As the last lecture ended, Roby stretched and turned to the new guy beside him.
"Hey," he said casually, flashing a relaxed smile. "Haven't seen you around before. You new here?"
Zen glanced at him, expression blank. "Yeah," he replied coolly.
Roby chuckled, unfazed by the cold tone. "Well, this should be fun. I'm Roby."
He offered his hand.
Zen looked at it for a moment, then gave it a quick shake. "Zen."
Their handshake was short, but it marked the beginning of something neither of them understood just yet.
The next teacher entered, and the day rolled on. Lectures. Notes. Whispered gossip. But through it all, Zen kept the same unreadable expression — eyes calm, posture perfect, detached.
When the bell rang, students poured into the hallway. Roby and Zen walked out together, unintentionally catching everyone's attention.
Whispers filled the air.
"New duo alert — Roby and the new guy?"
"Two handsome boys in one frame... we've been blessed."
"Maybe Zen's different... Roby might finally get a bestie."
"Imagine if both of them stay single forever — our dreams will die."
(For years, Roby and Jennifer had been silent rivals — top of the class, never speaking, never mingling. Both too focused, too guarded. Jennifer at least had a quiet friend — Ana. Roby had no one. He was the mystery everyone wanted to solve, but no one could approach.)
Out of nowhere, a voice rang out.
"Roby!"
He turned. It was Mia, all bright eyes and blinking lashes. She placed a hand on his shoulder — a bold move.
"Long time, huh?" she said. "I just got back from vacation. Missed you!"
Roby looked at her hand, then slowly removed it from his shoulder.
"Whatever," he muttered, voice low and dismissive.
Zen watched silently.
Mia's attention flicked to him. "Ooh... new guy? Hey there, handsome," she said, twisting her hair around her finger. "He's your friend, Roby?"
Roby glanced at her sharply.
"Yes. He is. So maybe try staying away from both of us."
Zen followed his lead as Roby nodded toward the parking lot.
As they reached their cars, Roby turned to him.
"Sorry. I called you my friend without asking. Just wanted to keep her off. Hope you didn't mind."
Zen opened his car door, then looked at him and gave a small nod.
"I know you didn't mean it that way. But... thanks for the save."
Roby grinned, raising his hand for a high-five. Zen gave it without hesitation, and they both drove off.
A few minutes later, both cars pulled up to the same apartment building.
Roby stepped out, eyebrow raised. "You live here?"
Zen smirked slightly. "Yeah. You too?"
"Eighteenth floor," Roby replied. "If you need help with anything — shifting, groceries, whatever — just ask. You're new here."
There was a flicker of softness in Zen's eyes. "Thanks. I'll keep that in mind."
They parted ways — two solitary boys unknowingly walking into a friendship that neither of them saw coming… but both were beginning to feel.
That night, Zen tried to study, but the material wasn't easy. Frustration built as complex topics danced around his mind. Eventually, he gave up — head slumped over his notes, fast asleep at the desk.
The next morning, he arrived at college a little early. As expected, Ashley once again offered the seat beside her.
Zen, without a word, glanced around the room — eyes looking for Roby.
Ashley stared, heat in her glare. Another rejection. He was now the second guy to walk past her like she was invisible. The first had been Roby — the untouchable.
"Ugh... anti-romantic duo, huh?" she scoffed quietly.
"Fine. If he won't come to me, I'll make him. One way or another."
Just then, Roby walked in.
"Morning," he said casually.
Zen smiled — the rare kind of smile that made Roby raise a brow. They high-fived as they took their seats in the back row.
The bond was growing. Silent, warm... real.
"Need help with anything?" Roby asked.
"Actually... yeah," Zen said. "Some topics from last night were brutal."
"No problem. I'll explain them during the free period."
Before he could respond, a peon called Zen from outside the class.
"The principal wants to see you."
Zen entered Mr. Chang's office — and paused when he saw someone already seated inside.
Jennifer.
She sat quietly, back straight, fingers holding a book in her lap.
"Come in," Mr. Chang said. "Zen, meet Jennifer Samuel. One of our brightest students. If you ever need academic help, don't hesitate to ask her."
Jennifer smiled politely. "Hello."
Zen nodded. "Hey."
"Alright, you two — off to class. Don't be late."
They walked down the hallway in silence. Side by side, but miles apart. Girls glared, whispers spread.
"Why is he walking with her?"
"Seriously? A nerd and a heartthrob — what even is this combo?"
"Ugh. She's always ruining things."
They didn't know Jennifer's story.
An orphan. Raised without a family. Studying on scholarship in one of the most expensive colleges — because her mind was a gift. She worked after class, read during breaks, and trusted almost no one. Her kindness was quiet, her strength unshakable.
They said nothing to each other — but somehow, the silence was... peaceful.
Back in class, Roby was already waiting.
Zen sat beside him, leaned over, and said, "Guess who the principal just introduced me to?"
Roby blinked. "Jennifer?"
Zen nodded.
Roby tilted his head. "She's... brilliant. Can't believe I'm saying this, but yeah — she's helpful. Always there when someone asks for study help, at least."
Zen smirked. "If you're offering help, I'd honestly prefer yours."
Roby gave a small grin. "Then you got it."
Their eyes met — a quiet understanding passing between them. It wasn't loud or dramatic. It was real.
They didn't need to say it out loud, but something was already forming between them.
Not just a bond... but a brotherhood.