In Love: Against All Odds

University Rule #1: Don't Punch People (Oops)

Stand by You – Rachel Platten 💖
"Even if we can't find heaven
I'll walk through hell with you
Love, you're not alone"

----

Walking into Principal Sanders' office felt like stepping into a courtroom. The air was tense, and the number of framed degrees and books lining the walls made it all feel way more serious than it should've been. 

Bradwin was pacing near the window, jaw clenched, while Patrick leaned against the wall, arms crossed, looking pissed but calm at the same time. Adri and I stood together, trying not to exchange glances that would make us burst into nervous laughter.

"Mr. Pennington, Mr. Jackson, Ms. Carter, and Ms. Scott," Principal Sanders began, his tone all business. "I've reviewed what happened in the cafeteria today. Fighting isn't just against university policy—it's dangerous. This kind of behavior will not be tolerated."

He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in. "Ms. Carter and Ms. Scott, you are receiving a formal warning for provoking the situation. But because there was physical violence involved, Mr. Pennington and Mr. Jackson will face suspension."

I snapped my head up so fast I nearly gave myself whiplash. "Are you serious?! Patrick didn't even start it! He was just protecting me!"

Sanders barely blinked. "I understand your frustration, Ms. Carter, but the rules are clear. A fight is a fight."

"This is ridiculous," I muttered under my breath, clenching my fists at my sides.

Across the room, Bradwin smirked, loving every second of this. "Guess you're not so special after all, huh, Kat? Looks like your little boyfriend's getting what he deserves."

Before I could lunge at him, Adri beat me to it. "Oh, shut up, Bradwin!" she snapped, stepping forward, her eyes blazing. "You started this whole damn thing! You've been a jealous, manipulative ass to Kat for months, and now you wanna act like the victim?!"

"Stay out of this, Adri!" he shot back, his temper rising.

But Adri wasn't having it. She took a step closer, looking like she was seconds away from swinging at him herself. "Or what, Bradwin? You gonna shove me again? Try me. I dare you."

"Enough!" Principal Sanders' voice boomed through the office, cutting through the chaos. "Ms. Scott, I've already warnedyou about the Jade Kason fan club getting out of control. It has crossed the limit multiple times. And now, instead of focusing on your coursework, you're in my office because of a fight?"

Adri tensed but didn't back down. "I wasn't the one throwing punches."

"You're dangerously close to crossing a line, Ms. Scott. I am letting you and Ms. Carter off this time because of your good academic performance. Do not repeat this."

Adri bit her tongue, her face burning with frustration, but she nodded.

Sanders turned back to Patrick and Bradwin. "Mr. Pennington, Mr. Jackson—head to the nurse's office. You need to get checked before going home. Your suspension starts tomorrow. You will handle your coursework remotely."

And just like that, we were dismissed like we were nothing.

----

As soon as we stepped out, Adri let out a loud groan. "Great. Just great. And my phone got wrecked in that stupid fight." She pulled it out, showing me the shattered screen. The display flickered before dying completely.

"Damn. Can you fix it?" I asked, wincing.

"Not anytime soon," she muttered. "And if I tell my parents, they'll kill me for getting into a fight. What the hell am I gonna do?"

"Use your old phone for now?" I suggested.

"Ugh. That thing glitches every time I open an app. But I guess I'll survive."

We made our way to the nurse's office, where Mrs. Phillips took one look at Patrick's bruised side and let out a sigh. "What happened now?"

Patrick shrugged, acting like he hadn't just been in a full-on fistfight.

I didn't even think—I grabbed the first aid kit and knelt beside him, carefully cleaning his wound. My fingers brushed against his skin, sending a little jolt through me.

"You really didn't have to do that," I murmured, focusing on bandaging him up.

Patrick chuckled, his eyes locked on mine. "And let you deal with Bradwin alone? No way in hell. I'd do it all over again if it meant protecting you."

My heart did an actual flip.

Adri was sitting on the other side of the room, patching up her own scrapes. I could see the anger still in her eyes. "That idiot's lucky I didn't call the cops on him. He's gonna wish he hadn't laid a finger on me," she grumbled under her breath.

 I raised an eyebrow. "Adri, you good? I know he went too far, but we'll be alright."

 She looked up at me, her eyes softening just a little. "Yeah, I'm good. Just pissed. But seriously, if Patrick hadn't stepped in, I don't know what I would've done." 

I glanced back at Patrick, who was watching me carefully. "You shouldn't have gotten involved, though. You didn't deserve the suspension for something that wasn't your fault."

He leaned in slightly, his voice softer. "Kat, I'd take a hundred suspensions if it meant keeping you safe."

My cheeks burned. I quickly looked down at his bandage, focusing on finishing up. "Just... maybe next time, let's skip the punching part?"

He smirked. "Only if you promise to stay out of cafeteria brawls."

"No promises," I teased, grinning.

----

As we walked back toward the cafeteria, I couldn't shake the warmth spreading through me. Today had been chaos, but knowing that Patrick had my back like that? It made everything worth it.

"So, what's your plan for suspension?" I asked.

"I was thinking I'd just spend it with you," he said, his eyes full of mischief. "Finally catch up on all those shows we've been putting off. Maybe beat you at some video games."

I laughed, shaking my head. "You wish. But alright, I'm down."

"Perfect," he said, nudging me playfully before leaving.

----

As Adri and I walked into the cafeteria, Vinita, Brailey, and Alista were already at our usual table, waiting for us.

"So? What happened?" Vinita asked eagerly.

"Long story short," I sighed dramatically, dropping into my seat. "Patrick got suspended for being a hero, Adri nearly murdered Bradwin, and I may or may not have to start a petition to bring my boyfriend back to campus sooner."

As the excitement bubbled around me, I stole a glance toward the cafeteria doors, where Patrick had just walked out. He caught my eye, gave me a knowing smirk, and winked before disappearing down the hallway.

And just like that, despite the chaos, I knew this was just the beginning of something amazing.

——

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