Coby & Alex [REWRITTEN] | OC

Chapter 6

(Tw: violence, abuse, homophobia, bullying and harassment, alcohol use)

The foul encounter with Kane and his teammates leaves Alex is left startled. Jonah and Emily continue their path back to the dorms, gently dragging Alex along. His mind reels from the unexpected confrontation.

"Why are they constantly trying to pick a fight with us. Seriously what is their problem?" Jonah asks disgruntled, glancing at both Alex and Emily.

"He's being way more aggressive than usual. Something is going on in that tiny pea brain of his." Emily states, brows furrowed.

"Saying he has a pea sized brain is too much of a compliment," Jonah laughs. "It's more like microscopic."

"I'm just so sick of him nit picking on me all the time. It's getting old and annoying." Alex says.

Emily sighs in frustration. "Today just hasn't been it— I'm tired of this pathetic drama. We're university students for God's sake, and they're acting like toddlers."

Jonah nods in agreement. "Oh, a thousand percent."

"Toddlers could handle this situation better, honestly," Alex responds, rolling his eyes.

•••

The next few days fly by for Alex. The memory of the unwanted encounter with Kane lingering in the back of his mind. Determined to push those thoughts away, he focuses instead on the bonfire beach party tonight.

As the sun begins to set, Alex stands in front of his mirror, contemplating his outfit for the night. The messaged invitation mentioned casual attire with swimming gear, so he settles with a simple graphic t-shirt and swim shorts. He runs a hand through his hair, trying to shake off the lingering tension.

By 7 pm, the sky is dark but clear, with stars twinkling brightly above. The sound of waves crashing against the shore fills the air as Alex makes his way to the beach. The bonfire party is in full swing when he arrives. The beach is surrounded by groups of students, some tipsy, others nearly drunk. The bonfire casts a warm bright glow and laughter fills the air. The beach house nearby buzzes with activity as people move in and out, grabbing drinks and mingling.

Alex scans the crowd, searching for familiar faces. He spots Jonah and Emily near the bonfire, toasting marshmallows. He walks over to join them.

"Hey, you made it!" Jonah greets him with a wide smile.

"Wouldn't miss it for the world," Alex replies, forcing a smile.

As they chat, they notice some students nearby having an intense conversation. Alex can't help but overhear snippets of what they are saying.

"Did you see Coby the other day in the gym? He was acting so weird!" A student says.

"Yeah, he looked like he was going to explode!" Another student adds.

"What's going on with him?"

"No clue. But him beating the fuck out of that punching bag was kinda scary."

Alex now became curious. He glances around the beach for Coby briefly but he isn't there. Before he thinks too much about it, Jonah and Emily pull them back into their conversation noticing a familiar face approaching them.

"Hailey! It's been ages!" Emily exclaims, hugging her friend.

"Tell me about it. My schedule has been insane," Hailey replies, returning the hug.

Alex stands up and announces, "I'm going to get a drink. Do you guys want anything?"

"Oohh! Yes please!" Hailey smiles. "A gin and tonic will do!"