⚠️ Contains Derogatory Language

After an adventurous first day that had not gone quite as expected, Ryvan hoped that his second day on campus would be more peaceful. It was the day of the Welcome-Week Fair where the societies, or clubs, of Fairlight University set up their booths, hoping to attract new members.

“Are you sure it’s alright to skip your lessons, Averie?” Ryvan looked at his fiancée next to him. Averie didn’t study at Fairlight, she frequented a public high school but had insisted on accompanying him today.

The girl smiled. “Of course it is. Seeing the place where you study is more important to me.”

Ryvan shook his head but remained silent; it wasn’t like he could change Averie’s mind. Instead, he greeted Milun and Wren who waited for him at the entrance of the student union building where the fair would take place. 

“Would you mind if my fiancée joins us?” Ryavn wasn’t sure whether it was wise to give away that he was engaged but seeing that Averie was next to him, he had little choice. “This is Averie,” he said then, pointing at the blonde.

“Hi,” the girl smiled, waving with her hand.

“Wow, I didn’t know you were engaged, man. I’m so jealous, I want a pretty fiancee, too,” Milun replied, visibly surprised. Ryvan could understand him, family engagements were rare even in his social circle of wealthy heirs. He himself didn’t know why his parents had decided for him to become engaged. But Averie was his best friend and, in the absence of a love interest, he didn’t mind marrying her. 

“I’m Milun and that dude over there is Wren.”

Averie nodded. “Nice to meet you, Milun and Wren.”

The fair was held inside the large multi-purpose hall of the student union building. Inside, Each society’s representatives were trying to drown out the others with their shouting, making it look like a discount sale rather than a university fair.

“I’m gonna sign up to the French society. What about you? Wanna go with me?” Milun almost had to shout so that the others could understand him.

Ryvan nodded in response when a commotion not far away attracted his attention. Taren was there—even in this sea of people he could clearly make out his black hair, still unkempt, and his assertive, almost arrogant manner. He was with his two friends, standing in front of the booth of the LGBTQ+ society. 

“How come the homos get a society but we can’t make a street-fighting club?” Colton asked. 

“Seriously, why don’t you pussies join a real society?” Leander joined in. “Nobody needs a fucking waste of space like you.” 

The tension in the air was almost visible and the two representatives of the LGBTQ+ society looked at each other insecurely. Ryvan felt sorry for them but it was not like he could stand his ground against the bullies. He could only hope that someone would alert the security staff.

“Apologise!” Suddenly Averie was there. “Everyone has the right to express their sexuality.” 

In shock, Ryvan almost forgot to breathe. When had the girl left his side? Why was she always like this? Taren’s group was dangerous and he had no idea how to protect her. Seriously, the Crow probably still carried the knife in his pocket. Why had nobody called security yet?

“I ain’t gonna fucking repeat myself,” Colton barked as he reached for the sign-up form. “This is gonna be my street-fighting society from now on.” After he had written down his name, the brute drew a big ‘S’ in front of the society's name. “SLGB whatever, that’s what I call inclusive!”

Leander grabbed the pen to sign up as well. “Looking forward to working with you.”

Taren didn’t seem to have much interest in their doing, he merely shrugged. “I prefer being in the band.” 

The trio left, paying no further heed to Averie or the frozen society representatives. It was only then that the security guard arrived at the scene.

Ashamed for not intervening, Ryvan immediately rushed to his fiancee’s side. “Averie! They’re dangerous,” he scolded though he was full of admiration for the blonde’s bravery. 

“You stay out of this.” Averie’s voice was firm as if nothing had happened. “I’m gonna join the gay society, too. I’m not letting these guys have their way!”

Ryvan was about to remind the girl that she didn’t study at Fairlight but remained quiet. Averie wouldn’t change her mind either way.