The Black Ocean

Episode 7

The man pivoted suddenly, a hand tucked in his pocket, engrossed in a conversation while the sun caught strands of his honey-colored hair. Those inexplicable blue eyes of his, did he have that same enigmatic smile while he shattered my soul last night?

Why, oh why, did I pick the same class as him? I needed to get out of his line of sight. Swiftly turning, I headed the other way, my phone buzzing madly in my pocket. My whole being on alert, feeling like a radar trying not to catch Dorians' attention.

Alex had suggested grabbing coffee before his class, but I couldn't skip macroeconomics. I had an exam looming, and my understanding was close to zero. No notes, nothing. I sent a message to Alex, pouring out my woes. My studies were taking the same nosedive as my situation with Dorian. Time to pull myself together and gather the shards.

"You'll be fine," Alex replied.

"As if it was so easy..." I muttered, checking my phone and heading toward the lecture hall.

"It's not a big deal."

I was certain I heard Alex's voice. There he was, standing by the class door.

"How did you know I'd be here?"

"Macroeconomics class, It's written on the door," he pointed out.

"I've got some time until my class. Bored stiff," he shrugged. Who in their right mind attended macroeconomics out of sheer boredom?

Trying for a seat at the back, I was met with Alex's disapproving gaze.

"Let's move up a bit. You won't hear a thing here."

"Is this part of your game? I'll object accordingly," I quipped, taking a seat in the front row.

"Always the buzzkill," he sighed.

As we waited for class, a girl in front swiveled, eyeing Alex with admiration.

"You're new," she faux-crooned.

"Not much of a class-goer," Alex smiled, casually running his hand through his chestnut hair. He seemed to relish the spotlight.

"If you need notes, I can send them," she offered, handing over her phone. Alex graciously accepted, jotting down his number and returning the phone.

He shot me a triumphant glance, and I had to admit, it was a big help. At least I had something to study. It wouldn't suffice, but it was a start.

Dorian typically settled in the middle row with his friends. Dropping his bag next to me, he acknowledged us with feigned surprise.

"Tell the director to recast immediately," I mumbled. Alex barely held back a laugh. Opening my laptop, I braced myself for the class, the nerve-wracking presence of Dorian on one side and Alex on the other, and the lingering effects of last night... The damn class should have started as soon as possible.

Sitting between the two of them reminded me of every detail from that dreadful party night. Dorian's words echoed in my head, while Alex's judgmental gaze seemed to haunt me.

The term paper I had written for Dorian remained half-done. Clicking on the file, I entered his email address and hit send. As it popped up on his screen, he turned to me.

"Can you manage the rest of your assignment on your own? I've been really busy lately, and I don't think I can finish it."

He nodded in agreement, a shocked expression on his face. "You've already completed most of it. Thank you."

I was sure Alex was struggling not to burst into laughter. I focused on my laptop screen, not wanting to disrupt the gravity of the situation. Focused on finding his lecture notes, I watched the tense scene unfold while Alex remained a silent observer.

"Did Blair enjoy the party, Dorian?" Alex broke the tension.

"Yeah, she had a blast. She looked for you, though. Why are you in our class?" Dorian's eyes held a questioning edge, his fingers drumming restlessly.

Class began before he could retort. Caught between their tension, I immersed myself in note-taking, trying to ignore the brewing conflict. Throughout the entire semester, if I managed to sit between those two for every class, I might just earn a spot on the Dean's Honor List. I dedicated my full attention to the professor, diligently taking pages upon pages of notes.

As I packed my bag, Dorian seemed to want to say something but thought better of it. Alex stood by, waiting, his arm extended toward me. Dorian with his honey-colored hair and intense blue eyes, was uncomfortable with my presence. So why had he come to sit right next to me?

Exiting the lecture hall, I stole a glance at Dorian. Our eyes met, replaying last night's painful words. Could I survive this turmoil?

Conflicting feelings lingered uncomfortably within me. There were unheard cries in silence, an abyss where even darkness surrendered. Trying to piece together an impossible puzzle, a wounded soul drowning in the murky depths.

Alex and I walked in silence to the stone courtyard between the campus buildings. It overlooked an expansive forest shrouded in mist. Lost in thought, Alex seemed as contemplative as I was.

"The screenwriter's conjuring new scenes for the movie."

"Hmm, I'd like to read it when it's ready," I said, studying his face, his chestnut hair falling gently. His expression remained shaded.

"You know Dorian better than I do. What do you think riles him the most?"

I didn't understand Alex's motives. All I knew was I had agreed to play along in his scenarios.

"To lose..."

Alex urged me with a curious glance.

"He hates losing, generally. Even in Monopoly, he'll start a hundred fights."

A smirk danced on his lips, distracting me. Scenes from last night colored my cheeks crimson.

I owe him a ton for keeping me from spiraling into disaster. Was this game something we'd keep up until one of us called it quits?