Calyx

I'm just a normal college student, 21 years old, taking up Multimedia Arts at a university not too far from home. My days were filled with the usual stuff; lectures, projects, deadlines, coffee-fueled all night, and the occasional campus gossip. If you asked my classmates, they’d probably say I was the “chill and cute type,” a little too quiet sometimes, but friendly enough.

But even if I’m friendly, I only keep a small circle, just the people I trust the most. That’s Elian and Sophia. We’ve been friends for almost eight years and If you’re wondering how we became friends, I have a simple answer: we were classmates back in high school. At first, we didn’t even talk to each other. But then…. boom, I don’t even know why, it just clicked. It felt like there was a spark between the three of us. Suddenly, we were hanging out, inviting each other to random places, and the friendship just happened. Just like that. Maybe it was destiny that brought us together.

And honestly? We never fought. Well, okay, just once.

Because I didn’t tell them I was part of that Power Ranger joke, HAHAH.

Actually, the truth is, because I didn’t lend them my notebook since I wasn’t done studying, and our exams were just a few days away. But we got over it quickly. And look at us now, eight years strong.

I guess people liked to look at me more than they liked to talk to me. I’d often hear things like, “You look like a K-pop idol, Calyx!” or “You’d totally fit in South Korea.” Maybe it’s my soft features, fair skin, almond eyes, or how my hair always manages to fall perfectly.
But behind all that, I’m someone who prefers calm over chaos, books over bars, and genuine people over flashy ones.

By the way, it’s already 8:00 AM and I’m about to be late for my first class. So basically, just hold on for a minute, I’ll continue this story once I get to school. Don’t skip this part, okay? Just wait…

Okay, I’m back! I’ve arrived at school already. Our first subject teacher isn’t here yet, so let’s continue.

Just so you know, I live with my single mom. My dad passed away when I was young. Life was tough, but thankfully my mom is super supportive and hardworking. Still, I know she carries the pain of losing my dad. She tries to hide it, but I see it. To add, I’m the only child, so she can be a little overprotective sometimes. But no matter what decision I make, she always respects it.

Studying in a university isn’t easy. Sure, it's free, no tuition, no fees, and even free meals, but the price you pay is your soul being drained from exhaustion. You know… pressure from peers, pressure from yourself, and the worst, pressure from professors who dump a ton of work with barely any time to do it.

But it’s okay! because as an intelligent one

(believe me, I’m intelligent, not with my brain, but with perspective and perseverance HAHAHA), I still get through to any hardship of college life.

My mind usually wanders during class, and I’m slow when it comes to understanding lessons, but I’m fast when it comes to creating projects. And I always try to be present in class because that’s the only thing I can really do to pull my grades up.

I'm not smart academically... But at least I’m prospectively smart. HAHAHA.

Anyway, our professor just arrived. He’s the kindest among all our teachers, but also the scariest because behind that smile? A really tiny grade he can give to his student. Shocking, right?

But at least he’s kind, let's just not talk the other side of him hahaha.

Our lesson today is about animation, which I both love and hate. I love it because it's fun. I hate it because... well... art hates me back. Even when I try my best to make my artwork look good, somehow, no art is ever found in it. Last time, our project was to create an animated character. My brain almost exploded! Especially because the requirement was to use an animation app.

Let me tell you what happened. When the deadline came, I submitted a stickman. Yes. Just a stickman. Because that’s the only thing I knew how to do on the app. My prof laughed so loud when he receive my project, but he didn’t scold me. He just gave me a grade of 3 for that project. But hey! out of 40 students, at least I wasn’t last! I was at 39th place. HAHAHA.

Right now, he's lecturing us about proper techniques when using animation apps, like when you want to animate something you really like. I actually enjoy this topic because I want to learn and discover my editing skills someday.

But still… I’m sleepy. Even though the subject isn’t boring, lecturing is my biggest weakness. Especially when the teacher talks like a storyteller, it makes me want to nap.

But of course, as a good and responsible student…..yahh hahaha.
we still need to pay attention. Because if we didn’t listen we might fail the exams.

After an hour of lecturing, finally, he was done. It was kinda tiring, but at least I survived. But before he left……boom, he suddenly gave us a project! He said we had to submit it before the vacation starts… and vacation is already next week! And the project? We’re supposed to create an animated image of our dream destination. Well, at least it sounds a little inspiring, maybe it’ll spark something in me.

After assigning the project, he left the room.
And since our next subject wasn’t until 12 noon, which meant a long break, I decided to look for Sophia and Elian.

Just so you know, the three of us aren’t classmates, we’re in different courses. Sophia took Culinary, while Elian chose Law (he’s the smartest among us, I swear). And just to add, I’m the only bisexual in our trio. And yes, they both know as I've told them way back in high school. Honestly, I think those two have something going on. I know they like each other, they’re just hiding it for the sake of our friendship, which is totally fine too, but lately I feel something that there happening between them.

Anyway, let’s go back to the story, enough with the self-intro! Hahaha.

So, after class, I looked around for them. They weren’t hard to find because we all have the same shared addiction: coffee.

Coffee is life, you know! Who even survives college without it?

After a minute of walking, I found them at the campus café, both sipping coffee while deep in conversation. I quickly walked toward them when suddenly….bam! A guy on a bicycle crashed right into me.

I didn’t know him, maybe a new student? He was cute, handsome, and honestly looked like someone who belongs on TV. He’s wearing just simple black polo, and some pants.

“Ouch! Hey, don’t you look where you’re going?” I told him after he bumped into me.

“Sorry! I’m really, really sorry. Are you hurt? I was in a rush,” he said, clearly panicking.

“Well, good thing you’re cute. Otherwise, I might’ve kicked you already,” I muttered under my breath.

“Huh?” he asked, confused.

“Nothing,” I replied. “Just be careful next time, okay? Try looking where you’re going. Why were you in such a rush anyway?”

“I was looking for the College of Multimedia Arts building. That’s where my next subject is,” he answered.

“Oh? What year are you?” I asked.

“Third year. I’m a transferee and irregular student from the college of Theater and arts, so I still don’t really know where anything is.”

“Yikes, no need to rush then. Our class just ended. Didn’t you try going to the admin building to ask for help?”

“I did, but there was no one there. By the way, what time’s your next class?” He replied

“Not until 12. It’s still a long break. But if you want to go to the classroom anyway, just head straight and when you reach the cherry blossom area, our building is there.”

“Ahh, okay. Thank you! I’m Andrei, by the way,” he said with a smile.

“I’m Calyx,” I replied.

“Good to know you! At least I made a friend before entering class. Anyway, I’ll head there now. See you around!”

“Sure!” that was all I managed to say as he hopped back on his bike and pedaled away toward the building.

As he disappeared into the distance, I suddenly felt a sting in my palm. When I looked down….ouch…… my hand was scratched from when I fell earlier.

“Calyx, are you okay?” Sophia asked as she and Elian approached me.

“Who was that guy? So rude,” Elian added, frowning.

“Ahh, it’s just a small scratch, no big deal. He said he’s a new student here and just transferred recently,” I answered.

“Oh please. Just admit it, you’re only saying that because he’s cute,” Sophia teased, clearly not buying it.

“No, I’m not! …Okay, maybe a little, hahaha” I admitted with a sheepish smile.

“Hyst, Let’s just go inside the café and continue our convo,” Elian chimed in.

And so, the three of us went inside. But honestly, I couldn’t stop thinking about that guy’s face. What’s going on with me?

Self, please, are we crushing already? HAHAHA.

Anyway, I’ll end Chapter One here for now.
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Stay tuned for the next chapter! Promise you’ll read it, okay?
                                                                                — Your’s Truly, Calyx