The Boy Uniform

2: Trials, Tribulations, and Towel Tosses

Eva's first day as Eli had only just begun, and already her nerves were frayed to the breaking point. She had barely survived the first round of introductions, thankful that her roommate, Landon, seemed laid-back and easy enough to get along with. But she knew that was just the warm-up—the real test lay ahead.

The corridors of Crestwood Academy were a frenzy of testosterone-fueled chaos, packed with boys shouting over each other, jostling, and shoving as they rushed to beat the bell. Voices echoed off the stone walls, adding to the overwhelming noise. Some laughed, others argued, their rowdy energy filling every corner of the grand but intimidating halls.

Eva clutched her backpack straps tighter, her knuckles white, as she tried to disappear into the sea of navy blazers and reckless energy. She kept her head down, her hair tucked neatly under the school cap, hoping no one would give her more than a passing glance. Every step she took felt like walking a tightrope—one misstep and the carefully constructed facade of 'Eli' could crumble.

"Hey, new kid!" A voice called from behind her, sharp enough to cut through the chaotic noise of the hallway. Eva's body stiffened instinctively, but she forced herself to turn around casually, trying to play it cool. Don't overreact, just act normal. She pasted on a neutral expression as she turned.

It was Landon, her roommate, weaving through the mass of bodies, his easy-going grin a sharp contrast to the frenetic energy around them. "First day's always the worst, huh? Thought I'd show you around."

Eva let out a breath she didn't realize she'd been holding, relief washing over her. Crisis averted—for now. She cleared her throat, forcing her voice to drop even lower, though it was already naturally deep enough to pass. "Thanks, man. I'd appreciate that." Her words came out a little gruffer than intended, but Landon didn't seem to notice.

Landon clapped a hand on her shoulder, his grin widening. "First rule of Crestwood," he said with a laugh, "don't get caught standing still. The upperclassmen will eat you alive." He jerked his head toward a group of seniors, all towering over the rest of the students with an air of superiority.

Eva smirked, despite the nervous flutter in her stomach. Landon's laid-back attitude made it easier for her to settle into the role of Eli, the new kid. His relaxed confidence was contagious, and she found herself loosening up just enough to slip further into character.

They strolled through the hallway together, dodging boys rushing to their next class as Landon casually pointed out key spots. "That's the cafeteria over there," he said, nodding toward a pair of grand wooden doors where the clatter of dishes and chatter spilled out. "Food's decent, but you'll wanna snag a seat early if you don't wanna end up stuck in the corner with the freshmen."

Eva nodded, taking mental notes as they passed by the classrooms, their towering doors framed by rich oak paneling, and the gym, a cavernous space that smelled faintly of sweat and linoleum. Landon pointed toward the rows of lockers lining the far side. "That's where the real battles go down. Upperclassmen are brutal about taking the best spots."

She kept her expression neutral, trying to appear unfazed by the chaos around her. But beneath the mask, Eva was already memorizing every detail, each corner and shortcut. The more she know, the better she can hide. Landon's chatter blended with the background noise of the school, but her focus remained sharp, locked on the details that could help her survive the next few months.

"So, where'd you transfer from?" Landon asked as they descended the narrow staircase toward the locker rooms, the sounds of laughter and shouts from the boys above fading into the background.

Eva had prepared for this question. She'd spent hours perfecting her backstory. "Some private school a few towns over," she said smoothly, keeping her tone casual. "My parents wanted a change, I guess." She shrugged for added effect, trying to make it seem like no big deal.