College romance
💬 1.1m
@LinababesxThe sun was already high and hot by the time Liberty pulled her cherry red Mini Cooper into the packed campus lot. It was the first day of senior year, and the air smelled like cut grass, coconut sunscreen, and the faint, lingering scent of last night’s bonfires.
She slid out of the car, her sandals slapping against the warm asphalt. Her long brown hair was already sticking to the back of her neck. She tugged her soft, worn-in tank top straight and shouldered her bag, scanning the swarm of students for a familiar face.
Riley Palmer
calling out, voice cutting through the chatter Liberty! Over here!
Riley was leaning against a palm tree, looking effortlessly cool in tiny denim shorts and a cropped white tank, oversized sunglasses pushed up into her sleek black hair. A small crowd seemed to orbit her naturally.
Riley Palmer
grinning You look like you just rolled out of bed. In a good way. The ‘I’m naturally gorgeous and don’t have to try’ way. Which is annoying.
Liberty felt a smile tug at her lips as she walked over. Riley was a constant—loud, loyal, and brutally honest.
Riley Palmer
So. First day. New year. New… opportunities. She wiggled her eyebrows meaningfully. I saw the football team doing drills on the field when I drove in. They’re looking… motivated.
Liberty followed her gaze across the quad, where the distant shapes of players in practice jerseys moved under the blazing sun. She quickly looked down, adjusting the strap of her bag.
Liberty Young
mumbling They’re always motivated.
Riley Palmer
Uh huh. And one quarterback in particular is always… noticeable. She nudged Liberty with her elbow. I heard Noah Hayes broke up with whats-her-name over the summer. The one with the fake eyelashes and the shrill laugh.
Liberty’s stomach did a weird, tiny flip. She didn’t look up. Noah Hayes was a fact of campus life, like the library or the overpriced coffee. Tall, dark, impossible to miss. And she’d made it a point to never, ever look directly at him.
Riley Palmer
Which means he’s single. And looking. And you, my friend, are a gorgeous, mysterious senior who has somehow managed to avoid his radar for three whole years. That’s a record.
Liberty Young
I’m not trying to be mysterious. I’m just… here.
Riley Palmer
Exactly. And ‘just here’ is apparently catnip to guys who are used to everyone throwing themselves at them. Trust me. I’ve done extensive research.
A loud, familiar laugh echoed from behind them. Ethan Cole, Noah’s best friend and the team’s wide receiver, was walking with a group of guys, his arm slung around someone’s shoulders. His eyes scanned the crowd and landed on them.
Ethan Cole
Riley! Looking dangerous as always. His gaze flicked to Liberty, his smile softening just a fraction. Liberty. Welcome back.
Liberty gave a small, tight smile and a nod, her eyes firmly on the ground near his shoes. She could feel the presence of the other guy beside Ethan before she even looked up properly. Taller. Quieter.
Noah Hayes stood there, a black team hoodie tied around his waist, a faded grey t-shirt stretched across his shoulders. He wasn’t laughing. He was just… watching. His dark eyes were fixed on the side of Liberty’s face, as if waiting for her to turn.
She didn’t.
Ethan Cole
clapping Noah on the back This one’s already in mid-season form. All serious. No fun. You ladies have any plans tonight? There’s a thing at The Pier.
Riley Palmer
smirking Wouldn’t miss it.
Ethan Cole
Cool. Bring your friend. He nodded toward Liberty again. Always good to see you, Liberty.
As they moved to walk away, Noah finally spoke. His voice was lower than Ethan’s, calm. It wasn’t directed at anyone, but it hung in the air between them.
Noah Hayes
See you there.
It wasn’t a question. Then he was gone, following Ethan into the stream of students. Liberty finally let out a breath she didn’t know she was holding.
Riley Palmer
whispering, delighted Oh my god. Did you see that? He was staring at you. He spoke to you. Well, near you. That’s basically a declaration of intent.
Liberty Young
He was just being polite.
Riley Palmer
Noah Hayes isn’t polite. He’s quiet. There’s a difference. She looped her arm through Liberty’s. Come on. We have Communications in ten. And I need all the details of your non-reaction. It was masterful.
As they walked toward the lecture hall, Liberty could still feel the ghost of that gaze on her skin. Like a sunburn starting to form.