Standing in front of the Chi Chi Nu house reminds me of that time that Vlad had to go to the brothel house in Love Bites. It’s a mix of excitement and dread that bubbles deep down in my stomach. I kind of love how the frat house looks, mostly because it is a million dollar mansion that is in the center of campus. It’s a nice three story house with the giant XXN Greek letters on the front. 

It gives me some good memories of when I pledged the fraternity, but it is also a reminder that I am too damn poor to ever live in a nice place like this. Hell, most freshmen who pledge the frat are required to stay in the house but I was an exception because I couldn’t pay the rent. That and I didn't really want to get shoved into a tiny room with five straight guys. That might sound like a dream to some, but to me it would be a nightmare.

I let out a sigh before walking up the stone path that led up to the front door and upon reaching the entrance I just let myself in. No need for knocking. They knew who I was even if most of them didn’t want me here. Most were subtle about that fact and would play nice, but some would just tell me to my face. It was the way of the frat boys.

As I stepped into the meeting room, some of the brothers turned and acknowledged me with a nod or a small wave. Most of the brothers who did so were a part of the same pledge class I was in. I just smiled and nodded and made my way to the front of the room, where there was a small stage. On the stage was a table where all of the officers sat. They were all up there talking amongst themselves. 

Honestly, with all of them lined up like that it kind of reminded me of the last supper. The symbolic “Jesus” in the center was none other than the love of my life, Jackson Choi. He was the president of the fraternity. He was also the literal definition of a god. Tall, muscular, and handsome. He had black hair, dark brown eyes, and a deep voice that echoed across the room. The empty seat next to him was mine.

No, I mean it! It was literally mine. During sophomore year, Tommy somehow convinced me to join the executive board as the secretary. At first I outright refused to even consider the thought, that is until Tommy reminded me that Jackson was going to be the president which meant that I got to sit next to him at all of the fraternity meetings. Let’s just say I changed my tune real quick.

The meeting was about to start, so I quickly walked around the table and sat down in my spot, putting my laptop on the table so that I could take notes. Even though I joined the executive board on the notion that I would get to sit next to my soulmate, I was very serious about my role. My notes were otherworldly, if I do say so myself.

As soon as I sat down, Jackson started the meeting. Going through piece by piece of the agenda. Luckily, this meeting didn’t have too many discussion points so it was going to be brief and I was subconsciously taking down notes until I heard my name being called.

“Wil, what do you want to do for the philanthropy event?” Jackson had asked me. I just stared blankly at him. Nobody was home in this empty head of mine.

“What?” I asked stupidly. I could hear laughter from the other members who were sitting in the audience.

“I asked, what did you want to do for the philanthropy event? Half of the brothers are doing a marathon for a local charity and the other half are volunteering in the local retirement home. Exec board gets first pick.” 

“Oh yeah…. Ummm I guess I’ll volunteer?”

Jackson just nodded his head before asking the other board members their preference. I quickly put my head down and continued to take notes, this time more aware of what was happening around me.

***

After the meeting had ended, we all sat around the dining area for a small pizza party. This was typical after meetings, as it served as somewhat of a small social event just between the brothers. The dining area was set up to be like a large cafeteria with benches and tables set up in rows. 

Luckily I got to sit next to Tommy as I ate my pizza in silence. Tommy on the other hand was chatting away about this or that. I wasn’t really paying attention until someone mentioned Jackson.

“Did you hear? Jackson is apparently dating someone from Chi Chi Mu. They are keeping it on the down low but I think it’s Rebecca.”

“Yeah that makes sense considering they are both presidents. It’s like social etiquette for them to date isn’t it?”

“He’s so lucky… Rebecca is so hot!”

“Right? They are perfect for each other.”

At that I dropped my pizza into my lap, my mouth hung open like a fish out of water. A gurgling sound came from my throat as I choked on the bite of pizza I had just taken. Tommy quickly slapped me on the back with his huge hands and I lurched forward hitting the table with a loud bang that echoed throughout the entire dining room. Everyone stopped talking and looked at me like I was a complete idiot.

I was a complete idiot. How did I not see this coming from a mile away? Of course Jackson and Rebecca were dating. Finally I snapped out of whatever was happening to me and quickly got up.

“Oh sorry! I forgot I have a paper due. Bye,” I quickly stammered and then ran from the dining room and out of the fraternity house.

*** 

I walked around campus mindlessly for hours until I stopped at the small pond that was located on the east side of the campus. It was surrounded by woods on most sides except for a small park on the side that was facing the campus. Why there was a park on a college campus beats me but it had everything from swings to slides. Maybe the college knew that we were all just giant kids at heart still.

It was already dark out, but I didn’t really care to go home. So instead, I wandered into the park and sat on one of the swings and stared out into the woods beyond the pond. Suddenly I screamed at the top of my lungs, “FUCK A DUCK!”

“I don’t think the duck would like that very much,” Said someone next to me. I nearly jumped out of my skin before looking over to find a guy sitting on the swing next to mine. He was tall and lanky with shaggy brown hair. His eyes were so deep green that they perfectly matched the trees I had just been staring at. He was also wearing a beanie and looked like a typical stoner.

“What the hell? You scared the shit out of me!”

“Yeah well you scared the shit out of me with all that yelling! Who wants to fuck a duck anyways? Are you some weirdo?”

“Oh my god, it’s just an expression.”

“I know, I am joking. I am Hunter by the way.”

I couldn’t help but think that this kid was weird. I mean who in their right mind comes to a park in the middle of the night? None the less sneaks up on someone minding their own business in a park in the middle of the night. 

“So?” he asked expectantly. It took me a while to realize he was asking for my name.

“Luke Wilson, but people just call me Wil. Before you ask, yes Luke Wilson, like the guy who played the love interest in Legally Blonde. No, I am not related. My mom was just a fan and thought it was somehow funny.”

Hunter just laughed. His laugh was actually kind of nice. Not as deep as Jackson’s laugh, but it had an air to it that was significant.

“Your mom is funny.”

“I guess she was.”

“So Wil, what are you doing out here in the middle of the night screaming obscenities at unexpecting ducks?”

What is with him and focusing on the stupid ducks comment? Seriously, this guy is kind of annoying me right now. Can’t I just sit in peace?

“Nothing. Just thinking. Why are you out in the middle of the night interrogating innocent people on swings?” 

Hunter laughed before saying, “I was just taking a walk and saw you sitting here. Thought I would come over and introduce myself. Anyways, I have to go now. It was nice meeting you Wil!”

I didn’t even get a chance to say anything before Hunter got up and walked away, leaving me flabbergasted at what had just happened.