Mystical (Mystical #1) (Revising)

Chapter Two ☆

Stacy, her face flushed with anger, stormed off down the hallway, with David in pursuit. The commotion attracted the attention of the onlookers, who turned to watch the unfolding scene.

"It's not about your stupid student ambassador duties, David. It's about our non-existent quality time," Stacy snapped.

Eliza, observing the scene, couldn't help but stifle a chuckle. Stacy's long hair swayed as she turned towards Eliza, while David shot her a glance with his piercing dark blue eyes. It seemed they had heard her slight amusement.

"I would watch it, freak," Stacy muttered before she walked away, leaving behind an awkward atmosphere.

Feeling self-conscious, Eliza bit her lip, hoping to avoid further attention. She wandered over to the student help desk, taking a deep breath as she patiently waited her turn to ask for assistance.

"Next!" the tired-looking lady behind the desk called out, her attention more focused on the computer screen than the students.

"I need directions to Student Services, please," Eliza spoke up, her voice soft.

The lady stopped chewing her gum and pointed in multiple directions. Impatiently, she interrupted Eliza, saying, "Turn left, then right, then left, then go straight." Irritated, she looked up at Eliza and barked, "Next!"

"Can you repeat that?" Eliza tried to ask.

"Turn left, then right... Just go straight and follow the signs," the lady snapped, already moving on to the next student.

Suddenly, a girl tapped Eliza on the shoulder. Eliza turned and flashed a grin, but the girl appeared frustrated, clearly not enjoying the long wait. "Excuse me, I'm kind of in a hurry. Are you done?"

The girl held out her palm and glanced back at the line of students, pursing her lips in impatience. Eliza apologized, "Uh, sorry," as the girl pushed past her to the counter.

Eventually, Eliza found her way to the counselor's office, a spacious area filled with chairs and tables. She approached the receptionist and joined the line to speak with someone. Above her, a sign displayed "Student Services" on a thick board.

"Excuse me, is this Admissions?" a voice interrupted her thoughts.

Eliza's gaze shifted downward, captivated by the guy's clean blue Vans. As her eyes traveled back up, she couldn't help but notice his rugged shorts and simple gray crewneck. She was momentarily speechless, lost in the depths of his light chocolate eyes. His long, mesmerizing eyelashes fluttered, hinting at a playful confidence as he subtly checked her out, causing a flutter in her stomach.

"N—no," Eliza stammered. "It's the Student Services Center."

"You're staring at me the same way you did earlier, Ms. Taylor Swift," he chuckled.

"Uh..."

Eliza could hardly believe that such a dry response was all she could muster. A guy was actually initiating a conversation with her, and all she could say was 'Uh'? She pressed her lips together, feeling a mix of embarrassment and excitement. Lost in her thoughts, she noticed the guy in front of her squinting, his hand casually resting on the strap over his shoulder.

"Ha ha, yeah, I like that song too," Eliza blurted out, unable to contain her enthusiasm. The words spilled out before she could even process them. She couldn't believe this was happening. The guy she never expected to see again was standing right in front of her, attending the same university. It felt as if her throat was closing up, her dorky side fully taking over as she struggled to find her cool composure.

Glancing behind him, Eliza caught sight of Stacy walking into her next class, her neck and chest covered in concealer, although the faint traces of hickeys were still visible. She couldn't help but cringe at the sight, a clear reminder of how different she was from the popular crowd.