Smoking Stories

This story was submitted on June 15th 2026 by an author of the community going by the name of SmokeSanta (author of “A smoker’s second life“, “Surrender to smoke“, or “Smoking for views“). If you have a story to submit it’s right here !

Julie Smith stepped out of the community college administration building into the warm September evening. The orientation session had finally ended. The air was thick with late-summer humidity, and she took a slow, deep breath, trying to steady her nerves. At 24, she was leaving behind her dead-end retail job for this intensive real estate licensing program, two evenings a week, three hours each, for eight long months. Tuition had wiped out most of her savings, and the thought of balancing night classes with her remaining shifts left her stomach in knots.

She was tall, six feet exactly, and slender, with long, dark wavy hair that cascaded down her back, pale skin that flushed easily, and striking green eyes that often darted away from direct contact. Shyness had always been her shadow. Making friends felt impossible, especially in a new group where everyone seemed more confident. She tugged at the hem of her simple blouse, acutely aware of how she towered over most of the women leaving the building.

Twenty-eight students were enrolled. Julie scanned them quietly as they spilled into the parking lot. Some laughed in clusters. Others checked their phones. She wondered which ones would last the full eight months.

A social hour followed orientation with coffee and snacks in the lobby. Julie stood awkwardly near the edge, sipping lukewarm coffee, when a bright voice cut through the murmur.

“Hi! I’m Lena. First time here too?”

Julie turned. The woman was petite, no more than 5’4”, with an athletic build, sun-kissed skin, and shoulder-length blond hair that bounced with her energy. Her smile was wide and genuine. Julie felt an instant, subtle pull, something about Lena’s confidence was magnetic.

“Yeah… Julie Smith,” she replied softly, offering a shy smile.

They chatted easily. Lena was 25, worked as a fitness instructor during the day, and was determined to break into real estate. Her enthusiasm was contagious. As they talked, Lena pulled a pack of Marlboro Lights 100’s from her purse.

“Mind if I step outside for a quick one? These orientations always make me jittery.”

Julie followed her out. A small group had already gathered near the side entrance, smokers, clearly. Lena lit up with practiced ease, the flame illuminating her pretty face. She took a long, luxurious drag, her cheeks hollowing slightly as she pulled the smoke deep into her lungs. She held it there for several seconds, eyes half-closed in obvious pleasure, before exhaling a thick, creamy stream through pursed lips, followed by a gentle nose exhale that framed her face in delicate haze.

The others joined in. Mia, a curvy Latina with warm brown eyes and a quick laugh, chain-smoked Virginia Slims Menthol. Sophie, petite and Asian with sleek black hair, favored slim menthols and took delicate but deep drags. Jake, one of the few guys, puffed on a Camel. Their smoking was unapologetic, long drags, extended holds, luxurious exhales that lingered in the warm air.

Julie watched, fascinated and uncomfortable. The scent was strong but not unpleasant up close. She felt out of place, towering over the group, but Lena made sure to include her, chatting animatedly between puffs.

By the end of the social, Lena had roped Julie into her budding study group. “Just five of us max. We’ll meet once or twice a week. You in?”

Julie hesitated, then nodded. “Yeah. I’d like that.”

Classes began the following week. The material was dense, the instructor fast-paced. Julie studied hard during the day but still felt behind. At the first break, she wandered outside with the others. The smokers lit up immediately.

Lena took a deep double-pump drag, inhaling sharply and holding the smoke for nearly ten seconds before releasing a long, tight stream toward the sky. “God, I needed that,” she sighed, smiling at Julie. “You okay? You don’t smoke, right?”

Julie shook her head, feeling awkward in her height. “Never have.”

But she stayed. The group’s easy camaraderie drew her in. Over the next few sessions, Julie found herself looking forward to the breaks, even if just to be near Lena.

The study group met at Lena’s cozy apartment. Mia, Sophie, and Jake rounded it out. They made progress on the material, but the stress was real. During one particularly tough session on property law, Lena, Mia, and Sophie smoked steadily in the living room after Julie and Jake said it was fine. The haze thickened. Julie watched Lena’s ritual with growing interest, the way she tapped ash delicately, the satisfied expression after every deep inhale, the way smoke curled from her nostrils as she explained a tricky concept.

One Thursday night, the others left early. Julie stayed to help Lena clean up. They sat on the couch reviewing notes. Stress from an upcoming quiz weighed on Julie.

“I don’t know… I feel so behind,” Julie admitted, running a hand through her dark waves.

Lena studied her with soft blue eyes. “You’re doing great. But I get it. Sometimes a little break helps.” She reached for her pack. “Want to try one? Just to see what the fuss is about. No pressure.”

Julie’s heart raced. Curiosity had been building for weeks. “Maybe… just one. To understand.”

Lena’s smile widened. She shook out two cigarettes. “I’ll show you. It’s better this way for a first time.”