Keepin' it Kool - ALASTOR x KOOL

CHAPTER 6 - I'm going crazy somebody fucking hel

The university campus buzzed with life as students hurried between classes, the energy palpable in the crisp morning air. Kool strolled across the quad, earbuds in, music blasting as he bobbed his head to the beat. His eyes roamed, taking in the familiar sights—the café where he and Alastor spent hours debating the merits of different video games, the library where they'd pulled all-nighters, and the endless sea of faces that made up their chaotic student life.

"Hey, Kool!" a voice called, snapping him out of his thoughts. He turned to see a girl from his sociology class waving at him, a bright smile on her face.

"Hey!" he replied, grinning as he jogged over. "What's up?"

"I was just wondering if you wanted to study together for the exam next week?" she asked, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear.

"Sure, I could use a study buddy," Kool said, trying to keep the conversation light. But as she continued to chat about the upcoming assignment, his mind began to wander, the nagging thought of Alastor lingering in the back of his mind. They were rivals now, sworn enemies with a volatile history, yet a part of him missed the playful banter they used to share.

Just then, the sound of a familiar voice cut through the chatter of the crowd. "Kool! Get your head out of the clouds!"

Kool turned to see Alastor striding toward him, his expression a mix of annoyance and amusement. "You're gonna fail that exam if you don't pay attention to the real world," he added, crossing his arms.

"Oh please, as if you're the expert on studying," Kool shot back, unable to suppress a smirk. "You're just mad I actually have friends."

Alastor rolled his eyes, stepping closer. "I've got plenty of friends, thank you very much. But you wouldn't know that since you spend all your time daydreaming."

Their playful jabs echoed back to the days when they could laugh together without the weight of their rivalry looming over them. But now, it felt different, laced with tension that neither of them wanted to acknowledge.

"Just remember, I'm still going to wipe the floor with you next time we fight," Kool said, trying to keep the mood light despite the simmering animosity.

"Is that a promise or a threat?" Alastor countered, his lips quirking into a smirk that sent a jolt through Kool.

"Both," Kool shot back, his grin widening.

Just then, their moment was interrupted as a loud crash echoed from a nearby alleyway, shattering the playful atmosphere. A group of masked figures—members of the Shadow Collective—emerged from the shadows, their eyes glinting with malice as they brandished weapons.

Kool felt his heart race, adrenaline kicking in as he and Alastor exchanged a knowing glance. Their playful banter fell away, replaced by the instinct to fight.

"Looks like we've got some unwelcome guests," Kool said, cracking his knuckles.

"Let's give them a warm welcome," Alastor replied, stepping forward with a determined glint in his eyes.

The two of them lunged into action, fists flying as they took on the henchmen. Kool ducked under a punch, countering with a swift uppercut that sent one of the attackers staggering back. Alastor was right beside him, delivering a devastating kick that knocked another henchman off his feet.

But as they fought, Kool couldn't help but feel a strange thrill coursing through him—a blend of anger and excitement that came from their clashes. Each strike felt personal, charged with the intensity of their rivalry. He could see Alastor fighting fiercely, a wild grin on his face that mirrored his own.