How could Jake not find Simon’s prideful chest-puffing endearing? He could feel his cheeks flush slightly, as he felt a sudden attraction to his current companion. Concentrate, Jake, he told himself, No time for this. Besides, Simon’s not into guys.

“I heard AB got between you guys”, Jake spoke around the cigarette, still in his lips, “What’s that dud’s deal anyway? I heard some nasty rumors about him.” He flicked his ashes down and stepped on them. Watching Simon for a reaction to his question, Jake removed his blue Rienzi tie and stuffed it in his pocket.

“Dude, if you need help, I’m not bad in some of the classes and even pretty good in a few…”, Jake offered, unbuttoning the top two buttons of his uniform shirt. Then he took a draw on his cigarette and laughed, “Just don’t expect me to help with Transfig! That class sucks!”