Two Player Game

~Chapter Fifty-Five~

Jake practically ignores his existence until the next year of College starts. When they see each other in that room, Rich can feel his chest tighten.

"Jake."

"Rich."

"This is... This is your room?" Jake nods his head.

"Oh. Uh... Me too." he knows Jake doesn't want to see him. He knows Jake is still mad. He doesn't blame him, Chloe lives in the same apartment building as Jake and she's beginning to show. Two months... Jake had gotten there first. He just doesn't want to leave..

"I... I can get my room switched if-"

"It's fine."

"You sure? I don't wanna make this -"

"Rich." he turns and his jaw drops.

"Evan Hansen, well I'll be Damned. What'd you do, forget how to shave?" Jake smiles slightly at the joke. Evan looks so different. He's a little taller, he's got the beginning of a nice set of facial hair, his arms are a tiny bit more toned.

"No, just... Forgot when." he smiles a little and Rich chuckles.

"Are you... Are you here for -?"

"No. I'm here for Botany. Nothing else. The program is better here."

"Right..." Jake doesn't know who this guy is but he's pretty chill.

"So are you rooming with us?"

"I guess. My name is on the list. Is that Michael on there..?"

"Nah, it's one Jared played Xbox with. Saw him downstairs, that's his stuff over there, I'm sure." Jake nods. He met him whenever he came up.

"Cool. So uh, this is the fourth then right? I'm Evan." he holds a hand out. Jake shakes it.

"Jake." He's so much taller than Evan.

"Do you two know each other?"

"Oh yeah, Jake's my - er was my- I mean - "

"We were friends in high school."

"... Yeah." Rich looks so dejected.

"Oh. Uh... Well nice to meet you. I'm Rich's previous roommate's ex boyfriend." He's gotten so used to the thought. He hates how easily he can say it now.

"I know Jared."

"Oh. That's nice." now it's tense between all of them.

".... Do Michael and Jeremy still room together?"

"No idea, neither have shown up quite yet. Should soon. Hey, Ev, why don't you and I head to this party they got going tonight, huh? Gonna be freaking sweet."

"Sure, Rich, I'd love to."

"Well that's a new one."

"Guess I'm a little different now." there's a pause.

"Jake, do you want to come with us?" He hesitates.

"Sure."

"All right, cool. Haven't been to a party with Jakey D in a while."

"I haven't been out of the apartment much. I should probably get out and do something."

"Seems like a good idea." his phone rings. He takes it out and tenses, taking a quick breath before heading for the door and answering

"Hey, Chlo, what's up?" he closes the door on his way out. Jake sorta makes a face. Rich is going to be a Dad. And the sad part is that it's not with him. Like he's always wanted.