Between The Lines! (not complete)

Part 2

⚠️this is my first story so go easy on me!!⚠️

It was the first day of the new semester at Grand Valley University.

As I walked to class, I suddenly collided with a strong, broad body. The impact sent me straight to the ground, my textbooks spilling out of my bag and sliding across the sidewalk.

Before I could react, a tall, mysterious guy reached down to help me up. He had to be at least 6'3.

"Maybe next time you could watch where you're going," I said, sucking my teeth.

He smirked. "I wasn't the one who wasn't paying attention."

He reached out his hand, but I politely declined, brushing myself off instead. Without another word, I picked up my books and continued walking.

As I settled into my seat, pulling my notebook closer, a sudden chill brushed against my arm. The chair beside me creaked.

Please don't let it be-

I glanced over.

It was him.

The same guy I'd bumped into outside earlier. Out of all the empty seats in the lecture hall, he chose the one right next to me. Typical.

Does he not see all the other seats?

I faced forward, pretending he didn't exist, even though I could feel his presence far too clearly. He leaned back in his chair like he belonged there, relaxed in a way that instantly irritated me.

"Hey, princess," he said, voice low, carrying that annoying confidence.

Absolutely not.

"Please don't call me that," I replied, sliding my chair a few inches away. "I'd prefer if you called me by my name-Zaliyah."

"Nice to meet you, Zaliyah," he said smoothly. "I'm Cooper."

Something fluttered in my chest, completely unwanted.

Nope. Not happening.

I focused on the lecture, forcing myself to ignore him. Still, every time he shifted or leaned forward, my attention betrayed me. I hated that my body reacted before my brain could remind me why guys like him were a distraction.

Med school didn't care about charm.

The hour and a half crawled by. When the professor finally dismissed us, I packed my things quickly, determined to put as much distance between Cooper and myself as possible.

One class, I told myself. That's it.

After changing into something comfortable back at my dorm, I grabbed my laptop and headed to the library. Studying was the only way to reset my mind-to get back in control.

The quiet of the library instantly calmed me. I wandered through the aisles, scanning the shelves for a physiology reference book I needed. When I finally found the section, the book I wanted sat just out of reach.

I stretched up on my toes, fingertips brushing the spine.

Almost.

A hand reached past mine and pulled the book free with ease.

"You mean this one?"

I froze.

Slowly, I turned around.

Cooper.

You have got to be kidding me.

"Do you follow people around?" I asked flatly.

He chuckled. "Relax. Big library. Coincidence."

I took the book from his hand. "Sure."

He leaned against the shelf, unfazed. "Didn't think I'd see you again so soon."

"I did," I said. "I was hoping I'd be wrong."

Instead of being offended, he smiled-and for some reason, that annoyed me more than anything.

After Class i went to my dorm and refreshed and got ready to meet my friends at the Coffee shop we go to study.

The café just off campus was buzzing when I walked in, the smell of espresso and vanilla syrup settling my nerves almost instantly. Soft music played overhead, mixing with the low hum of conversation.

I spotted Jasmine and Destiny at our usual table near the window. Jasmine sat with her legs crossed, phone in hand, already deep into some kind of rant, while Destiny stirred her drink slowly, people-watching like she always did.

"Finally," Jasmine said when she saw me. "I was starting to think Grand Valley swallowed you whole."

"Not yet," I replied, dropping into the chair across from them. "But it's trying."

Destiny smiled. "First week always hits the hardest."

I wrapped my hands around my coffee, letting the warmth ground me. Being around them made everything feel manageable again. With Jasmine and Destiny, I didn't have to perform or explain myself. They knew the pressure-being Black women at Grand Valley, trying to excel without burning out.

"So," Jasmine leaned forward, eyes sharp. "What happened today? You look... bothered."

"I'm fine," I said automatically.

Destiny raised an eyebrow. "You only say that when you're not."

I sighed. "I ran into this guy today. Literally ran into him. Then he sat next to me in class. And later, I saw him again in the library."

Jasmine's eyes lit up. "And?"

"And he's annoying," I said quickly. "Too comfortable. Definitely a football player."

Jasmine groaned. "Say less."

"I don't like him," I added. "At all."

Destiny studied me for a moment. "You don't usually mention people you don't like."

"That's because he disrupted my peace," I replied. "And I don't have time for that. I'm trying to keep my GPA solid and stay on track for med school."

Destiny nodded. "As you should."

Jasmine smirked. "What's his name?"

"I don't care."

"Zaliyah."

I rolled my eyes. "Cooper."

Jasmine sat back, satisfied. "Knew it."

I shook my head. "It doesn't matter. He doesn't matter. I'm focused."

And I meant it.

Later that night, back in my dorm, I opened my laptop and pulled up my notes. Pre-med meant no room for distractions-just discipline, deadlines, and long nights.

Still, as I highlighted my notes, my mind betrayed me for half a second.

Small campus.

I shut my laptop.

Coincidences were just that.

And whatever Cooper was, he was nothing more than a coincidence.