In Character

[1] Crashing Re-Introductions

Kai

I don't want to be here. I suppose the only upside is that Finley will be in our dorm room when I get back. But the fact that I had to leave is the worst. I'm walking across a campus I don't know, passing people I don't know, who are all giving me weird looks for some reason. I hate college. Day three, and I already want to run away. Or maybe jump out a window, but I can't even do that since our dorm windows are miniscule and have been made suicide-proof. Goes to show what the school has had to deal with.

When I looked at my college options, this one was the best. They have the best dance program out of all the schools I applied to, and their graphic design classrooms are state of the art. It seemed perfect. Cheap, not to mention Finley was already committed. Everything was perfect. But...

It's my brother's alma mater. My brother, Liam Bender, basketball superstar, who went on to law school and married a super hot woman and now lives in a gorgeous house. He's nothing but success. Everyone knows the Bender name.

I'm a dance major. Not necessarily bringing in the big bucks post grad. I have prayed ever since I committed that Mom and Dad won't compare the two of us, but I can smell it from a mile away.

I have Younger Child Syndrome. The fear of being compared to my objectively more successful older sibling. And I hate it. There's only two of us, and it beats being the middle child, but I wish we could be seen as separate people. Mom and Dad are going to have to learn that.

I kick a pebble the entire way to the classroom, head down, not daring to look at anyone. I push open the door to the building and see it swarmed with crazed freshmen all running to find their classes. I push past a sea of people on the verge of breaking down and find room 106. My first class of the day and it's a required Freshman writing class. Fantastic.

As I reach for the handle, someone slams into me. "Watch it!" They spit out at a freshman who is legitimately crying. And I thought my college experience was bad. My day can't be going as bad as theirs. "Hey, sorry," the person who slammed into me turns around to face me. But I feel like I've been slammed into by this person all over again. Right in the heart.

No, no, no. Here?! Of all places? I'd be lying if I said the dread wasn't outweighed by pure happiness and relief to see someone I know, especially this person, but the dread is still very much prevalent.

"Kai?" His jawline is more defined. His hair is fluffier. His eyes are sultry-er. I don't even think that's a word. Not that I can form those around him.

"Jacob! What are you doing here?" Fuck this.

"Freshman writing class," he gestures to the door I was reaching for. "No way, are you in it too?" I simply nod. He links arms with me, my body physically fighting the urge to recoil, "Well then, in we go!" We walk into the classroom arm and arm, but once in I slip out of his grasp, beelining for the back corner. His hand tugs at mine and I look down at him, two steps down. He nods to an empty row on his step, and I reluctantly follow.

"So," he claps his hands together as we sit down. "What are you doing here? I mean uh, studying. Like, what's your major? I feel like I should know this," he chuckles, rubbing the back of his neck. Is he nervous? First day of class jitters, I get that.

"Dance," I say nonchalantly. His face lights up with another one of his bright smiles. "I'm minoring in Graphic Design. In regards as to why I'm here, I got the most money from here, and their dance and design programs are amazing so- Sorry, I'm being rude," I let out a stiff laugh. "What are you majoring in?"

"Computer Science! Minoring in Film."

"You would," I snort. He looks at me puzzled, the slight cock of his head and furrow of his eyebrows sending butterflies all through me. "I mean with movies and stuff. You have always liked them. I could see you in the film industry." He smiles again, nodding kindly, before tugging out his tablet.