Chapter 7: VII

Chapter 7: Breaking the Ice

The late afternoon sun streamed through the large windows of the campus library as Riley lingered by one of the long oak tables, her laptop open but untouched. Her fingers tapped rhythmically against the table's edge as she waited for Elena to arrive.

She’d spent the better part of the morning crafting a message that struck the balance between professional and casual, suggesting they meet to discuss their group project. The reply from Elena had been brief but polite:

"Library at 3?"

Riley had agreed, although she couldn’t shake the nerves buzzing in her chest.

---

The sound of approaching footsteps pulled Riley from her thoughts. She looked up just as Elena turned the corner, her polished leather boots clicking softly against the tiled floor.

Riley swallowed hard, forcing herself to remain calm as Elena smiled faintly and gestured to the seat across from her.

“Hey,” Elena said, sliding into the chair. She placed her bag on the table and pulled out a notebook and pen. “Sorry I’m a little late. Class ran over.”

Riley waved it off. “No worries. I’ve only been here a few minutes.”

Elena nodded, flipping open her notebook. “So, I thought we could start by figuring out what media we want to analyze for the project. That might help us narrow down our focus.”

Riley nodded, her voice steady. “Yeah, that makes sense. Did you have any ideas?”

Elena tilted her head thoughtfully. “I was thinking something with a lot of depth—maybe a TV series that tackles social issues or a film that’s heavy on character development. What about you?”

Riley hesitated. “I like the idea of a TV series. Something recent, maybe, so it feels relevant?”

Elena smiled. “We’re on the same page, then. What about Euphoria? It’s rich in social and psychological themes, and it’s something a lot of people can relate to.”

“That’s actually a great idea,” Riley said, her confidence building. “We could analyze the different character arcs and how they’re shaped by their environments.”

Elena nodded, her eyes lighting up. “Exactly. Plus, it gives us plenty to work with. Do you want to meet here again to start outlining, or…?”

Riley hesitated, her heart racing. “I was actually thinking maybe we could work at one of the campus cafes? There’s that one by the arts building—it’s quieter, but they have great coffee.”

“That sounds perfect,” Elena said, her smile softening. “Let’s do that. Tomorrow around four?”

Riley nodded, trying to keep her composure. “Works for me.”

Elena closed her notebook, sliding it back into her bag. “Great. I’ll see you then.”

With a final smile, she stood and walked away, leaving Riley sitting at the table, her mind reeling.

---

Later that evening, Riley met up with Sam and Jordan again in their usual spot at the dorm lounge. Sam was sprawled across the couch with a gaming controller in hand, while Jordan leaned against the armrest, scrolling through his phone.

“You look like you’ve been through the wringer,” Sam said, barely glancing up as Riley flopped into an armchair.

Riley groaned. “I just had my first actual conversation with Elena since high school.”

Jordan’s eyebrows shot up. “And you survived to tell the tale?”

“Barely,” Riley muttered, sinking further into the chair.

Sam paused his game, tossing the controller aside. “Okay, spill. What happened?”

“She suggested Euphoria for our project,” Riley said. “I agreed. And then I suggested we work at that cafe near the arts building. She said yes.”

“That’s progress!” Jordan said, smiling.

“Yeah, but I don’t know how to act around her,” Riley admitted. “She’s so... put-together. And I’m just... me.”

“Riley, you’ve worked hard to become the best version of yourself,” Sam said firmly. “Don’t sell yourself short.”

Jordan nodded. “Besides, she clearly doesn’t think you’re just ‘you.’ She wouldn’t have agreed to work with you if she didn’t see potential.”

“Potential?” Riley asked, raising an eyebrow.

“You know, as a partner,” Jordan said quickly, though the slight smirk on his face didn’t go unnoticed.

Sam rolled his eyes. “Ignore him. The point is, you’ve got this. Just be yourself, and everything will work out.”

Riley sighed, her shoulders relaxing slightly. “Thanks, guys.”

“Anytime,” Sam said with a grin.

---

Across campus, Elena was sitting at a small table in her dorm, her laptop open as she typed up notes for another class. But her thoughts kept drifting back to Riley.

When Riley had walked into the library earlier, Elena had done a double take. The transformation was undeniable—not just in how Riley looked but in how she carried herself. There was a quiet confidence there now, one that had been missing before.

And yet, Elena couldn’t help but remember the Riley from high school—the quiet, unassuming girl who always seemed to fade into the background. She’d noticed Riley back then, even if she never admitted it out loud. There was something about her that had always intrigued Elena, though she couldn’t quite put her finger on it.

Now, seeing Riley again, Elena felt a mix of curiosity and admiration. She wanted to know more about this new version of Riley—the one who had suggested working at a cafe with a quiet conviction that seemed both natural and unexpected.

As she closed her laptop, Elena made a mental note to pay closer attention during their next meeting.

---

Riley lay in bed that night, staring at the ceiling. The day had been a whirlwind, and tomorrow’s meeting at the cafe loomed large in her mind.

What if I say something stupid? she thought.

But then she remembered the way Elena had smiled at her, the way her eyes had lit up when they discussed the project.

Maybe this won’t be so bad after all, she thought, a small smile tugging at her lips.

Across campus, Elena sat by her window, staring out at the twinkling lights of the city. She thought of Riley’s quiet determination and the way she’d suggested the cafe with such casual confidence.

There’s more to her than meets the eye, Elena thought, her curiosity growing.

As the campus settled into the quiet hum of the night, both girls found themselves thinking about each other, the spark of something new and unspoken beginning to take root.