BEHIND THE MASK

CHAPTER THREE

Trishia leaned in a little closer, her eyes gleaming with curiosity. “So, what do you think he’s like? The new guy, I mean. I’m picturing someone all mysterious and rugged,” she said with a grin.

Yanna laughed softly, shaking her head. “You and your imagination, Trish. He’s probably just a regular guy trying to survive college like the rest of us.”

“Maybe, but wouldn’t it be cool if he was, like, some quiet artist type? Or maybe he’s from a family of farmers with this amazing work ethic.” Trishia’s eyes were practically sparkling. “I just hope he’s nice and doesn’t mind if people are… you know, curious.”

Yanna shrugged, hiding a smile. “I’m sure he’ll be fine. Imagine moving from the countryside to here, though—it must be such a change.”

“True!” Trishia agreed. “I mean, just think about how loud and fast-paced everything is here. And then he’s thrown right into college life on top of that.”

Yanna nodded thoughtfully, remembering her own first days on campus and how overwhelming it had been. “Maybe we should try to make him feel welcome if he’s in our class.”

“Exactly what I was thinking,” Trishia said, grinning. “I bet he’ll need a study group. And who better than us to help him?”

Just then, they reached the classroom. They pushed the door open, stepping inside, where other students were already finding their seats and getting their notes ready. Trishia scanned the room eagerly, nudging Yanna as she whispered, “Do you think he’s here yet?”

Yanna followed Trishia’s gaze, scanning the faces around them, but she didn’t see anyone unfamiliar. She shrugged. “Maybe he’ll show up after the professor starts. You know, make an entrance?”

Trishia laughed quietly, nudging Yanna playfully. “Guess we’ll just have to wait and see.” They found their seats, still chatting quietly, both of them casting occasional glances toward the door, wondering if the new classmate would appear.

A few minutes after Yanna and Trishia settled in, the classroom buzzed with anticipation as their professor walked in, carrying a stack of papers. He placed them on his desk and looked over the room, clearing his throat to get everyone’s attention.

“Good morning, everyone,” he began, his voice cutting through the hum of chatter. “Before we start the exam, I have an announcement to make. We have a new student joining us today. I hope you’ll make him feel welcome as he adjusts to our class.”

Yanna and Trishia exchanged glances, and Trishia’s eyes widened in excitement.

The professor nodded toward the door. “Come on in.”

Yanna’s heart skipped a beat as she watched the door swing open. In walked a guy wearing a familiar black hoodie, the hood pulled down slightly but still casting a shadow over his face. Her eyes widened as she realized he was the same guy who’d nearly run into her on his bike at the coffee shop earlier.

The stranger stepped forward, lowering his hood as he stood next to the professor. He looked around the room, his gaze landing briefly on Yanna, who felt her cheeks warm in recognition. She glanced away quickly, hoping he hadn’t noticed.

“Everyone, this is Nathan,” the professor introduced. “He’s transferred here from the countryside. I trust you’ll help him settle in.”

Nathan nodded at the class, his expression unreadable. Yanna couldn’t help but study him, curious and a bit unsettled. He looked different now that she could see his face—sharp features, with an intensity in his gaze that made him seem distant but not unfriendly. She glanced at Trishia, who was practically beaming with excitement.

“Well,” the professor continued, “now that introductions are done, let’s get ready for the exam.” He gestured for Nathan to take an empty seat.

As Nathan walked past her row, Yanna felt a strange awareness of him, like she couldn’t quite shake the impression he’d left that morning. She took a deep breath, focusing on the exam ahead, but a part of her couldn’t help wondering what this new classmate’s story really was.

As the professor began handing out the exam papers, Trishia raised her hand, looking curious and a little concerned. “Professor, is Nathan also taking the exam today? I mean, since he just transferred and all…”

The professor looked over at Trishia with a faint smile. “Good question, Trishia. No, Nathan won’t be taking the exam with us today. He’ll have a little more time to catch up on the material, and he’ll take the exam later.”

Nathan gave a small nod, seeming relieved, though he kept a neutral expression. Yanna noticed him glancing around, his gaze drifting over the students and the setup of the classroom, as if he were still adjusting to everything.

Trishia leaned over to Yanna and whispered, “Lucky him, right? Extra time to study.”

Yanna nodded, trying to hide a smile. “Yeah, definitely lucky,” she murmured back, her mind drifting for a moment to their earlier encounter. She shook it off, refocusing on her exam paper as the professor continued passing them out.

The room settled into quiet as everyone prepared for the test, but Yanna’s curiosity about Nathan lingered, a small mystery that seemed to add an extra layer to her otherwise ordinary morning.

—

The room was filled with a quiet buzz of relief as students handed in their papers one by one, stretching and chatting as they began to file out. Yanna placed her own paper on the professor’s desk, feeling the weight lift from her shoulders. She was ready for a break, already thinking about grabbing lunch with Trishia.

But just as she turned to leave, their professor’s voice called out over the crowd. “Before you all go, I have an announcement.”

The students paused, curious. Yanna stopped in her tracks, glancing back at the professor.

“Nathan,” the professor said, looking over at the new student, “you’ll need to catch up on the material covered before you take the exam. Yanna,” he continued, turning his gaze toward her, “you’ll be helping him study to get up to speed with the rest of the class.”

Yanna’s eyes widened. “Me?” She blurted out, the surprise clear in her voice. Why her, of all people?

—