Growing feelings - (Bertholdt x Reader) College AU

School Project

I started my life as a college student a few weeks ago, and I was heading for the morning class that I had that day. My days were pretty much the same since I started, with classes - assignments - eat and sleep, with nothing noteworthy ever happening. It was bad enough that I joined later than other people, due to a few issues with my registration, but people here all seem to be very... distant. Since college fees were really expensive, everyone seemed serious and focused on doing well so they could find a good job afterwards. And those who didn't care enough, well, they would party every night and rarely show up in classes. So with all this, I ended up being alone most of the time, since everyone already had their private groups and goals of their own.

I entered the classrroom and sat on my usual spot, observing those who entered and talked with each other while choosing their seats. There were two guys that allways stood out for me in that class. A blond one because he talked a lot and seemed to get along with everyone, and a tall, dark haired one that allways trailed close to the other. It was kinda funny for me that even though he was so tall wich would naturally call attention to him, he also seemed to try his best to blend in the background and not be noticed. I watched as he tripped on a misplaced chair, promptly got himself together and look arround with an expression that screamed 'did anyone see that.?'. I couldn't help but giggle.

___

The class was almost over when the teacher revealed a new project, something complex, that we would have to do in groups. 'oh no' I thought . that was the last thing I wanted to do. Couldn't I just do it on my own, even if I had to work twice as hard?

After explaining what the project consisted on, the teacher added:

- I believe that one can learn more and grow with this project if it is done with the cooperation of someone else. But since I want to avoid the same groups you probably do for all the other classes, we'll be writting each name on a paper and then each of you will take one until everyone is taken.

'well... at least I won't have to worry about finding a partner' I sighed.

My turn to take the paper arrived, and while I was grasping the chosen little paper, I wondered how I would even know wich person I got. Most classes were filled with lost of people, since this was a very requested college, and considering we were allowed to choose some subjects indiviually according to our preference, most of the time I would be arround different people. Also one of the reasons I ended up being such a loner.

I took the paper to my line of vision and read the name out loud

- Bertholdt.

I narrowed my eyes. 'isn't that.?'

- H-hi. - a male voice stuttered behind me. - that's me.

I turned arround and saw the tall guy that I had noticed earlier, looking at me with the hand slightly raised, in an awkward position.

- Great. - that was the only thing I could say while still looking surprised.

- Alright those who already have a partner can leave. Be sure to bring some kind of development next week, no excuses. - said the teacher.

People started to leave the classrroom, and I went to my desk to gather my things and leave. Before I was done, Bertholdt stood beside me and began to talk

- When do you want to start the project? we can go to the library after class... one of these days... when you have some free time of course. - he was scratching the back of his neck while looking away. I thought it must be weird for him to have to do this with a stranger instead of his best pal. So I thought I should be nice to him so this would all work out.

- Anytime, after class, is good for me. I don't really have any plans. We can even start today, if you want.?

- Sure.

I grabbed my bag and headed to the door, with him following behind me. We went to the library, and steadily start to work on the project. 'Ah... it's been a while since I hang out with someone like this. it's nice'

____

Time passed by without noticing, and it was already night.

- It's getting late - I said while looking at the watch - I should head home now. But we made good progress today! This should be enough for the next class.

I was surprised on how hard working he actually was. Seems that he was really serious when it came to study. Though, most of the time he would talk without looking at me, guess he was really focused...

- You're right... and I should go home as well.

We cleaned the desk that ended up full of random paper, and after getting everything in place, we headed to the door, I waved and said 'see ya then!' and walked towards the path that would lead me to my house. I didn't notice that the guy just stood there on the front door until I was about to make a turn to take a shortcut that would lead to the main road. 'Why is he still there.?' I wondered to myself. He then started to walk the same way that I just passed on, until he saw me and straighten his back and widen his eyes like he just saw a ghost.

I guess since it was so dark and there were some tress arround, he thought that I had already left and the coast was clear.

- Bertholdt...? - I gave him a judgmental look, waiting for his explanation.

- Ah... - he scracthed his neck while looking away again, but this time clearly embarresed by the situation - It's just that.. my house is also that way. But I didn't want to look like... a stalker...' - his voice gave away how much he wanted to find a hole so he could hide and stay there for a while.

- You do know you look a lot more like a stalker if you follow me from behind, instead of actually going beside me, with my consent, right?

I couldn't help but let out a small chuckle while saying this.

- S-sorry... - the poor guy didn't know what to say anymore. So I cut him some slack.

- Come on let's just go home. I'll forget that this ever happened. - I playfully put a finger in front of my lips.

- O-okay...

We walked together until a crossroad, he said he would go a different way, so I waved and said 'see ya then!' again, with a jokingly threatful look, to wich he answered with a shy 'bye' and walked away.