"Anyone but you" - Jaiden AU

Aiden's friends

The next day found Aiden trudging across the bustling college campus, his mind still buzzing from the previous evening's encounter with James. He absently tugged at his two-toned hair, the black and white strands a stark contrast against the vibrant autumn foliage surrounding him. The theater building loomed ahead, its modern architecture a beacon for aspiring actors like himself.

As he pushed through the heavy doors, the familiar scent of sawdust and paint from the set design workshop washed over him. Aiden's shoulders relaxed slightly; here, at least, he felt in his element. Today's class was focused on character development, a topic that usually fascinated him. However, as his professor droned on about the importance of understanding a character's motivations and backstory, Aiden found his thoughts drifting to a certain cocky Brazilian with annoyingly perfect hair.

"Earth to Aiden," a voice whispered, accompanied by a gentle nudge to his ribs. "You're spacing out again."

Aiden blinked, turning to find Tess peering at him with concern. Her gothic attire - all black lace and silver jewelry - stood out starkly against the colorful costumes surrounding them. Despite being an art major, Tess often snuck into theater classes, claiming they helped with her "artistic vision."

"Sorry," Aiden mumbled, running a hand through his hair. "Rough night."

Tess raised an eyebrow but didn't push. Instead, she jerked her head towards the back of the classroom where Lake sat, her vibrant red hair bent over a notebook as she scribbled furiously. "Lake's working on a new script. Wanna grab coffee after class and help her workshop it?"

Aiden nodded, grateful for the distraction. As the class wound down, the three friends made their way to the campus coffee shop, Lake clutching her notebook protectively to her chest.

The coffee shop was crowded, but they managed to snag a table near the window. As Lake began explaining her latest writing project - something about star-crossed lovers from warring intergalactic civilizations - Aiden's attention was caught by a commotion near the counter.

"No, you don't understand," a familiar voice was saying, its tone a mix of frustration and amusement. "The whole point is to reduce our carbon footprint, not just switch to a different type of plastic!"

Aiden turned to see Gabby, her dark skin glowing under the coffee shop's warm lighting, engaged in what appeared to be a heated debate with the barista. Beside her stood Tom, his large frame and bright eyes visible above his ever-present black nursing mask, nodding along enthusiastically despite looking slightly confused.

"Oh boy," Tess muttered. "Gabby's on a roll again."

As if on cue, the coffee shop's door burst open, and in rushed Ellie, her ginger hair windswept and her arms full of sketches. She made a beeline for Gabby, her eyes lighting up in a way that made Aiden's heart twinge with unexpected empathy.

"Gabby!" Ellie called out, nearly tripping over her own feet in her haste. "I've got those designs for the eco-friendly campaign posters you wanted!"

Gabby turned, her stern expression melting into a warm smile. "Ellie! Perfect timing. Maybe you can help me explain to this guy why biodegradable straws are not the ultimate solution to our plastic problem."

As Ellie launched into an impromptu presentation, complete with hastily drawn diagrams, Aiden couldn't help but notice the way she looked at Gabby - a mixture of admiration, nervousness, and unmistakable longing. It was a look he recognized all too well, though he quickly pushed that thought aside.

"Looks like the gang's all here," Lake observed quietly, a small smile playing on her lips as he watched their friends' antics.

Aiden nodded, feeling a rush of affection for this mismatched group. There was Tess with her gothic flair and artistic soul; Lake, quiet and brilliant, always lost in her own worlds; Gabby, passionate and driven, ready to change the world one argument at a time; Tom, sweet and somewhat oblivious, but fiercely loyal; and Ellie, creative and kind, wearing her heart on her sleeve.

As he watched Ellie hang on Gabby's every word, Aiden felt a strange twist in his gut. He couldn't help but draw parallels between Ellie's obvious crush and his own confusing feelings about a certain infuriating neighbor. The realization made him shift uncomfortably in his seat.

"You okay there, broody boy?" Tess asked, nudging him gently. "You look like you've seen a ghost."

Aiden shook his head, forcing a smile. "Yeah, just... thinking about character motivations, I guess."

Tess gave him a look that said she didn't quite believe him but was willing to let it slide. For now. "Well, while you're pondering the great mysteries of human nature, why don't you go grab us some coffee? Preferably before Gabby convinces the barista to overhaul their entire supply chain."

With a chuckle, Aiden stood up, grateful for the chance to clear his head. As he made his way to the counter, weaving through his bickering friends, he couldn't shake the feeling that his life was about to get a whole lot more complicated. And somehow, James was going to be right in the middle of it all. And Aiden, hated it.