S O P H I A  H O N E Y

"WHY DOES this feel like high school?"

What feels like high school?"

"That." Blair points to a girl walking out of the registration office. The girl’s grin spreads wide as she closes the door, looking pleased and satisfied.

"I knew my mum lied when she said college and high school were completely different," Blair mutters.

"They are different," Alex replies flatly, standing behind Blair as we wait.

We're stuck in a long line of freshmen trying to get registered, and it's dragging on forever. I only found out about this because Scott texted, asking where I was and reminding me that I was running late for registration and orientation. Just my luck today.

This wouldn’t be an issue if Theo had mentioned it or given me tips on how to get through all this faster. But I haven’t seen much of him lately. Ever since that night when I found him outside late, he’s been distant. I knew it wasn’t my place to ask, so I just watched as he slipped back inside and went straight to his room, leaving me staring at the blanket I knew wasn’t mine.

"How? Didn't you see how she got in so easily?” Blair huffs, folding her arms, her lips form into a pout.”So lucky.”

Alex scoffs."Lucky? Or you mean her flirting with the receptionist to get her way in.”

“She can't flirt with the receptionist.” Blair says,”She's a lady.”

“Never heard of G-A-Y.” Alex states, like it's the most obvious answer on earth.

Blair rolls her eyes."Of course I know about them, it's just…” she turns her gaze to look at the female receptionist whose facial expression has only been either a frown or a glare throughout the stand.

"She doesn't look like the type.”

I laugh. "So they have a way of looking?”

She shrugs. "Some have but she just gives 'I'll rather fuck my cat at home than a person' type.

Alex laughs, a little too loudly that the girl behind her gives a look but she didn’t notice it.”That's mean, Blair, even for you.”

"I'm not wrong, though." Blair stops, and we both realize only three people have gone into the office—and I’m still way back in line.

"Where's Scott, by the way?" I ask, mostly out of curiosity.

Alex points ahead, and I follow her gaze. Scott is up there, naturally, and he’s with Stephanie.

Unlike other days where she wears a mini skirt and crop top, she’s wearing tight jeans and a low-cut top, the kind that draws eyes. To me, she looks like one of those women back home who’d flirt with married men, but I can’t deny she turns heads. Guys are staring, especially Scott.

Not that I'm interested in him or anything. Well… maybe a little. But when I found out he’s into "friends with benefits," I was surprised. I definitely don’t want drama just because the first friendly guy I met has a situationship with someone else.

Blair was right. This does feel like high school.

Ten more minutes pass, and the line barely moves. My leg’s starting to ache.

"Sophie, come sit." Blair pats the ground beside her, and Alex nods in agreement. They’ve given up on the line and are sitting against the wall. The receptionist tries to get them to stand back up, but they just ignore her.

I'm on the verge of giving in when I hear someone call my name out.

"Sophia?"

I turn and see a brunette standing a few steps away. "Umm, hi?" I say, my curiosity piqued as I give her a quick once-over, trying to figure out why she looked so familiar. She didn’t seem like a freshman, but there was something about her I couldn’t place.

Where do I know her from?

Her brows furrow when she realize I wasn’t giving her the reaction she expected. "You don’t remember me, do you?"

      "Uhh—"

"Logan’s girlfriend. The day you came to the apar—"

"Right!" I cut her off, my voice way louder than intended. She looks startled as her eyes widens at my sudden outburst, and I feel the heat of curious stares from others in line. I probably sounded like a fugitive caught in the act.

"I’m so sorry," I whisper, guilt and nervousness flooding my system.

"It’s okay," she says with a laugh, her bright smile revealing perfectly white teeth. I couldn’t help but admire them. "I saw you from afar and thought I’d say hi since we’ll probably be seeing each other often."

"Oh," I say, a little awkwardly. "That’s kind of you."

She nods, shifting the books balanced against her hip. "I’m Lydia, by the way. And sorry about how Northridge tortures freshmen with this process. Don’t worry—it gets easier after this."

A huge relief leaves me after hearing that. "Thank you. I’m Sophia, but you already knew that."

Lydia chuckles. "You’re welcome! If you need anything—anything—just text me—Oh!" She reaches into her pocket, pulling out her phone. "Your number, please?"

I hesitate for a second, noticing Blair and Alex giving me confused looks, but it was too late to stall. I shoot them a quick I’ll explain later glance and pulled my phone out of my bag.

We exchange numbers, and she smiles once again before heading off, mentioning something about a group project. Once she was gone, I slump onto the floor next to Blair, resting my head against the wall. A few moments later, Blair reste her head on my shoulder, and we sit there quietly.

The line finally starts moving again, and after what felt like an eternity, it was finally my turn. I get up and head into the office.

I step into the registration office, the door creaking slightly as I close it behind me. The room is small and cluttered, with stacks of paper and file boxes scattered around. A woman with glasses perched low on her nose looks up from her computer and gestures for me to approach.

“Name?” she asks, her tone clipped as her fingers hover over the keyboard.

“Sophia Honey,” I reply, shifting uncomfortably. The weight of the past hour standing in line is finally catching up to me.

She types for a moment, then frowns. “Miss Sophia Honey, right?”

“Yes.”

She sighs, muttering something about system glitches, before rummaging through a pile of papers. The silence stretches awkwardly as I glance around the room, noticing a few motivational posters peeling at the corners. Great first impression, Northridge.

“Here we go,” she says, finally finding my file. “You’ll need to fill out these forms, then head to the orientation hall. They’ll give you your student ID and a welcome packet there.” She hands me a clipboard with a pen attached by a fraying string.

I take the clipboard, nodding. “Thank you.”

She doesn’t respond, already turning her attention back to her screen. I move to a small table in the corner to fill out the forms. My handwriting looks messier than usual as I rush through the questions. Name, date of birth, emergency contact—it’s all standard stuff, but my mind feels sluggish.

Once I’m done, I hand the forms back, and she glances over them briefly before stamping the top page. “All set. Orientation hall is down the main corridor, second door on your left.”

“Thanks,” I say again, though she barely acknowledges me.

 I step out of the office, squinting at the bright sunlight as the door shuts behind me. Blair and Alex are still lounging on the floor, looking up expectantly when I approach.

"You guys are still here?"

“Yep, why won't we? We were waiting for you."  Blair replies, her voice muffled as she stifles a yawn. "All done?”

“Yeah,” I motion toward the corridor. “Orientation next.”

Blair groans, standing and stretching. “The day hasn't even gone half and I miss my bed already.”

Alex smirks, brushing imaginary dust off her jeans. “Welcome to college. High school, but with bills.”

Blair groans. "Don’t even get me started on the bills. Have you heard how much dry cleaning costs here? Total thieves."

She keeps ranting about how hard it was to convince her parents about the expenses as we make our way to orientation. I stay quiet the entire time, unable to relate. Living with Theo meant I didn’t have to deal with this kind of stuff, so I had no clue what they were talking about.

"I suggest using the downstairs washing machine," Alex says as we hear loud noises up ahead. "It’s cheaper, and a student runs it. She does laundry for a pretty good price."

"Hmm, I’ll think about it," Blair says before turning to me. "What do you think, Sophie? Should we go for the cheaper option?"

Shit. What do I do?

"By the way," Blair says, pulling me out of my thoughts, "I've been meaning to ask—what room are you in? I’ve looked everywhere, hoping we’d bump into each other, but it’s like you’re a ghost."

I gulp, panic setting in. "Well, you see... the thing is..."

Before I can come up with an excuse, a girl appears in front of us, saving me.

"Are you guys freshmen?" she asks.

"Umm, yes?" I reply, grateful for the interruption.

"Okay, please follow me. The orientation is about to start," she says, motioning us toward a nearby room.

I could almost jump with joy and relief, silently thanking the universe for stepping in. It wasn’t the time to explain my living situation—not yet. Even though Blair and Alex have been amazing so far, I’ve only just met them. I need to tread carefully.

As we enter the room, the thick heat and an unmistakable smell of sweat hit me instantly.

The orientation hall is bigger than I expected, with rows of fold-out chairs lined up in front of a small stage. A large banner reading “Welcome, Northridge Freshmen!” hangs crookedly across the back wall, as though someone gave up halfway through straightening it. Students are scattered around, some already seated, others mingling in small groups.

Blair nudges me as we step inside. “Spot Scott and Maddy yet?” she asks, scanning the room.

I shake my head, though I’m not really looking. Instead, my eyes are drawn to the stage, where a man in a blazer is fumbling with a microphone, testing it with an awkward “Check, check.” Behind him, a woman with a clipboard looks visibly stressed, her lips moving quickly as she barks instructions to a tech guy fiddling with the speakers.

We find a spot near the back, sliding into a row of chairs that are surprisingly comfortable for what they are. Alex plops down beside me, pulling out her phone.

“This is gonna be boring, isn’t it?” she says, barely looking up from her screen.

“Probably,” Blair replies, resting her elbows on her knees. “But hey, free pens.” She gestures toward a table near the entrance stacked with Northridge-branded merchandise—pens, notebooks, even a few water bottles.

The room starts filling up quickly, the hum of chatter growing louder. I glance around, feeling a bit out of place despite being surrounded by people in the same boat.

I already want to leave.

I’m pulled from my thoughts when the microphone screeches, the sound causing a collective wince from the room. The man on stage clears his throat, looking sheepish.

“Welcome, everyone!” he begins, his voice overly enthusiastic. “We’re thrilled to have you here at Northridge. Today’s orientation is all about helping you transition smoothly into campus life.”

Blair leans over, whispering, “Translation: Prepare for a two-hour lecture on how not to burn the dorms down.”

I stifle a laugh, covering my mouth as the man drones on about campus resources and academic expectations. Beside me, Alex is already zoning out, her eyes glued to her phone. Blair doodles on a notepad she must have swiped from the table at the entrance.

“Now, we’ll hear from a few of our student ambassadors,” the man announces, stepping aside as a girl with bright red hair and a megawatt smile takes the mic.

She introduces herself as Emma, a senior, and starts talking about clubs, study groups, and “finding your community.” Her energy is infectious, and even Blair seems mildly interested, nodding along when Emma mentions the importance of balancing work and fun.

The next speaker steps up—a tall guy with dark hair and an easy smile—and my sense of ease vanishes. I silently curse.

“Hey, everyone, I’m Logan Rivers. Welcome to hell—or should I say, college,” he jokes.

The room erupts in laughter, even the lecturer chuckling along. I should laugh too, but instead, I feel my nerves twisting. Why is everyone connected to Theo suddenly showing up today? I thought college might seeing less people you know?

“Is it because I didn’t see Theo this morning that now his people are haunting me?” I mutter under my breath. Around me, everyone is hooked on Logan’s jokes and easy charm.

I glance at him and can see why girls go crazy over hockey players. Even though I live with the one they all dream about, Logan fits the stereotype—blue and black college vest stretched tight over his broad chest and defined muscles.

“Why must the sexy ones always be taken?” Alex sighs dreamily, her eyes fixed on him like he’s her personal daydream.

“I thought you were ‘Team Theo,’” I tease, adding air quotes.

“I would be,” she replies, “if I was into one-night stands. But him?” She points at Logan. “Do you know the girl you met at registration is his girlfriend? Actually, fiancée. They’ve been together forever. Lucky girl.”

Fiancée? That's a surprise, honestly thought it would be a cruise like how it usually is. Seems i was wrong.

“Right?” Blair joins in. “I heard they’re planning the wedding after the final tournament. Can’t wait to see how extravagant it’ll be!”

 “How do you guys even know all this? School hasn’t even started properly,” I ask, baffled.

“Logan is Scott’s cousin,” Blair says nonchalantly.

“What?” I whip my head to her to which she nods.

“Yep. Didn’t you catch his last name? Logan Rivers, Scott Rivers. Their dads are brothers.”

I glance back at Logan, narrowing my eyes, and there it is—the resemblance. Same easy smile, same charm.

“It’s like being hot runs in their family,” Blair adds, shaking her head.

“Yeah,” I mutter blankly, the realization hitting hard. Logan is Scott’s cousin. Which means running into Scott, Logan, and Theo all at once is basically inevitable.

 I don’t like this.

“And you’re all invited to the campus party on Saturday!” Logan announces, his voice booming across the room. The students erupt in cheers. “There’ll be free food and drinks, so don’t miss it!”

“Oh, now he’s speaking my language,” Blair quips, earning a laugh from Alex, who momentarily looks up from her phone.

As the orientation wraps up, the crowd starts to disperse, excitedly chatting about the party. I spot Logan talking to Scott and another guy—a dark-haired, green-eyed one dressed like Logan, likely another hockey player. Not my business. I need to slip out before I get caught.

“You guys hungry?” I grab my bag, ready to make my escape, but Blair tugs at my arm.

“Hold on,” she says, releasing me. “It’s only 10. We still have another class, remember?”

“Right,” I mumble, reluctantly staying put. But then, the voice I least want to hear calls my name.

I turn, and there’s Scott, waving as he approaches with Logan and the dark-haired guy in tow.

“Where are you guys headed?” Scott asks, his eyes locking with mine for a moment too long. That fuzzy feeling I’ve had since meeting him flares up again.

“Oh, hey, Logan.” Alex waves, and Logan smiles back. The other guy, though, waits for her to acknowledge him, but when she doesn’t, he smirks to himself, amused.

Okay?

“We’re heading to class. Aren’t you coming?” Blair asks, shifting closer to avoid a passing student.

 “I am,” Scott replies. “Just needed to introduce someone first.” He gestures to Logan. “Logan, meet Sophie. Sophie, this is my cousin, Logan.”

“Hey, Soph,” Logan greets me casually, his tone friendly but unremarkable. “How was registration? Not too bad, I hope?”

“Uh, no. It was fine,” I stammer.

“Good to hear. Lydia texted me saying you looked wiped out already—and it’s just your first week.” He laughs.

“Wait, this is the Sophie?” the other guy interjects, giving me a thorough once-over. “Oh, Theo is so dead.”

 The Sophie? What on earth has Theo been saying about me?

“Yep,” Logan confirms.

“Hold up,” Blair cuts in, confused. “How do you guys know Sophie?”

“Easy,” Logan says with a grin. “Sophie’s childhood friends with Theo.”

And there it is. The truth, out in the open. My heart feels lighter and heavier at the same time. Hiding this from Blair and Alex was exhausting, especially with Blair’s constant talk about sleepovers and my repeated excuses.

“Umm, ‘friends’ is a pretty strong word,” I correct, nervously. “We’re more like former acquaintances.”

“So... Former acquaintances who live together?” the dark-haired guy teases, smirking again. “Got it.”

What's wrong with this dude? The way he says it like that makes it worse than it should.

I glare at him. He laughs. “Feisty. Theo’s in for it, and I’d pay to watch. Name’s Jaxon, by the way.” He winks, and I already know what kind of guy he is.

“Shut up, Jaxon,” Logan snaps, shoving him lightly.

“Now it all makes sense,” Blair says, her expression thoughtful. “I did think it was weird how you dodged every dorm-related question.”

“Yeah,” I admit, biting my lip nervously. I glance at Scott, hoping for some sort of reaction. He looks calm, like he already knew. Maybe he did.

“I have so many questions,” Jaxon says, stepping toward me, but Logan yanks him back.

“Later,” Logan says firmly. “They’re already late for class.”

Logan and Jaxon walk off, Jaxon still grinning like a kid with a secret. Scott excuses himself shortly after, leaving me more confused than ever.

“So,” Alex says bluntly as we head out, “you’re living with Theo. I hate to admit but that dickhead Jaxon was right, I have so many questions.”

“Aren’t you guys mad?” I ask cautiously, glancing between Blair and Alex.

“Why would we be?” Blair replies as we dodge a group of lecturers entering the hall. “It’s your private life, and honestly, I get why you’d keep it quiet. Theo’s a war zone, and with how girls talk about him? No thanks.”

I nod, relieved. She completely nailed it—it’s exactly why I kept it to myself.

“Also,” Alex adds, patting my back, “we’ve only known you a week. Trust takes time. No big deal.”

For the first time all day, I exhale deeply, finally feeling understood.

"But seriously, don’t tell people about this," Blair says, her tone suddenly serious as we approach the classroom. "I get that we’re friends and all, but you don’t know what girls can do just to get a guy."

"I won’t," I assure her. "Honestly, I didn’t even want to live with him in the first place. My brother’s his friend, not me. I have no idea why Theo agreed to it. We practically hated each other as kids."

Blair hums thoughtfully. "Hmm, maybe he’s trying to make amends now? But hey, if you ever find an extra hockey top with his name on it lying around, do send it my way."

"Why?"

"Do you know how much girls would pay for that?" She grins mischievously. "Forget crushing on the guy—I could make serious money selling his stuff. And oh! If you find extra boxers too, send those!"

"Blair!" Alex bursts out laughing. "You’re out of control!"

"What? I’m trying to secure the bag here. Didn’t you hear my rant about being broke?" Blair defends herself, then turns to me with a sly smile. "So, what do you say? We’ll split the profits—sixty-forty."

I stare at her, unsure whether to laugh or be concerned. Finally, I answer, "Shirts, I don’t know. But boxers? Sure, why not."

He already had more than enough as my eyes could see.

Blair's smirk deepens. "Wonderful."