myself, still trying to find my way around. I’m guessing you’ve been here for more than a year?” Riley chanced at taking a seat next to Nina. She seemed so cool and collected, far beyond Riley, who was trying her best not to freak out in such a new, exciting, and scary place. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw a group of jocks eyeing the place where she and Nina sat, while their dark-haired ring leader surveyed them with a raised eyebrow. Just like highschool, Riley thought to herself with a small scoff.

[delafuente-nina-blog]

“A year, having to re-do the previous year. I’m not stupid.” she added, feeling like she had to validate herself “a lot of family…stuff, nothing interesting.” she laughed cooly “So, I’m guessing you’ve not looked around yet? Don’t worry about how big it is, it’s quite easy to navigate around, and there are a lot of sign posts.”

[im-noah-chen-blog]

He was starting to become bored, his friends had already set their targets, as for him, pranking wasn't his thing, but he had a reputation to up hold. His eyes scanned around until he found someone that he’d recognised, a girl he’d met this time last year, someone who’d forgive him in the long run. “Hey, Fuente!” he turned to give a quick forced smirk to his friends before bounding over, alone.

[rrriley-lin-blog]

Riley took a deep breath before exiting her car and going back to her trunk to retrieve her things. She had only heard horror stories about her first year of college, especially as an out of country art major- “be prepared to learn how to stretch fifteen dollars in a week” or “I hope you enjoy ramen noodles” were prevalent phrases she had heard all of her high school senior year. She remained hopeful, though. A change of scenery would do her good, after all the hell she had to deal with back in America.

Nearby she heard a guitar being played and saw a person who looked to be around her age, maybe a bit older, sitting on a bench. She decided the earlier she made friends in an unfamiliar place, the better off she’d be, so she rolled her suitcases over to the person.

“Excuse me? Hi there!” She smiled. “I couldn’t help but overhear your playing. You’re really good.”

[delafuente-nina-blog]

Nina had been getting a little practice in as she watched the freshmen arrive with all their heavy suitcases and crying family members when a girl approached her with a suitcase of her own and no family members in tow “Hola” she smiled and said with a slightly more exaggerated swainish accent to that of her own “Eh, thanks. Thought I’d play to a little audience while the newbies got here. I’m Nina.” she tucked her hair behind her ear before extending a hand “you?”

[im-noah-chen-blog]

Noah had moved in a couple of days earlier than everyone else so that he could settle and chill on campus before reconnecting with his university friends. It was freshmen move in day and he though back to his own when the seniors set about pranking the lone freshmen, even he fell victim to a flour bomb then, though no one would dare prank him these days. Noah stood with some of his jock friends and watched as people arrived in their cars with their trunks full and hopes high. He rose an eyebrow and sighed, get ready for disappointment.