Bailey and Xander disappeared into the crowd, but their presence lingered like the last note of a song that didn't quite sit right.
Carlyle nudged Lana. "Told you. That girl's got layers and none of them are good."
Lana exhaled, still processing the encounter. "She was…nice?"
Carlyle snorted. "Oh, yeah. The nice that makes you check if your wallet's still in your bag afterward."
Before Lana could respond, a voice boomed through a nearby speaker.
"WELCOME, NYU CLASS OF 20XX!"
A student on stage, wearing an NYU Welcome Team T-shirt, waved excitedly at the crowd. "Hope you're all ready for an amazing week! We've got events all over campus icebreakers, club fairs, game nights, and, of course, the big party on Friday! Find your people, make some memories, and get ready for an unforgettable year!"
The crowd erupted into cheers.
Carlyle turned to Lana. "So, what's the move? You wanna check out the club fair or see what other free stuff we can get?"
Before Lana could answer, someone called her name.
"Lana?"
She turned to see Mason weaving through the crowd toward her.
"Mason!" she grinned. "How was your morning?"
Mason smirked. "Full of awkward icebreakers and too much free coffee." His gaze flickered to Carlyle. "And you must be the roommate."
Carlyle nodded. "Carlyle. You're Mason, right? The legendary pen pal?"
Mason chuckled. "Legendary? That's a stretch. But yeah, guilty as charged."
Carlyle smirked. "Cool. I like the accent."
Mason raised an eyebrow. "What accent?"
Lana rolled her eyes. "Anyway, we were just deciding what to do next. Club fair? Food trucks? Or do we see how many NYU keychains we can collect before they run out?"
Mason thought for a second. "I heard there's a business networking event happening in the student center. Professors, alumni, and even some guest speakers. Could be useful for all of us."
Carlyle wrinkled her nose. "Ugh, that sounds…productive."
Mason grinned. "That's kind of the point."
Lana considered it. She was excited about the fun parts of Welcome Week, but making good connections early on could be valuable.
Before she could decide, Bailey's voice rang out again—this time directed at her.
"Lana, there you are!"
Lana turned, surprised. Bailey approached with the same warm, dazzling smile, but this time, she was holding an event flyer.
"I was just telling Xander," Bailey said, flipping her hair, "you have to come to the party Friday night. Everyone who's anyone will be there."
Lana hesitated. The invitation sounded friendly, but something about it felt…calculated.
Bailey leaned in slightly. "I mean, unless you'd rather stay home and read or whatever?"
Carlyle muttered, "Wow. Subtle."
Mason's gaze flickered between Bailey and Lana. He didn't say anything, but Lana could tell he wasn't impressed.
Bailey's smile didn't waver. "Anyway, think about it. I'd hate for you to feel left out." With a wink, she walked off, Xander following like a shadow.
Lana glanced at Mason and Carlyle.
Carlyle smirked. "Okay, I take it back. You should go. It'd be a crime to miss whatever drama she's trying to set up."
Mason sighed. "Just…be careful. Something tells me she doesn't invite people out of kindness."
Lana exhaled, staring at the invitation in her hands.
Welcome Week wasn't over yet.
And something told her this was only the beginning.