The cafeteria was buzzing with the presence of the students. The girls were chitchatting about the latest makeup trend, and some boys were discussing the launching of a virtual game. Others were silently enjoying their food.
“State your name.”
“Curtis Fleming.”
The food staff gave him a bowl of Cobb Salad—Sliced Free-Range Chicken, Plainville Farms Turkey Bacon, 8 Minute Omega 3 Egg, Avocado, Grape Tomatoes, HB Seasoned Walnuts, Zaatar Spiced Chickpeas, Bleu Cheese, and Mixed Greens. The Generals were already waiting for him at their usual spot. Liam had Chicken Tikka, Wake & Steak for Lewis, and Beef Teriyaki À la carte for Luke.
“Your food seems delicious, Luke,” Liam said.
“Everything is,” Luke replied.
“I mean look at the shiny sauce paired with miso soup.” Liam’s eyes sparkled.
“You just want to snatch mine.”
“Can we exchange?”
“No.”
Liam pouted.
“You can have mine,” Cade said.
“No, thanks. I don’t like avocado.”
A hot girl came to their table—thick thighs, flawless legs, plump lips, huge breasts, and brown hair. She slid her fingers on Luke’s arm.
“Are you coming to the party, baby?” she asked in a flirty voice.
“Yeah.”
“We are coming,” Lewis said.
“What party?” Cade asked.
“Liam’s birthday party.”
“I am inviting you to come to the grandest party in history. So, be in your best attire,” Liam said.
“Don’t believe him. It’s just a casual party. Nothing big,” Lewis said.
“Tonight? Why didn’t you tell me sooner?”
“I thought you know since we’re friends.”
“But it’s our prelim exam tomorrow.”
“So what? We are smart enough not to study.”
The girl attempted to kiss Luke’s cheek, but he avoided it. “See you there, boys.”
“Is she your girlfriend?” Cade asked.
“Luke doesn’t have a girlfriend,” Liam and Lewis said.
“Then who is she and why is she so clingy to you?”
“She’s Emberlynn. Everyone knows she has a huge crush on Luke. She’s a cheerleader and their families are close,” Liam explained.
“So Luke doesn’t like her?”
“Luke doesn’t like anyone who likes him. He’s the worst case.”
Luke glared at him. “Can you talk about me when I’m gone?”
“I would never do that. I’m loyal to you,” Liam replied.
***
The boy’s dormitory was oddly silent one afternoon. Everyone was busy studying for the incoming prelim exam, which will impact their grades. Stan was scanning his Science textbook while drinking a cup of cold coffee to avoid taking a nap. He highlighted the things that might come up on the exam depending on their importance with the colors yellow, pink, blue, and green. Meanwhile, Theo was playing the latest virtual game with his VR headset. He constantly screamed, talked to himself, and cussed during the game.
“Hey, can you please shut up?” Stan said.
“Don’t mind me. Focus on your goal.”
Stan closed his book. “How can I when you’re so noisy?”
“This will be over in 2 minutes.”
Theo slumped to the floor when the game ended, and his avatar died.
“This is crazier than I expected,” he blurted.
“You will seriously go insane if I slap you with this book. Why aren’t you studying? You’re not even intellectually capable of reaching the average score.”
“You’re such a bully, Stan. I hate you.”
“I’m encouraging you so you won’t be at the lowest rank. Their punishments are terrible. Have you heard of the roasting game? They do it after the ranking is revealed.”
Theo shook his head.
“The losers will sit at the center surrounded by their classmates and they will begin insulting them. The losers have no means of self-defense and they must not get upset. It is a 2-hour humiliation and you must pretend to laugh. They will also record the video and may replay it anytime they want. Everyone can save the video. Apparently, it isn’t bullying since there is an agreement and consent from both sides,” Stan explained.
“Well, I’m not worried. They have nothing against me. No one can say nasty things about me.”
“But after that, they may bully you after school like those baseball players who beat you up.”
“Correction, I beat them up.”
“Listen to me. You need to take this seriously. My notes can save your life. You will definitely pass if you put all of that in your head.”
Theo was not convinced.
“By the way, I met Hailey Evans earlier. Wasn’t she your date?”
Theo sat straight. “Really? Why didn’t you tell me?”
“You were busy with your video games. She’s a Senior.”
“What were you doing at the Senior’s building?”
“Running errands. Anyway, she changed her phone number.”
“Do you have it?”
“Of course. But I will only give it to you if you pass the exam.”
Theo grabbed the nearest textbook. “Where should I start? Give me your highlighter.”
Stan’s phone beeped. It was a message from Cade.
‘I cannot make it on our movie night. I’m having a group study with Luke and friends.’
“Cade texted me. He will not come on our movie night.”
“What? Why?”
“He’s having a group study with the coolest kids in school.”
“Is he seriously choosing to be with those hypocrites?”
“I think he’s just using them as an excuse to escape from your BL obsession.”
Theo grimaced. “For all we know, he’ll be bringing them on our BL moviethon.”
Theo’s phone beeped. It was a Facebook notification. Liam invited everyone to his birthday party. Theo had been following Luke, Lewis, and Liam on their social media accounts ever since Cade got close to them.
“Hey. Our friend is a big fat liar. Group study my ass. He’s going to Liam’s birthday party.” Theo showed his phone screen to Stan.
“Why would he lie about it?”
“I think he will do something unforgivable with them.”
“We have to go to that party.”
***
Colorful lights were dancing wildly on the walls of Baker’s residence. The students gathered on the dance floor, swaying their hips and latching onto their friends’ waists. There were various luxury wines and alcoholic beverages on the bar counter. Most of the girls were wearing a few pieces of fabric, so little that anyone could tear it apart.
Liam handed a piece of cigar to Cade.
“I don’t smoke,” Cade said.
“Try one. I swear, you’ll love it if you get used to it and thank me.”
“But it’s unhealthy.”
“Look at the three of us. We’ve been smoking for a while and we’re still alive.”
“Don’t force him. He’s right. There’s nothing good with this. It’s for personal interest. Curt is too fragile for this,” Luke said.
“I’ll give it a try,” Cade said. He puffed some smoke that made them laugh.
A sexy, tall, blonde girl approached them and clang to Liam.
“Hi, baby,” she said and kissed Liam for five seconds.
“They’re doing it in front of us,” Luke commented.
“It’s his birthday. Let it pass,” Lewis said.
“Everyone, this is my girlfriend from Paris. Her name is Amelia,” Liam said.
“It’s nice to finally meet all of you.” Amelia smiled. The boys shook her hands.
“I’ll be upstairs, babe,” Amelia said and winked at Liam. He gave her a flying kiss.
“She’s so gorgeous,” Cade said.
“Perfect for me. You should get some girlfriends, Curt. They will take away your troubles, especially the sinful act of… you know,” Liam said.
“Ugh. I can’t relate to that.”
Liam covered his mouth as if it was big news. “You’re a virgin?”
Cade bowed his head in shame.
“Come here,” Liam said and pulled him away. He guided him to the bar counter.
“Listen, Curt. Tonight is the perfect moment to experience paradise. It’s not even an exaggeration. When you reach your peak, you’ll be in heaven. You know what I mean. You’re a guy too.”
Cade made a long pause, wondering what to say. “Like what I said, I don’t have a girlfriend. I have no one to do it with me.”
“That’s not a problem. Try Amelia. She’s perfect. I promise you.”
“But she’s your girlfriend.”
“I wouldn’t mind. I have two more girlfriends left. Amelia’s performance in bed is the best among the rest. Since we are friends, I wanted you to try her too. This offer is once in a lifetime, Curt.”
Cade gulped. “She will freak out if I do that with her.”
“No. Tell her I sent you and she will happily welcome you. We are in an open relationship. So, it’s fine. It’s my birthday. You can have a one-night stand with my girlfriend and never do it again.”
“O-okay.”
“Take these condoms. You’ll need a lot of them. She never gets tired,” Liam whispered with a smirk.
Cade walked upstairs with a blank expression, almost spacing out. He was trying to digest what Liam said. His perspective was so different from him, but he didn’t want to be a kill-joy on his special day. Cade’s fingers were shaking while holding the doorknob in Liam’s room where Amelia was waiting. Before he could open it, someone tapped his shoulder.
“Stan. What are you doing here?”
“Attending your group study,” Stan replied in a sarcastic tone.
“I’m sorry I lied.”
“What are you up to? I was eavesdropping and heard that you’re going to have a miracle with his girlfriend. Is he even a decent man? So gross,” Stan said.
“They’re in an open relationship, Stan. It means both parties agreed to have sexual relations with others.”
“I know what it means, Cade. Are you going to stoop this low to gain their approval?”
Cade massaged his temple. “This is none of your business, Stan. I’m doing this for everyone’s sake.”
“No. You’re doing it for yourself. You want to show them that you can go with their flow. You are forcing yourself to a place where you don’t belong,” Stan said in a firm tone.
“Just… leave me alone, Stan.”
Stan held his arm. “You shouldn’t do this, Cade.”
“I am going to have sex with Amelia. That’s final.”
“Fine, then. I’ll watch.”
“What?”
“I’ll watch you have sex with her and rate your skills. I will describe everything to Theo in detail. The sound of your moan and the speed of your thrust. Everything. He will surely love to make fun of your poor decision.”
“That’s ridiculous!”
“Your choice.”
“But I cannot back out. I have already given my word to Liam.”
“Tell him Amelia went out with a handsome guy you don’t know, and I’ll take care of everything.”
Stan entered the room and saw Amelia lying in bed, wearing only her undergarments. Stan acted shocked.
“Oh, I’m sorry. I’m in the wrong room. I was looking for the gaming area,” he said.
Amelia blushed as she covered her body with a blanket. “It’s okay. I’m waiting for someone else.”
“Your boyfriend?”
“No. I don’t have a boyfriend.”
“Oh. Mind if you join me for a walk?”
“Sure.”