After being kicked out by Lieutenant Montana, they took a bus back to Segar’s house. They had some small talk on their way home. Most of them were about Monty praising how beautiful Colville is and Segar injecting his hatred toward this place into Monty’s head. Through these, Segar has learned a few things about his potential new friend at Gravefield Academy. One, this guy's level of friendliness is on par with that of Addison. Monty did everything he could to get closer to Segar the moment they sat down. Exchanging phone numbers, social media accounts, and so on. Two, unlike Segar, Monty set his heart on joining the forces from the beginning. So you can say that Monty is living in his dream, though reality usually hits dreamers much harder. Overall, in Segar’s eyes, Monty is Addison but taller and more handsome. They are both good friends that you would love to keep around.

Their trip did not take long. After getting off the bus, he offered Monty his help with the luggage. They are surprisingly light considering Monty will stay here for two weeks. Monty wanted to say hi to his parents first, but they would not come back until 7:00 P.M today, so Segar led Monty straight to his bedroom instead. It took them some more time to unpack all the luggage. Segar has cleaned his bedroom to welcome the new guest the night before, so there is plenty of space for Monty’s belongings. Most of them are just clothes and hygiene products anyway. Having finished all the necessary things, they decided to have more talk about themselves. With that, Segar plops down onto his bed, while Monty sits by his side.

“So, Monty, why did you want to join the military? I mean, it is not a great place. The discipline and physical training are a nightmare. Plus, it’s not like that you can make much money in the future.” - Segar takes the lead and asks Monty about the reason behind his choice.

“Well, there is more than one reason for my love for the army. First, I love our country. I mean ours is not that great. We are still suffering from poverty, and above that, corruption. But being born and nurtured by this land, a part of me has no choice but to love it and feels grateful. It is a bit silly, isn’t it?” - Monty’s face turns pinkish while answering as he thinks it is a bit cringe.

“Hmmm… Well, there is nothing silly about being a patriot. Is there anything more?” - Segar continues. Another thing that Segar has learned about the other is that he is very easy to flutter. Indeed the answer is a bit cringey to say out loud. But blushing? He will not survive Segar’s teasing when they get to know each other better.

“Hmm… It’s kind of running in the family. My grandfather fought in the Great War. Our family, especially me and my father, were deeply inspired by him. But my father couldn’t make his dream come true. He didn’t perform well in school. Luckily, I did! I can finally continue the family’s honorable tradition. Let’s see… Oh! I also love wearing the uniform. You will look so cool in that! Hmm… That’s it! That is why I love to join the forces. How about you?” - Monty explains to Segar then asks him about his opinions.

Segar sighs again then replies:

“If I could make my decision, Gravefield Academy or anything related to the armed forces would be my last choice. The income of an officer is greater than a normal worker here, but you are exposed to danger, and it is more exhausting, right? I mean, look at the amount of paperwork we have! Remind you that we haven’t been cadets yet! I want to be an inspector or a district accountant. They work less, but earn much more! But that is not the worst for me. Being in the army means that you need to build good relationships with people in your unit. But I’m very, very bad at making new friends. Trust me, you are talking to an experienced outcast.”

Monty notices that Segar is a little bit down as his topic shifts toward making friends. It seems like Segar used to have a hard time in school. Therefore, Monty decides to cheer him up by doing what he does best: unasked for skinship. Things that high school boys always do and make teenage girls draw all kinds of fiction in blitz seconds. Thinking that is the best thing he can do for someone he just met, Monty springs to the side of the bed and gently pulls Segar into his embrace, laying his head on the other’s shoulder. This startles Segar and starts wriggling.

“Hey!”

“Awww! Don’t worry, I will be your friend at the Academy. I heard that Gravefield Ground Forces Academy is not too shabby. They assigned rooms in pairs. Oh! And let’s be roommates. Let’s have lunch together too!” - Monty speaks while giggling and trying to keep Segar from escaping.

“Yeah Yeah! But first, let me go! It’s super hot in this room already!”

“Alright. Stop wriggling and I will.” - Though Monty says so, he will not do as he says.

“Argh! You should be roommates with my friend Addison! You two would make a great pair! But aren’t we kind of roommates now?” - Segar gives up after a while and starts fooling around with Monty too.

“Hmm… You are right! Let’s make my stay here a trial session. If you love having me as a roommate, then let's be roommates at the Academy!” 

“Alright, so be it!”

“Say,  do you play Call of Soldiers mobile?” - Segar changes the subject.

“Of course! Who isn’t into it nowadays?”

“Wanna have a few matches before dinner? We have nothing to do now anyway. I will give you a tour of this town next time.”

“Sure!”

And just like that, Segar is freed from Monty’s hug. Honestly, though, he does not mind it that much. Monty skin is cool. Hugging him feels like standing in front of an open refrigerator, and he smells really good too. His scent is like that of strawberry candies. Not only that, despite being slim, he is squishy. Segar would try to pinch him once in a while when they get closer. But is it weird for two guys to have that much intimacy? Would it put him in shame if someone else witnessed what happened earlier? Segar saw the girls doing this to each other when he was in high school. Even the boys did it for amusement too. If someone should feel ashamed, that should be those who can not accept that the world has moved on. Whether it is love or friendship, there is nothing normal or abnormal about two people of the same gender having fun together. It is just what it is.