Broken, Flawed & Living (Discontinued)

Chapter Two

In the early hours of morning, Tori and I sauntered through the halls of residence, brushing through dressed or half-dressed students. Some walked around in their underwear with no care and the sight of that didn't make us cringe. We didn't question it anyways. People were comfortable here and because of it, for the first day of many more, I'd too might dare walk around in just boxer briefs.

Sure, I ran with my dad a lot and had few workout sessions with him, so I wouldn't feel as self-conscious and a little more confident. But some of these guys, who beards shaped their faces as rugged, had stocky figures or slight beer guts. And with that, on top of the gym seasoned boys, I'd feel embarrassed once all eyes were locked on what I packed.

No, sir... nope, nope, and more nope.

Perfume and cologne combined trudged the air and we continued, letting the sweet mixture stain our clothes. Around another corner, we met up by Chris' door, where Levy stood outside against the wall. From the sound of Tori's voice, he glanced up at us and kicked himself off. He hugged her first and then me.

For a new guy, I felt a slight sense of comfort from his already loving embrace.

"What's Chris doing?" Tori asked.

"Wondering what shirt he'd wear," he said. "He has to look good for the ladies — and maybe be a little eye candy for the men, too." The slight dip in his voice on those words left my body shifting.

I'd curse Leone for the start of one of my weaknesses.

"Oh dear God... remind me again why we're friends with him?"

"He still has to renovate that kitchen of yours, right?"

I choked on my saliva and clapped a hand over my mouth. Oh my God... I'm done.

"Oh, yeah." She stared in the distance, popping her hip out before straightening her composure. I, on the other hand, kept choking quietly to myself. I couldn't live to see another day with these kind of people as my friends. I thought Leone would've kill me one day before, but now, these guys would. "Where's my brother, by the way?" she asked.

"He's in the shower," Levy explained. The way his face shaped up couldn't worry me anymore than last night. Chance held a mystery to him, now that the boy I knew grew into a man I called a stranger. "He'll be out when he's ready. He knows his schedule, he won't be late."

"So what class does he have first?" she asked. "I know he's taking Psychology like Tommy is."

I learned once new thing about him. His interest in Psychology left itching for more answer. The mystery behind that beautiful man would be solved — I just hoped he didn't leave me any choice but to fall for him.

"Social Psychology." And now it became coincidental. I'd get my chance.

Tori settled her eyes on me and gave a backhand pat on the side of my stomach. "Hey, do you think you can stay behind and watch him for me? You're both in the same course so he might be willing to open up a little more," she said. The glint in her eyes read how her love for him transcended beyond the annoyance he gave her because of how he was. "You don't have to but-"

I nodded fast. "Yeah, of course."

Levy nudged his head up and gestured me to follow while Tori stayed behind waiting for Chris' ego to simmer down. Levy and Chance were roommates, and around the corner, down the end of the hall came their room. He heaved the door inwards, smiled as he patted my back and left to catch up if Chris hadn't left. The sound of water filled the silence and I sat myself on the far end bed, just on the edge.

I didn't think anyone showered for so long.

Then again, didn't we all contemplate life and other things in the world in the shower? Or is that when the internet keeps you up late at night?