**Chapter 2: The DUFF**

Emilia trudged across campus, her eyes fixed on the ground as she navigated through the sea of students. She had always been a shy and quiet person, and the overwhelming atmosphere of Duke University was starting to get to her. As she turned a corner, she spotted Melo's friend group hanging out by the student union. They were laughing and joking with each other, their designer clothes and confident auras making Emilia feel like an outsider. Melo, who was standing at the center of the group, caught her eye and flashed her a charming smile. "Hey, Em!" he called out, using the nickname he had started using for her. Emilia's cheeks flushed as she waved hesitantly, feeling like she was intruding on their social circle. As she approached them, Emilia was introduced to Melo's friends, a group of charming and confident students who seemed to have it all together. There was Tyler, the star quarterback, with his chiseled features and effortless charm. Rachel, the sorority girl, with her perfect hair and designer clothes. And Jake, the class clown, with his quick wit and infectious laugh. But as Emilia tried to join in on their conversation, she felt like she was being ignored. They barely acknowledged her presence, their eyes glazing over as she tried to contribute to the conversation. Melo, on the other hand, seemed oblivious to her feelings, treating her like one of the gang. As they headed to a nearby café for coffee, Emilia tagged along, feeling like she was just along for the ride. The group was loud and boisterous, laughing and joking with each other as they ordered their drinks. Emilia tried to join in, but her voice was drowned out by the others. As they sat down at a table, Emilia felt like she was stuck on the outside looking in. Melo's friends were all flirting with him, teasing him about his basketball skills and charming him with their smiles. Emilia tried to join in, but they ignored her, barely even acknowledging her presence. The atmosphere was awkward, with Emilia feeling like she was the odd one out. She excused herself to go to the bathroom, feeling like she needed to escape the suffocating atmosphere. As she washed her hands and stared at her reflection in the mirror, she felt a pang of sadness. Why did she always feel like she didn't belong? When she returned to the table, Melo's friends were still dominating the conversation, their voices rising and falling in a crescendo of laughter and chatter. Emilia tried to contribute again, but they talked over her, their eyes glazing over as she spoke. Melo, however, seemed to notice her frustration. He caught her eye and smiled, his expression softening as he reached out to pat her hand. "Hey, Em, you okay?" he asked, his voice low and gentle. Emilia nodded, feeling a surge of gratitude towards him. Maybe, just maybe, she wasn't as alone as she thought. As they finished their coffee and headed back to their dorm, Emilia felt like she was walking on air. Melo's friendship meant a lot to her, and she was grateful to have him by her side. But as they entered their dorm room, Emilia's friend group was waiting for her, their faces pinched with disapproval. Skye, Jess, and Bianca were all chatting with Melo's friends, their voices rising and falling in a crescendo of gossip and laughter. Emilia felt a pang of unease as she realized that her friend group wasn't as supportive as she thought. They seemed to be trying to tear her down, their comments and jokes cutting her down to size. As the night drew to a close, Emilia retreated to her bed, feeling like she was stuck in a never-ending cycle of self-doubt. But as she glanced over at Melo, who was smiling at her with genuine affection, she felt a spark of hope. Maybe, just maybe, she was going to make it through this after all. The next day, Emilia decided to distance herself from her friend group. She spent most of her time with Melo, studying and laughing together. As they sat on the couch, Melo turned to her and asked, "Hey, Em, want to grab lunch with me?" Emilia nodded, feeling a surge of excitement. Maybe, just maybe, she was starting to find her place at Duke. As they walked to the cafeteria, Emilia felt like she was walking on air. Melo's friendship meant a lot to her, and she was grateful to have him by her side. Little did she know, their friendship was only just beginning, and it would take them on a journey they would never forget.