Pomegranate

Seth - 4

Somehow, Seth and Benji survived their class project with Tyler. Benji was not a confrontational person, but he was close to telling their professor how little work Tyler did. They ended up with a B+, which Seth counted as a victory. Benji wasn't as satisfied.

A part of Seth hoped he and Benji could hang out after their project was done, maybe even study together or something. Sure, Seth needed the grades, but that wasn't just it. When Meredith was around, Benji acted like a different version of himself, more lighthearted and carefree. And even when it was just him and Seth, Benji was slowly thawing, becoming less serious.

And then the project ended. And Seth didn't really hear from him again. 

He hung out with Meredith, but as soon as Seth showed up, he would leave them alone. Seth didn't tell Meredith, but he was starting to think maybe Benji's problem was that he didn't approve of Seth as Meredith's boyfriend. What else could it be, after all?

Occasionally, it made Seth upset. He had other friends, from Spectrum and his dorm neighbors. He didn't need Benji to like him. So, he tried not to think about him.

And then, his next exam for the Government class happened.

It was 10:30 pm when Seth texted Meredith the day before his exam. He was in the library, surrounded by open books, notebooks, and loose sheets. And he didn't understand half of the content.

I'm going to fail

No you're not, she replied a moment later. You always think that. Seriously, relax.

Meredith didn't quite get what it was like to be anxious over schoolwork. As much as her room was a labyrinth of clothing, her planner was intensely organized. She was always on top of her work.

No, you don't get it. I have *no idea* what I'm studying anymore.

When did you start studying?

Two hours ago, he admitted.

That Government class would be the death of him, but it's not like he didn't have other exams for his Math and Computer Science classes that week. He just wasn't good at time management.

Oh, Meredith replied.

I don't know what to do. There are no more TA hours and my professor takes 2 days to reply to emails.

Well...You could ask Benji for help

Seth cursed to himself, but he knew she was right. Benji was a straight-A student. He was in the same class. And Seth had his number.

Seth hated that he had to ask for somebody else's help because he was a mess. But he had promised his moms. He said he would be a good student in Bradwell — if not, he agreed to go to the University of Arizona, just 30 minutes away from their house. He hated having to ask Benji, but he had no other options. He pulled the contact on his phone.

Hey, I'm so so sorry to ask you this but I don't understand half the content for the exam tomorrow and I'm freaking out can you please help me?

Seth sent the message and turned his phone on the table, and tried to continue cramming in more things he didn't know. It was entirely possible Benji could just tell him no.

A minute later, Seth's phone vibrated.

Where are you? Benji texted back.

Third floor library.

Benji arrived ten minutes later, searching for Seth. By the time he arrived, Seth's panic had managed to increase from I'm Screwed to I'll Be Living in My Parent's Basement Until I'm 40 And I'm a Failure.