Pathway to You

A1: C2

Arc One: Chapter Two

You either want the Greek life or you don't. For the former, fraternities were a big thing on campus and most freshman were trying to get a feel for the best one to join. It just so happened that Y/n's one had taken the lead for most desirable brotherhood.

"Remember, no hazing the pledges"

Xiang's warning causes snickering among the crowd in the entrance hall.

"It's only the rituals of our house Pres"

"I won't repeat myself"

"Okay, okay"

With that everyone is on their way. Either to make the frat house presentable, off to the allocated booth or on foot, armed with pamphlets to cover the groundwork.

That's the benefit of being a senior brother, you don't have to do all the menial work. It gave Y/n the opportunity to work on other engagements, only taking a break here and there to be introduced to the potential members on house tour.

"There's a good selection this year don't ya think? Far better than last year's lot ey?"

Y/n hums thoughtfully at Donovan's words, casting his mind back to the collection of baby-faced kids from the tour that had just come to an end. That's how they all start, fresh-faced and eager to become sworn brothers.

Most of the pictures hung around the Frat house were of prior brothers and the remaining of current, all participating in some Frat activity or the other. A charity sale, campouts, old age home visits, all pictures that would romanticise the frat house experience. Y/n's initial welcome ceremony snap was among those, he couldn't remember if it was above the fireplace or somewhere on the hallway walls.

"Let's hit town for some takeout, fellas probably built an appetite after all the work they put in today"

Y/n nods in agreement. Takeout was a good way to placate any grumblers too. Rush week was a competitive campaign to a degree and without a doubt fraternities would clash. Nothing pacified bad moods better than junk food (or so it went for Y/n's frat house).

Donovan and Y/n make their way through the campus, only pausing once when a boy calls out in greeting. Y/n waves but doesn't stop to talk. Donovan chuckles.

"Kid looks absolutely stricken"

"Who, Calisto?"

"If we're talking about the same bronze haired newbie trying to get into your good books then yes."

Y/n chuckles. Donovan had mistaken the youthful looks of Calisto for those of a freshman participating in rush.

"He's not new. Just one of my juniors from the equestrian club"

"Oh, then he's trying to get nominated for a major role in the club. Maybe vice president or if he's ambitious enough president"

"Calisto's just a friendly guy overall, once you get past his shyness"

"I've never had my football mates call out to me. The kid must really look up to you."

"Not more so than the others. It's not that deep Donovan, not everyone has an ulterior motive."

Y/n's chuckle is cut short as a body collides with him. He hisses at the sudden heat on his chest, multiple Styrofoam cups hit the floor.

"I'm so sorry!"

Suddenly there's a literal angel pressing a wad of serviettes to his chest, a failed attempt to remove the already stained coffee. Maybe his torso has been burnt to the point of numbness or maybe the beauty has an analgesic effect, or the coffee just wasn't that hot, whatever it is Y/n can only stare down at her in stunned silence.