Evan stood at the front gate of his new college, his fingers tightening around the straps of his backpack. The building towered over him, clean and modern, with students already bustling in and out like clockwork. He took a deep breath, trying to ease the nerves twisting in his stomach.
Please… let this be different.
At 75 kilograms and only 160 centimeters tall, Evan had always stood out -- and not in the good way. Three colleges in two years. Each time, the same story: whispers behind his back, laughter in hallways, cruel names whispered with smiles. And every time he transferred, he told himself, Maybe this time…
As he stepped into the courtyard, the morning sun caught the tennis court off to the left. There, a group of students were gathered, but one stood out among them, tall, athletic, and unmistakably confident. Lucas.
Lucas was the school's golden boy. Star tennis player, naturally charismatic, and devastatingly handsome. His skin glowed under the sun, and his fitted school uniform clung perfectly to his lean muscles. People called him "untouchable", not just because of his skills, but because his heart had already belonged to someone else.
Or, at least, it had.
Today, Lucas didn't smile. He leaned against the fence, earbuds in, staring blankly at the court. News had traveled fast. Sandra, the senior he had loved since freshman year, had rejected him two days ago. Politely. Firmly. Completely.
Lucas didn't care about new students. He didn't care about much of anything right now.
Evan passed by the court unnoticed, which was exactly what he had hoped for.
His first day passed quietly. He found his classroom, introduced himself softly to the teacher, and took a seat near the back. No one laughed. No one stared. A few classmates nodded politely, and he gave them shy smiles in return.
And then, Lucas walked in.
The classroom buzzed slightly at his presence, but Lucas didn't look at anyone. He took the empty seat beside Evan without a word. Evan didn't even dare to breathe too loudly. Lucas's cologne was faint, fresh, like pine and rain. Their shoulders were close, but Lucas acted as if Evan didn't exist.
Which, in Evan's book, was perfect.
The lesson went on. Evan took notes, answered one question correctly, and kept his eyes low. He caught a few students whispering, but not about him. Someone else had worn bright pink socks. Someone else had forgotten their homework. For once, he wasn't the target.
When the final bell rang, Evan quietly packed his things, ready to leave the classroom unnoticed, when Lucas suddenly stood up and turned toward him. Evan froze.
But Lucas didn't say a word.
He simply glanced at Evan, then away, eyes cold and distant. Heartbreak had drained the warmth from him.
Then he left.
Evan exhaled slowly.
Day one: no insults. No kicks under the desk. No locker pranks.
Maybe… just maybe… this college really was different.