Chapter 10
780 Words
Tangled Strings Part 1
Classes were supposed to distract Ethan, but the day only worsened.
The first disaster struck in literature class. The professor had paired students for a project weeks ago—Ethan with Leo, much to his relief. But now, apparently, partners could bring “assistants.”
Leo had prepared neatly printed notes, explaining softly to Ethan about symbolism in the assigned novel. His voice was gentle, the way he always leaned in just enough to make Ethan focus only on him.
Ethan was scribbling when Adrian suddenly dropped into the empty chair on his left, draping an arm across the backrest.
“Hey, what are we doing?” Adrian asked cheerfully. “Group project, right? I’m helping.”
Leo’s smile froze. “You’re not in this class.”
Adrian grinned wider. “So? I’m his roommate. Where he goes, I go.”
Ethan muttered, “Adrian, please—” but before he could stop him, Kai appeared at the door.
“Yo, teach,” Kai called lazily. “Mind if I sit in? I’m… auditing.”
The professor blinked, confused, but Kai was already sauntering in, dropping into the seat directly across from Ethan.
Ethan stared at the three of them in horror. “Why are you all here?” he whispered.
“Because,” Kai said smugly, leaning forward on his elbows, “I don’t trust these two around you without supervision.”
Leo adjusted his glasses with an audible sigh. Adrian smirked like he’d won something.
By the time the lecture ended, Ethan wanted to sink through the floor.
---
The second disaster arrived during lunch.
Ethan thought he’d escape to the cafeteria alone, but the moment he sat down, Leo slid into the chair beside him, setting down a tray with a perfectly balanced meal.
“You need vegetables,” Leo said gently, nudging the broccoli toward Ethan.
Ethan sighed but obediently picked up his fork.
Two seconds later, Adrian slammed his tray onto the table. “Move, Leo. Puppy likes noodles better.” He shoved a steaming bowl under Ethan’s nose.
“I never said—” Ethan began, but was cut off when Kai appeared, dramatically setting down a burger and fries.
“Don’t listen to these health nuts. Grease is happiness.”
Ethan stared at the mountain of food forming in front of him. “I… I can’t eat all this!”
“You’ll try,” Adrian said.
“You’ll eat properly,” Leo corrected.
“You’ll enjoy it,” Kai added.
Ethan buried his face in his hands. Around them, students whispered and giggled.
They probably think I’m dating all three of them, Ethan thought miserably.
---
The third disaster happened at practice for the upcoming inter-college sports day. Ethan had been forced to sign up for the relay race by classmates, and he’d been dreading it ever since.
He stood on the field, nervously tying his shoelaces, when Kai suddenly crouched down in front of him.
“Relax,” Kai said with a grin, tightening the laces himself. “You trip, I’ll catch you.”
Ethan flushed. “I can do it myself—”
“Not with those hands,” Kai teased.
Before Ethan could argue, Leo arrived, offering him a water bottle. “Don’t push yourself too hard. Your stamina isn’t strong.”
Adrian strolled up last, tossing Ethan a towel. “If you collapse, Puppy, I’ll carry you across the finish line bridal-style.”
Ethan nearly dropped dead on the spot.
When the actual race started, Ethan sprinted awkwardly, determined not to embarrass himself. But halfway through, his foot caught, and he stumbled.
In an instant, three sets of hands lunged for him—Leo grabbed his waist, Kai caught his arm, and Adrian yanked at his other arm.
The four of them crashed into the grass in a heap.
From the stands, students erupted in laughter and cheers.
“Ethan’s got a fan club!” someone shouted.
Ethan wanted the ground to swallow him whole.
Adrian, Leo, and Kai all glared at each other over his head, their rivalry hotter than ever.
---
But the real disaster didn’t come until later that night.
When Ethan returned to his dorm room, exhausted from the day, a folded piece of paper sat on his desk.
He picked it up with trembling hands.
“You didn’t listen. Last warning. Stay away from Adrian, or you’ll regret it.”
Ethan’s stomach dropped. His eyes darted to Adrian’s bed—empty. Adrian wasn’t back yet.
His chest tightened. What does this mean? Why him?
And somewhere outside the dorm, hidden in the shadows, the hooded figure watched and waited.
- Writer
