Chapter 1: First Day of College

Chapter 1: First Day of College

Alex and Jason had been best friends since middle school. They had gone through everything together - from first crushes to school dances, from awkward puberty to the joy of getting their first car. So it was no surprise that they decided to attend the same college after graduating high school.

On the first day of college, they both woke up early, eager to start this new chapter of their lives. Alex was the first one to arrive at their dorm room, and he was already unpacking his things when Jason walked in, looking a little disheveled.

"Good morning, sunshine," Alex teased. "Did you sleep in?"

Jason groaned and rubbed his eyes. "Yeah, I stayed up late packing. But I'm here now, and that's what matters."

They spent the morning unpacking and getting settled in their dorm room. Alex had brought a rainbow flag and hung it on the wall, while Jason had decorated his side with sports posters and team pennants.

As they walked around campus, they marveled at how big and different it was from their small hometown. There were so many people, so many buildings, and so many opportunities. They both felt a little overwhelmed but excited at the same time.

Alex was outgoing and confident, and he made friends easily. He introduced himself to everyone he met and struck up conversations with strangers. Jason was more reserved and introverted, but he was kind and thoughtful. He listened more than he spoke and always had a calming presence.

Despite their different personalities, they complemented each other perfectly. They laughed at each other's jokes, finished each other's sentences, and supported each other through thick and thin.

At lunchtime, they decided to grab some food at the campus cafeteria. As they were standing in line, they overheard a group of guys making homophobic comments and laughing. Alex's smile faded, and he looked uncomfortable.

Jason noticed and asked, "Are you okay?"

Alex shrugged. "Yeah, it's just...I don't like hearing that kind of stuff, you know?"

Jason nodded. "I know. It's not cool. But don't let them get to you. They're just ignorant."

Alex smiled gratefully at Jason. "Thanks, man. You always know how to make me feel better."

After lunch, they attended their first classes. Alex was studying creative writing, while Jason was pursuing a degree in business. They both enjoyed their classes, but they were relieved when the day was over.

As they walked back to their dorm room, Alex said, "Well, that wasn't too bad for a first day, was it?"

Jason smiled. "No, it wasn't. Thanks for being my wingman, man. I don't think I could have done it without you."

Alex grinned. "Anytime, bro. We're in this together, remember?"

They high-fived each other and entered their dorm room, feeling happy and excited for the rest of their college journey.

Alex collapsed onto his bed, exhausted but satisfied. "That was a pretty good first day," he said.

Jason nodded in agreement. "Yeah, it was. I'm glad we're roommates. I don't think I could handle living with anyone else."

Alex chuckled. "Same here. You're the only one who gets my sense of humor."

They chatted for a while, discussing their classes, their professors, and their hopes for the future. Alex talked about his dream of becoming a published author someday, while Jason shared his aspirations of starting his own business.

As the evening wore on, they decided to order a pizza and watch a movie. Alex suggested they watch a romantic comedy, but Jason vetoed the idea. "Nah, let's watch something with explosions and car chases."

Alex rolled his eyes but agreed. "Fine, but only if you promise to watch a rom-com with me next time."

Jason smirked. "We'll see about that."

They settled on an action movie and devoured the pizza, laughing and joking throughout the film. When it ended, they stretched and yawned, realizing how late it had gotten.

"Well, I guess it's time for bed," Alex said, standing up.

Jason nodded, rubbing his eyes. "Yeah, I'm beat. Goodnight, man."

"Goodnight, bro."

As they climbed into their respective beds, Alex felt a pang of loneliness. He had been harboring feelings for Jason for a while now, but he didn't want to jeopardize their friendship. He sighed and closed his eyes, hoping to get some sleep.

Meanwhile, Jason lay in bed, staring up at the ceiling. He couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. He had always thought of himself as straight, but for some reason, he couldn't stop thinking about Alex. The way he laughed, the way he talked, the way he looked in his tight jeans...it was all starting to make Jason feel confused and unsettled.

He shook his head, trying to clear his thoughts. "No, no, no," he muttered to himself. "I'm not gay. I can't be."

But deep down, Jason knew that he was lying to himself. He had never felt this way about a guy before, and it scared him.

As they drifted off to sleep, both Alex and Jason were unaware of the feelings stirring within them, feelings that would soon test the boundaries of their friendship and lead them down a path of self-discovery and love.

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