Double Tap: Decode [BXB]

CHAPTER 9

Sully

"Good morning, freshmen!" boomed the voice of the council president from the stage, instantly rousing the crowd of students. Cheers erupted, mingling with the groggy murmurs of those still shaking off sleep, especially among the girls. Yet, excitement buzzed through the air, signaling the start of another day's activities.

With the early morning sun barely cresting over the horizon, the council president announced a thrilling treasure hunt involving hidden papers scattered throughout the campsite. As soon as the word "start" left his lips, a frenzy of activity ensued as students dashed off in search of the elusive prizes.

I had already checked in on Teagan in Zion's room, only to find my best friend still snugly nestled in Zion's bed, lost in slumber. The sight initially caught me off guard, but what truly surprised me was the revelation that Zion had slept beside him. An unexpected wave of embarrassment washed over me, not for myself, but for Teagan, realizing he'd slept alongside someone he once vehemently disliked.

"Sul?" one of my groupmates called out, snapping me out of my thoughts. Making my way over, I noticed two bags brimming with materials for our assigned tasks.

"What's the plan?" Sasha, from the Engineering Department, inquired.

"Kara, Sasha, and I will tackle Dragon's Tail," I suggested. With Kara and Sasha flanking me, the rest of our group formed their own trio.

As we headed toward the designated area for Dragon's Tail, Kara spoke up, catching my attention.

"Sullie," she began, "I couldn't help but notice—your friend, Teagan?"

"Yeah?" I prompted, curious.

"Is something brewing between him and Zion?" she asked, her tone laced with intrigue.

I paused, considering her question. "Honestly, I'm not sure," I admitted, averting my gaze and scanning the bustling campsite below. "But if there is, it's their business."

The dynamic between Teagan and Zion had always piqued my curiosity. There was an undeniable tension whenever they were together, an enigmatic energy that seemed to fluctuate between attraction and animosity. Despite fleeting moments of mutual gazes, I knew Teagan wasn't into guys. Or was he?

"Let's assume they're, you know, 'together,'" Sasha chimed in, her tone skeptical.

"Isn't it concerning that the campus heartthrob might be gay?" Kara added, her words laced with apprehension.

"We're in a modern world, remember?" I reminded them, challenging their assumptions.

"True, but I still worry about him," Sasha confessed, her voice tinged with sadness. Kara offered a comforting gesture, revealing Sasha's past experiences with bullying and its profound impact on her mental health.

Bullying was a harsh reality, one that could shatter even the strongest spirits. Sasha's vulnerability struck a chord within me, a reminder of the cruelty that lurked beneath the surface of seemingly ordinary interactions.

"Here's the real question," Sasha interjected, drawing our attention. "Are you okay with it, Sullie?"

My heart skipped a beat as Kara's pointed words hit home. Did they suspect my feelings for Teagan?

"Stop hiding it, Sullie. We know you like him," Kara declared, prompting my cheeks to flush with surprise.

"It's normal to develop feelings for your best friend," Sasha reassured me.

"Absolutely. I've been there," Kara admitted, her tone tinged with wistfulness.

"What happened?" I asked, genuinely curious about her experience.