The sun dipped low as the last group of first-years finished settling into their dorm rooms. Laughter echoed through the hallways, luggage wheels rolled against the tiles, and voices called out from open windows. It was the kind of chaos that made a place feel alive.
In Room 12B, Brandston Reid tossed his backpack onto the lower bunk of the double-decker bed. The room wasn't anything fancy—just two beds, a small desk, a wardrobe, and a cracked window letting in soft California light. Still, it was decent.
Joel flopped onto the top bunk with a groan. "Man, we really lucked out, huh? Nice room, not too far from the cafeteria. You hungry? I could eat an entire horse… maybe two."
Brandston raised an eyebrow but said nothing, calmly unpacking his clothes.
Joel had been talking non-stop since they met, which didn't bother Brandston much. If anything, the guy filled the silence well enough.
Once everything was in place, they both relaxed into the soft hum of the evening. Joel scrolled through his phone, still chatting about the best food joints around school.
Then, out of nowhere, Brandston spoke up. "What department are you going to be in?"
Joel froze. He peeked down from the top bunk like a squirrel caught stealing snacks. "Wait… what? Did you just talk?"
Brandston gave a small sigh, not looking up. "Yeah."
Joel blinked a few times, then grinned. "Arts. I'm going into Arts. Drawing, design, a bit of drama—y'know, the fun stuff. Wait… wait. Don't tell me—are you in Arts too?"
Brandston gave the faintest smirk. "Looks like I'll be seeing you around more than I thought."
Joel rolled over dramatically and laughed. "Brooo! I thought you were one of those mysterious types that only speaks during thunderstorms or life-or-death moments!"
Brandston chuckled quietly.
"Arts buddies! Roommates! Destiny, my guy," Joel declared, raising a victory fist in the air. "Now you can't ditch me, even if you try!"
As the laughter died down, a peaceful calm filled the room. The first night at Lincoln High was beginning to feel less strange.
Tomorrow, they'd explore more. Monday, classes would begin. But for now, two roommates had just taken the first step into a new chapter of their lives.