Keepin' it Kool - ALASTOR x KOOL

CHAPTER 1 - Bros before anything

The sun had just started to set behind the campus buildings, casting long, golden shadows across the quad. Kool adjusted the strap of his backpack, glancing around at the other students rushing to their evening classes or study groups. He couldn't help but notice the subtle stares he got from people as they passed by. The guy with tits, ass, and a vagina. They never knew what to make of him. He didn't care. He liked standing out.

As Kool reached the steps of the student center, he spotted his friend—Alastor—leaning against the wall, earbuds in, head tilted down, absorbed in whatever brooding playlist he always seemed to be listening to. He was the polar opposite of Kool: tall, lean, dressed in dark clothes, with an air of mystery Kool found intriguing. Despite their differences, they had clicked instantly.

"Yo, Al!" Kool called out, bounding up the steps. Alastor looked up, a rare half-smile playing on his lips as he pulled out one earbud.

"Kool, what's up?" Alastor asked in that low voice of his, always calm, always smooth. It was a voice that made people listen, even if he didn't say much.

Kool grinned, slinging his arm around Alastor's shoulders. "Same old, same old. Just thought we could grab a bite before the night drags us into all that homework hell."

"Sure. I was thinking of grabbing something from the diner. You good with that?"

Kool dramatically tossed his head back and let out a sigh. "Al, you know me. I'm good with literally anything that doesn't involve me cooking. Let's go."

The two of them made their way across campus, side by side, talking about everything and nothing. It had become routine for them, meeting up after classes, grabbing food, maybe playing video games later. Kool had never had a friend like Alastor before. There was something about him that felt steady, like he had everything figured out. And though Kool was a bit of a goofball, someone who thrived on being the loudest person in the room, Alastor never judged him for it.

They found a booth at the back of the diner, far from the evening crowd. Kool threw himself into the seat, lounging with his legs stretched out, while Alastor slid in more carefully, keeping his posture tight and composed. They were an odd pair, but somehow, it worked.

"You ever wonder what life would be like if we weren't stuck here?" Kool asked as he stabbed at his fries with a fork. "Like, I don't know. Maybe we're meant for something bigger than calculus and shitty campus jobs."

Alastor gave a small chuckle. "You say that like you have any intention of leaving this place. You're the one who always says, 'college is the best four years of your life,' remember?"

Kool shrugged, popping a fry into his mouth. "True, true. But still. Sometimes I feel like we're wasting time. Like... there's something out there we should be doing, y'know?"

Alastor's expression shifted slightly, a flicker of something unreadable passing through his eyes. "Yeah," he said, almost too quietly. "I know exactly what you mean."

There was a moment of silence between them, the usual easy banter replaced with something heavier. Kool wasn't sure why, but it felt like they were both holding back something—like there was a weight they weren't ready to drop yet.

To break the tension, Kool smirked and leaned forward. "Bro, you ever think about how much we're gonna own this campus next semester? You and me, we're basically the fucking alphas around here. We should start making plans to take over or something. Get a crown, a throne—hell, I'll get you a cape."

Alastor's laugh was soft but genuine this time. "Yeah? And what would your royal title be?"

Kool flexed his arms in an exaggerated pose. "Kool the Great, obviously. And you—Alastor the Mysterious. Together, we'll rule these poor peasants with an iron fist. Or at least, with free pizza every Friday."