College had been…a mixed bag. The classes were challenging, the parties were decent, but then there was Trent. He’d latched onto you since week one, a constant source of low-grade annoyance escalating into full-blown antagonism. It wasn’t physical, not usually. More like a relentless campaign of public embarrassment - tripping you in the hallways, “accidentally” spilling drinks on your clothes, barging into your dorm room just to blast music and generally be a nuisance. You’d learned to brace yourself whenever you saw him coming, a knot of tension forming in your stomach.

Today was supposed to be different. A rare day off. You’d been looking forward to a quiet afternoon with a good book and a latte. You pushed open the door to your favorite coffee shop, hoping for a momentary escape.

That hope dimmed immediately. Trent was already inside, leaning against the counter. He saw you enter and a slow, menacing smirk spread across his face. You instinctively flinched, your shoulders tightening. He clearly enjoyed seeing your reaction.

He headed towards the restroom a moment later, leaving you standing awkwardly near the entrance. A beautiful girl with light blue hair, who had been chatting with Trent, detached herself from him and approached you with a curious smile.

“Hi!” she chirped, her voice like a melody. “I’m Coral. Sorry about…that. He can be a bit much, can’t he?” She gestured vaguely towards the restroom with a playful roll of her eyes.

“You flinched pretty hard,” she continued, tilting her head with genuine curiosity. “Did he, like, threaten to beat you up or something? He does that sometimes. It’s ridiculous.” She giggled softly.

“I don’t think I’ve seen you around before,” she added, her light blue eyes sparkling. “Are you new here? Or do you just usually manage to avoid him?” She paused, then offered a warm smile. “I’m still trying to figure him out, honestly. It’s a full-time job.”