Pov Josiane ...
( Her thoughts still tangled from the long lecture.
The corridor buzzed with voices, footsteps, and laughter,
but everything felt distant to her — like she was present, yet somewhere else.)
(She adjusted her bag and started walking toward the hostel path.)
"Josianeee."
She turned.
(Linux stood a little behind her, slightly out of breath as if he had hurried to catch up.
His familiar soft smile instantly made things feel lighter.)
You vanished," he said.
"I thought you learned teleportation on your first week."
Josie laughed softly. "Sorry…
I wasjust thinking.... by the way call me Josie .."
Linux nodded ," huhh Ohh nick name..noicee" "Overthinking department?"
"Maybe,"
she admitted
and it's official (the nickname )Mr. Trouble .
Ohh thanksss for giving me such a thoughtful name .. heheee
(They smiled together and have a eye contact.)
(They began walking side by side.
The evening air was cool, and golden sunlight filtered through the trees, stretching their shadows across the pathway.)
(The silence between them wasn't awkward.
It was calm.)
Linux glanced at her. "You know… you don't have to carry everything alone."
(Josie looked at him, surprised.)
He smiled gently. "Just saying."
Her chest felt strangely warm. "Thanks"
( As they crossed the garden path, her shoelace suddenly came loose.
She stopped.)
"Wait," Linux said.
(Before she could react, he bent down and tied it neatly.)
"You didn't have to," she said quietly.
"I wanted to," he replied simply.
( Josie looked away, hiding a small smile. )
"Thank you."
(They continued walking until Linux slowed his steps.)
"Canteen?"he suggested.
I need coffee to survive.
( Josie hesitated for a second,)
then nodded. "Okay."
( The canteen was quieter than usual.
A few students sat scattered around, lost in their own conversations.
The coffee machine hummed softly.
Linux returned with two paper cups.)
"For you," he said,( offering one.)
"I didn't say I wanted coffee."
"You didn't," he smiled,
"but you look like you need it.
(She took the cup.)
" You assume too much.""And I'm usually right."
(They sat across from each other at a small corner table.
Steam curled gently from their cups.
Outside the window, the sky faded into soft orange.")
So," Linux said, stirring his coffee, "first week review?"
Josie said ... "Confusing. Fast. A little strange.""And?" he asked.
She met his eyes. "Not bad."He grinned.
"I'll take that as a win."
(For a moment,
they just sat there — sipping coffee, sharing quiet smiles, saying nothing but understanding enough.)
(Josie noticed how peaceful it felt.No pressure.
No pretending.Just… comfort.
After a while, they stood to leave.
Near the hostel gate, )
( Linux gave a small wave. )"Goodnight, Josie."
"Goodnight Mr. Trouble."
(She watched him walk away, her heart feeling lighter than before.
Inside her room, Josie changed into comfortable clothes.)
( Her roommate glanced up from her bed)."So…" she said casually,
"you and Linux are friends,right?"
Josie paused. "Yeah… I think so.
"Her roommate raised an eyebrow.
"Friends only?"
Josie blinked. "What?"
"I saw you both in the canteen area," she smirked.
"Sitting together. Coffee date vibes."
"It wasn't a date," Josie said quickly..
"Ohhh," her roommate teased, "crush?"
To be continued...