Clearwater Private University Campus
Leores and Lishcelle stood at the entrance of Clearwater Private University, their eyes sweeping over the vast expanse that lay before them.
The campus was a tapestry of vibrant colors, students bustling like ants across the meticulously maintained lawns, each carrying the weight of their aspirations on their shoulders.
The air buzzed with excitement and possibility, a new chapter unfurling with every step they took.
Look at this place, Leores, it's huge! Lishcelle exclaimed, her eyes sparkling like diamonds as she clutched her textbooks tightly against her chest.
Her voice echoed across the sprawling lawns, a melody of joy and anticipation.
Leores nodded, his gaze lingering on the ivy-covered buildings that seemed to whisper secrets from the past.
He had never stepped foot on a college campus before, let alone imagined he would one day be a student.
The feeling was foreign yet oddly comforting, as if he had found a sanctuary from his tumultuous life.
This is a new beginning, he thought, a chance to redefine who he was.
"Yeah, but don't you think it's odd that it's a PWI school with a whole hood in front of the campus?" Leores asked, raising an eyebrow as they approached the imposing gates that separated the university from the rougher neighborhood.
Lishcelle looked around, acknowledging the stark contrast.
The prestigious school stood like a fortress protecting an oasis amidst an urban expanse. "I guess it is a little weird," she admitted. "Guess it shows how crazy segregation was back in the day, huh?"
Leores took a deep breath, his eyes narrowing slightly as he began to explain the history of Clearwater.
"It goes way deeper than that, Lish. This place was founded in 1939, right before the Second World War. Back then, it was a breeding ground for the elite, a bastion of racism and classism. They didn't just tolerate subjugation; they taught it. Clearwater's roots are in the soil of prejudice." He paused, pulling out his phone.
"That's only the stuff I can find on the web. Just get ready for any other shady or scummy shit they have up their sleeves, is all I'm saying."
Lishcelle couldn't help but feel a little bummed out.
Leores always had a way of seeing the world differently, but she had hoped that college would be a place for him to grow more social.
Despite his cynicism, she appreciated his vigilance. "Thanks for looking out, Leores," she said, trying to keep her voice light. "But let's not let that ruin the experience, okay?"
Leores nodded, his expression softening.
He knew Lishcelle was right; they needed to focus on the present.
As they walked through the bustling student body, he couldn't help but feel a sense of responsibility to protect her.
I'll keep my eyes open, Lish, he assured her. But I also promise to enjoy the experience with you.
The first few weeks of college passed by in a blur of classes, homework, and making new friends.
Leores found that his sharp instincts and analytical mind served him well in his academic pursuits.
He excelled in his classes, particularly in those focused on strategy and psychology, quickly becoming one of the top students in his year.
His classmates looked at him with a mix of awe and suspicion, unsure how a young man with his background could navigate the hallowed halls of academia so effortlessly.
On the other hand, Lishcelle's natural charm and outgoing personality drew people to her like a magnet.
Her social circle grew exponentially, and she was often the life of the party, her laughter and bright smile lighting up any room she entered.
Her popularity came as no surprise to Leores, who had witnessed her ease with people since they were children.
But amidst the smiles and handshakes, Leores couldn't shake the feeling of envy that had crept in.
He always had a problem with connecting with others, his emotional intelligence honed more for reading targets than making friends.
He watched as Lishcelle navigated the social labyrinth with ease, her laughter ringing out like a bell, while he remained the silent guardian, ever vigilant.
In class, Lishcelle found herself struggling to keep up with the material, despite Leores' tutoring and her best efforts.
His ability to grasp complex concepts and spit them out with ease was something she could never achieve, no matter how much she studied.
It was frustrating, like watching someone else live the life she had dreamed of but could never quite reach.
Yet, she took solace in the one subject where she truly outshone him—ethics.
As the semester progressed, the contrast between Leores and Lishcelle's experiences at Clearwater Private University became more pronounced.
Leores found himself excelling academically, his sharp mind and analytical skills serving him well in the rigorous academic environment.
However, his social life remained stunted, his natural wariness and difficulty connecting with others keeping him isolated from his peers.
Lishcelle, on the other hand, thrived socially.
Her warm personality and infectious laugh made her a favorite among her classmates.
She was constantly surrounded by new friends, invited to study groups, parties, and campus events.
Yet, beneath her sunny exterior, she grappled with feelings of inadequacy in her studies, particularly when comparing herself to Leores' seemingly effortless academic success.
One crisp autumn afternoon, Leores sat alone in the library, poring over a thick tome on advanced game theory.
His concentration was broken by the sound of familiar laughter drifting through the open window.
He glanced out to see Lishcelle surrounded by a group of friends, her smile radiant as she chatted animatedly.
A twinge of loneliness pierced through him, quickly followed by a surge of protectiveness.
He couldn't help but wonder if any of those people truly knew Lishcelle the way he did, if they would stand by her side through thick and thin as he had always done.
She's got a bright light, he thought, and I just hope they see it as clearly as I do.
Meanwhile, Lishcelle's laughter faded as she caught sight of Leores through the library window, his solitary figure a stark contrast to the lively scene outside.
A familiar pang of guilt washed over her, reminding her of the isolation he often felt amidst the bustling campus life.
She knew he struggled to fit in, and part of her felt responsible for not being able to bridge the gap for him.
Excusing herself from her friends with a gentle smile and a promise to return, she made her way to the library, her footsteps echoing softly against the polished floors.
"Hey, stranger," Lishcelle said softly as she approached Leores' table, her voice warm and inviting against the quiet hum of the library.
Leores looked up, surprise flickering across his features before settling into a small, genuine smile.
"Always room for you, Lish," he replied, gesturing to the seat beside him.
As Lishcelle settled down, her gaze fell on the complex diagrams and equations sprawled across Leores' notebook.
Her stomach tightened with a mixture of admiration and frustration.
He makes it look so effortless, she thought, a touch of envy threading through her admiration. "I don't know how you do it, Leores. This stuff just comes so easily to you."
Leores shrugged, a modest gesture that belied the depth of his abilities.
His eyes softened as he looked at his childhood friend, the one person who had been a constant in his life. "It's just practice, Lish. But you've got something I'll never have—the ability to make everyone around you feel at ease.That's a rare gift."
Lishcelle smiled, touched by his words. "Maybe we could learn from each other," she suggested, her voice filled with hope.
"You could help me with my studies, and I could... well, maybe I could help you branch out a bit socially?"
Leores hesitated, the familiar tug of retreat clashing with his desire to make Lishcelle happy.
Socializing had never been his forte, a skill set overshadowed by a past filled with shadows and silence. "I don't know, Lish. You know how I am with people."
"I do," Lishcelle nodded, her eyes earnest and understanding.
"But I also know there's more to you than what people see on the surface. Just like there's more to this university than its history." She paused, choosing her next words carefully, her voice steady with conviction.
"We can't change the past, Leores, but we can shape our future here. Together."
Leores considered her words, feeling a familiar warmth spread through his chest, a comfort he only felt in her presence.
Despite their differences, despite the challenges they faced, Lishcelle had always been his anchor.
Maybe it was time to step out of his comfort zone, to trust in the connection they shared and extend it to others.
"Alright," he said finally, a hint of a smile playing on his lips, a rare expression of vulnerability and hope. "I'll give it a shot. But don't expect miracles, okay?"
Lishcelle beamed, her eyes sparkling with excitement and genuine affection. "That's all I ask. Now, how about you explain this game theory stuff to me, and later we'll go to that campus mixer I heard about?"
As Leores began to break down the complex theories into simpler terms for Lishcelle, he felt a subtle shift in the air between them, a reconnection that was both familiar and new.
It was as if they were rediscovering each other, finding a new balance in this unfamiliar world of academia and social hierarchies.
Little did they know, this moment of reconnection would prove crucial in the challenges that lay ahead.
For beneath the polished veneer of Clearwater Private University, secrets lurked in the shadows—secrets that would soon draw Leores and Lishcelle into a web of intrigue that would test their bond, their beliefs, and everything they thought they knew about themselves and each other.
The future held mysteries, and together, they would face them, united in their shared journey.
Alpha Sigma chapter of Omega Dogs Fraternity House
A few hours later, Leores and Lishcelle found themselves standing outside the grandiose Greek letters of Alpha Epsilon Omega, the most notorious fraternity on campus.
The house loomed large and ostentatious, a beacon of privilege and excess.
Music thumped in a relentless rhythm, spilling laughter and the scent of cheap beer into the cool night air.
Leores' stomach churned as they approached the door, his instincts—always sharp and honed—screaming at him to turn back.
Yet, for Lishcelle, he swallowed his apprehension and followed her inside, the promise of her companionship his only solace.
Inside, the party was in full swing.
Lishcelle looked stunning in a little black dress that hugged her curves in all the right places, her hair cascading in loose waves down her back.
She seemed to belong in this world of opulence and excess, a stark contrast to the girl who had grown up playing in the streets with him.
Her presence was magnetic, drawing admiring glances from all around.
Leores, however, felt like a fish out of water.
He wore a crisp white shirt and black pants—the best he could manage on short notice—but even with Lishcelle's help, he couldn't shake the sense that he was playing a role he hadn't quite mastered.
His eyes scanned the room, searching for any signs of trouble, his mind racing with scenarios of how the night could go south. This isn't my scene, he thought, but I'm here for her.
Lishcelle, noticing the look on his face, gave him a playful bump with her hip, pouting cutely. "Relax, Leores, it's just a little party. Nothin' to worry about."
Leores nodded, trying to shake off his tension. "I know, I know. It's just, I'm not used to this kind of thing, Lish." He glanced around, gesturing to the throng of people. "Also, people are literally backing up at the door and onto the lawn. I wouldn't call this—"
Lishcelle cut him off with a laugh. "All right, all right, I get it. It's a pretty big party, okay? No need to go to your classic 'well actually' self tonight, okay?"
Her teasing brought a smile to his lips, and he nodded, allowing himself to relax a little as they wove through the crowded room.
The warm lights and the smell of sweat mingled with cologne were overwhelming, but he focused on Lishcelle's voice, her excitement grounding him.
They grabbed some drinks, Lishcelle sipping a fruity concoction while Leores stuck to water.
They mingled, making small talk with her new friends, who all seemed equally intrigued and intimidated by his stoic demeanor.
While Lishcelle chatting animatedly with her friends, a girl named Sydney noticed Leores sitting alone on the couch, his demeanor more reserved than the festive atmosphere around him.
"Say, Lish, who's that guy you came with?" Sydney asked, nodding towards Leores.
Lishcelle turned to her friend with a proud smile. "That's Leores. He's my best friend from way back," she replied, raising her voice over the music. "Why?"
"He's just over there acting antisocial, sitting all by his lonesome. Plus, he's kinda cute too," Sydney said, giving him a quick glance before returning her attention to her drink.
Lishcelle's eyes followed Sydney's gaze to where Leores sat, his posture tense, his eyes alert despite his attempt to appear relaxed.
A mix of emotions washed over her—concern for her friend's discomfort, a twinge of guilt for dragging him here, and an unexpected flicker of... was it jealousy at Sydney's interest?
She shook off the feeling and turned back to Sydney with a smile. "Yeah, he's not really the party type. But he's amazing once you get to know him. Why don't you go talk to him?"
Sydney raised an eyebrow, a mischievous glint in her eye. "Maybe I will," she said, smoothing down her dress. "Care to introduce us?"
Lishcelle hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "Sure, come on."
As they made their way through the crowded room, Lishcelle couldn't help but feel a strange mix of emotions.
On one hand, she wanted Leores to open up and make friends.
On the other, the idea of him connecting with someone else, especially someone like Sydney, made her stomach twist in an unfamiliar way.
"Hey, Leores," Lishcelle said as they approached, raising her voice to be heard over the pulsing music. "This is my friend Sydney. Sydney, this is Leores."
Leores looked up, his golden eyes scanning Sydney briefly before offering a polite nod. "Nice to meet you," he said, his voice neutral and guarded.
Sydney flashed a dazzling smile. "So, Leores, what's your major?" she asked, sliding onto the couch next to him, her interest genuine.
As Sydney engaged Leores in conversation, Lishcelle found herself hanging back, watching the interaction with a growing sense of unease.
Leores was responding politely, but she could see the tension in his shoulders, the way his eyes kept darting around the room, always on alert.
Sydney noticed his body language, his poker face was excellent but his body betrayed him. "You know, you're not fooling anyone with that poker face of yours," Sydney said with a laugh, placing a hand on his arm.
"Your body's giving you away, all tense and ready to bolt."
Leores felt a flush creep up his neck, his hand clenching around the plastic cup of water.
"What do you mean?" he asked, hoping his voice didn't betray his embarrassment.
Sydney's laugh was warm and genuine. "Your shoulders are up around your ears, and you look like you're about to jump out of your skin. You're like a panther in a room full of poodles, ready to pounce at any moment."
Leores couldn't help but chuckle at the comparison, his tension easing slightly. "Yeah, I've never been one for parties. I'm more of a... solo operator."
His gaze drifted to Lishcelle, who was enjoying herself amidst the throng. "Parties are more Lish's thing. If it were up to me, I'd be at home reading some books in my room right about now."
Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
Sydney's gaze flicked from Leores to Lishcelle and back. "It's cool, I get that. Sometimes I feel like that too, you know? Being around so many people can be draining."
Lishcelle watched from a distance, feeling a strange sense of relief that Sydney seemed to understand Leores' social awkwardness.
But as she saw Sydney's hand still resting on his arm, she couldn't help but feel a flicker of something else—something that resembled possessiveness.
"So... What are you doing at a party like this? It's kinda... barbaric in my opinion," Leores said, trying to keep the conversation going as he took a sip of his water.
Sydney laughed, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Well, I guess you could say I'm here for research purposes. I'm actually a psychology major, and I'm fascinated by social dynamics." She leaned in closer, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Besides, it's a good way to blow off some steam after a week of exams."
Leores nodded thoughtfully. "Psychology is a very broad subject. After all, humans are so different and complex that there's no definitive answer." His gaze lingered on Lishcelle as she mingled with their newfound peers, a mix of pride and sadness threading through his thoughts.
*She's in her element,* he mused, *lighting up the room in a way I'll never be able to.*
Sydney giggled, charmed by his unique perspective. "You're totally right—it's like watching a bunch of lab rats with drinks and music. But hey, it's all in the name of science, right?"
As the night unfolded, Leores felt a subtle shift within himself, a possibility that maybe—just maybe—he could find his place in this world, supported by friends like Lishcelle and Sydney.
The party continued on, a symphony of laughter and music, while Leores began to weave his own path through the tapestry of college life.
Leores couldn't help but smile at Sydney's analogy.
For the first time that night, he felt a genuine connection with someone other than Lishcelle. "Lab rats with drinks and music," he repeated, his eyes scanning the room with newfound amusement. "That's actually not a bad description."
Sydney leaned in closer, her voice lowering conspiratorially. "Want to know a secret? I'm actually conducting a little informal study right now. See that guy over there?" She subtly nodded towards a tall, athletic-looking guy surrounded by a group of admirers.
"That's Chad, the president of this fraternity. I've been observing his behavior patterns all semester."
Leores raised an eyebrow, his interest piqued. "What kind of behavior patterns?"
Sydney's expression turned serious. "Well, let's just say there's more going on here than meets the eye. Chad's got some... interesting connections outside of campus. I've seen him meeting with some shady characters late at night."
Leores felt his body tense up again, his instincts kicking into high gear. "What kind of shady characters?" he asked, trying to keep his voice casual.
Sydney shrugged, but her eyes were sharp. "I'm not entirely sure yet. But they definitely don't look like college students or professors. More like... well, let's just say they look like they belong more in a crime movie than on a college campus."
As Sydney spoke, Leores' mind raced.
He thought back to the stark contrast between the university and the surrounding neighborhood, the history of the school that he had researched. Could there be a connection?
Meanwhile, Lishcelle had been watching their interaction from across the room.
She couldn't hear what they were saying, but she could see the intensity in their expressions.
A mix of emotions swirled within her—happiness that Leores was opening up to someone, curiosity about what they were discussing so intently, and an unexpected twinge of jealousy.
One of her friends she'd been partying with, Abbie, noticed what she'd been doing the whole time.
"Oh my goodness, are you getting jelly with Sydney talking to Leores?" Abbie leaned into Lishcelle's ear, whispering mischievously.
Lishcelle's eyes snapped back to her friend, feeling a flush creep up her neck.
"What? No, of course not!" she replied a little too quickly. "I just want to make sure he's okay, that's all."
"Girlfriend, you are so!"
Lishcelle rolled her eyes at Abbie's teasing but couldn't deny the truth.
She had been watching Leores and Sydney's conversation with more than friendly interest. But she quickly shrugged it off. "Whatever, let's go dance."
As they headed to the dance floor, Lishcelle looked back at them one last time. I'm not jealous; he's not my boyfriend. He can do whatever he wants, she thought, likely trying to convince herself more than anyone else.
She focused on the pumping bass and the lights strobing over the dance floor, letting the rhythm wash over her.
She threw her arms up and moved her hips to the beat, letting go of her anxieties for the moment.
Meanwhile, while Leores and Sydney were talking, some random drunk guy stumbled over to them.
Leores didn't know him, but Sydney seemed to, and she was visibly annoyed by his presence.
"What's up, babe?" The guy slurred, his arms sliding around Sydney's waist.
"Are you ditching me for this loner?" But she quickly swatted his hand away from her waist.
"Piss off, Keshawn. I told you it was over." Sydney's voice was firm, but her cheeks were flushed with irritation.
Leores looked confused but noticed her irritation. "You know him?"
"Oh, that's just my ex. He's harmless, mostly," Sydney said with a forced smile, trying to push Keshawn away.
But the drunk frat boy was persistent, his hands grabbing her more aggressively this time.
"Stop it, damnit! You're hurting me." Sydney's voice was a mix of pain and anger as she struggled to free herself from Keshawn's grip.
The music and the chatter of the partygoers seemed to fade into the background as Leores saw the situation escalate before his eyes.
"You damn bitch, you can't leave me! I'm a Dog, and dogs always get all the hoes we want!" Keshawn's voice grew louder and more aggressive, his grip tightening on Sydney's arms.
Sydney then slapped him to make him let go, which worked momentarily, but Keshawn's drunken rage only grew. "You think you're too good for me now? You're nothing but a tease!"
Keshawn went in to slap her back, but Leores grabbed his hand before it could touch her.
"Okay, buddy, that's where I draw the line." Leores' voice was calm, but the threat was clear.
Keshawn's eyes widened in surprise, looking at the hand that stopped his own with newfound respect.
He stumbled back, his expression shifting from anger to fear as he took in the cold resolve in Leores' gaze.
"Keshawn, right? You're a little too drunk, so I suggest it would be wise for you to go sober and calculate your actions." Leores said in a calm voice before turning into a slightly threatening one.
"Otherwise, if you continue to act a fool, I'm going to have to put you down like the dog you claim to be."
Keshawn stumbled backward, his cheeks flaming red from a mix of embarrassment and anger.
His friends looked at him, then at Leores, and realized it was time to intervene.
"Chill out, Kesh. She said she's done with you," one of them slurred, trying to pull him away.
But Keshawn wasn't easily deterred. He broke free and took a swing at Leores.
It was sloppy and ill-aimed, but Leores saw it coming from a mile away.
He dodged with a fluid grace that belied his muscular frame, and before anyone knew it, Keshawn was on the floor, nursing his bruised ego and a sore jaw.
"Just to be clear, nobody saw me hit him, right? He was just too drunk and fell on his face." Sydney couldn't help but laugh at Leores' quick thinking, despite the tension in the air.
The crowd around them had gone silent, watching the scene unfold with a mix of shock and awe.
Keshawn's friends were now helping him to his feet, muttering curses under their breath as they dragged him away from the sobering sight of Leores' calmness.
Leores looked back at Sydney. "Sorry for not interfering sooner. You said he was harmless for the most part, so I thought to let it play out for a little bit. My apologies for not interfering the moment he put his hands on you." He had a serious look on his face, one that told her he was ready to put Keshawn on his ass that night if he had tried anything more than that.
Sydney waved him off with a shaky laugh. "Don't worry about it. I can handle myself." But the tremor in her voice betrayed the fear that had gripped her moments ago.
"Thank you for that, though. I don't know what I'd do if he had actually hit me."
"Leores Dixon!" A familiar voice cut through the crowd, and all he could do was just sigh in annoyance.
"Damn it... Lishcelle."
Leores groaned internally as he recognized the voice. It was Lishcelle, coming over with Abbie.
"Leores, did you beat someone's ass again!? Huh!?" Lishcelle said, her voice filled with anger and annoyance like she was used to fussing at him about it.
"As much as I wanted to, no, I haven't. He simply threw a punch and fell on his face. He was so drunk he couldn't even throw a decent one." Leores said casually.
Lishcelle's eyes narrowed, looking back at Sydney, who was trying to hold in a laugh.
"You okay?" she asked her friend with genuine concern.
"Yeah, Keshawn was just being a drunken asshole. Can't believe I even dated him... I was such a fool."
Lishcelle's gaze softened, looking at her friend with a mix of pity and anger. "You're not a fool, Sydney. You just made a bad choice. It happens to everyone."
Leores put his hand on her shoulder. "'Nobody’s perfect. You know, my mom says your mistakes are what make you human.' —Gratuity ‘Tip’ Tucci." He said, hoping that this quote would make her feel better.
Sydney looked at him with a soft smile, "Thanks, Leores. That's actually a nice way to look at it."
The tension in the air gradually dissipated, leaving behind a sense of camaraderie and relief.
As the music resumed its rhythmic pulsing and the partygoers returned to their festivities, Leores, Lishcelle, and Sydney shared a moment of understanding—a reminder of the unpredictable nature of life and the bonds that hold them together in its midst.
All four of them left the party, the cool night air hitting them like a slap in the face after the stifling heat of the frat house.
The music and laughter faded into the background as they walked away, the gravity of what had just happened sinking in.
Leores walked right in between Lishcelle, who was on his right, and Sydney on his left, while Abbie was on the far right, her eyes glinting with mischief.
Leores was lost in thought, his mind swirling with the implications of Sydney's revelations.
Chad... I didn't expect someone here to be involved in that level of criminal activity, he mused silently, trying to piece together the fragments of information he had.
Nah, he might just be some kind of common criminal. He's in a fraternity, for Christ's sake. He can't be that deep. He didn't even look like that type anyway. He shook his head, trying to dismiss the idea as Lishcelle bumped into him, bringing him back to reality.
"You were zoned out again, Leores. What's up?" Lishcelle asked, her voice filled with concern as she peered up at him.
"Oh! It's nothing," Leores replied, offering a chuckle to lighten the mood.
"I just can't believe that even when I'm on my best behavior, trouble still tries to find me for some reason." He didn't want to burden Lishcelle with his suspicions about Chad, not yet.
There was something off about the way the fraternity president had been acting, and the way the shady characters from the city had been lingering around the college.
It felt like a storm brewing on the horizon, and Leores had a feeling it was going to hit Clearwater University soon.
Abbie, ever the observer, noticed the subtle tension between Sydney and Lishcelle, and she decided to fan the flames a little.
"Say, Leores. You and Sydney have been pretty good since you started talking. You two hit it off very well."
Leores nodded, "Yeah, she's cool," he said casually, then suddenly felt Sydney lock her arm around his.
"Yeah, I really like talking to Leores. He's the white knight I never had," Sydney chimed in, her voice playful but with an undertone of sincerity.
Lishcelle felt a punch in her gut, jealousy bubbling up unexpectedly.
"I-it's getting late, we should go," she said, trying to steer the focus back on herself.
She didn't know why she felt so possessive over Leores, but she knew she didn't like Sydney touching him like that.
"Yeah, me and Lishcelle don't live on campus, so we're going to have to Uber our way back home. If only they didn't have that stupid 'freshman can't drive their cars' rule," Leores added, trying to ease the tension with a bit of humor.
Abbie nodded sympathetically, "Yeah, that's a bummer. But hey, it's not so bad. At least you guys can walk around and explore the city."
Sydney felt a little bummed out; she really liked having Leores around and wanted to talk to him more.
Clearwater Private University Campus-Night
While they were all walking, Leores was trying to look for an Uber that's cheap to take him and Lishcelle home. “Man, Uber is really expensive… I need to use Lyft more often.” He thought looking through his phone.
But an idea came to Sydney while he was calling an Uber. "Leores?"
He looked at her. "What's up?"
She looked a little shy before saying, "Would you like to... come with me to our dorm?"
Leores looked surprised by the sudden invitation.
Before he could reply, Lishcelle's grip on his other arm tightened. "We should go," she said firmly, her voice a tad too loud for comfort.
"His parents are VERY protective, and they wouldn't want their son out so late."
Sydney noticed what she was doing and pulled him closer.
"Well, they should understand that he's 18, and he is a legal adult. So maybe spending time with someone else OTHER than you and the team could help him socially."
Lishcelle, making a fake smile to hide her anger, pulled him back.
"It's a school night and it's 2 a.m... I'm sure that you can find another MALE student who would gladly 'walk you to your dorm.'"
The two girls continued to argue, each giving reasons why he should or shouldn't go.
Leores found himself caught in the crossfire, bewildered by the sudden tug-of-war over him, while Abbie sat back, clearly reveling in the drama she had set in motion.
Why am I suddenly caught in the middle of this? Leores wondered, feeling like a pawn in a game he hadn't agreed to play.
As he stood there, watching Lishcelle and Sydney's playful yet tense exchange, he couldn't help but feel both amused and exasperated, all while Abbie's laughter echoed in the background, proof of her being the number one instigator of the night.
After a good minute of back-and-forth between Lishcelle and Sydney, Leores finally extricated his arms from both of them.
"Alright already, I've made my decision," he announced in a somewhat annoyed tone. He turned to Lishcelle first.
"Yes, it is true. My parents are very protective of me. And they wouldn't be satisfied with me being out so late."
Then he looked at Sydney, who had a hopeful glint in her eye.
"But, I'm not a child anymore either. They just prefer for me to be home in a respectable and timely manner. Moreover, after experiencing what happened tonight, I've made my decision."
Lishcelle's expression was a mix of anger and relief as she asked, "And... What is it exactly?" Her voice was tight with anticipation.
Leores turned to Lishcelle. "Lish, I will be escorting Sydney and Abbie to their dorms."
Lishcelle was about to speak, but he raised a finger, signaling he wasn't finished. "Due to Keshawn's previous threatening behavior at the party and campus assault statistics (13% of students experience sexual assault), plus their lack of self-defense capability, they shouldn't walk alone."
Lishcelle's face flushed red with a mixture of anger and embarrassment.
She knew he was right, but she couldn't help but feel frustrated at his ability to outmaneuver her with simple logic every single time.
"Fine, but be quick about it! And no funny business!" she warned, her voice laced with a hint of fear she couldn't quite hide.
With that said, Leores opened his phone and called Lishcelle an Uber.
"Don't forget to—" Leores began, but Lishcelle cut him off.
"Yeah, yeah, always sit behind the driver. That way, if anything happens, I could just choke him out."
Leores rolled his eyes at Lishcelle's overprotective nature, but he knew she was just worried about him.
"I'll be fine," he assured her. "And I won't be long."
With that, she got into the car, and the Uber drove away, leaving Leores with Sydney and Abbie.
Leores took a deep breath, trying to push aside his annoyance with Lishcelle's overbearingness.
"Alright, let's get going," he said, leading them down the quiet street that led to the dorms.
Meanwhile, Lishcelle watched from the window as the Uber pulled away, seeing Leores walk with Sydney and Abbie.
She couldn't shake off the feeling of unease that had settled in her stomach.
She knew she had no right to be jealous, but the way Sydney had been all over Leores at the party was grating on her nerves.
As the Uber drove through the city streets, she took out her phone and sent a quick text to Leores: "Be safe. Don't do anything stupid." She hoped he'd understand the subtext behind her words.
"That's your boyfriend?" the driver asked, glancing at her curiously in the rear-view mirror.
"No, he's just a friend. I've known him for a long time; he's like my bodyguard," Lishcelle replied with a sigh.
"Really? He must care a lot about you then."
Lishcelle nodded, "Yeah, he does. And I care about him too, but... I don't know if it's like that between us," she said, her voice trailing off.
She leaned back into the seat and closed her eyes, trying to push the images of Sydney with Leores out of her mind.
Why am I so damn jealous? I always wanted him to be social and potentially get a girlfriend, but... why does it piss me off when he's around another girl besides me? Lishcelle thought to herself, clenching her fist.
She knew she had to get over this feeling, but it was just so hard.
She'd always been the one with him, the one who knew him the most and cared to make him happy.
Alpha Sigma chapter of Omega Dogs Fraternity House
Meanwhile, Chad was in the living room and slapped Keshawn with the back of his hand.
"The fuck is wrong with you, man? You acting out of line because of a bitch, nigga?!" he hissed.
Keshawn glared at the floor, rubbing his jaw. "I was just drunk, alright? Didn't know he was gonna be a damn ninja," he mumbled, his voice laced with pain and resentment.
Chad grabbed him by the collar and pulled him closer. "You don't get it, do you? This college is already up my ass because of some drunk fuck like you who can't handle rejection or a breakup and decided to assault a girl. I will not let you tear down what I have right now because you're mad that you can't keep a bitch in line!" He pushed him down onto the ground. "Fuck outta my sight before I knock your eye loose!"
Keshawn staggered out of the room, nursing his bruised jaw and feeling the weight of Chad's words.
He knew he had crossed the line and had to fix this before it got any worse.
He stumbled to his room, the walls of the frat house seeming to close in on him.
His mind raced with thoughts of retribution and fear of what Chad might do if he found out about his failed attempt to claim what he believed was rightfully his.
Chad then received a call on his phone and answered it. "Boss, what's up?"
"You sound irritated. What's the problem with you?" the mysterious voice on the phone asked.
"It's nothing, just something to do with a drunken frat member acting out. But luckily no real incident happened here, so the block is not hot."
"Good, because we have bigger issues at hand." The voice on the other end of the line was cold, sending a shiver down Chad's spine.
"Like what? It's not about the drugs, right? Because we are still making the same monthly income."
"It's not about the drugs, Chad. It's about Leo the Hollow," the voice on the phone said calmly, but the tension was palpable.
Chad didn't get the same feeling. "Who the fuck is that?"
"Someone you do not want to piss off. I have reasons to believe that he might be attending Clearwater University. He might be going under a different name, but I want you to make sure that you leave him be," the voice's tone was a warning.
"Who's so scary that got you worried? You're acting like he's some special grade assassin or something," Chad said jokingly, not really taking this seriously.
The voice on the phone didn't laugh. "Listen carefully, you little fuckin shit... Don't mess with the guy who has golden eyes. When provoked, he'll destroy everything around him. I won't let you or your frat ruin my best coke seller spot. Cross this line, and you'll wish this conversation never happened."
Chad felt the blood drain from his face. "Yeah... yeah, I got it, boss. No trouble from my end." He hung up the phone, his hand shaking slightly.
He had never heard that tone from the man before.
The boss had always been cool, but now he was sounding like he was ready to cut off anyone who stood in his way.
Chad thought back to the people he saw at the party, but he couldn't piece together a picture of Leo the Hollow from that.
"Who the fuck is that?" he thought to himself. "Nobody even fits that description, I'm pretty sure of it. And I doubt somebody who's like that will stick out like a sore thumb."
With that, Chad went into his room to retire for the night, but he couldn't shake the feeling of unease.
Who here could be so dangerous that the boss saw him as a threat?
And why would they come to a college of all places if they were that dangerous? Nevertheless, he pushed the idea aside.
If somebody was really like that, they wouldn't come to some stupid party, he reasoned, trying to reassure himself as he drifted into a restless sleep.