I just wanted today to be peaceful. I tried to collect my thoughts and listen to my book again.

"-They'll pick up a copy of Alaska magazine, thumb through it, get to thinking, 'Hey. I'm going to get on up there, live off the land, go claim me a piece of the good life." That sentence alone spoke volumes to me, someone who constantly looks at people in magazines, shows, music videos, and every other app on my phone. I often find myself getting carried away with the thoughts of wanting to be where they are. Watching as they go on extravagant trips, followed by fashion that they can afford to have and friends that they have made from that fame. Although being followed around would be tiresome, living peacefully sounds like a dream. That is the good life for me, living for myself and sharing that life with those who mean a lot to me. Although that list is short compared to others, maybe I can dream, can't I?

As I close in on the university building, I begin to amp myself up. Studying has never been my strong suit, but I very well will continue to try. That is all I can ever do. As a little kid, my parents always told me that the one thing no one can take from me is my knowledge. That I needed it more than most things in this life. As a boy, my father watched his parents give away every dime they ever had because neither of them knew how to read, count, or how things work in the real world. As he grew up, he watched loan sharks come and take every week from his parents, even when all that was left was for him. He did everything he could to help, but with no prevail, he would always be a young child who did not know enough to help.

The moment that my father was old enough to help, the loan sharks had already taken everything there was to take from his parents. They were left with no home, no money, and no respect for their name, and he vowed he would never let it happen again. He made sure that there was no way for that to happen by studying as hard as he could. He got acquainted and enjoyed studying law; that's why he was able to make such a good life for me. He knew from the beginning what he wanted to do, and I loved my dad for that. I only hoped to have his drive towards a future, but for now, it will be towards studying until I can find that passion.

Walking around on campus is always messy, consisting of friend groups that have always been together, couples littering the lawn, and everyone else who is just trying to get from point A to point B. I was the latter, just trying to get to my Humanities seminar before I could not find any seats. I had a full day ahead of me, and luckily, I never had a class on Friday. I was going to need every bit of rest I could get after today. As I made my way to the main building, I walked towards the vending machine, hoping to get a snack and drink for later. I noticed a small girl kicking at the window, begging for her items.

"Come on. I've been here for 10 minutes now." She breathed, and I could hear the despair in her voice as she crumbled in front of the machine.

"What's the matter?" I asked, and her face gleamed with hope as she looked back at me and almost broke my heart with her eyes.

"All I wanted was my coffee. I've bought two, and it refuses to let me live in peace. Stupid machine." She stretched her leg out to kick at it, and I moved slightly closer. Today, I was just running into all types of weird people, and Tae, when would it get better?

This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

"Want help shaking it?" I asked simply, placing my earbuds into the container and storing them in my bag.

"Yes, please." She stood up quickly, straightening out her pants and then moving to just one side of the machine. "Now we will show it who is boss." She said, and I could hear what sounded like pure hatred in her voice for the machine. We both took ahold of the machine, me reaching almost the top with my arms, and I looked at the girl standing opposite of me. She tried with her might, but her arms could only reach the top of the middle. She was cute, her eyes fixed on the problem at hand and determined to get her coffee.

"Ready, shake," I told her that I wouldn't even need to try hard. She began to shake the whole machine as if her life depended on it. Little people sure had a lot of pent-up energy in them, or at least she did. The next thing I knew was the sound of two thuds, one after another, threw her to the front of the machine on her knees. She was reaching inside the machine, already pulled out two coffees, and smiled with the biggest grin of success.

"Here." She said with a grin and handed one of the cold coffee drinks to me. "I really only need one. I bought the second one since the first did not drop. Take it as a 'Thank you"." She said sweetly, patting my hand once more before going off towards the other end of the building. At least this time, I got a coffee out of it, but who was that girl? I looked down at the coffee, and it was actually my favorite since it was sweet. Whoever she was, I knew I at least owed her a decent thank you.

I looked back to the area she went to, making a mental note of what she looked like and the coffee that she had bought before I went on working on the vending machine. I looked back in and searched for what I thought would make a good snack, especially since I already had a big breakfast. A banana continued to catch my eye until my stomach decided that, at that moment, I wanted a banana. I swiped my card and began to input the number, waiting patiently as my little banana slipped down. I reached down and grabbed it, standing up straight and starting my journey down the hall.

I held the coffee and banana in the same hand, pulling out my phone with the other. As I walked down the hall, I skimmed through the already open apps, thinking about what topic would be discussed as I walked through the door. The lecture room was empty, for the most part. Most students would not even try to come in until closer to time. I used to laugh at how often I would beat the professor to class, but now I enjoy it. I always look forward to any time I can spend with myself and enjoy my own company. I swiped most of my apps closed, leaving only the recording app. I usually recorded all my lectures and seminars so that I could replay them and study a little better.

I checked the time: 5 minutes until class began, and I happily took my seat in the second row closest to the window. I wanted to be close so my recorded notes were clear but away from the front enough so I never gained attention. I laid down my phone, pressing record before I opened my bag for my materials. I placed the coffee and banana in front of my bag to make sure nothing would get squished. I pulled out the blue notebook I used for this class and my favorite purple pen. For every class, I had a designated notebook and pen that I would use. This just helped me make sure my mind was as prepared as my physical being was. I placed the pen and notebook beside one another, making sure to open to the next blank page. I was ready, and when I heard the door open, I couldn't help but look out the window. I saw a few birds in the tree, jumping on each limb before taking off.

"Is this seat taken?" Everyone had already begun slowly coming into the room and taking seats. I hadn't noticed, but the third row and first were already full. I looked up at the stranger who was motioning at the chair next to me. His eyes were big and brown, his face looked like it was in a natural pout, and his lips stretched to form a smile when we locked eyes.