Clare pulled her bag up on her shoulder. It was her second week of college and she was still getting used to the journey across campus from her math class to her creative writing class. The campus was huge and everything she had ever dreamed of. Being accepted to her dream college (NYU) still felt unreal. With enough scholarships, financial aid, and money saved up, Clare was able to make her dream a reality. Although she was sad to be away from her best friend Ali, who was currently at MIT, they were both making their dreams come true. They still managed to stay in touch and talk on the phone at least once a week. They were determined to keep their friendship going.

As she turned a corner, she bumped into someone, sending her flying to the ground. Gathering her books, she saw a hand extended out to her. As her eyes moved from the hand, up the arm, and to the jade green eyes staring back at her blue one, she blushed. This guy was tall, slim, and had the most gorgeous eyes she'd ever seen. He was wearing black skinny jeans and a black button up shirt. Taking his hand, she stood, gathering the last of her things.

"Sorry about that. I didn't mean to crash into you like that. I should use my eyes." She smiled apologetically. He smirked at her as he handed her a book she had dropped. "You have pretty eyes." They made eye contact at that moment, and Clare began to blush some more. "Thanks." She managed to squeak out. He gave her a small smile and continued on his way, pulling the one strap of his back pack up higher on his shoulder.

Clare let out a breath she didn't know she was holding. Shaking her honey brown curls, she continued on to her English class. To Clare's relief, her roommate Jade was also in her creative writing class. Jade had black hair, brown eyes, and a shiny lip ring on the right side of her lip. When Clare found out she was going to be roommates, she tried not to judge off first impressions. Once she actually met Jade and got to know her, she was one of the sweetest people she had ever met. Except when you woke her up in the morning. The girls became fast friends and Clare was thankful her roommate situation turned out for the best. She had read horror stories upon coming to NYU.

As she took a seat next to Jade, she looked around the room. There seemed to be more people in the classroom today and Clare had no idea why. Looking around some more, Clare saw the guy from earlier walk in her class. He looked confused but took a seat near the back. Turning away from him, a light blush came back onto her cheeks. Jade took note of this and turned around, catching where Clare had just been looking. She turned back to her with a smirk.

"So who's Mr. Hottie over there?" she asked teasingly. Clare shook her head, blush growing slightly deeper. "What? Who? No one. Just some guy I literally bumped into outside." Jade looked back at him again and then smiled at Clare.

"He's super cute. Did you give him your digits?" Jade questioned. At Clare's wide eyes, Jade began to laugh. "My number? No way! He literally just told me I have pretty eyes then walked away." Jade smiled widely at her. "That means you definitely have a chance!" Clare stared at her with bug eyes before 2 professors walked in, coffee in hands, looking flustered. They spoke to each other for a moment, before the male professor cleared his throat.

"Can I have everyone quiet down please? Settle down." He yelled as the room slowly fell silent. He picked up some papers and stepped in front of the large desk at the front of the room. Clare looked around to realize the room was quite full now. "My name is Professor Phillips. I am the head of the photography and video departments. This is Professor Melody, head of the writing and theater departments. Due to budget cuts and understaffing, we have had to combine the creative writing and photography classes." As he finished his statement, the room erupted in voices. Some were angry, confused, or excited. Clare couldn't believe what she was hearing. She knew nothing about photography. How was she going to pass this class?

"Now since this was a very last minute decision, our course curriculum has to be changed as well. One student from each class will be paired together. The photography class will be taking photos all year and the creative writing class will be writing short stories to go along with them. Each grade will be a team effort. At the end of the school year, you should have a pretty good portfolio." Clare sighed in relief. She didn't have to take any of the pictures. She was, however, going to be paired with a complete stranger. Maybe she would get lucky and have a friendly classmate to help her throughout the year. She shook her head, turning her attention to her professor. "Now let us pair you guys together so you can get to know each other. Please raise your hand when your name is called so you can find your partner." Professor Melody added.

One by one, people started to get paired off. Clare had never seen most of these people before. She was assuming they were all freshman and sophomores, like her. Jade's name was called just then and she was paired with someone name Kelsie. She seemed friendly enough and Clare introduced herself as she sat next to Jade. Suddenly, Clare heard her name.

"Clare Edwards, you will be with… Elijah Goldsworthy." Professor Melody stated. Clare raised her hand and looked around. "Actually it's Eli." The dark haired guy raised his hand, smirking, and walking over to Clare. Her mouth suddenly became dry and he sat down next to her.

"We meet again, blue eyes." He smirked, holding out his hand. She took his hand in hers, not daring herself to speak just yet. Jade leaned over to whisper in her ear. "Jackpot." Was all she said.

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