Catalyst

Chapter 1 pt.2

Eltanin University. Home of the golden dragon. A campus built by none other than Kadeem Eltanin, Keao's father. Grand in stature, its main focuses are mainly anthropology and archeology, two of Kadeem's favorite subjects, while also providing general studies. Located about fifteen minutes from town, it is Quarry Spring's pride institution built close to its very own jeweled quarry that's filled with many different types of gems. The variety in stones and crystals is the reason why it's considered to be one out of nine natural wonders on the planet of Ather. This fact is also why the college gets many applicants every year who mainly wanted to join due to the prestige.

E.U. has a total of seven different buildings that make up its entirety. The three story structure made of multicolored brick in the middle is where the main office is located along with financial aid, guidance counselors, and housing department. It is also the building where Keao works as a resident assistant. A simple job where all he ever really does is just plain filing and making calls to incoming students. His office is located on the first floor and since his job is undemanding, he would spend any spare time that comes up studying.

Much like his father, he loved philosophy. Although he rarely showed this intellectual side to others, he enjoyed philosophical debates, delving into human psychology and studying the depths of the human soul. He craved deeper knowledge of the world and everything in and outside of it. This desire is also why he wishes to one day travel the world and conduct his own findings. Of course he knew that archeologists hardly get much field experience. Mostly it is just bookwork. However, that didn't bother him in the least. There is something truly wonderful in the outside world and he is determined to find it.

"Preparing for your first field project huh?" Hardly my first Hannah. He has been on a few field study trips and his professor kept him in high standings, but he was sure the brunette before him was just teasing. His boss loves to do that.

"You could say that. How was that date with Chase? Everything you hope for?" The grimmance she gave told all.

"He didn't show up!" Now that was news to him. Chase adored her more than anything. During his private tutoring sections, the sophomore would constantly talk about asking her out one day. Even now he could hear his boisterous tone declaring he was just waiting for the right time. Too bad all that confidence was just for show. After a few months of hearing his 'dream' of approaching Hannah, Keao took it upon himself to set up the date. Chase may have been overbearing to most, but he was the hardest worker on campus. He had this drive and determination that most didn't carry and Keao respected him for it. Someone who he knew would make it far in this world.

"Maybe something important came up? I doubt it was intentional." Hearing this made her calm down a little. After all she knew he was totally simping over her. Not that he told, but Chase had a tendency to tell his business to everyone. And like anyone would guess, she knew he liked her way before this date was arranged. In truth she was just waiting for him to make a move. A wait that would have been biblical if Keao didn't step up.

"Sigh, I suppose you're right. But waiting at that restaurant alone felt so embarrassing. Everyone was staring and I could tell what they were thinking..." Her hand moved to cover herself. " You're lucky Keao. No one judges your body." Hannah has been self conscious about herself since the day Keao met her. In his head he never thought twice about her appearance and found everything about her adorable. She was a short curvy lady with the most beautiful smile. Her velvet glasses added to her cuteness and her shyness intensified it. Although he thought that of her, he knew others had different opinions. In today's time, most guys just wanted the skinny model type. It was the trend after all.

Then again there was Chase. Someone who didn't care for the standards. Hell even I kinda prejudged his type. Chase goes to the same gym as he does, so he knew how fit the guy was. At nearly the same height as himself, his dark hair well styled, and sporting his usual chin strap beard... Dude was hot and had a brain. A true rarity. So at first he figured he would be like the other jocks on campus. Fantasizing over the models they would never bang. When he had brought up Hannah... Truly amazing how someone can surprise you.

"Regardless, I want you to know that you are beautiful, okay? One day I'm going to make sure you remember that." She smiled a little. Although he knew she didn't fully believe him. You can't make someone feel something that they can't see for themselves. One day I hope you will see.

"You're a sweetheart. Wonders why you don't have your own relationship."

"Too restricting." And too high maintenance.

"Mmhm, and one day someone is going to have you tight around their little finger. Then you will be the one restricting."

"If that happens, promise you'll end me before the infection spreads. I don't want to become like those things."

Her smile fully brightened. " Hopeless. Oh and before I forget, I need you to run a package to Jaysen." She quickly went into her office and pulled out a huge brown box tearing from the uneven weight distribution. Seeing these boxes many times before he instantly recognized what it was. "F.C.P! The family care package has arrived! Now poor Jay can survive this school year with ease."

"One would hope. The dolly should be in the closet. Don't want it breaking open before you get there."

"Nothing like a pinata filled with ramen and peanut butter jelly mixes. Okay, I gotcha." Fortunately for him, the entire campus was connected by walkways that were paved, which made wheeling anything he needed to take out a breeze. Without wasting any more time, he set out across campus.