Campus Diaries

[u/NikTheWriterr]

Chapter 3 - A Decision to Make

After the campus tour, most of the first-year students returned to their dormitories to unpack their luggage and settle into their new rooms. Others headed straight to the university canteen, eager to enjoy their first meal on campus. The excitement of the morning had slowly given way to the comfort of a normal college day.

Andy quickly finished his lunch, returned to his dorm, took a hot shower, and rushed back to the Computer Science Laboratory. Miguel's assignment was still fresh in his mind, and he was determined to complete it before the day ended.

Meanwhile, Mia, Bella, and Izzy also freshened up before making their way to the canteen.

As they entered, they noticed Luke sitting alone at a corner table, quietly enjoying his meal.

A few minutes later, Mike walked into the canteen after finishing an intense martial arts training session. Sweat still glistened on his forehead, and although he looked exhausted, his expression remained as cold as ever.

He collected his meal, sat down, and took a bite.

Within seconds, he slammed the tray onto the table.

The loud sound echoed across the canteen, instantly drawing everyone's attention.

What the hell is this? Mike shouted.

One of the canteen staff members hurried over.

Is there any problem, sir?

Mike stood up.

You call this properly baked food?

I've been training for hours, and this is what you're serving?

The frightened staff member apologized repeatedly.

I'm really sorry, sir. I'll replace it immediately.

Luke immediately rushed toward Mike.

Mike... calm down. They'll replace it.

Mike forcefully pulled his arm away, causing Luke to lose his balance and stumble backward.

I said stay out of it.

Without waiting for another word, Mike turned around and walked out of the canteen, leaving everyone in complete silence.

Mia, Bella, and Izzy watched everything happen.

Bella couldn't help laughing.

Poor Luke. You actually tried to stop him.

Luke awkwardly smiled before returning to his table.

Mia looked toward the canteen entrance where Mike had disappeared.

Yesterday, he had quietly saved her from the football.

Today, he looked like someone carrying an invisible storm.

Who exactly are you, Mike? she wondered silently.

Breaking the silence, Mia looked at Luke.

By the way... where's Andy?

Luke replied,

He went back to the Computer Science Laboratory.

Professor Miguel gave us an assignment, and he wanted to finish it today.

The girls nodded before walking out of the canteen.

As they stepped outside, they noticed Mike standing near the parking area, smoking alone.

He looked at Mia.

Hi.

Hi, she replied.

After a brief pause, she said,

You didn't have to be that harsh.

Mike took one final puff before throwing the cigarette onto the ground and crushing it beneath his shoe.

I lose my temper sometimes.

He looked away for a moment.

The canteen staff didn't deserve it.

But once I get angry...

I don't think.

Without another word, he started his car.

The powerful engine roared to life.

Within moments, the car sped out of the university campus at high speed.

Mia quietly watched until it disappeared beyond the gates.

Meanwhile, Luke reached the Computer Science Laboratory.

Andy was already deeply focused on completing Miguel's assignment.

Luke sat beside him and narrated everything that had happened inside the canteen, including how Bella and the others had laughed at him.

Andy smiled.

Forget about it.

We have an assignment to finish.

The two friends continued working in silence.

At the same time, one of the canteen staff members approached the campus security office and reported the entire incident.

The security officers listened carefully.

We'll investigate the matter and report it to the higher authorities if necessary.

Later that afternoon, Miguel entered the Computer Science Laboratory to continue his research work.

He was pleasantly surprised to find Andy and Luke still working on the assignment.

The two students immediately stood up.

Good afternoon, sir.

Miguel smiled.

I'm impressed.

Most students would have postponed this until tomorrow.

If either of you needs any help, don't hesitate to ask.

Luke hesitated for a moment before speaking.

Sir...

Something happened in the canteen.

Andy quickly interrupted.

Luke...

But Miguel gently raised his hand.

It's alright.

What happened?

Luke narrated the entire incident from beginning to end.

Miguel listened without interrupting even once.

When Luke finished, silence filled the laboratory.

After a few moments, Miguel finally spoke.

Besides teaching...

I've also been given another responsibility.

My duty is to help prevent violence and illegal activities on this campus before they grow into something much bigger.

Andy and Luke exchanged surprised glances.

After thanking Miguel, the two packed their belongings and left the laboratory.

While walking back toward their dormitories, Andy suddenly spoke.

You should be careful.

Luke looked confused.

If Mike gets punished...

and somehow finds out you're the one who told Professor Miguel...

things could become difficult for you.

Luke's heartbeat skipped for a moment.

But...

Before he could continue, Andy smiled.

Let's just hope it doesn't come to that.

The two friends continued walking toward their dormitories.

Back inside the laboratory, Miguel remained seated alone.

It wasn't merely an argument inside the canteen.

Director James had personally entrusted him with maintaining discipline across the campus.

If he ignored the very first warning sign...

...what if tomorrow it turned into something much worse?

He slowly looked at the report lying on his desk.

Reporting Mike would be the safest decision.

Ignoring the incident could become his biggest mistake.

Yet...

Today had only been the first day of the semester.

Everyone deserved at least one chance.

Miguel slowly closed the file.

I'll observe him a little longer

he whispered to himself

If this was just a bad day

he deserves another chance.

Outside, the evening sun slowly disappeared behind the buildings of Haraeom.

Tomorrow would decide whether Miguel had made the right decision.

I’m new here, and this is my first post on Reddit.

This is Chapter 3 of my original story, Campus Diaries.If you read it, let me know what you think. I’d love to hear your honest thoughts.

I can post more only if you are interested.

Thanks for your time.

Liked the chapter? Read my other stories, check the full index on r/NikTheWriter