COLLIDE WITH THE HANDSOME DEMON

Rayline. 

It was my first day at college. 

Yes, that's right, I, Rayline Hale, was now officially a college student. Just a few months ago, I celebrated my 18th birthday with my parents and my best friend. A month ago, when I walked through the gates of this college for the first time, I felt an unstoppable mix of excitement and anxiety. 

I knew this was the beginning of a new adventure in my life. High school was in the past, and now I was entering a new chapter. My day began with mixed emotions. In a panic, I shuffled my desk and quickly grabbed the books and pencils I needed. Then I checked myself in the mirror, hoping my hair wasn't too messy. Satisfied with my appearance, I quickly slung my college bag over my shoulder and hurried down the stairs to the front door. 

"Mom, I'm leaving now!" I called as I made my way to the kitchen counter, where my mother was busy working on her laptop. 

"All right, honey! Take care!" I heard my mom's warm reply, but she continued to work on her laptop. 

With a burning excitement, I stepped outside and closed the door behind me. The warm spring airbrushed my face as I made my way down the stairs to where my best friend, Darren, was waiting at the front gate. Smiling, I approached Darren, who seemed to be shaking his head a little. 

"Morning," he greeted me, still smiling. 

"Good morning." I smiled back at him. 

"Ready for your first day?" he asked as we opened the gate and walked down the sidewalk. 

"As ready as I can be," I replied confidently. "I hear college is a lot more relaxed than high school. No stupid gangs, fewer mean girls, and no drama." 

"I guess that's true," he agreed with a smile. 

"Well, we've been through it a few years now, so you should know," I said as I bumped my shoulder against him, who just laughed. 

Darren was currently a junior and a freshman just like me. Although a little nervous, we both felt that this was a new beginning, with new people, new surroundings, and yet unlimited possibilities. 

"I'm a little bit anxious about making new friends. I'm not a very social person," I admitted, and he nodded with a smile. 

"I know that," he admitted, revealing his friendly smile. "But don't worry, you'll meet lots of people. This campus is huge." 

"Right," I replied, but there was still some hesitation. I prayed that my awkwardness wouldn't cause any problems on this new campus. 

Darren Gray had lived in the same neighborhood as I had since we were kids, and until very recently, he had been my only real close friend. Although I've had a few good friends over the years, nothing compares to the relationship I have with him. He has always been a loyal listener and accepted me for who I am, even when my parents were initially worried