Crossfire

Chapter 1

"Welcome back to a new week," the intercom sounded in the science building on campus and earned groans from the many students who ungratefully showed up for classes.

I was no exception. I had little intention to even show up to my classes today since I had been feeling a little under the weather anyway.

But, my roommate, Drey, forced me to get up and dragged me along with him.

"Jesus, Drey," I said, holding my head as it pounded. "Can't you just fill me in?" I attempted to ask as he roughly pushed on my shoulder to wake me up.

"No can do," Drey replied and pushed his glasses further up his nose. "You can't afford to miss a day of class. Remember that thirty-one you got?"

"Ah, shut it," I replied and waved him off. "It was a one-time thing."

"And it's about to become a two-time thing," Drey said. "So get your lazy butt up and let's go."

I sighed. "You just want to go see May," I said. "That's why you're in such a rush."

Drey grinned widely at me. "Of course. My sweet May is waiting for me."

"Doubt it," I replied and slowly pushed myself out of bed.

It didn't take long for me to get ready and the two of us headed over to the large science building five minutes away from our dorm. We were in the same Biomechanics class which of course was planned, because I figured he could help my pathetic self pass the class.

It seemed as if I wasn't the only one with this strategy in mind because as soon as the two of us sat down, another body slid in on my other side and offered a quiet greeting.

"Hey guys," the person said as Drey and I looked over.

"Hey, Hayden," Drey spoke and I turned to Hayden, giving him a small smile.

"How've you been?" I asked while waiting for the professor to arrive.

Hayden smiled widely at me and it lit his whole face up.

"Great," Hayden replied as he pulled out his notebook. "Good to see you."

I laughed. "We just saw each other a few days ago."

Hayden grinned. "It feels longer."

Though, the professor stalked into the classroom a few moments after and our conversation was cut short. I hadn't particularly minded as much as I normally would've but it didn't strike me as odd. Rather, Hayden was just another friend to me.

I hadn't known of course, that the feeling wasn't exactly mutual. But we'll get to that later.

Anyway, the class droned on for what seemed to be an eternity and I hadn't really listened to a word the professor had spoken. I still wasn't feeling terribly great and my mind was elsewhere.

It was lingering on a particular guy with beautiful green eyes.

I couldn't get out of my seat fast enough and Drey's eyes widened as he looked up at me from his chair.

"Why are you in such a rush?" Drey asked, scrambling his belongings together. "Going to see lover boy or something?"

"Woah," Hayden interjected. "Lover boy?"

Shit.

Hayden still didn't know about my relationship with Xander and I wasn't ready to tell him. I didn't know how.

I forced out a nervous laugh and shot Drey a glare. He put both hands up in mock surrender and his eyes appeared frightened under his glasses. I realized he hadn't mean to spill the beans so I sighed.

"O-only kidding," Drey quickly said and stood up as Hayden did.

Hayden laughed. "I hope so."

He was being oddly vague with his reposes but I decided not to question him about it because I really had somewhere to be.

"Well, I'll catch you guys later," I said as I dismissed myself, leaving the unusual pair to leave together instead.

My heart pounded in my chest as I quickly darted through the long halls of the building before I finally exited and made my way to the library. Glancing around the first floor, I caught no sign of the guy I was supposed to meet up with and cursed.

I should've known he'd be late. He always was.

I tossed my backpack down beside a table and took a seat, lying my head down on the table. It wasn't long, however, until I heard books placed down on the table across from me and I slowly looked up, rubbing my eyes.

"It's about time," I said, grinning at the boy across from me.

He smirked back at me and reached his hand out across the table.

"Missed me?" Xander asked to which I rolled my eyes.

"Yeah right," I said and stared at his hand. "What're you doing?"

He reached further across the table and entangled his fingers with mine, his smirk widening.

"Seem familiar?" he asked.

"Ah, Hell," I said, remembering the time I did the same to Hayden in the library. "You'll never let me live that down, will you?"

Xander laughed and released my hand, leaning back in his chair.

"Nah, it was cute," Xander replied.

"Shut up," I said and pulled out my notebook. "Hurry up and help me with my homework."

Xander pursed his lips and brought his eyes to meet mine.

"I'll help you with it only if you accompany me somewhere after," Xander said.

I breathed out. "Where?"

"You'll see."