Sept 13, 20xx
Francis

The first day of school after a long summer break was usually dreadful. But it was their last year of college at least. Francis scanned around the hallway as he entered the building. There they were again. The same old people. Same old faces. Same old jackasses, jocks, bullies, and mean girls. The nerds and geeks in a corner talking amongst themselves on whatever topic interested them. 

And Francis? He kept to himself mostly. There wasn’t really much he did to socialize. He had a few friends and acquaintances here and there, but never formed a group nor fit into a specific mold. He liked to think he had a mix of everything. An everyman. Which… wasn’t the most flattering title if he were being honest, but it meant he could blend in seamlessly with whoever he bumped into, and that meant he kept out of trouble. Survival. Being a chameleon allowed him access to everything, while being just invisible enough to be out of everyone’s radar. They all simultaneously knew and did not know him. 

“Hey Fran, how’d your summer break go?” A voice called out to him. 

He turned and waved at the girl from one of the lockers. “Hey Lily,” he said. “Summer’s been alright! Not much happened honestly, but I had some fun with my family. So there’s that. You?”

“The same,” Lily replied with a shy turn of her head. "See you later at class?”

“Yup. See ya!” Francis gave a warm smile and continued walking ahead. 

Francis let out a soft sigh. Lily was a sweet girl, always asking how everyone was doing. She was the class president two years in a row before stepping down and focusing on org work. She liked to talk about global issues and the like. Advocating for something new every week. Francis found her nice, but a little overwhelming at times. He didn’t want to get too political or too outspoken, so he didn’t really spend much time around her. 

In fact, he didn’t spend much time with anyone… except one girl. 

He entered the classroom, scanning around to see if she was there yet. 

Huh, she’s usually early.

He frowned just a bit before walking over and taking his usual seat, glancing at the empty one beside him. Class was about to start. As soon as the professor entered the class, all the students got up from their seats.

“Good morning, Professor Walkins!” the class greeted him.

“Alright, everyone settle down. Class is in session,” the professor said. “I hope you had a productive summer, because today I will be reviewing you on our previous topics before we get into the meat of the lesson.”

The professor’s voice faded into the background. Francis’ thoughts ran in his mind, wondering why she wasn’t there. She had never been late to class. Usually she was the first in the classroom, no matter what happened. 

A loud bang was heard as the door slammed open, stopping the professor in his speech. Every head turned toward the source of the commotion. Francis’ eyes widened as he looked toward the person standing by the door frame. It was her. It was Zofia.

“Hello, everyone!” she chirped, waving a hand in the air. 

Was it really her? She looks… different? She couldn’t have changed that much over the summer, could she?

“Zofia, please take a seat. You’re interrupting the lecture,” the professor said. 

“Yes, Walkins! I am indeed walking towards my seat right now! Do continue with this form of intellectual knowledge exchange!” she giggled.

Francis raised his brow as she took a seat. 

“Zofia,” he whispered toward her. “Did you just call the professor by his name?”

The girl stared back at him intensely, as if still trying to recognize him. “M-my mistake. That was rude. It’s just been so long since I’ve been here, Francis!” 

“Zee, keep it down,” he whispered. “We don’t want to cause a ruckus in class. Besides, did you… do something?”

“What do you mean, friend?”

“That. I mean that. You’re… well, different.”

Zee paused again, tilting her head to the side as she considered his words. “Just,” she started. “Trying something new I guess. It’s still me, Fran. I felt like being a different person during the summer.”

“Really? I wasn’t expecting such a big change. You’re usually really quiet.” 

“Yes, but now I’m not.”

“Okay then, well. I’m proud of you,” Francis said. “That must have taken a lot. I know  it probably wasn’t easy for you. So if this is who you are now, or at least trying to be then… go for it!” 

“Thanks, Fran. You always know what to say,” Zee replied with a soft smile. Francis returned an awkward smile, his eyes locking with hers for just a moment. He noticed how she stared at him intensely, holding her gaze as if she was assessing his very soul. He let out a soft shaky laugh before returning to his notebook. 

This new ‘her’ is definitely ‘different’. But I guess it just needs some getting used to. 

The day continued on as usual. The boring lessons. Writing every single note down as everything seemed important. Nearly falling asleep halfway through a lecture. Nothing new, except for maybe the subtle giggle Zee would make every now and then. 

As soon as the classes ended, Zee stood up almost immediately and shoved all her books in her bag and began to make her way toward the exit without a word. Francis frowned a bit and cleared his throat, trying to get her attention.

“Ahem,” he said.

“Yes… Fran?” Zee raised a brow. 

“What, no hug?” Francis smiled warmly. “We don’t see each other all summer and now you’re ignoring me? That’s pretty cold of you, Zee! I hope this isn’t part of the new you.” 

“O-oh! I apologize, Fran. Of course I… mis…missed you!” Her face lit up and went toward him, wrapping her arms around. She grinned, giving a deep sniff of his uniform. “You smell good.”

“Uh… thanks?” Fran smiled awkwardly. 

“Say Fran, since we haven’t seen each other for a while… How about we meet near my apartment later?  Just us, you know? We should definitely… catch up on our previous summer activities.”

“Uh sure!” he laughed softly. “It’s not often you invite me, anyway. I’d love to catch up with you!” 

“Good! See you tonight!”

Francis smiled and gave her a small nod. “A-alright! See you tonight, Zee!” 

She returned the smile. “See you.”