The Dreamer - 3. Chapter 3 - New Beginnings

Part 1 - The Journey to a New Beginning

The day Mason was set to leave home felt surreal, as if he were caught between two worlds. The car ride to the bus station was quiet; the silence wrapped around them, leaving the air thick with unspoken words. His parents had insisted on driving him despite the long distance. Flying through the local airport was out of reach financially, but Mason didn’t mind. The two-day bus ride to the city would give him time to think and process the enormity of what lay ahead.

In the backseat, Mason sat with his sad-looking suitcase beside him and his backpack at his feet. It wasn’t much—just a few changes of clothes, his notebooks, and the memories he’d chosen to take with him. He hadn’t packed heavily; he knew starting over meant leaving some things behind. But what he did bring mattered more than anything else.

Mason gripped his wallet tightly as the miles slipped by, feeling its familiar shape in his front pocket. There wasn’t much of real value in it—at least, not to anyone else—but to him, it was a treasure chest of the past. Inside was the movie ticket from the first film he’d seen with Tony, a memory that felt both distant and painfully close. There was also the now bent and faded polaroid of the two of them by the water, a snapshot of a time when things were simpler and Tony was still in his life.

And then there was the check, carefully folded and tucked away, the money his father had given him with more emotion than Mason had ever seen from him. It was a princely sum, a testament to his parents' sacrifices, and he held onto it like a lifeline. These small items, insignificant to anyone else, were worth more than gold to Mason. They were pieces of his past, reminders of where he’d come from and what he was leaving behind.

The bus station was small and unremarkable, with just a few benches and a ticket counter, but it felt like a gateway to another world to Mason. His parents helped him with his bags, their movements slow and deliberate, as if they were trying to stretch out these last few moments together. His father’s face was set in that familiar stoic expression, but Mason could see the tension in his jaw and his hands flexed and unflexed at his sides.

His mother hovered close, her eyes glassy but determined not to cry. She fussed with his collar and smoothed down his shirt, little gestures of care that spoke louder than words. Mason stood there, trying to absorb every detail, knowing everything would change once he got on the bus.

“You’ve got everything you need?” his mother asked, her voice steady, though her hands shook slightly.

Mason nodded. “Yeah, I’m all set.”

There was a pause when it seemed none of them knew what to say. Finally, his father cleared his throat and looked Mason in the eye. “Remember what we talked about,” he said, his voice gruff but carrying the weight of their last conversation. “We’re proud of you. Don’t forget that.”

Mason swallowed hard, nodding again. “I won’t, Dad. Thanks… for everything.”

His mother pulled him into a tight hug, her grip firm as if trying to hold onto him just a little longer. When she finally let go, Mason saw the tears she’d been holding back. She quickly wiped them away, forcing a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. “You’re going to do great, Mason. We know it.”

He gave them both a small smile before turning toward the bus. He paused as he put his first foot on the step leading to the bus. He didn’t look back as he boarded, not wanting to prolong the inevitable. He found a seat by the window and watched as the driver loaded his suitcase into the luggage compartment. The door closed with a hiss, and the bus rumbled to life, pulling away from the station and taking him away from everything he’d ever known.

As the town disappeared behind him, Mason felt a strange mix of emotions—excitement, fear, relief, and a lingering sadness that clung to him like a shadow. He was leaving behind the familiarity of home, the memories of both good and bad, and stepping into the unknown. But that was the point, wasn’t it? To leave, to start over, to find out who he was beyond the confines of his small-town life.

The ride was long, the hours stretching as the landscape changed from his hometown's rolling fields to the city's bustling outskirts, where his new life would begin. Mason spent most of the time staring out the window, lost in thought, his fingers occasionally brushing over his wallet to reassure himself that the past was still with him, even as he moved forward.

Part 2 - Getting Setup on Campus

The sun was high in the afternoon sky when the bus pulled into the station near the college campus, casting a warm, golden light over everything. Mason stepped off the bus, his legs stiff from the long ride, and looked around. The city was overwhelming at first—so many people, so much noise, a far cry from the quiet streets of his hometown. But there was something exhilarating about it, too: he could be anyone here, and nobody would care.

He retrieved his suitcase and slung his backpack over his shoulder, following the directions he’d written down to get to the campus. The walk was short, but every step felt like he was crossing a threshold into a new world. He paused when he finally reached the campus, taking it all in. The buildings were old and ivy-covered, which felt steeped in history yet buzzing with the energy of the students who filled its halls.

Mason took a deep breath and continued walking, feeling a strange mix of anticipation and uncertainty. He had no idea what the next four or five years would hold, but he felt he had a chance to find out for the first time in a long time.

With his suitcase and backpack slung over his shoulder, Mason spotted a cluster of tables near the campus entrance. A handful of students sat behind them, handing out pamphlets and offering directions to other newcomers. He hesitated for a moment, then decided to approach one of the tables.

A young woman with a bright smile and an even brighter name tag greeted him. Her tag read, “Cindy, 2nd Year Student.” She seemed friendly enough, and Mason hoped she could help him figure out where he should go.

“Hi there! You must be a first-year,” Cindy said, her voice warm and welcoming. “What’s your name?”

“Mason,” he replied, his voice coming out quieter than he intended. “I just got here, and I’m not really sure where to start.”

Cindy nodded understandingly. “No problem, Mason. It can be a little overwhelming at first, but we’ve all been there. Do you know where you’re staying? Have you checked in with the student union yet?”

Mason shook his head. “I haven’t done anything yet. I’m supposed to meet with the people handling my scholarship and get my dorm assignment.”

“Great! I can take you to the student union building,” Cindy offered. She glanced at the table and called over another student. “Hey, can you cover for me? I’m going to take Mason over to the SU building.”

The other student nodded, and Cindy stepped out from behind the table, motioning for Mason to follow her. As they walked, she made small talk, her questions light and easy, but Mason felt slightly out of his depth.

“So, where are you from, Mason?” Cindy asked, glancing over at him with curiosity.

“A small town,” Mason answered, avoiding specifics. “Pretty far from here. It’s…different.”

Cindy smiled. “I bet it is! What are you planning to study?”

Mason hesitated. “I haven’t really decided yet. I’m taking general courses this year, and then I’ll pick a major and minor next year.”

“That’s smart,” Cindy said. “No rush to decide right away. You’ve got time to figure it out.”

Mason nodded, grateful for her understanding but still feeling a little unsure. He answered her questions but couldn’t shake the feeling that he should be asking her something in return. Socializing had never been his strong suit, especially with someone as outgoing as Cindy.

Before long, they reached the student union building, a large, bustling hub of activity. Cindy turned to Mason with a cheerful smile. “This is where you need to be. Head inside, and they’ll help you with everything—scholarships, dorms, all that good stuff.”

Then, to Mason’s surprise, Cindy gave him a quick hug and a light kiss on the cheek. “Good luck, Mason! You’ll do great,” she said, her smile as bright as ever.

Mason stood there, perplexed, as he watched her walk back toward the tables. The kiss on the cheek left him wondering—what did it mean? Was Cindy just being friendly, or was there something more to it? Should he have said something about being gay? The thought flickered in his mind, but he quickly brushed it aside. For now, he decided to keep it to himself.

Inside the student union building, the noise of conversations and the clatter of footsteps filled the air. Mason’s stomach rumbled, reminding him that he hadn’t eaten in hours. The sandwiches his mom had packed were long gone, and the exhaustion from the trip was beginning to set in. As he sat down in the waiting area, he noticed another student sitting nearby, a guy about his age with a friendly face.

The guy noticed Mason’s tired expression and smiled, holding out an apple. “Hey, you look like you could use this. Long trip?”

Mason accepted the apple gratefully. “Yeah, really long. Thanks.”

“No problem,” the guy said, leaning back in his chair. “I’m Robby, by the way. You a first-year too?”

“Yeah, I am. Mason,” he replied, taking a bite of the apple. It was crisp and sweet, and he felt a little more human after the first few bites.

They chatted briefly, mainly about the usual first-day nerves and the strangeness of being in a new place. Mason found Robby easy to talk to, and his casual friendliness was a welcome change from the awkwardness he often felt around new people. It felt like he was speaking to Tony. Just as they entered the conversation, a voice called Mason’s name, signaling it was his turn to see the counsellor.

The meeting with the counsellor took about an hour, during which Mason received everything he needed to start his classes—a campus map, schedule details, and dorm information. He learned he would be sharing a room, which wasn’t surprising since he was a first-year student, but the thought of living with a stranger added another layer of anxiety.

As Mason left the building, his mind full of new information, he was surprised to find Cindy waiting for him outside. She waved as he approached, her smile as bright as ever.

“How did it go?” she asked, falling into step beside him.

“It went well,” Mason replied, still confused by her presence. “I’m all set up. They gave me my dorm assignment and everything.”

Cindy nodded, glancing over at him. “Great! I thought I’d walk you to your dorm. It can be a little tricky to find your way around at first.”

Mason was even more puzzled. Was Cindy just being kind, or was there something more? He’d never had a girlfriend or dated anyone, and he wasn’t sure how to interpret her actions. But he didn’t want to be rude, so he simply nodded and followed her lead.

They made their way across campus, the late afternoon sun casting long shadows on the ground. Cindy chatted as they walked, pointing out various buildings and landmarks, but Mason’s thoughts were elsewhere. He couldn’t shake the feeling of uncertainty—was she interested in him, or was she just being friendly? Should he have mentioned that he was gay? He didn’t know what to say, so he kept his thoughts to himself.

When they reached the dorm, Cindy led him up to the second floor and stopped outside a door with a small nameplate. She knocked, and a voice from inside called, “Come in!”

Mason followed Cindy into the room and immediately recognized the guy sitting on one of the beds. It was Robby, the guy he’d met in the student union building. Robby looked up, grinned, and quickly stood to greet them.

“Hey, Mason! No way! Looks like we’re roommates,” Robby said, extending a hand. “I’m Robert, but everyone calls me Robby. Sorry about the mess—I put my stuff on your bed.” He quickly grabbed his clothes off Mason’s bed and dumped them on his own.

Mason shook Robby’s hand, feeling a little more at ease. “No worries. Good to see a familiar face.”

Cindy laughed and leaned against the doorframe. “You better watch out, Mason. Robby here has been eyeing all the girls on campus already. Don’t be surprised if you find him with someone in the room one of these nights.”

Robby put a hand over his heart, feigning innocence. “Hey, I only have eyes for you Cindy.”

Cindy shook her head, laughing. “You wish, Robby.” She turned back to Mason with a smile. “Well, I’ll leave you two to get settled in. Good luck with everything, Mason. I’m sure I’ll see you around.”

With that, she waved goodbye and left the room, closing the door behind her. Mason stood there momentarily, still unsure what to make of Cindy’s kindness. Was she just being friendly, or was there something more? He didn’t know how to react, so he pushed the thought to the back of his mind and turned his attention to Robby.

“So,” Robby said, sitting back on his bed, “ready to start this crazy adventure?”

Mason smiled, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness. “Yeah, I think I am.”

His dorm room was small but functional, with just enough space for a bed, a desk, and a dresser. He set his suitcase down and looked around, taking in the bare walls and the empty shelves. It felt strange to be in a place where nothing held any memories yet, where everything was a blank slate. Mason unpacked slowly, placing his clothes in the drawers and setting his few personal items on the desk. He wanted to put the Polaroid of him and Tony on the wall or his desk but thought better of it. He didn’t know much about Robby, and he didn’t want to set himself up to be bullied.

Mason stood by his bed, his back to Robby as he unpacked his suitcase. The small room was quiet, save for the rustle of clothes and the occasional creak of the bed as Robby shifted his weight. Mason could feel Robby’s eyes watching intently as he unpacked, making him a little self-conscious. He wasn’t used to this kind of attention, especially from someone he barely knew.

As he finished unpacking, he sat on the edge of the bed and let the reality of the situation sink in. He was here, in a city where nobody knew his name, where he could be whoever he wanted to be. The thought was both thrilling and terrifying.

“It’s all a bit overwhelming, isn’t it?” Robby’s voice broke the silence, casual but with a hint of understanding.

Mason paused, pulling out a folded shirt and nodding slightly. “Yeah, it is. Everything feels… so new. I’m still trying to figure it all out.”

Robby nodded, even though Mason couldn’t see him. “Yeah, man, I get that. It’s a lot to take in. The campus, the people, the classes. Feels like we’re on a different planet, huh?”

Mason smiled at that, appreciating Robby’s attempt to ease the tension. As he continued unpacking, he realized he needed to call his parents and let them know he’d arrived safely.

“Hey, Robby, is there a phone around here I can use? I should call my parents,” Mason asked, carefully placing his clothes in the small dresser by his bed.

Robby leaned back on his bed, propping himself up on his elbows. “Oh, so your parents didn’t drop you off?”

Mason shook his head, folding another shirt. “No, they drove me to the bus station. It’s a long way from home.”

Robby shrugged, his tone light. “That’s cool. Mine didn’t drop me off either. Honestly, I think they’re just glad to be rid of me for a few years.” He chuckled, but there was a hint of something else beneath his words, something Mason couldn’t quite place.

As Mason unpacked the last of his clothes—a few pairs of socks and underwear—Robby’s eyes caught sight of the modest stack of clothing in the dresser. He frowned slightly, noticing how little Mason had brought with him.

“Is that all you’ve got?” Robby asked, his tone more curious than judgmental.

Mason turned around, nodding. “Yeah, it’s all I brought. I didn’t really have much to pack.”

Robby stood up, walking over to his suitcase, which was still half-open on the other bed. “You know, we’re about the same size,” he said, rifling through his clothes. “Here, take some of my stuff. I packed way too much, anyway.”

Mason hesitated, feeling a pang of embarrassment. “Oh, no, that’s okay. I’ve got some money. I’ll just buy some new clothes when I get the chance.”

Robby turned to him, holding out a couple of pairs of jeans, some shorts, and a few t-shirts. “Come on, consider them on loan, then. You can give them back to me once you’ve got your own stuff. No big deal.”

Mason looked at the clothes Robby was offering. They were good quality—better than anything he owned. The jeans looked like they hadn’t been worn yet, and the shirts were the kind you’d find in a nice store, not the discount racks where Mason usually shopped. He swallowed his pride and nodded, accepting the clothes from Robby.

“Thanks,” Mason said quietly, a bit overwhelmed by Robby’s generosity. “I’ll pay you back, I promise.”

Robby waved him off with a grin. “Don’t worry about it. We’re roommates now, right? Gotta look out for each other.”

Mason placed the borrowed clothes in his dresser, making a mental note to find a bank where he could deposit the check his dad had given him. As soon as he had the money, he’d buy some new clothes and return them to Robby. He appreciated the gesture but didn’t want to feel he owed anyone anything. Still, he couldn’t help but be grateful for Robby’s easygoing nature and how he’d made Mason feel more at ease in this new and overwhelming environment.

“Thanks again,” Mason said, smiling at Robby. “Really.”

Robby smiled back, clapping Mason on the shoulder. “Anytime, man. We’re in this together.”

Mason nodded, feeling a little more settled and less like an outsider. He still had much to figure out, but at least he wasn’t doing it alone.

Mason lay back on the bed, staring up at the ceiling. His mind raced with possibilities and uncertainties, but one thing was clear—this was the start of something new. He didn’t know what the future held, but for the first time, that didn’t scare him. He was ready to find out.

Part 3 - Made it

Mason followed the directions to the telephone, finding a small line of students waiting to use it. He joined the line, feeling a strange mix of anticipation and nervousness. The campus was still so new, and the reality of being far from home was beginning to sink in. When it was finally his turn, he stepped up to the phone, carefully dialing the number he knew by heart. After a few rings, his mom picked up.

“Mom, it’s me—Mason. I got here, OK,” Mason said into the telephone, trying to keep his voice steady. He could hear some noise in the background, likely his dad moving around in the kitchen, helping with dinner or tidying up.

“Oh, Mason, I’m so glad to hear from you,” his mom’s warm voice came through, tinged with the worry she’d been holding onto since they dropped him off. “How are you? Is everything alright? Are you settled in?”

“Yeah, I’m all set up in my dorm room. It’s small, but it’s fine,” Mason replied, glancing around at the phone booth and the line of students behind him. “I met my roommate too. He seems nice.” Mason decided not to go into detail about Robby just yet. He didn’t want to worry his mom with unnecessary details or questions he wasn’t ready to answer himself.

“That’s good,” his mom said, a little relieved. “I’m glad you’re getting settled. Your dad’s here—he says hi.”

Mason smiled, even though she couldn’t see it. “Tell him I said hi back. And don’t worry, I’ll call often. I’ll keep you both updated on everything.”

“We’re not worried, honey. We just want to make sure you’re doing okay,” she replied, but Mason could hear the concern in her voice. “Remember, we’re proud of you. Just take it one day at a time.”

“I will, Mom. I promise,” Mason said, feeling a warmth in his chest at her words. “I’ll call again soon. I love you.”

“We love you too, Mason. Take care of yourself,” she said, her voice softening.

“Bye, Mom.”

“Bye, honey.”

Mason hung up the phone, feeling relief and homesickness wash over him. He’d made it, he was here, but the reality of being alone was just beginning to hit. Still, hearing his mom’s voice had grounded him, reminding him that home was just a phone call away no matter how far he was.

Part 4 - Settling In

After his phone call home, Mason returned to his dorm room, his thoughts a mix of relief and nervous energy. He reached the door, paused momentarily, and knocked softly before pushing it open.

Robby looked up from where he was sitting on his bed, flipping through a magazine. He grinned when he saw Mason. “You don’t have to knock every time, man. It’s your room too. We’ll figure out a system if either of us has someone over and wants privacy.” He winked playfully at Mason.

Mason couldn’t help but smile at Robby’s easygoing nature. “Alright, sounds good,” he replied, closing the door behind him.

Robby leaned back against the wall, a smirk playing on his lips. “So, what do you think about Cindy? I think she’s into me, but honestly, I think she’s got the hots for you. A second-year showing that much interest in a first-year? You’re one lucky guy.”

Mason chuckled, trying to brush off the comment. “I think she was just being nice, showing me around. Probably just helping out a new student, you know?”

Robby shook his head, still grinning. “Nah, man. Not too many girls would go out of their way to escort a guy around campus unless they’re into him. Trust me. I’ve been around long enough to know. If you got it, you got it.” He gave Mason a playful punch on the shoulder, his eyes twinkling with mischief.

Mason laughed it off, feeling a bit self-conscious. He wasn’t used to being the center of attention and wasn’t sure how to take Robby’s teasing.

Mason was around 5 foot 10 inches tall, with a slim build and a mix of features that made him neither distinctly white. His brown hair was always a bit tousled, and his green eyes had a way of catching the light that made them stand out, but he’d never thought of himself as particularly attractive. The idea that someone like Cindy could be interested in him was flattering and confusing.

Robby’s grin widened as he saw Mason’s hesitation. “Hey, you hungry? I’m starving. Let’s go grab some pizza and beer. My treat.”

Mason’s stomach growled at the mention of food, but he hesitated, feeling a familiar pang of embarrassment. “I am hungry, but you don’t have to pay for me. I’ve already taken your clothes and now this… I don’t want to keep taking things from you.”

Robby waved off his concern, his tone light and casual. “Don’t sweat the small stuff, Mason. We’re roommates now, and roommates look out for each other. Besides, I’ve got the money. My dad’s a VP at some new tech company. They’re working on top-secret stuff for the government—high-tech, super-secret kind of thing. So, trust me, I can afford a couple of slices and a few beers.”

Mason wasn’t sure how to react to his comment. Was he putting him down? Was he simply letting him know not to worry about it? Everything was new to Mason; he was never very good at social cues, and now he had to learn quickly.

Mason appreciated Robby’s generosity but still felt uneasy about accepting so much from him. At the same time, his stomach reminded him that he hadn’t eaten since early that morning, and the thought of pizza was too tempting to resist. He finally nodded, giving Robby a small smile. “Alright, thanks. I really appreciate it.”

“No problemo, man. Let’s go,” Robby said, grabbing his jacket. As they headed out the door together, Mason felt a little more at ease, starting to settle into this new chapter of his life. Maybe this place wouldn’t be so bad after all.

Part 5 - A Walk to the Pizza Parlor

As they left the dorm and headed toward the pizza place just off campus, Robby kept up a steady stream of conversation. He was the kind of guy who filled silences with ease, asking question after question as they walked down the busy sidewalks.

“So, Mason, where are you from again?” Robby asked, glancing over at Mason with genuine interest.

“Small town, pretty far from here,” Mason replied, keeping his answer vague. He wasn’t used to talking about himself much, especially not with someone he’d just met, but Robby’s enthusiasm made it hard not to open up a little.

“Got any brothers or sisters?” Robby pressed, his curiosity apparently endless.

“No, I’m an only child,” Mason said, glancing around as they walked. The campus was still unfamiliar, and he tried to take in his surroundings as they moved through the crowded streets. “What about you?” he asked, trying to shift the focus to Robby for a change.

“Oh, yeah, I’ve got an older brother and two younger sisters,” Robby answered easily. “My brother’s in med school, and my sisters are still in high school. We’re a pretty close family, I guess.”

Mason nodded, intrigued. “Where do you live? I mean, before coming here?”

“About an hour away,” Robby replied, shrugging as if it was no big deal. “It’s close enough that I could’ve commuted, but honestly, I wanted to get the full college experience, you know? Meet new people, be on my own for a bit.”

Mason was surprised. If he lived that close, he would’ve stayed home instead of paying for room and board on campus. “An hour away? That’s not far at all. I would’ve thought you’d stay at home.”

Robby laughed, shaking his head. “Nah, man. I needed to get out, spread my wings a little. Besides, living on campus is where all the action is. You can’t really experience college life if you’re driving back and forth every day.”

Mason considered that as they walked. He hadn’t thought of it that way before. His decision to live on campus had been more out of necessity than choice, but maybe there was something to what Robby was saying. This was a chance to experience something new, to carve out a life that was his own.

They reached the pizza parlor, a cozy, bustling spot just off campus that was popular with students. Robby walked in like he owned the place, heading straight to the counter. “Two pizzas, pepperoni and extra cheese,” he told the cashier. “And two beers.”

Mason hesitated for a moment when Robby ordered the beers. He wasn’t much of a drinker—never really had been—but he didn’t want to seem out of place, so he accepted the beer without comment when Robby handed it to him. The cold bottle felt unfamiliar in his hand, and he took a cautious sip, wincing slightly at the bitter taste.

They found a table near the window and settled in while waiting for the pizza. Robby kept the conversation going, talking about his family, his high school days, and his plans for the future. Mason listened, chiming in here and there but mostly just soaking up the energy that seemed to radiate from his new roommate. Robby was easy to talk to, and Mason relaxed more than he had since arriving on campus.

As they were eating, the door to the pizza place opened, and Mason noticed a group of girls walk in. From the corner of his eye, Robby spotted them too and waved, a wide grin spreading across his face. “Hey, it’s Cindy and her friends, they are cute!” he said, nodding in their direction.

Mason looked up just as Cindy caught sight of them. She broke away from the group and walked over to their table, a smile lighting up her face. Without hesitation, she put her arms around Mason in a friendly hug, leaning in close as she spoke. “Hey, Mason! Hey, Robby! Enjoying your first day out?”

Mason felt a little flustered by the sudden affection but managed to nod. “Yeah, we just got here. It’s a nice place.”

“Good choice,” Cindy said, glancing back at her friends. “These are my roommates, Maria, Gwen, and Allison.” She motioned them over, and the girls joined her at the table, each giving Mason and Robby a friendly smile as they introduced themselves.

“This is Mason,” Cindy added with a little extra emphasis. “The guy I was telling you about earlier.”

Robby’s eyes sparkled with mischief as he picked up on Cindy’s tone. “You all should join us,” he offered quickly. “I’ll order more pizza and beer.”

Cindy laughed, shaking her head. “Thanks, but we’re waiting on our boyfriends. We just stopped by to grab some food to go.” She gave Mason’s shoulder a light squeeze before stepping back. “We’ll catch up with you later, Mason. It was great meeting you guys.”

With that, Cindy and her friends waved goodbye and returned to their table, leaving Mason slightly stunned by the interaction.

Robby leaned back in his chair, smirking as he took a sip of his beer. “See, what did I tell you? She’s totally into you, man. Didn’t you see how she put her arms around you? I’m telling you, you’ve really scored.”

Mason blushed slightly, shaking his head as he tried to laugh it off. “I think she’s just being nice. Besides, she has a boyfriend, right?”

“Nah, didn’t you hear? They’re waiting for their boyfriends. That doesn’t mean she’s taken,” Robby teased, giving Mason a playful nudge. “But seriously, man, if you got it, you got it. And it looks like you’ve got it.”

Mason smiled awkwardly, still unsure what to make of the whole situation. He wasn’t used to this kind of attention, and the idea that Cindy—or anyone—might be interested in him was hard to wrap his head around. He took another sip of his beer, trying to push the thought to the back of his mind.

As the day stretched into early evening, the pizza place grew even busier, filled with students laughing and chatting, enjoying their first weekend of the semester. Mason looked around, realizing this was just the beginning of a new chapter in his life. He still had so much to figure out, but for now, he was content just to take it all in and see where it led him.

Part 6 - The Walk Back

The pizza place was beginning to clear out as the night wore on, the energy of the bustling crowd slowly giving way to a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere. Mason and Robby finished their last slices, the remnants of their beers sitting half-empty on the table. The evening had been more enjoyable than Mason expected, and he felt a little more at ease as they stood up to leave.

“We should head back,” Robby said, stretching his arms above his head as they walked out the door. The cool night air greeted them, a welcome relief after the warmth of the pizza parlor. “Orientation starts early tomorrow, and I don’t want to be completely dead for it.”

Mason nodded in agreement, feeling the effects of the beer more than he wanted to admit. He wasn’t used to drinking, and the buzz in his head made everything feel slightly surreal as they made their way back toward campus. The streets were quieter now, most students having returned to their dorms or other late-night hangouts. The occasional car passed by, headlights cutting through the darkness.

As they walked, Robby continued to talk, his voice relaxed and a little slower than before, the alcohol loosening his usual filter. He was still animated, gesturing with his hands as he spoke, but there was a new edge to his words, something Mason hadn’t noticed earlier.

“You know,” Robby began, his tone more reflective now, “college is a weird place, man. It’s like… everyone’s trying to figure out who they are, you know? Some people come here thinking they’ve got it all figured out, but they don’t. They just don’t.”

Mason listened, intrigued by the shift in Robby’s demeanor. “Yeah, I guess you’re right,” he replied, watching Robby out of the corner of his eye. There was something different in the way Robby was talking, something that piqued Mason’s curiosity.

“Like, people think they know what they want, who they want, but sometimes… sometimes it’s not that simple,” Robby continued, his words becoming a little more disjointed as he stumbled over them. He glanced sideways at Mason, a small, almost nervous smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. “I mean, you get to a place like this, and suddenly everything’s up for grabs, you know? Like, maybe the person you thought you were isn’t who you really are. Or maybe the people you thought you’d be into aren’t the ones you end up… you know… connecting with.”

Mason’s ears perked up at that, the subtlety of Robby’s words not lost on him. He felt a flicker of something—was it surprise? Curiosity?—but he quickly brushed it off, attributing it to the alcohol still swirling in his system. He wasn’t sure how to respond, so he kept his tone light, hoping to deflect any awkwardness. “Yeah, I guess that’s what college is for, right? Figuring out who you are.”

Robby nodded, but there was a slight tension in his posture as if he were weighing his next words carefully. “Yeah… exactly. And, you know, it’s cool if you end up liking someone different than you thought you would. I mean, who cares, right? As long as you’re happy, that’s what matters.” He kicked at a loose pebble on the sidewalk, his eyes flicking up to meet Mason’s briefly before looking away again.

Mason felt his heart rate pick up slightly, a mix of confusion and curiosity gnawing at him. Was Robby trying to tell him something? He wasn’t sure if he was reading too much into the conversation or if there was something deeper behind Robby’s words. But the beer had dulled his usual caution, and he felt more relaxed, more open to letting things be without overthinking them.

“Yeah, that’s true,” Mason said, his voice steady though his mind was racing. “I mean, everyone’s just trying to figure stuff out, right?” He glanced over at Robby, trying to gauge his reaction, but Robby was already shifting gears, his usual grin back in place.

“Totally,” Robby said, his tone brightening again. “But hey, if you ever need to talk about, you know, anything, I’m here. We’re roommates, after all. Gotta stick together.” He flashed Mason a quick smile, but something in his eyes—something vulnerable, almost uncertain—made Mason pause for a moment.

“Thanks, Robby. Same goes for you,” Mason replied, returning the smile, though his mind was still turning over the conversation they’d just had. He wasn’t sure what to make of it, but for now, he decided to let it go. It had been a long day, and he was too tired to unravel whatever was happening beneath the surface.

They continued walking, the campus buildings coming into view as they neared the dorm. The night was cool and quiet, the sounds of crickets chirping in the background. The moon hung low in the sky, casting a soft, silver glow over the path ahead. It was peaceful, almost serene, a stark contrast to the noise and chaos of the day.

As they reached the entrance to their dorm, Robby let out a low laugh, shaking his head as if to clear away the thoughts that had been lingering. “Man, I’ve had too much to drink. I’m gonna crash as soon as we get upstairs.”

Mason chuckled softly, nodding in agreement. “Yeah, me too. It’s been a long day.”

They walked up the stairs to their floor, the hallways quiet with most other students already in their rooms. When they reached their door, Mason unlocked it, and they both stepped inside. The room felt familiar now, the sight of their belongings comforting in a way Mason hadn’t expected.

“Alright, I’m calling it a night,” Robby said, yawning as he kicked off his shoes. Without a second thought, he pulled his shirt over his head, tossing it onto the floor before unbuttoning his jeans and sliding them off. Left in just his boxers, clearly unbothered by the casualness of it all.

Mason stood frozen, his breath catching in his throat as he watched Robby’s every movement. The easy confidence with which Robby undressed left Mason both captivated and uneasy. He couldn’t tear his eyes away as Robby pulled off his shirt, revealing a chiseled chest and defined muscles that flexed with each motion. Mason’s gaze traveled downwards, lingering on Robby’s sculpted abdomen, before tracing the line of his hips.

As Robby slipped out of his pants, Mason felt his heart race, his gaze involuntarily drawn lower. Robby’s physique was even more impressive than Mason had imagined, and the sight made his cheeks burn with an unfamiliar heat. When he noticed just how well endowed Robby was, a wave of embarrassment surged through him. He knew he shouldn’t be looking, but he couldn’t seem to stop himself.

It was only when he felt the weight of Robby’s gaze on him that Mason snapped out of his trance. His heart skipped a beat as he looked up, his eyes locking with Robby’s. There was a playful glint in Robby’s eyes, his lips curving into a knowing smile that made Mason’s stomach flip. Caught in the act of staring, Mason blushed furiously, the heat in his face spreading all the way to his ears.

Robby held his gaze for a moment longer, as if teasing him, before finally turning and jumping into bed with a carefree laugh. Mortified, Mason quickly looked away, his heart pounding as he tried to compose himself. He could still feel the intensity of Robby’s gaze lingering on him, making it impossible to shake the image from his mind.

He had never slept in just his boxers before—he always wore pajamas or, at the very least, a pair of shorts and a t-shirt. The sight of Robby so casually undressing and getting into bed stirred something in Mason, a mix of confusion and a strange, unfamiliar excitement. He wasn’t sure what to make of it. Part of him wondered if he should follow suit, but the idea of doing so felt too exposed, too different from what he was used to.

Robby stretched out, pulling the covers up over himself, his movements relaxed and unselfconscious. “Orientation tomorrow… joy,” he muttered, already settling into the mattress as if he’d been there for months rather than just a day.

After a brief internal debate, Mason decided to stick with what made him comfortable. He grabbed a pair of shorts and a t-shirt from his dresser and quickly changed into them, trying not to overthink it. He folded the shirt and pants he had been wearing, placing them neatly on top of the dresser. The routine helped calm his thoughts, grounding him in something familiar amidst all the newness of the day.

Once dressed for bed, Mason glanced over at Robby, who was already half-asleep, breathing deep and even. Mason slipped under the covers, pulling them up to his chest, still unsettled by the entire day. The room was quiet now. The only sounds are the campus lights, soft hum outside and his roommate's rhythmic breathing.

As Mason lay there, staring up at the ceiling, he couldn’t shake the feeling that this was just the beginning of many things he would have to figure out—about college, himself, and the people he would meet along the way. He was content to take it one step at a time, starting with getting through the night.

Mason lay quietly in bed, trying to unwind after the long day. The events of the day played over in his mind—meeting Robby, walking to the pizza place, and the casual way Robby had undressed and slipped into bed. Mason was still trying to process everything, unsure what to make of it all.

The room was silent, and Mason assumed Robby had drifted off to sleep. But then, Robby’s voice broke the quiet, soft and slightly slurred from exhaustion.

“Hey, Mason…,” Robby mumbled, his words slow and sleepy. “I really enjoyed today. You’re a pretty cool guy, you know? I hope we can become good friends. I’ve never really connected with another guy like I did with you.” There was a brief pause as if Robby was waiting for a response, but then he continued, his voice trailing off as sleep began to claim him. “Yeah… very good friends…”

As Robby's words hung in the air, Mason felt a strange mix of emotions swirl inside him. He wasn’t sure if Robby was fully awake or just speaking in that half-conscious state before sleep, but the sincerity in his tone was unmistakable. Mason wanted to feel reassured by the words and take them at face value, but they left him feeling more unsettled.

He stared up at the ceiling, his thoughts racing. Who exactly was Robby? He seemed like a nice enough guy—outgoing, generous, easy to talk to—but something about their interactions made Mason question everything. There were those subtle comments during their walk, the casual way Robby had undressed, the smile that Robby flashed as Mason looked at his half-naked body and now this half-asleep confession of wanting to be friends. Was there something more behind Robby’s words? Or was Mason just overthinking things?

Mason wasn’t sure if the confusion he felt was about Robby or if it was something deeper within himself that he didn’t quite understand. He’d never questioned his feelings before, never had reason to, but now, lying in the dark next to someone who seemed to blur the lines between friendship and something else, he found himself lost in a sea of doubts.

Part of him wondered if he was just imagining things, reading too much into what was probably a friendly gesture. After all, Robby seemed like the kind of guy who made friends easily, who said what was on his mind without much filter. But another part of Mason couldn’t shake the feeling that there was more to it, that maybe Robby was testing the waters, trying to see how Mason would react.

Would he get ridiculed? Made fun of if he was too open? Too trusting? Would he get called fag, like what happened during graduation? That still stung. Then there was this whole thing about Cindy. No girls had ever shown interest in him throughout high school.

Mason turned onto his side, trying to push the thoughts away. He didn’t know what to make of his feelings—toward Robby, toward the entire situation—and the uncertainty gnawed at him. Was this how college was supposed to be? Confusing, full of mixed signals and unanswered questions?

As he lay there, listening to the steady rhythm of Robby’s breathing, Mason couldn’t help but feel like he was standing on the edge of something he didn’t fully understand. He didn’t know what to think, what to feel, or how to interpret the signals he was picking up. He only knew that things were different now, and he wasn’t sure if that was good.

With a deep sigh, Mason closed his eyes, trying to quiet his mind. He would have to figure it out eventually, but he just needed to sleep for now. As he drifted off, the last thought that crossed his mind was simple, but it held all the weight of his uncertainty: Who is Robby? And why did he make Mason feel this way?

“Hey, Mason…,” Robby murmured, his voice heavy with sleep. “We’ll figure things out. Don’t sweat it, man.”

Mason listened to Robby’s drowsy reassurance, his emotions swirling in response. He couldn’t tell if Robby was fully awake or speaking in that hazy space, but the relaxed tone carried a comforting sincerity...

Part 7 - Cindy’s Dialogue

Cindy leaned back in her chair, glancing over at Mason and Robby’s table across the pizza parlour. She couldn’t help but smile as she watched Mason laugh at something Robby said. He was cute, no doubt about it—down-to-earth, a little shy, but in a way that made him even more appealing. Something about him drew her in, something that felt genuine and kind.

Maria noticed Cindy’s gaze and nudged her playfully. “You’ve got that look again. So, which one is it—Mason or Robby?”

Gwen giggled, leaning in closer. “Yeah, spill! You can’t keep us in suspense like this.”

Cindy blushed, tearing her eyes away from the boys’ table to look at her friends. “I don’t know, honestly. Mason is really cute, but Robby’s got that confident, outgoing thing going on. But there’s just something about Mason... He seems so real, you know? So down to earth.”

Maria grinned, raising an eyebrow. “Sounds like you’ve already made up your mind. Mason it is!”

Gwen nodded in agreement. “Yep, you should totally go for it, Cindy. Ask him out! What’s the worst that could happen?”

Cindy shook her head, laughing softly. “Come on, guys. He’s a first-year, and he’s so new to everything here. I don’t want to scare him off by being too direct. Besides, I kind of like the idea of seeing how things progress naturally, you know? Maybe just getting to know him better first.”

Maria smirked teasingly. “You’re just making excuses! But fine, take your time. Don’t wait too long, or someone else might swoop in.”

Cindy rolled her eyes, but she couldn’t help but smile. “Yeah, yeah. I’ll keep that in mind. Who knows, maybe he’s not even interested in girls. For all I know, he could be gay!” she joked, earning a chorus of laughter from Maria and Gwen.

“Well, you’ll never know unless you ask,” Gwen said with a wink, just as the door to the pizza parlor opened and their boyfriends walked in.

Cindy’s playful mood shifted slightly as she watched Maria and Gwen greet their boyfriends with hugs and kisses. She felt a pang of uncertainty. She liked Mason that much was clear, but she didn’t want to rush into anything. She’d seen too many girls scare off good guys by being too eager. Besides, Mason seemed like the type who might need a little time to settle in before jumping into a relationship.

As the group returned to the table, Cindy gave herself a mental shake. She’d figure it out. She’d take it slow, get to know Mason better, and see where things went. After all, college was just getting started—there was plenty of time to let things unfold.