Breaking the Jock

The problem With Enzo

The first thing I learned about Italian universities was that nobody seemed particularly concerned about punctuality.

The second was that Oliver had somehow managed to make being late look like a personality trait.

The third was that Enzo Moretti apparently didn't need to ask people to move out of his way.

They simply did.

We were crossing the main courtyard when Oliver suddenly stopped.

I followed his gaze.

Five men were walking towards us.

I recognized Enzo immediately.

He was in the middle of them, dressed in black trousers and a dark shirt, his sleeves rolled to his forearms. His dark hair was slightly messy, somehow making him look even more effortlessly attractive.

The four men around him had the same unmistakable confidence.

His brothers.

The oldest looked composed and serious, walking beside Enzo while occasionally glancing around the courtyard. Another was smiling as he argued with the youngest, who appeared to be trying to steal something from his hand. The fourth walked slightly behind them, quiet and watchful.

"They're always together," Oliver muttered.

I glanced at him.

"Apparently."

"You know who they are?"

"His brothers."

"Matteo, Lorenzo, Dante and Nico."

I looked at him.

"You've memorized their names already?"

Oliver shrugged.

"I'm observant."

"You're nosy."

"Same thing."

The brothers were getting closer.

Then the youngest noticed us.

He whispered something to Enzo.

Enzo's eyes immediately found mine.

He smiled faintly.

"Victor."

"Enzo."

His brothers stopped with him.

The oldest nodded towards me.

"Victor Hale."

I raised an eyebrow.

"You know my name?"

"University directory," Matteo said simply.

Lorenzo smiled. "And because Enzo hasn't stopped talking about you."

Enzo gave him a warning look.

"I haven't."

"You have."

Nico grinned.

"Several times."

Dante shook his head.

"You did."

Enzo looked at all four of them.

"I hate you."

Lorenzo laughed.

"We know."

I couldn't help smiling.

They were nothing like I'd expected.

They were intimidating, certainly, but there was something surprisingly normal about them. They interrupted each other, teased each other and argued like any other group of brothers.

Enzo seemed different around them too.

Less guarded.

More relaxed.

Matteo glanced at his watch.

"We're going to be late."

Enzo nodded.

"Come on."

The brothers started towards the main building.

Nico looked back at me.

"See you around, Victor."

"I suppose."

He grinned.

"You definitely will."

---

Our first lecture was Advanced Corporate Strategy.

Professor Bellini walked in exactly on time and immediately made it clear that he expected everyone else to do the same.

"Our first assessment," he announced, "will be completed in pairs."

Oliver leaned towards me.

"Please don't give me someone stupid."

I looked at him.

"You'd have to improve first."

He kicked my chair.

I ignored him.

Professor Bellini began reading names.

Then—

"Victor Hale."

I looked up.

"Enzo Moretti."

The room went strangely quiet.