Collin's Intro to Microbiology class prevents him from trying to catch Ian after lecture, and Ian couldn't be more grateful. He was certain that, given the chance, the brunette would not feel inclined to leave him alone. Especially if he was delusional enough to believe that Ian would need him some day for whatever reason. Not having class for another few hours, Ian decides to do some exploring. It's nice enough outside that he won't need to bother with the bus systems, and there's plenty within walking distance to be able to explore.
In particular, he finds the library a comforting place to be. It's quiet, comforting enough that Ian could find himself making it a place he frequented. Plus, if he spent all his time hidden among the endless rows of dusty, virtually unused texts, Collin wouldn't have a chance in hell at finding and bothering him. He finds himself gravitating towards a nice, secluded corner of the library where a comfy looking couch sits, and it's there that he settles himself, sketchbook in his lap pencil tapping idly against his lip while he contemplates whether to finish his drawing or move on to the next. A ray of sunshine passing through the stained glass windows above him gives him motivation, and he decides to start fresh, turning to a new page in his sketchbook and starting to move his pencil across the page.
He's lost in thought, brow furrowed in concentration and gaze entirely focused on his work. He's vaguely aware of the group that enters the library, but he's certain he's tucked away enough that nobody will bother him. Fate, however, is determined to prove him wrong.
"Well, look at that, we meet again." Collin's voice, irritatingly familiar already, startles him out of his trance, causing him to jerk a little and draw a line through the center of his drawing.
"Fuck, can I not have a few moments of peace to myself without you always poppin' in?" He swears, flipping his pencil over to start meticulously erasing around all the purposeful lines, hoping to somewhat salvage his drawing at least. He hardly notices it when the couch dips as Collin sits next to him.
"I didn't mean to startle you. It's not my fault you're so jumpy. What, do you find me that annoying?" He raises an eyebrow, giving Ian a curious look. Ian can tell he's half-joking, but the answer he gives is entirely serious.
"I've made it perfectly crystal clear that I have no interest in befriending you. I don't know how I can make it any more clear than that, other than outright telling you. Write this down if you need to in order to get it through your thick skull, but I'm not interested in being more than a classmate to you. No friends, no acquaintances, nothing." He stresses the last part and, for a second, Collin almost actually looks hurt before he raises his hands, shaking his head a little.
"You're one callous dude, you know that? Is this cause I tried looking at your stupid doodles or whatever yesterday? I was honestly just trying to be friendly, so you didn't end up having a mid-life crises at the middle of the semester when the classes actually get tough and you need someone to help you study. With your attitude, though, nobody will be around and you'll be left to your own devices. You wanna be mister tough guy? Fine, but if you wanna attempt to actually be nice, I'm sure we'll be running into one another again." He stands, running his fingers through his hair as he disappears back through the rows of books.
Despite finally getting what he wants, Ian can't help but to feel...almost a little guilty. He quickly pushes those thoughts aside. Why should he feel guilty when Collin was the one entirely invading his personal space?
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