Bittersweet Obsession

Arcanvale University was a sprawling and picturesque campus nestled in the heart of the city. The campus had lush green grass, tall oak trees, and carefully planted grounds that made it feel serene and inviting. With walls covered in ivy and grand entrances, the main academic buildings were a blend of modern and traditional architecture.

It was equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including well-equipped classrooms, research laboratories, and a well-stocked library that provided students with a conducive environment for learning and research.

It also offered a range of recreational amenities to promote a balanced college experience. There were sports fields and courts for various outdoor activities, a student center for social gatherings and events, and cozy cafes and lounges for relaxation.

The university's commitment to sustainability was evident through its eco-friendly practices, such as solar panels on some buildings and recycling programs. Overall, Arcanvale University provides a vibrant and academically enriching environment for students to pursue their education and personal growth.

Tamara strolled through the serene garden on the campus, a place she had come to seek solace and inspiration over the past three years of her student life. The garden was a hidden gem, tucked away from the hustle and bustle of academic buildings, a tranquil oasis where nature and architecture harmoniously coexisted.

The path beneath her feet was paved with cobblestones, and each step felt like a journey through time and knowledge. Towering oak and maple trees gave a welcoming canopy, their branches rustling in the gentle breeze. Colorful flowers carefully tended to by the university's gardeners painted the landscape with vibrant hues.

As she walked, she couldn't help but admire the ivy-covered walls of the nearby academic buildings. They seemed to whisper the wisdom of countless scholars who had walked these halls before her. The sun cast dappled shadows on the cobblestone path, creating a play of light and dark that mirrored the complexities of her academic journey.

Benches strategically placed along the path offered a place to pause, reflect, and take in the beauty of the surroundings. Some students were passing by, some rushed to their evening classes or left their last classes, while others had lively conversations nearby.

She knew that there were still another fifteen long months to pass before she would don the graduation gown and walk across the stage to receive her diploma. The thought of all the exams, assignments, and late-night study sessions that lay ahead felt both daunting and exciting.Ccontent © exclusive by Nô/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

As she continued her walk through the campus garden, she couldn't help but reflect on the journey that had brought her to this point. The countless hours spent in the library, the friendships forged during group projects, and the moments of inspiration that had led to breakthroughs in her research-all of it had shaped her into the aspiring writer she aimed to become.

When she turned around the lavish, tall shrubs, her heart sank when she spotted Bella and Vivian huddled together, their heads bent close as they engaged in whispered conversation. She knew all too well what this meant.

Bella Ripperton always seemed to find a way to make her life miserable, whether it was with cruel words, petty pranks, or embarrassing confrontations-anything to make her look like a jerk in front of everyone else and make them laugh. At that moment, she just wished to be invisible. You know, become like a hidden ninja, blending into the background. She wanted a break from all the judging eyes and mean words that seemed to follow her everywhere. It was like she was constantly under a microscope, and it was driving her nuts.

Being invisible would mean escaping the constant glares, whispers behind her back, and those annoying finger-pointing moments. It would be like finding a secret hideout where she could take a breather from all the drama. But let's face it, being invisible was just a daydream. She had big dreams and a bright future ahead, so she couldn't just vanish. Instead, she kept moving forward, hoping that one day, her determination would shine brighter than all the negativity around her, and she'd find her place in this crazy world.

At that moment, Tamara made a quick decision. She couldn't risk walking past them and becoming the target of their torment. She had endured enough humiliation at the hands of Bella and her gang.

She waited for a while, the tension in the air growing with each passing moment. And then, out of nowhere, something smacked the side of her head. It bounced off her shoulder and plopped onto the wooden bench beside her. She glanced down. It was just a tiny twig.

A few seconds crept by, and then another twig found its mark, grazing her cheek. She could hear the muffled laughter, but she refused to look over. She was determined not to give them the satisfaction of her reaction, so she kept her gaze forward, ignoring the teasing that was meant to get under her skin.

It was time to take a different path, to avoid the drama and potential embarrassment. She turned around and took a different route to get away from the malicious duos. Before she could take another step, a horrifying call pierced the air. "Hey, Nerdara!"

Tamara stopped in her tracks and felt her heart sink when she heard the mean nickname. It was a cruel mix of the word "nerd" and her name, Tamara, that Bella and her friends had given her. She got this nickname because she always worked hard at her studies, her love of books, and her quiet behavior. Bella and her friends saw it as a way to make fun of her and a sign of telling how different she was in a world that often valued uniformity.

She let out a heavy sigh, knowing that ignoring it was often the best thing to do, even though it hurt every time she heard it.

Bella walked over with a malicious grin on her face, and Vivian followed her like a loyal lapdog by her side. "Speaking of the devil, we were just talking about you!" she exclaimed in a mocking and cynical tone.

Tamara got ready for the next verbal attack she was sure was coming.

"As if anyone would tell you how to dress. Your shirt wouldn't look so silly if your breasts weren't so big," Bella taunted as she walked by. Tamara didn't pay her any mind, simply brushing off the insult and making her way through the exit gate. Just as expected, she immediately felt a surge of tension.

Bella couldn't resist making another malicious remark as she sneered. "Well, Nerdara, if you're ever tired of being a fashion disaster, you can always ask for my advice. I might give you some tips to salvage your hopeless style."

She couldn't help but agree with Bella's cruel remark. At that moment, she felt like she did indeed look fat and ridiculous in her choice of clothes.

As she walked away, she couldn't get rid of the feeling that she should have worn something else. She had looked at herself in the mirror that morning and had a nagging feeling that people might make fun of her. But her desire to break away from the modest clothes she usually wore was stronger than her fear. She was tired of never being able to wear the fancy and elegant clothes everyone else wore.

"Somebody's not happy today?" Bella commented with mock sweetness, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "Did your pet dictionary run away, Nerdara? Or did you finally realize that dressing like a fashion reject is a bad idea?"

Unwilling to respond, Tamara simply picked at the edge of her binder and avoided making eye contact with her tormentor.

Bella leaned in closer, her breath cold against Tamara's ear, and hissed, "Cat got your tongue, Nerdara? Can't come up with a snappy comeback, can you?"

Like I care, Tamara thought. Just shut up.

This time, Bella firmly grabbed her hands, forcing Tamara to face her.

Tamara clenched her jaw and said, "Let go of me, Bella."

"Aw, is Nerdara getting all feisty now? How cute."

With a sly smile, Bella leaned in and taunted, "You can't escape me, Nerdara. I'm everywhere you go. I know what you're discreetly doing with Aaron."

"What I do with Aaron or anyone else is none of your business."

"Oh, it's my business when it involves a nerd like you. Don't think you can hide your secrets."

"My personal life is just that, personal. Keep your nose out of it."

Bella scoffed and rolled her eyes, clearly unimpressed. "You're such a prig, Nerdara. No wonder nobody likes you."

"Better to be a prig than an incurable bully like you. I don't care if nobody likes me."

"You know, Nerdara, you should do us all a favor and just disappear. Nobody wants you around."

Her rude comments made Tamara's face flush with embarrassment and anger. She clenched her hands but chose not to fight back, hoping that Bella would finally lose interest and leave her alone. However, it turned out she was mistaken.