I look around at the other clubs that we’re passing by, some have windows to look through the rooms while others are more private. The hallway is filled with colorful decorations varying on the club, I can tell which one we’re heading to as there are many rainbow flags and posters littering the outside of the room, not enough that it wasn’t tasteful and over the top but probably a bit much. 

Jayden approaches the glass door and pushes it open reluctantly, she stops in the door, not letting us in yet when I hear a cheerful voice ring out.

“Jay!” Ok, THE FUCK?! I was not expecting someone to give Jayden a nickname and her not immediately rip their head off, but Jayden just moves through the doorway and fucking smirks.

“Hey bubblegum.” I am so confused. I walk in to see shoulder length, allegedly bubblegum pink hair, belonging to a scowling face sitting across the room who I'm assuming the exchange was with. The two just kinda glare at each other for a second before the pink haired person notices me and Connor awkwardly standing behind Jayden. 

“You brought guests. Come in, come in, sorry. Uh, welcome, take a seat anywhere in the circle. You two new this year?” They ask, I nod and take an empty seat next to Connor. 

“Ok so since we have new people with us this year let's do an introductory circle around the room, I’ll go first. Hi, my name is Kiyomi, I’m 21, I basically run this club and my pronouns are she/they.” she smiles. It’s a really pretty smile. Looking at them more I notice how everything about them is really pretty. They have a whole pastel aesthetic that matches her hair. 

I jump at the sound of Connors' voice right next to me introducing him and remember that I should have been paying attention to other people as well. 

Kiyomi ended up asking if anyone had questions and I was not asking for everyone to introduce themselves again. Connor raises his hand. 

“What do you do with this club, like what is it?”  he says with no hesitation.

She smiles at him and responds. 

“ It's mostly a support group and way to be apart of the community but we do organize talks, fundraisers and participate in peaceful protests  and pride parades but we don’t ask or force people to participate in things that could harm or out them so it can just be a safe place to hang out and get used to school for you guys.” This club sounds like something out of a dream, I feel like the world would make a lot more progress if more places were like this. 

Once Kiyomi dismissed the “formal” meeting to mingle and meet people Connor and I were immediately bombarded by two people rushing up to us. One with straight long platinum blonde hair and a full face of makeup with really long fake lashes, the other with long black dreadlocks and perfect skin with a dark complexion. 

“ Oh my god, Hi! I'm Benjamin and this is Rayla.” Rayla waves excitedly when pointed to and pipes up. 

“We're introducing ourselves because we totally saw you staring at Kiyomi instead. Like we get it, don't worry.” Benjamin takes back the role of speaking next and asks.

“So what're your crimes? What’chu in for?” He picks at his nails and says like we're in jail. Probably asking about our sexuality?

“ Hi, i’m Connor, i’m gay.” he says with usual enthusiasm. Benjamin gasps dramatically and exclaims.

“No way! I’m gay too!”

“Yeah, you’re an actual whore. But like I am too, so we’re living our best life.” Rayla says before continuing.

“I’m also straight by the way, sorry to ruin the big gay vibe goin on here, but I am transfem so still cool. What about you?” she smiles at me, I can immediately tell these two have a lot of energy and that's something I admire and envy. 

“Pan.” I mutter. I do have to admit I am a little intimidated but have no idea why. 

Connor seems to be fitting in just fine. 

“We should all get coffee soon. Here I'll add you to the club group chat so you can get everyone's insta from there. If you guys ever need anything, text me. But we’re gonna go talk to the other new kid, ‘k?” The smile never leaves her face, it only gets brighter as she leaves, dragging Benjamin with her. 

I turn to Connor and keep my voice low.

“Is everyone at this school the nicest person ever except for Jayden or something?” His eyes go wide before whispering back.
“Literally.” 

After meeting Ebony, the stereotypically dressed bi girl who was the other new person and seemed very chilled out, almost too much and Porter the trans-masc frat boy with very fluffy hair, we were about to leave when I heard my name being called. 

“Alix.” I turn and see Kiyomi, who is now the only one left in the room. Aight gay panic time. 

“Your name is Alix but with an i instead of an e right? But you say it the same way?” They ask looking very confused. 

“Uh, yeah?” I say like a question even though I know very well how to spell my own name.

“Ok, sorry it’s just, English isn’t my first language. I am fluent but small things like that throw me off. I'm Japanese and live there but my mother decided it was important to learn both. Turns out it was important.” she giggles. It’s adorable. 

“Y-yeah, no that’s ok, that’s fine, it’s great. Heh.” I shut my mouth and punch myself mentally. 

“Sorry for holding you up, have a good night.” 

“You too.” I manage to get out before turning and beelining for the door. 

Connor’s around the corner waiting for me, we fall into step with each other and start walking back to the dorms. 

“You know that was the student speaker from the orientation right?” he turns to me, glint in eyes.

“Oh, really?” I kinda remember seeing Kiyomi up on that stage.

“This time you zoned out staring at her. Can’t deny it this time.” He sidles up to me, a smug look on his face, about to make fun of me.

“Shut up! I actually wasn’t the first time.” I shove him playfully and he stumbles sideways.