The first Monday of the semester arrived with the usual college madness.
Students moved across the compound carrying backpacks, books, and cups of tea. Some were rushing to class while others stood in groups discussing their weekend adventures. Music played softly from a nearby hostel, mixing with the sound of laughter and the occasional shout from students greeting friends they had not seen for months.
Kim walked through the college gate with his backpack hanging over one shoulder.
It was his second year, and unlike his first year, he now knew how college worked. He knew which lecturer gave surprise CATs, which cafeteria served the best chapati, and, most importantly, which shortcuts could get him to class when he was late.
That morning, however, something unexpected was waiting for him.
Or rather, someone.
Kim entered the lecture hall and looked around for an empty seat.
Most of the students had already arrived.
"Bro, hapa!" shouted his friend Brian from the middle row.
Kim walked toward him.
"Morning," Kim said, dropping his bag beside the chair.
"Morning? You're late already," Brian laughed.
"Relax. The lecturer isn't here."
Brian shook his head. "One day, your confidence will finish you."
Kim laughed and turned toward the door.
That was when he saw her.
A girl walked into the lecture hall carrying two books against her chest. She wore a simple blue sweater, black trousers, and white sneakers. Her hair was neatly tied back, and there was something about the way she smiled while talking to her friend that made Kim forget what he had been saying.
"Bro..."
Brian snapped his fingers in front of Kim's face.
"Earth to Kim."
Kim blinked.
"Huh?"
Brian followed his gaze and immediately understood.
"Aaaah," he said with a grin. "Now I know why you're quiet."
"Shut up."
"Who is she?"
"I don't know."
"Then go find out."
Kim looked away.
"Maybe later."
Brian laughed.
"Later? My friend, love doesn't wait for later."
Kim rolled his eyes.
He had never been the kind of person who believed in love at first sight. To him, relationships were complicated. He had watched friends get heartbroken, spend nights crying over messages, and even fail exams because of relationship drama.
He had promised himself he would focus on school.
But sometimes life doesn't care about your plans.
The girl sat two rows ahead.
Her name, Kim would soon discover, was Linet.
The lecturer eventually entered the room, and everyone became quiet.
"Good morning, class."
"Good morning, sir."
The lesson began.
Kim tried to concentrate.
He really tried.
But every few minutes, his eyes found their way toward Linet.
At one point, Linet turned around.
Their eyes met.
Kim immediately looked down at his notebook.
His heart suddenly started beating faster.
"Kim," Brian whispered.
"What?"
"You're smiling."
"I'm not."
"You are."
Kim tried to hide his face.
After the lecture, students began leaving the room.
Kim packed his books slowly.
Brian stood beside him.
"You're going to talk to her."
Kim shook his head.
"No."
"Why?"
"I don't even know what to say."
"Just say hello."
"That's easy for you."
Brian laughed.
"Okay. Watch me."
He walked toward Linet.
Kim's eyes widened.
"Brian, don't!"
But it was too late.
Brian stopped beside Linet.
"Hi."
Linet smiled.
"Hi."
"My friend wants to talk to you."
Kim almost died.
"Brian!"
Linet looked past him.
"Which friend?"
Brian pointed directly at Kim.
"That one."
Kim walked over slowly, embarrassed.
"Sorry about him," Kim said.
Linet laughed.
"It's okay."
"I'm Kim."
"I know."
Kim was surprised.
"You know me?"
Linet smiled.
"You're in our class."
"Oh."
For some reason, that simple answer made him feel happy.
"I'm Linet."
"I know."
She raised an eyebrow.
"How?"
Kim suddenly realized his mistake.
"I mean... I've heard people call you that."
Linet laughed.
"You're funny."
Kim smiled.
They stood there for a few seconds.
Neither seemed to know what to say.
Finally, Linet adjusted the books in her arms.
"I have to go."
"Okay."
She took a few steps, then turned around.
"Kim?"
"Yeah?"
"Do you have the notes for today's class?"
Kim nodded.
"Yeah."
"Could you send them to me?"
"Sure."
She smiled.
"Thank you."
Then she walked away.
Kim stood there watching her disappear through the door.
Brian came beside him.
"Congratulations."
"For what?"
"You got her number."
Kim checked his phone.
He hadn't even realized Linet had saved her number.
Her name appeared on his screen.
Linet
Kim stared at it.
Brian looked over his shoulder.
"Don't tell me you're already saving her with a heart."
Kim quickly locked his phone.
"Shut up."
That evening, Kim sat on his bed in the hostel, staring at his phone.
He had been trying to send Linet the notes for almost ten minutes.
He typed:
Hey Linet, here are the notes.
Deleted.
Typed again:
Hi. It's Kim.
Deleted.
Finally, he sent:
Hey Linet, I've sent the notes. Hope they help.
A few seconds later, the reply came.
Thank you . You're really kind.
Kim smiled.
He replied:
You're welcome.
Then he placed the phone down.
Five seconds later, he picked it up again.
No new message.
He put it down.
Picked it up.
Nothing.
"Bro," he whispered to himself. "What is happening to you?"
His phone suddenly vibrated.
Linet: Are you always this quiet?
Kim smiled.
Kim: Only around beautiful girls.
He stared at the message.
"Oh no."
He had sent it.
Immediately, he regretted it.
The typing indicator appeared.
Disappeared.
Appeared again.
Finally, her message arrived.
Linet: So I'm beautiful?
Kim's heart raced.
He smiled at the screen.
Kim: I thought it was obvious.
There was a long pause.
Then:
Linet: Maybe I'll let you convince me.
Kim leaned back against his pillow.
For the first time since joining college, he wasn't thinking about assignments, exams, or money.
He was thinking about one girl.
Linet.
And somewhere inside him, something had quietly begun.
Something he didn't know would change his entire college life.
Something called love.