“ 𝗲𝘅𝘁𝗿𝗮 𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗺, 𝗻𝗼 𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗲 ”
college smau,, ellie williams x reader
summary: you’re a sophomore in college and getting used to your daily life and routines, such as: your job at the diner, exams, and basic college life. as you go out and about in your life, you create a stronger bond with ellie williams, who you recognized from last year. what you don’t know is that ellie has had a crush on you since freshmen year… and that she’s actually trying to make a move on you this year.
content includes: college/modern au, reader is a waitress at a diner, ellie has a fat crush on reader, nerdy ellie, fluff, slow-burn, ellie attempts to be bold, wlw, mutual connections, college life .
warnings: slight mention of alcohol
authors note: heeeyy.. i saw that a lot of you guys wanted to me in the taglist and i got a lot of notes!! thank you guys so muchness :) i js wanna let u guys know this part is REALLY long and a lot happens, but thats kind of how i like to build things up. lmk if u wanna be tagged for the next part!
𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝟎𝟏: “ welcome to jackson university ”
jackson university always looked like a postcard in the fall.
the late august sun spilled through the oak trees scattered across the quad, catching in the glass windows of the old red-brick academic halls. the lawn was littered with students, some stretched out on blankets with open textbooks. and some others gathered around folding tables southing about joining their club or signing up for intramural soccer. the air buzzed with the back-to-school energy, a weird mix of excitement, dread, the kind that only lasted for the first few weeks of the semester before everyone inevitably got buried in assignments.
you move your way through the crowd with your coffee in one hand, the strap of your backpack slipping down your shoulder for what felt like the hundredth time today. you’d stopped trying to fix it. a long shift at the diner yesterday still tugged at your arms and legs, but caffeine and determination helped you stand tall.
sophomore year felt different. you weren’t a nervous freshmen anymore, wandering around with a campus map on your phone, pretending you knew where the chemistry building was. you knew your way around now— the best coffee shop, the quiet corner of the library, which vending machines actually got restocked on time. you were supposed to feel more put-together this year. and you did, kind of.
a group of students waved at you from across the lawn. you smiled, a lazy curve of your mouth, and lifted your coffee in a mock toast.
“finally,” jordan called, stepping off the stone bench where he’d been waiting. “you’re late.”
“barely,” you bumped his shoulder as you passed, taking another sip of coffee. he raised a brow. “let me guess— closing shift at the diner?” you hummed in confirmation. “didnt get home ‘til almost midnight. and now i’m here. please clap.”
jordan grinned. “you’re a machine.”
the rest of your friends were gathered near the edge of the quad— amara perched on the low brick wall, talking with her hands like she was telling the best story in the world, mateo spinning his keys lazily on one finger, and juliana sitting cross-legged with a notebook open in her lap, scribbling something that probably wasn’t related to class.
“thought you bailed on us,” amara teased, pushing her sunglasses up into her brunette hair.
“i had to get coffee,” you held it up like a defense. “you know, survive another day back after pulling a late shift at the diner.”
mateo made a dramatic gasp. “priorities. imagine not choosing us first.”
you just rolled your eyes, smiling despite yourself. the conversation drifted easily, moving from class schedules to weekend plans to amara’s unsolicited rundown of which professors to avoid this semester. ara talked about her marketing club’s welcome mixer, mateo hyping up his first basketball game of the semester, juliana mocking jordan for signed up for yet another debate club. the energy was warm, the kind of easy morning chatter that made you forget you were already thinking about your first lecture.
by the time everyone started gathering their bags, it felt like the perfect start to the year— casual, warm, like falling back into a rhythm you’d missed over the summer.
“where are you headed?” juliana asked as you slung your backpack over your shoulder.
“english lit,” you said. “good luck,” she said with a sympathetic grimace before heading off.
you pushed through the glass doors of the main academic building, the cool air inside a relief after the late-summer sun. the faint hum of chatter and shuffling papers made the hall feel alive, but not overwhelming. you knew this building like the back of your hand now: the short cut down the west corridor to the english department, the staircase that squeaked just enough to announce when someone was coming up from the first floor.
sophomore year meant familiarity, and you moved through the corridors with quiet confidence.
you waved at a few familiar faces along the way.
“hey, morning, claire,” you said to a girl from last semester’s literature seminar, who was juggling a stack of notebooks and a laptop.
“morning!” she responded enthusiastically. you grinned, ducking into the lecture hall a few minutes early. the room smelled faintly of chalk dust and some old carpet. rows of seats stretched back, some already occupied by students chatting quietly, plugging in laptops, or rifling through their bags. you chose a middle-row spot, the one you liked because it gave you a perfect view of the front without being right in the professor’s line of sight.
“hey,” you called softly as a few friends from previous classes waved. a quick exchange of smiles, a small nod here and there— enough to feel part of the rhythm of the room.
you leaned back, pulling your notebook from your bag, pen ready. it was strange how much calmer you felt in this familiar environment compared to freshmen year, when every door and every seat felt like a small obstacle course. you even remember when ellie used to sit during some of those first-year lit lectures— two rows behind you, tucked against the side wall, quietly scribbling in her notebook. you hadn’t spoken much then. just exchanged glances across the room, mutual but unspoken recognition of each other’s presence. that was all.
the hum of conversation died down as the professor shuffled in. you were just settling inn to class when the door opened again.
ellie williams stepped inside.
you knew her, you had known her since last semester’s lit seminar, when you’d say a few rows apart and occasionally exchanged awkward smiles. you’d seen her other places too— on the quad, once or twice at your diner— but never more than quick hellos or passing nods. ellie paused, scanning the room. her eyes landed on you, and there was the briefest flash of surprise before she adjusted her bag strap and made her way over.
“hey,” she said, pushing a hand through her hair like she’d just thought of something clever but lost it on the way over.
you smiled, warm and easy. “hey, ellie. you in this class?” she nodded, brushing a loose strand of hair from her face. “yeah… thought i’d give it a shot.”
“sit here,” you said casually, patting the space next to you. she lowered herself into the seat, trying to look casual but clearly tense, her notebook and pen clutched in front of her like armor.
the professor started the usual ritual— assignments and participation expectations. half the class groaned at the reading load, flipping to page one of the syllabus like it was a dare. you jotted a few notes, mostly to look busy.
by mid-lecture, ellie had worked up the courage for her second attempt. the professor had mentioned something about “metaphysical conceit,” and ellie’s brow furrowed in confusion. she leaned slightly toward you.
“hey… do you know what she meant by… the metaphysical conceit?” you leaned in, showing her your quick little diagram in the margin of your notes. ellie nodded, silent for a moment, eyes flicking to your page as if memorizing it by osmosis. “oh… right. that actually helps. thank you.”
for the rest of the lecture, you noticed that she hovered in small ways— shifting her backpack closer and sometimes just staring a little too long at your handwriting, you thought that ellie might just be nervous as she was freshmen year.
when the professor finally wrapped up, students shuffled toward the exist. you stuffed your notebook into your bag, sling it over your shoulder, and looked at ellie.
“see you next class, ellie.” you said casually.
ellie froze mid-step, “yeah… see you,” she muttered, trying to keep it normal. but inside, she was a mess— a buzzing, chaotic mess of excitement and panic.
ellie stayed in the hallway a moment longer, watching you walk down the aisle and out of the lecture hall. she could feel her heart thumping in her chest, stubbornly refusing to settle. she told herself she was just being dramatic, but the way you moved— so effortlessly in your element— had a weight she hadn’t anticipated.
she remembered the times she’d come into your diner back during freshmen year, just casually ordering a coffee or a pastry. you didn’t know it then, but those moments had been the start of something small but fierce in her chest. mutual recognition, stolen glances across the counter, quiet smiles— it had grown quietly, unnoticed. ellie’s crush had begun the first time she’d seen you behind that counter, laughing with a customer or scribbling an order with your hair tucked behind your ear. now, months later, seeing you again in the lecture hall, sitting so confidently in your usual spot, she felt the same flutter. and she hadn’t even spoken to you yet.
you exited the building, backpack slung over one shoulder, and started walking toward the quad. the campus had a rhythm all its own: students rushing to clubs, flyers pinned to the bulletin boards for debate, chess, theater, and intramural sports. posters advertised a cappella auditions, charity fundraisers, and philosophy discussion nights. the smell of fresh coffee and fall leaves mingled, carrying a faint buzz of excitement.
jordan jogged past you toward the student center, earbuds in, backpack bouncing against his slim frame. his dark, messy hair fell slightly over his eyes, and his graphic tee peeked from under a jacket he probably threw on without thinking. he was studying computer science and was part of the robotics club and the hackathon team— two groups he thrived in, always inventing something or competing in little projects. he waved at you, flashing that lazy grin he reserved for only the closest people in his orbit.
amara, walked briskly beside him, balancing her coffee and a tablet. shoulder-length blonde hair framed her face with volume, and she had that “old money” clean-girl style with a tailored blazer, chic flats. she was majoring in marketing and was part of the campus leadership program and the photography club, always judging one networking event or photo project after another.
juliana trailed slightly behind, her long brunette hair shimmered in the sun, and her dark-wash baggy jeans gave her a casual edge with her maroon colored long sleeve top. she studied international relations and loved the debate club, which she approached with a mix of teasing energy and gentle care. she smirked at something amara whispered and threw a playful glance at you as you all passed a flyer for an upcoming campus film screening.
mateo’s deep laughter rumbled before you saw him. he leaned against the railing by the quad steps, basketball in hand, flexing just enough to hint at his muscles beneath a fitted t-shirt. he was a sports management major and part of both the varsity basketball team and the intramural sports council, always lighthearted and teasing everyone in earshot. he caught your eye and waved, his smile broad and inviting.
you fell into step with the group, chatting lightly about the professors you had this semester. it was easy and warm, the kind of effortless comfort that only came with knowing people for months.
you were heading across the quad toward the student center when you caught sight of ellie again, this time outside with dina. they were leaning against a bench, dina animatedly talking about something while ellie half-listened, sketchbook balanced on her knee.
you didn’t stop walking, but your eyes caught hers just long enough for a silent little acknowledgment before you passed. ellie blinked, then duck her head back down, pretending to refocus on her page.
by mid-afternoon, you were behind the counter at the diner, you tied your apron at the back, grabbed your order pad, and called a quick hello to danielle, the older waitress who’d been working here forever and always gave you unsolicited life advice. “try not to look so tired, honey,” danielle said with a wink. “pretty girl like you, you’re supposed to light up the room.”
you rolled your eyes but smiled anyway, heading out onto the floor. it was a steady flow of customers— students grabbing quick burgers, a couple of regulars sitting at the counters with their coffees, someone in the corner booth tapping away in a laptop. the sound of plates clinking, the sizzle of the kitchen, the faint buzz of the jukebox filled the air. you slipped easily into the rhythm, balancing plates on your arm, taking orders, flashing polite smiles. you were good at this job— good at reading people, remembering the details of what they liked, making them feel taken care of.
about an hour in, the bell over the door jingled, and you looked up to see dina and jesse walking in.
their backpacks slung carelessly over their shoulders. dina’s grin was immediate. “we survived the first week of classes! needed a little celebratory treat.”
jesse laughed, eyes scanning the diner. “and apparently this is the only place in town that does pie this good.”
“just so you know,” you said, grabbing their menus. “i don’t make exceptions for anyone. even if you’re my friends.”
“fine, fine,” dina said, sliding into a booth with exaggerated flair. “we’ll behave… mostly.”
“i didn’t know you were working tonight.” dina added. “pretty much every night,” you said with shrug. they ordered milkshakes and fries, and you lingered a little when you dropped them off, leaning casually against the booth.
“how’s the semester treating you guys?” you asked. “busy already,” jesse said. “but ellie’s the one dying. she’s buried in, like, three different lit classes. haven’t seen her outside the library in a week.”
dina smirked. “except today, apparently. you had class with her, right?”
you nodded, trying to not sound too interested. “yeah, lit. she sat next to me.”
“ohhh,” dina said, dragging it out like she’d just found a piece of gossip. you rolled your eyes, smiling despite yourself. “relax. it was just class.” before dina could tease further, the bell over the door jingled again and there was ellie.
she looked like she hadn’t planned on coming— hair a little messy, hoodie slightly rumpled over her band tee, backpack slung over her shoulders. she hesitated just a fraction before spotting dina and jesse, and then her shoulders dropped like she’d just found a safe place.
she joined them for a minute, talking low, glancing over toward you every so often. you caught her once or twice, and she immediately looked away, pretending to read the menu even though she wasn’t ordering anything yet.
eventually, she made her way up to the counter, hands in her pockets. “uh—hey,” she said, clearing her throat. “can i get…um… whatever’s easiest?”
you raised a brow. “that’s a dangerous order.” ellie cracked a nervous laugh. “okay, uh— grilled cheese?”
“good choice,” you said, scribbling it down. she hovered awkwardly until you slid the plate her way a few minutes later, and she mumbled a thanks before returning to her booth. you went back to wiping tables, letting them talk, but when you passed by again, ellie spoke up— just loud enough for you to hear.
“hey, um… i’ll be here on wednesday.”
you paused, blinking. “good to know,” you said, smiling like you couldn’t help it. ellie shifted in her seat, suddenly unsure. “…if that’s okay?”
“of course it’s okay, ellie. i’d be happy if you came back.” ellie froze, blinked, then nodded way too quickly. “yeah… great. bye.” she grabbed her backpack and practically fled the booth, the bell over the door jingling behind her. you chuckled quietly to yourself, shaking your head in amusement. there was something about ellie williams— shy, awkward, intense— that made everything feel lighter, more alive. and now, apparently, she’d be coming back. it’s not like you don’t see her anyway.
the diner had finally quieted down. the last of late-night customers shuffled out, leaving only the hum of the neon sign and the faint scent of fried and brewed coffee hanging in the air. you wiped down the counter one more time, stacked menus nearly, and filled the sugar containers for the morning crowd. danielle leaned against the wall, arms crossed, smirking. “long night, huh?” she asked. “yeah… feels later than it is,” you admitted, brushing crumbs off the counter. “don’t tell me you’ve got homework waiting for you too,” she teased, before disappearing into the back. you locked up the cash register, slid your apron off, and stuffed it into your bag. by now, the streets outside were calm, streetlights casting long shadows over the sidewalk. you swung your backpack over one shoulder, heading back toward the dorms.
once you got back, you dropped your bag on the small desk in your room and flipped open your laptop. professors at jackson university were already posting google docs with detailed semester plans— tables with every assignment, due date, and reading chunk. you liked to get ahead, even if it meant started a little early.
opening the document for your english lit class, you made a small plan for the week: read the first two chapters, start notes for discussion, and outline ideas for the first essay. typing quickly, you marked off the tasks you’d already completed and highlighted sections you wanted to review. your desk lamp cast a soft glow over the clutter of notebooks and textbooks scattered around, but it didn’t bother you. after a while, your stomach rumbled, reminding you that the day hadn’t included a proper dinner yet. you groaned, pulling out your phone.
got any food i can borrow? i promise not to steal all ur snacks
a moment later, his reply popped up.
performative hoe (jord) : only if you come to my room n help me w/ something
by the time you reached his dorm, he was sitting cross-legged on his bed, headphones hanging around his neck. “so, how was work tonight?” he asked casually. “same as always. busy. people ordering weird combinations,” you replied, digging through his mini-fridge and pantry. you finally settled on an small pack of instant noodles.
“classic college meal,” jordan teased. “want me to microwave it?”
“please,” you said, sitting on the edge of his bed. the microwave beeped a few times before jordan slid the steaming cup toward you.
“so,” he said, leaning back on his elbows. “how long are you planning to work at the diner this semester?”
“depends on the week,” you said, twirling your fork in the noodles. “some nights are slow, some nights are insane. helps pay for books, coffee, late-night snacks…” you smirked at him.
jordan grinned. “sounds exhausting. don’t work yourself to the bone, alright?”
“yeah, yeah,” you teased. “i’m fine. better than doing nothing.”
you ate in companionable silence for a few minutes, letting the warmth of the noodles and the low hum of jordan’s fan fill the room. occasionally, he’d make a small joke, and you’d laugh, the kind of effortless camaraderie that made the evening feel calm despite the long day.
once you finished, you rinsed the cup in the small sink in his room, thanked him for the food, and headed back to your dorm.
back in your room, the outside was quiet. you flicked through your notes one more time, reorganizing the week’s assignments, making small color-coded highlights, and jotting down ideas. the day had been long, but manageable, a little exhausting. and yet it felt like you were exactly where you were supposed to be.
as you finally pushed your laptop closed, your mind briefly wandered to class earlier and that fleeting glimpse of ellie in the hallway. you shoot your head with a small smile. tomorrow was tuesday. a fresh day, another routine, but maybe something interesting was around the corner.
the morning sun hadn’t fully burned off the light mist lingering over jackson university’s quad, but already the campus was alive with the familiar chaos of the first weeks of classes. students hustled to buildings, coffee cups in hand, their backpacks sagging with textbooks, laptops, and notebooks spilling from a traps. flyers fluttered in the breeze, volunteer opportunities, even one for a student art show— and you dodged a few as you made your way to the edge of the quad.
you checked your reflection in a small window along the way, brushing a stray strand of hair behind your ear. jeans, a soft off-shoulder sweater, and your favorite worn sneakers. college mornings didn’t allow for overthinking, this had become a habit. the little cafe by the entrance to the science hall was already bustling. students in hoodies and flannel jackets queued for their coffee, pastries, and quick breakfast. you placed your order: a hot latte with just a touch of caramel and a buttery pastry to keep you fueled. the barista smiled knowingly, handing you your cup. “looks like someone’s ready to take on the day,” she said.
“always,” you replied, tucking the cup securely in the side pocket of your bag before weaving through the crowd. the smell of roasted coffee beans mixed with the faint crisp scent of autumn leaves drifting through the open doors.
by the time you reached the brick wall near the quad where your friends had gathered, amara was already perched with one leg dangling over the edge, gesturing wildly as she was once again telling another story. juliana leaned back, arms crossed, a demon on her face, watching amara’s theatrics. mateo was also listening in on it. and jordan, as usual, had his earbuds in but glanced up to wave as you approached, like he always does.
“goodmorning, glad you could join us,” amara said. “coffee saved me,” you said with a lazy smile, slipping into step beside them. “you always look like you just woke up and decided to be effortlessly perfect,” juliana teased, her dark hair catching the sunlight as she leaned forward.
“thanks?” you replied, laughing.
amara leaned closer. “anyway, i was talking about some drama from freshmen year. love may be in the air but it’s dangerous.”
then she had a mischievous gleam in her eye. “speaking of… have you found anyone yet? college is full of opportunities.”
juliana nudged you playfully. “yeah, has anyone ever gotten your attention? we’re deep into college now.” you laughed, brushing a strand of hair behind your ear again. “that’s silly to think of right now. the year just started… and don’t put the attention on me.”
“hun,” amara said, smirking, “imagine someone liking you and keeping up with your brain.”
you shook your head. “okay, okay, i get it. moving on.” juliana’s eyes lit up when she spotted the pastry in your hand. “ohhh, give me a bite, please.”
“uh-uh,” you said, holding it just out of reach. “you’re having a bite and shutting up.”
she leaned forward eagerly, and you broke off a small piece, feeding it to her with a laugh. mateo rolled his eyes dramatically, pretending to swoon. “this is why i never get pastry love,” he muttered.
mateo smirked knowingly. “speaking of love and parties… did anyone see the flyer for the back-to-school mixer tonight? looks like a few clubs are throwing a casual get-together. nothing huge, just mingling, snacks, music.”
“oh?” jordan raised an eyebrow. “could be fun. i’m curious who’s going to show up. maybe some of the campus crushes will finally make themselves known.”
“you mean like someone awkwardly dancing near the snack table pretending not to notice each other?” amara said with a grin, rest her back on your side.
mateo laughed, fiddling around with his basketball. “nah, more like everyone standing in corners silently judging each other. classic.”
you laughed at the thought, taking a sip of your coffee, letting the warm liquid mix with the crisp morning air. even admits the reading and joking, the chatter of students rushing by, the flapping of flyers in the wind, and the faint rustle of leaves on the quad made everything feel alive.
amara glanced at your pastry again, pretending to swoon. “seriously though, can i have another bite?”
“fine,” you said, tearing off another piece and feeding her.” “that’s it. don’t get greedy.” amara leaned back with a satisfied grin.
the five of you laughed, the morning sun warm against your backs, your coffee and pastries filling the quiet gaps between chatter. it was just another tuesday in college, ordinary, and chaotic all at once— but somehow perfect.
the bell of the nearby lecture hall rang, scattering a few lingering students. the group gathered their things, laughing and teasing each other as they head toward their morning classes.
the library was quieter than the quad, the muffled hum of printers and occasional whisper echoing across the high ceilings. sunlight streamed through the tall windows, catching dust motes floating lazily in the warm morning light. you found your usual spot by the window, backpack at your side, coffee cup still half-full, and spread out your notes from last night.
pulling up your laptop, you skimmed through the table of assignments professor hargrove had posted on the class google doc. you highlighted what you’d already completed, underline what needed extra attention, and type a few reminders to yourself. being ahead felt comforting. like a small control over the chaos of the semester.
around you, a few familiar faces from freshmen year wandered past. one of the student tutors waved at you from across the aisle. the minutes ticked by as you typed and scribbled, the quiet rustle of pages and tapping of keyboards filling the air. a pair of students shuffled toward a nearby table, carrying think stacks of books.
you glanced up briefly and saw ellie racing through the stacks, carrying a notebook and a laptop she paused, scanning the room as if deciding where to sit.
she didn’t notice you, tucked in your corner and completely focused organizing your notes. but ellie’s head subtly turned toward you anyway, her pulse quickening when she saw you there, concentrated and effortless, a small smile tugging at the corner of her lips.
ellie had thought of approaching you. but a group of students swooped in before she could move, taking the chairs she’d been eyeing she hesitated, her courage faltering. by the time the group settled, she moved away, keeping her distance, notebook clutched to her chest.
you didn’t see her at all.
by 10:55, the library was beginning to thin out students had classes or labs nearby packed up quickly, shuffling past. you glanced up just as ellie walked toward the door, laptop in hand. she froze for a second when she noticed you, the quiet, almost accidental recognition that made her heart skip.
“oh—hey,” she said, voice a little tight but warm. you looked up, surprised but smiling. “hey, ellie. watcha doing?”
“i’m just, uh, getting a little work done before lab,” she said, adjusting her bag nervously.
“me too,” you replied. “actually, we’re heading to the same lab next, right?”
ellie’s face flushed slightly “yeah… seems like it.”
“want to walk together?” you asked casually, gesturing toward the exit. her eyes widened slightly, and she nodded, fumbling with the straps of her backpack. “uh…yeah. that’d be nice.”
the chemistry lab smelled faintly of antiseptic and chemicals, the bright overhead lights reflecting off stainless steel surfaces and glass beakers. you set up at your usual bench, unpacking your notebook, lab coat already draped over your shoulders. ellie worked at the bench across from you, quietly setting up her own experiment.
“need a hand with that?” she asked suddenly, hesitating as she looked at the small arrangement of tubes you were aligning.
“sure, if you don’t mind,” you said, sliding one of the beakers toward her. ellie leaned over slightly, brushing a strand of hair from her face as she helped. your fingers nearly brushed, and you felt a faint spark of awareness— but she didn’t notice, too focused on the task.
“careful with that pipette,” she murmured, a small grin tugging at her lips. “don’t want to flood your experiment on the first try.”
“thanks, i think i can manage,” you replied, raising an eyebrow playfully.
throughout the lab, you worked on different experiments but found yourselves glancing at each other frequently, offering short comments and quiet teasing. a bead of water slipped from a cylinder, and ellie instinctively reach over to steady it, whispering, “almost got you there.” you chuckled softly.
“i think you might be more helpful than you realize.” you said suddenly. she flushed slightly and looked down at her lab notes. then, after a pause, you decided to. real the silence with something lighter “hey,” you said casually, “did you hear about that party tonight?”
ellie’s eyes flicked up, curiosity peeking through her usual guarded expression. “uh…yeah, i think i saw a flyer or something.”
“you should come,” you said, leaning slightly toward her over the bench. “it’s nothing big, just a mixer of snacks and music. could be fun. and… it might be a good way to meet people outside of class.” ellie glanced down at her notes, then back up at you, fiddling nervously with her fingers. “maybe… i don’t know. i’m not really—“
“hey,” you interrupted gently, “you could just come for a little while. no pressure. i think it would be fun to have a familiar face there.” ellie bit her lip, looking a little shy but also intrigued. “yeah… okay. i’ll think about it.”
“perfect,” you said, smiling warmly. “even if it’s just for a few minutes, it’ll be fun.”
she nodded, a small smile tugging at her lips. “okay, thanks.”
by the end of the session, the quiet collaboration left a comfortable tension between you, the kind that lingered long after the breakers were cleaned and the lights dimmed.
after some lectures and meals, you didn’t head straight to the dining hall after class. instead, you walked back toward your dorm, earbuds in, the late afternoon sun casting warm stripes across campus sidewalks. you could feel that quiet buzz in your chest that came after a good day— nothing too overwhelming, but enough to make you feel like you were already winning at this whole college thing.
your dorm building was one of the quieter ones on campus, tucked just far enough from the main quad that you actually had to want to be here. you unlocked your door and stepped into your single dorm room, the one you fought for during housing applications.
it was a small and cozy, the kind of space that felt like it had been curated just for you. the walls were already decorated with a few polaroids from the summer, a soft pinboard for reminders, and string lights draped along side to give it that warm, golden glow you loved. your bed was perfectly made, mostly because you hated the feeling of coming back to a messy bed. your desk was stacked with notebooks and pens, your laptop sitting open where you’d left it earlier.
you dropped your bag by the bed and flipped onto the mattress for a second, scrolling through your phone and grinning a little when you das the google doc with your class schedule and assignments. you were a little ahead of schedule already, your notes from last night meant you could breathe easy tonight without stressing about falling behind.
“perfect excuse to go out,” you muttered to yourself before rolling off the bed and heading toward your closet.
you put some music while you got ready, a little playlist that made you feel confident. you grabbed your makeup bag and stood in front of the small mirror on your desk, brushing through your lashes, dabbing concealer under your eyes to erase the exhaustion from last night’s diner shift, and swiping on a subtle gloss. your hair fell into place just right after a few fixed, making you smile at your reflection.
then came the outfit. you pulled out the dress from your closet like it was waiting for you— a sleek, black slip dress with pinstripes running down the bodice in neat, sharp lines, hugging your waist just right. the neckline was trimmed with delicate lace that softened the look, giving it a quiet kind of romantic edge. the bottom hem flared out into layered lace ruffles that swished just slightly when you held it up in front of you, playful without trying too hard.
you slipped it on, smoothing the fabric over your hips, and turned slightly in the mirror to check the outfit. you put on some heels, not too extra but not too boring, it was just right.
you texted the group chat:
what are we wearing tonight? pls tell me i didn’t overdress
amara 💋: you?? never. i’m literally wearing a satin top and low rise jeans lol
julie 🪽: mini skirt. it’s a theme night anyway babes, ur good
mateo : lmao what theme is this
performative hoe (jord): the theme is yall wasting my time if we don’t meet up soon
you laughed, texting back that you’d meet them at jordan’s dorm before heading out. as you grabbed your crossbody bag and slung it over your shoulder, you shot off another quick text:
julie 🪽: student activities house!! by the east quad
right— the big, slightly old-looking house that clubs and student orgs rented out for events. you’d passed before and heard the music thumping on weekends.
you grabbed your shoulder purse, locked your door, and made your way to jordan’s dorm, the sound of your heels clicking against the pavement in rhythm with your music. when you got there, they were already outside waiting. amara’s makeup glittered under the dorm’s entrance lights, her lip gloss catching the glow.
“okay, you look hot,” amara said immediately, looking up and down before dramatically fanning herself.
“thank you, babes,” you said, grinning and giving a little spin just to be dramatic.
“god,” jordan said, clutching his chest. “i feel like i should buy you a drink or something now.”
you all laughed and you fell into step with them as you all started walking, the warm late-summer air still clinging to the evening. the chatter was easy, familiar— amara debating whether she was actually going to dance tonight, mateo threatening to drag her to the middle of the floor if she didn’t, and juliana pulling up directions to the house because no one else remembered where it was.
the house was easy to find, the thump of the bass carried down the street before you even reached it, the warm glow of string lights spilling out through the windows and across the front lawn. someone had chalked “BACK TO SCHOOL BASH” across the sidewalk in huge block letters, and the porch was already crowded with students holding red cups, talking over the music.
inside, the air was warm and smelled faintly like a mix of cheap beer, perfume, and pizza, the living room had been cleared of most of its furniture to make space for a dance floor. people were packed shoulder to shoulder, the music pulsing through the floorboards, a mix of late 2010s throwbacks and current hits that kept the energy.
you and your friends wove your way through the entryway, taking it all in— a group was sitting cross-legged on the rug playing some chaotic version of card games, a couple of students were shouting along to the song like it was karaoke night.
“this is kind of perfect,” juliana shouted over the music, already swaying to the beat.
“i’m not even drunk yet and this is fun,” mateo said, grinning.
you laughed, letting yourself relax into the atmosphere. it was warm, buzzing, exactly what you needed after lectures and shifts at the diner.
when you turned toward the kitchen to grab a drink, you caught sight of dina near the island, laughing with someone you vaguely recognized from class.
“oh, i see someone i know,” you told your friends. “i’ll be right back.”
you crossed the kitchen and tapped dina’s arm. “hey, dina!”
she grinned when she saw you, “hey, you made it!”
“wouldn’t miss it,” you said, reaching for one of the cups in the counter. “this is a good turnout. did you help set this up?”
“yeah, kind of. a bunch of other students pitched in.” dina glanced toward the living room. “you should’ve seen this place two hours ago, we were dragging furniture into the garage.” you smiled, taking a sip of your drink before casually asking, “so… is ellie here?”
dina’s grin widened instantly, clearing catching the casual tone in your voice. “why?” she teased, cocking her head. “asking for a friend?”
you rolled your eyes, though there was a small smile tugging at your mouth. “no, i told her she should come, that’s all. just wondering if she actually did.” before dina could say anything, someone brushed past you to grab a drink, and you heard a familiar voice just behind you.
“dina,” ellie said, sounding slightly breathless. “i couldn’t find what you were looking for, the kitchen is like… packed.
dina groaned. “seriously?”
ellie laughed softly, rubbing the back of her neck, but then her eyes landed on you— and she froze for just a second. you turned fully toward her, smiling. “ellie! i’m so glad you’re actually here!”
she blinked, like she was processing the words, before her mouth tugged into a small, shy smile. “uh—yeah. yeah, i’m here.”
dina looked between the two of you, already smirking. “okay, weirdo,” she said to ellie, “stop staring at her like she just cured world hunger.” ellie’s ears turned bright pink as she ducked her head, mumbling something that was probably meant to be a protest.
you just laughed softly, feeling the corners of your mouth curl up even more as you held her gaze for a moment.
dina sighed dramatically. “fine, i’ll go get it myself before someone else eats it. don’t be weird.”
ellie blinked. “i’m not—“
but dina was already gone, swallowed up by the crowd, leaving the two of you standing there with nothing but the music and the low buzz of voices filling the space between you. ellie shifted her weight, trying to look nonchalant but still tugging at the cuff of her flannel. you glanced at her, amused at how much taller she looked under the glow of the string lights, how she seemed to be scanning the room for an escape route but staying put anyway.
“so,” you say with a small smile, leaning closer so she could hear you over the bass. “kitchen too crowded for you, ellie?”
“yeah,” she said, running a hand through her hair like she was trying to play it cool. “too many people standing around like they’ve never seen a bag of chips before.” you laughed, and ellie looked away briefly, fighting a smile like she didn’t want you to see how proud she was for making you laugh.
then she glanced back at you, and before she could think twice about it, the words just tumbled out.
“you look really pretty tonight.”
you blinked, caught off guard, staring at her for a beat longer than usual. ellie’s face flushed, and she quickly stumbled over her own words.
“i mean- you look pretty all the time, i just meant— tonight you look, uh—“
you couldn’t help it. you laughed, warm, and soft, cutting through her nervous ramble. “i know what you meant,” you said, still smiling. “thank you, ellie.”
she exhaled through her nose, her shoulders dropping like she was both relieved and completely flustered at the same time. before the moment could stretch any further, dina reappears, this time with jesse trialing behind her and two red solo cups in her hands. “guys! beer pong is in the other room, let’s go before the table’s full.”
“oh, fun!” you said, peeking up. “let me grab my friends, they love playing this.” you turned to ellie with a little grin, already starting toward the living room. “come with me. you can be on my team.”
ellie hesitated only for a second before nodding, shoving her hands in her pockets as she followed you, still a little dazed that she’d just said what she said, and you’d smiled at her like that when she did.
you weaved through the crowd, the music louder the further you go, ellie walking just a little behind you like she’s still unsure if she should really be following. you glance over your shoulder with a smile, nodding for her to keep up.
“julie! jordan!” you call, spotting them near the corner where the couch is half-occupied by students balancing drinks on their knees.
juliana’s head pops up, her glossy hair bouncing as she waves you over jordan looks like he’s halfway through telling a story but cuts himself when he sees you.
“there you are,” jordan says, sliding his cup onto the coffee table and leaning closer. “we thought you disappeared.”
“just found some company,” you reply, stepping aside slightly so ellie is in view. “guys, this is ellie. she’s in my lit and lab.”
ellie gives a little nod, one hand still shoved deep in her pocket. “hey.”
jordan grins, always quick with the charm. “ah, so you’re the ellie we’ve heard about.”
ellie freezes for half a second, her green eyes flicking to you, a question written all over her face. you laugh quickly, waving your hand. “ignore him. he just says things.”
juliana smiles knowingly anyway. “nice to meet you, ellie.”
“yeah,” jordan adds, leaning back with. teasing smirk. “come on then, let’s go see what this beer pong hype is about.”
you lead the little group into the next room, where the table is already set up with its near pyramid of red cups at either end. students cluster around, some playing, some cheering. dina and jesse are already there, waving you all over for squeeze into the circle forming around the table.
“you’re up next!” dina calls, pushing two cups into your hand. “partner up!”
without hesitation, you glance at ellie. “you’re with me now, ellie.” ellie’s eyebrows lift, caught off guard, but she steps forward anyway. “yeah. okay.”
the game starts, the first team taking their shots. you stand shoulder to shoulder with ellie, cups lined up in front of you, the crowd noisy with laughter and half-serious trash talk.
when it’s ellie’s turn, she lines up the ball, brows furrowed in focus. the shot bounces off the rim of a cup, just missing.
“close!” you cheer, nudging her elbow.
“don’t patronize me,” ellie mutters under her breath, smirking just enough to let you know she’s joking.
your turn. you flick the ball lightly, and it sinks straight into the third cup. the crowd whoops, juliana clapping behind you.
ellie groans, shaking her head. “oh, so you’ve been hiding skills.”
you grin at her. “maybe.”
she looks at you, green eyed sharp under the dim lights, and with a sudden burst of boldness she leans just close enough for only you to hear. “alright. bet you can’t do it again.”
the challenge makes your chest feel too tight, the competitiveness feeling increase, but you keep your smile steady. “definitely.”
the game continues, and ellie tries to match your playful confidence. each time she takes a shot, she tries tossing a quip your way. “don’t distract me,” or “if i miss, it’s your fault.” but every time the words leave her mouth, she’s the one who ends up flustered, biting the inside of her cheek and trying to hide the pink rising in her ears.
and every time you laugh, warm and genuine, it only makes her stumble more.
near the end of the game, she finally sinks a shot dead center, and she raises her arms in mock victory, turning toward you with a grin that’s half confidence, half disbelief. “see that?” she says, voice edging into cocky territory for once.
you clap for her, leaning in with a playful smile that’s just enough to make her falter. “i saw. i’m impressed.”
your team ends up taking the win after a close round, and juliana is screaming in your ear like you just hit a game-winning shot in the nba finals. you can’t stop laughing, grinning so hard your cheeks hurt.
ellie turns toward you, still buzzing from the game, and you hold your hands up instinctively, palms facing her. for a split second, she hesitates. then she presses her hands to yours, her palms warm against yours.
“that was all you,” you tell her, smiling like an idiot. ellie shakes her head, but she’s smiling too, more openly than you’ve seen her all night. “nah. definitely team effort.”
you roll your eyes at the modesty. “okay, team effort.”
for a moment, neither of you drop your hands. then someone behind you shouts for the next team, and the spell breaks. you both step aside, cups still in hand, the crowd shifting around you.
the music has gotten louder now, bass thrumming under your feet. you end up standing near ellie again as people filter toward the makeshift dance floor.
“you know…” you say casually, glancing over at her, “you’re honestly so fun to be around. it’s weird how you’re just kind of… appearing more in my life lately. not in a bad way.”
ellie’s head turns to look at you, brows furrowing just slightly like she wasn’t expecting you to say that. for a moment she’s quiet, her eyes flickering to the floor, to the crowd, and finally back to you.
“oh… yeah,” she says, scratching the back of her neck. “i guess maybe i’m just open to having more people in my circle this year.”
it’s a simple enough answer, and you nod, accepting it. but there’s something about the way she says it, soft and summer, that makes you think there’s more she isn’t saying. before you can reply, juliana comes barreling through the crowd, grabbing your arm. “come on, babe! come dance with me.”
you laugh, nearly spilling what’s left of your drink as she and jordan pull you toward the crowd of swaying bodies. you glance back once over your shoulder and catch ellie watching you, her expression unreadable in the low light.
she lifts her cup slightly, almost like a wave, and you smile back at her before you let your friends pull you into the rhythm of the music. this was the perfect way to end the night.
you get back to your dorm late, a little buzzed but more from the energy of the night than the drinks. the single dorm room is quiet when you shut the door behind you, the faint smell of your perfume still lingering from earlier when you were getting ready.
you tossed your bag on the chair and flopped on your bed and later kicking your shoes off. your phone buzzed with a couple of texts, jamar’s sending blurry dance floor videos, jordan insisting that his beer pong form was the reason your team won, and a couple other silly texts. you smiled, scrolling for a moment before tossing your phone aside.
for some reason, your brain went back to the kitchen at the party, ellie standing there looking startled and so completely caught off guard hbu saying you were glad she came. and then her face when she blurted out that you looked pretty.
you laugh softly to yourself. she was kind and funny. kind of cute, too, when she tripped over her words like that. not that you were reading into it or anything. you just liked seeing her around, that was all.
still, you caught yourself wondering if she’d really start hanging out more, or if tonight had just been some random one-off.
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