Astrid Tate. For a whole semester during my second year at university, we never met once. Though, her name was on everyone’s lips. She was the incredibly brilliant computer engineering student in her first year. People often spoke of her achievements in cyber security competitions, beating everyone at the young age of sixteen. Since then, she had only gotten better. It was cited that she was the most talented incoming and now current student in her program. While some were in awe and admired her talent, others found ways to undermine her intelligence and prestige. Those who did question it were quickly put in their place. Not only from her no nonsense attitude, but simply because seeing her in action was all the proof they needed. 

So, just like that, I only heard the circulation of official accolades and gossip. It wasn’t until that fateful start of the semester in January when I finally met her. 

It was a routine for me. The first day back I would go to the library early in the morning. I was already prepared for my classes, however I felt as though it was my last moment of freedom. So, during this time I liked to read (or rather game on my handheld device) for a few hours before campus was bustling again. I would often find the quietest and most secluded area of the business department’s library and momentarily forget I was a college student. Normally I would be met to a completely empty area, but for the first time, she changed that. 

To my surprise, the woman I’d only heard rumors about was sitting typing a million miles a minute on her laptop with headphones placed firmly on her perfectly done long dark hair. Her gray eyes that mimicked the color of steel followed every single line of text she was typing. She was perched completely upright, not slouching in the slightest. In addition to that she was dressed to the nines at four o’clock in the morning. Her well pressed outfit didn’t have a single crease in sight. She wore dark dressy clothing. To this day, it’s still as clear as day in my mind. A black turtle neck, tailored black dress pants, ankle boots and the pièce de résistance, a grey, custom made trench coat. The coat made her already beautiful grey eyes stand out that much more. I was well aware of the rumors of her beauty, but witnessing it in person was sight to be seen. 

She was consumed in her work that I was sure she didn’t even notice me. I walked past her to a more secluded area and left it at that. Hours had passed when the library was finally filling up and the first classes of the day were set to begin. I sorted through my belongings and prepared to leave for my class. Like others I fell into step with the crowd. However, I noticed a presence behind me. Just ten steps behind me was Astrid, the person I was admiring just a few hours ago. Slowly the gap closed between us and we were walking side by side. 

“It must be fate.” I said turning to look at her face. 

“It must be. I’ve heard a lot of rumors about you. Who knew I’d finally meet you like this?” She smiled brightly.

“Rumors? About me?” I was perplexed by her retort. I wasn’t aware I was be gossiped about. 

“Of course, your name has graced everyone’s lips since the moment I stepped foot on campus. I knew the moment you walked into the library it had to be you. Golden eyes like coins, hair the color of a pitch black night. Girls begin reciting poetry when speaking about you.”

“Is that so? I have to say people say the same thing about you.”

“Oh no, it’s nowhere near as delightful as yours. However, I heard you’re giving me a run for my money.”

“I don’t think I could do that in any way.” 

To this, she simply laughed.

“I’m sure you’ve heard of the cruel temptress.” She said it so matter of factly, but all I could do was shake my head.

“Ah, so that’s you then?” I asked quizzically. 

“Of course, well that is until recently. The girls claim you’ve taken the male title, so I just had to meet you. They say you’re even more acclaimed than me in that department.”

“I wasn’t aware of such a claim.” I may have briefly heard something about guys complaining about a girl being nice and then refusing dates, but is this the stupidity they were spewing? 

“What do you think of it? The way people speak.” 

Her question was loaded, it seemed very much like a test. If I answered one way and not the other, I felt like we would never speak again. 

“It’s quite ridiculous. I may hear it, but I don’t believe it. When people have so much time to waste on bringing a person down, it doesn’t ring as trustworthy information to me. I’ll meet a person and decide then.” I shrugged, it wasn’t a hard answer.

She simply nodded looking down before looking back at me. She smiled widely, showing me that she was delighted with my answer. 

“I guess it really is fate.” Her response seemed to coincide with our arrival as well. It turned out we also had a few classes together that semester. Since then we were inseparable and my world seemed to suddenly be colored with warmth. Everything about her was the epitome of happiness. As someone who didn’t open up to anyone other than my family or Howl, my childhood friend, I’d never tried to make more personal relationships, just acquaintances. 

Her ability to break that wall helped me to grow as a person. I think that’s why seeing her here made my worries dissipate.

“Alistar, are you okay?” 

Without even realizing it, I had found myself sitting on the ground with Astrid crouched next to me with her hand on my cheek. 

I laughed it off patting her hand that gently laid on my cheek. Suddenly the doubts I had felt so futile. 

“I’m fine, we should talk.”