Chapter 1 Sophia and Ethan-- A Love That Fades

Sophia had always been a little reserved, focused on her studies and hesitant to dive into the world of relationships. But when she met Ethan in a freshman workshop, something shifted. Ethan was everything she wasn't -- charming, outgoing, and full of ambition. He had an effortless way of making people feel seen, and from the moment he smiled at her, Sophia knew her life was about to change.

--------IN HER APARTMENT --------

Maya: "Soph, where the hell did you drop your phone, your mom has been calling"

"Really, Thanks BFF" Maya scoffed.

"So tell me about your day today, guessed something good happened today" said Maya.

"Well well well what can i say, somethings happens and you know the full story darling."

"See who is gonna be dating soon" Maya said chirping.

Sophia chuckled. "I have a lot to learn from you dear, anyways what about Mark ?

Maya threw a pillow at Sophia. Sophia started laughing out loud "Okay i get he's not your type and both of you is over, Sorry Mi lady"

Both Sophia and Maya talked and laughed throughout the day.

The following day, they were paired together for a class project, and what started as a simple academic partnership quickly blossomed into something more. They spent hours working together in the library, and before they knew it, they were inseparable.

Ethan was everything Sophia had ever wanted in a partner. His energy was contagious, his laughter was infectious. He spoke about his dream of becoming a business major with such passion Sophia couldn't help but be drawn into his vision. His promises felt like a lifeline to her-- an assurance that their future together would be full of success and happiness.

Ethan: " You know, I could see us doing this forever-- building our dreams together."

Sophia (laughing): "Is that a promise or just your way of keeping me around?"

Ethan: "It's a promise. You'll see. What more can I ask for. Huh? The school belle that is smart, hot, cute, kind, hardworking, honest and my love (*winks*) all by my side."

Sophia (blushes): Ethan!

"I LOVE YOU" I LOVE YOU TOO Sophia said smiling.

--------ETHAN---------

Looking into her eyes, I can see the love she has for me. she's so pure and damn she's hot, she's smart and sweet. *smiles* having her all to myself is a win for me.

She's is patient enough to listen to all my talks even when i was blabbering nonsense, yet she was looking at me lovingly, all the love she has for me is for me alone.

--------SOPHIA--------

OMG! I never knew falling in love can be surreal like this, Arrghh, somebody pinch me (laying on her bed and hugging her pillow to herself). MY FIRST LOVE. She fell asleep thinking about Ethan.

By the end of their first year, they're the "it" couple on campus. Everyone assumes they're destined for a future together. Their relationship seemed unshakable-- until it wasn't.

As the summer came and went, Sophia found herself counting down the days until they would be back on campus. Ethan had already hinted that they would be spending summer apart-- his internships and family obligations meant he wouldn't be able to visit me as much. But Sophia didn't worry. She trusted him completely. He had always assured her, saying he would make time for her, that he would never leave her behind.

*Sighs*

"SOPHIA" called Sophia's mom.

"Yes mom" "My darling daughter come and help mom."

"Mom I've told you to stop doing all this things, I can help or Tracy can help to, remember what the Doctor said. Sophia complained to her mom.

"I know dear, but you know i can't stop being idle. Anyways forget about me, how is your Boyfriend" said Sophia's mom.

"He's fine mom" Sophia answered and helped her mom with somethings around the house.

---------SHIFT TO SOPHOMORE YEAR----------

As they entered their sophomore year, things started to change, slowly at first, and then all at once.

Sophia had noticed the subtle shifts in Ethan's behavior since the beginning of the semester. He was distracted during study sessions, his text became fewer and farther between. He'd cancel plans with her at the last minute. At first, Sophia told herself it was nothing to worry about. After all, college was demanding and Ethan was just stressed.

But then came the parties-- the parties where he was no longer just Ethan, her boyfriend, but Ethan, the popular guy surrounded by others. She watched as he flirted with other girls, laughing and leaning in close. At first, she assumed it was all harmless-- Ethan was just friendly, right? He was always the life of the party. But each time it happened, a knot began to form in her stomach.

One evening after one week of barely hearing from Ethan, Sophia decided to surprise him at the campus cafe. she finds him sitting with a group of friends, laughing loudly, his arms draped casually a girl she doesn't recognize.

Sophia decided to confront Ethan.

Sophia: "Ethan, I didn't know you'd be here tonight."

Ethan (startled): "Sophia. Uh, yeah, it was a last minute thing. Just hanging out with friends."

(The girl beside him gives Sophia a once-over smirking as if she knows something Sophia doesn't.)

Sophia (quietly): "We were supposed to have dinner."

Ethan: "You didn't remind me. It's just dinner, we can do it another time.

----- A FIGHT LATER THAT NIGHT ------

Back at Sophia's apartment, she confronts Ethan

Sophia: "You didn't even care that I was standing there, Ethan. Do you know how embarrassing that was for me?"

Ethan: "You're making this a bigger deal than it needs to be. I was just hanging out with friends."

Sophia: "You've been distant for weeks. You cancel on me, you don't text back, and then I see you with some girl I don't even know? Do you even care about us anymore?"

Ethan (sighing): "I care, but you're suffocating me, Sophia. You always need something--texts, time, attention. Maybe I need space."

(He leaves without another word, and Sophia spends the night crying. Despite his coldness, she convinces herself it's just a rough patch and things will get better.)

Despite everything-- his late night with friends, his flirty behavior and his increasing distance. Sophia kept forgiving him. She clung to the hope that the boy she had fallen in love with was still inside, waiting to come back. She had to believe it. After all, he had promised her that they would be together.

But with each passing day, that promise seemed to fade further away, and Sophia began to feel like she was the only one still holding on.