Chapter Text
College is something most people love with all of their heart, or hate with a burning passion. Some are meant for it while others don’t even consider. Whether you’re rich or poor it’s a necessity for some. Even the ones determined to spend all their time in a school, they end up partying till they drop. That’s what college is known for, aside from learning.
When Isak got to college, he wanted to focus on work, he really did, but when you get friends? That plan can go downhill. Fast. He knew to never get too hammered now that he wasn’t sixteen with not a care in the world. He was legal to do whatever he wanted but college was a tedious thing. He met older students through parties, which seemed to be its only benefit. Besides the partying, of course.
To get into certain parties, you needed a way in. Most of them were hosted by fraternities or sororities rather than a dormitory. They were always open to anyone in the school, but they have some limit to who comes in. If they didn't, the fraternity probably would've been shut down by now. Even at the party Isak’s at, whether there was really a limit, he couldn’t tell.
Isak looks around as his friends talk amongst themselves. The sobriety can't be found in any other person at the party. No one looks like their heads are on straight.
The fraternity itself was known for these types of parties. Drink till you drop, do every drug there, and fuck whoever finds you attractive. No one cared enough to see it during the day. It’s reputation being too high already for anyone to see it differently. Anyone in the frat could simply walk across the courtyard and everyone would cheer them on. That’s just how Alpha Chi Phi worked.
His face scrunched up when he looked behind himself. The group sitting on the couch was recognizable to anyone: the fraternity boy themselves. A few of the guys were taking down their beers as others took hits of something. Isak, in all honesty, hated them. Just because they host great parties doesn’t mean shit. If you're a dick, you’re a dick. Most frat guys were, anyway.
“Hey!” Eva smiled warmly.
Isak whipped his head back around. Eva pressed a kiss to Jonas’ cheek. “Hey,” Isak smiled and gave her a hug.
Jonas kept a hand on her back and smiled, “No creeps, right?”
Eva laughed, “No creeps.”
“What about creeps?” Vilde asked, skipping over to her side.
He felt Mahdi nudge him and Isak had to bite his tongue when Magnus’ face blushed red.
“Making sure you guys are okay is all.” Jonas explained.
“Hey, Vilde.” Magnus smiled at her. Mahdi put his face into his cup to hide his oncoming laughing.
Vilde smiled sweetly, “Hi, Magnus.” Eva looked down at her with a look but shook her head softly.
“Where’s the rest of the girls?” Isak asked. Usually, they were together at parties like this, and Isak loved them more than anything. He’d never admit that to the boys, though.
“They had to go early. Have an exam tomorrow, I guess.” Eva shrugged. She leaned over and took Jonas’ drink, “Who got you in?”
“Julian.”
Vilde made a face, “Really? How’d you convince him?”
Eva laughed, “Yeah, you should've gone to someone easier.”
Jonas raised his eyebrows and on cue Mahdi and Magnus did as well. Isak raises his hands and lets them fall to the table dramatically.
“Julian has this weird ass crush on Isak, so,” Magnus smirked, “Had him flirt his way.”
Isak put his face in his hands, “I did it for you guys!”
Eva laughed, “What if he won’t leave you alone after this?”
Isak groaned, “God, I hate you guys so much.”
Mahdi rubbed his shoulder, “But we got in and we haven’t seen Julian at all, so you’re safe.”
Isak shook his head and stared down at the cup in his hand. He swirled it around and watched the contents spin; the conversation fading from his ears. He almost drops it as he jumps when reality breaks through. The guys jumped out of their seats. Isak looked over and his eyes widened and then anger overflowed him.
One of the frat guys had come over to Vilde right in front of them. And as Isak expected: acted like a total cocky asshole. The rest of the guys were behind their friend but weren't arguing with anyone. They looked ready either way but seemed to not give two shits. Isak finally stood up as well and kept to the back.
Magnus pushed at the guy, “Learn to back the fuck off, asshole!”
“Then don't bring your girlfriend to a fucking frat party!”
Isak's blood began to boil at the words. Jonas must’ve felt the same way because he stepped ahead of Magnus.
He pointed a finger, “That shouldn't even be a fucking problem!”
“Yeah, the fuck!?” Magnus chimed in. “Don’t touch random fucking girls!”
Just when Isak thought they all were gonna have to take it outside, one of the frat guys stepped up. “Hey, hey, let’s just relax, okay?” he put a hand between his friend and Isak’s friends, “Just get out now. No need to have a full blown fight. Don’t want to see that in here.”
And somehow that pissed Isak off more. Being friends with total dicks and then trying to play the saint. Why not treat everyone like the rest? He took a good look at the guy, and of course. The typical tall, smoking hot college guy. Isak wanted to punch him just for that.
Jonas scoffed, “Fuck you guys.” He grabbed Eva’s hand and stormed out with her right behind him. Vilde grabbed onto Magnus’ arm and he smiled as he followed them out.
Mahdi grabbed his and Isak’s jackets. “C’mon,” He shoved it into Isak’s arm and as he turned around didn’t say a word to the guys. Just gave them a thousand word look and ran out after the rest. Isak didn't look at them, he just followed Mahdi without question. He was angry, sure, but he didn't need to start by saying something stupid.
“That’s what we get when we go to frat parties!” Mahdi rolled his eyes.
Eva sighed, “It was one guy.”
“Yeah, doesn’t mean he’s any less of an asshole! It’s his damn fraternity!” Jonas gestured wildly with his hands. “If it wasn't someone in the fraternity, it wouldn't matter!”
Magnus rubbed Vilde’s shoulder as he spoke, “Just because they're in the frat doesn’t mean they can do whatever the hell they want. I know it's their party, but c’mon.”
Isak rolled his eyes, “None of them have respect.” he laughed. “Everyone knows that. Why do you think no one cares about anything besides the partying.”
Jonas gestured to Isak, keeping his eyes on Eva, “Exactly! I tried to make sure we avoided anyone the entire night.”
Eva raised an eyebrow, “Why bring me like he said?”
Jonas stopped in his tracks, “Eva, are you kidding me?”
“They probably won't remember you tomorrow anyway,” she defends. “They all looked like they were on ten different drugs and drunk out of their minds.”
Isak looked at Jonas in disbelief, “That doesn't make shit okay!”
Eva rolled her eyes, “I know, I’m just saying!”
They continued to walk and Vilde spoke, “The one guy seemed cool.”
They all knew who she was talking about already.
“You mean Mr. Saves-the-Day?” Isak chuckled.
Mahdi laughed, “You can't just jump in and try to do that shit when you let it happen.”
“Just looking at him pissed me off.” Jonas threw in. Isak smirked.
“Who was he anyway?” Magnus asked.
“The guy who owns the frat,” Mahdi said, tugging on his jacket. “Leader or whatever. I only know that because one: needed to to get in, and two: most of the girls at this school wanna drop to their knees in seconds for him.”
Jonas belted a laugh, “How?”
“Cause he’s hot, I don’t know. The fuck you want me to say?” Mahdi laughed.
Vilde frowned, “Do you think they’ll let us go to another party?”
Magnus made a disgusted face, “Why would you want to after that?”
“There’s no other good parties!”
Isak folded his arms, “It was decent at best.”
Vilde scoffed, “It was good besides what happened!”
“I don't wanna see any of those guys ever again, that’s for sure.” Jonas turned around and pointed to Vilde.
Vilde sighed, “I guess.”
They dropped the girls off at their dorms and headed over to their own. Isak’s dorm mate just happened to be Magnus. That’s really why they’re friends in the first place. Jonas and Mahdi live across from them and well, here they are. All met the first day of school. Everyone was greeting one another and they decided neighbors should be known to each other. Magnus and Isak were friends with everyone in the hall, but Jonas and Mahdi stuck better.
Isak threw himself onto the cold, hard mattress and sighed. He smiled and turned his head to look at Magnus. “So, Vilde?”
Magnus smiled back, “I think I got her now.”
Isak laughed, “Defending her against the older guys,” he sat up. “Such a hero, Mags.”
“Oh, c’mon!” Magnus shook his head, “If someone defended you like that you’d swoon, too!”
Isak held his hands up. “Alright, alright,” he grinned. “Were you even paying attention to those dicks or were you dying over her the entire time?”
Magnus pursed his lips. He snapped his fingers towards Isak, “Both.” he smiled.
“He called her your girlfriend.”
“We’re gonna keep him thinking that way,” Magnus winked.
Isak rolled his eyes and slipped off all his evening clothes and into his pajamas. Magnus was at the desk that stood between their two beds. Writing on paper with his computer open. Isak sat cross legged on the bed and watched him.
“You’re doing an assignment right after a party. That’s how you know it sucked.”
Magnus looked over, “We tried to get hammered.” He pointed his pen in Isak’s direction.
Isak shrugged, “I know.”
-----
Isak walked across the courtyard to his class. He had a headache from not getting enough sleep and he wanted nothing more than to go back and crash. He walked into the main building and as he turned almost slammed into someone.
“Oh, shit. Sorry,” The guy said, apologetically.
“Don’t worry it’s-” Isak’s sentence stopped when he realized who it was. Of course. He frowned as he looked at the guy who owns the fraternity from last night. Mr. Saves-the-Day.
The guy looked at Isak strangely, “Well, okay then.” He slipped past Isak and went out of the building.
Isak looked back and then forward. He didn’t even realize how hard he was clenching onto the computer in his hands. He shook his head and kept walking. Just in time he made it in and walked down the steps to his seat.
“What’s up with you?” Chris asked. She adjusted her hair, a bobby pin between her teeth.
Isak sighed, “People.”
She nodded and did one final adjustment. “What’d people do now?”
“Frat boys, Chris,” he shook his head. “They’re just shitty.”
“Did you sleep with one or something?”
Isak’s face scrunched up, “No?”
“Sorry, that’s just what I usually expect from the words,” she puts her hands up and created air quotes. “‘Frat boy.’”
Isak rolled his eyes, “One hit on Vilde in front of us in the worst way possible. Magnus went off, the guy got defensive so of course we defended Magnus,” he took a deep breath. “One of them tried to play the hero and I saw him on the way here. Just made my skin itch.”
Chris raised an eyebrow, “What’d he do though?”
“What do you mean?”
“It doesn’t seem like he did much.”
Isak frowned, “He let his friends do whatever they wanted when it was gross and wrong.”
“Who?” Sana sat down and leaned forward to look at Chris as well.
“Frat boys,” Chris informed. Sana’s mouth formed into an ‘oh’ expression and she didn’t ask more. Just opened her computer and got her notes ready. “Just ignore them. You won’t see them again, anyway.”
Isak nodded, clearing his throat, “You’re right. I'm caring too much.” Chris smiled and she pat him on the back.
Their teacher entered the classroom, causing the trio to turn towards the front of the classroom, and begin class.
-----
What Chris said ended up being total bullshit. They’d go to other parties for sororities or other fraternities and yet they’d still manage to run into the same people. The group didn’t forget them but the frat boys seemed to not even notice them. Or they chose not to notice them.
The guys didn’t care anymore, just cared if they’d get jumped. If they saw the frat boys they’d acknowledge them for sure. But they wouldn’t get pissed like Isak did. Isak didn’t know why he was still angry with them. Maybe it was the fact they all were popular, ass-kissed, attractive guys that got whatever because of those facts.
How one of them thought they could just touch Vilde without question. It made Isak’s blood boil. But what bugged him the most was how the leader of the fraternity somehow always managed to find Isak. Every party, Isak would see him, and that’d piss him off even more. When they ran into each other at school, he acted like nothing happened.
He didn’t have an exact, able to pinpoint, reason why he hated the guy. Other than the same traits as the others. Just the way he walked around sparked something in Isak that told him to be angry. Girls constantly looking at him like his entire being was crafted by a Greek god. And he almost acted like he was too.
It wasn’t jealousy - Isak knew that much.
Since their fraternity didn’t seem to care for his friends anymore, they assumed it’d be safe enough to go to one of their parties again. It was just like the last one the fraternity hosted. The only difference was the that they didn't need Julian to get in. They ran into one of the guys but they just pushed past, making the weight on everyone’s shoulders disappear officially.
The girls didn’t come this time. It was more like they didn’t know they were going in the first place. Isak felt bad, really. He didn’t want to keep it from any of them but he knew the intention when Mahdi brought it up.
Isak has Magnus pressed to his side and Jonas’s leg across his lap. Mahdi was on the table in front of them, a bong situated perfectly on his lap.
“How could he get that slammed so fast?” Mahdi laughed, having to raise his voice over the music and other people.
Isak looked down at Magnus and slapped his face lightly. Magnus stirred and shot up, “The hell man?”
Isak smirked, “Don’t get wasted so fast, you know that.”
Jonas pointed a finger, his voice strained from leaning up from the couch, “Weed before beer, you're clear.”
Magnus rubbed a hand over his face, “And beer before grass you’re on your ass, yeah, I know.”
Mahdi looked around for a lighter, “And yet you did it anyway.”
“You shouldn’t smoke,” Isak said. “We don’t wanna be responsible for you throwing up on the frat that already hates us’ couch.”
Mahdi took a hit and expelled the smoke after a brief moment. “I’m sure there are people vomiting everywhere.” He passed it over to Jonas.
“They don’t hate us,” Jonas waved a hand and reached for the lighter with the same one. He adjusted himself and sat up. “Obviously, they got over it or we wouldn't be on this couch.”
Isak leaned back into the couch, “I guess.” Once Jonas finished he gently handed it over to Isak. He gave it to Magnus instead and Mahdi made a face.
“Thought you didn’t want him to smoke?”
“He was gonna do it anyway, and I just don’t feel like it.”
Magnus smiled, “Thanks, man.”
Jonas and Mahdi watched him with wide eyes. They wouldn’t even let Magnus hold it sober unless he had a shit ton of pillows covering the floor. The bong was glass, of all things. Isak didn’t know why anyone would keep a glass one out at a party. It was bound for disaster.
“Be right back,” Isak stood up and stepped over Jonas’ feet into the crowd.
He tries to find the bathroom going through the large house. Having to literally shove past people to get where he needs to go. He doesn’t bother looking around, just keeps walking and moving as fast as he can.
“Whoa, hey!” someone calls over the music and grabs onto his wrist.
Isak flinches and pulls his hand out of the grip immediately. He looks and his face contorts into a snarl. “Jesus, I can’t get rid of you.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
Isak folds his arms, “Ever since that one party, I can’t go anywhere without seeing you.”
“Hey,” the guy raised his arms outward, “It’s my frat.” He smirked lazily.
Isak smirks passive aggressively, “And I keep getting let in.”
He leans forward, “Maybe there’s a reason.” He chuckles.
“And you’re wasted, so I’m gonna go now.” Isak rolls his eyes and turns on his feet but the guy grabs him again.
He smirks alluringly, “Not that wasted.”
“You smell like shit, too.”
He laughs, and Isak almost hates himself for not thinking it’s the most annoying sound in the world. He hates himself for thinking the guy actually looks good tonight.
“And you smell wonderful.”
Isak frowned, “Great one, really. You’re making me buckle at the knees.”
He bows slightly, “I try.” He stands up straighter. “I’m Even,” it came out more slurred than he intended.
Isak nods, “Isak.” He keeps his arms close to himself and Even frowns at how annoyed he must look.
“Where're your friends?” he looked around.
Isak points over his shoulder, “Getting high and watching the drunk one.”
Even purses his lips and narrowed his eyes, “They’re just gonna let you walk around like that?”
Isak blinks, “What’s that supposed to mean?”
He chuckles again, “Whatever.” He drags out the word. He pushes a hand through his hair, “Where were you going anyway?” he asks.
Isak looks around, “The bathroom.”
Even tilts his head, “I can just show you where it is.”
Isak wants to argue but Even is already walking away. He groans and follows him down the hall. Even leans against the staircase that sits across from the door. His grip on one of the posts looks like it’s all that’s keeping him up. Isak nods to him awkwardly and opens the door. He lifts a hand and just as he goes to close the door Even moves forward.
“You okay?” Isak asks.
Even closes his eyes for a second and takes a deep breath. Then he's shaking his head and Isak knows immediately and steps out of the way. Too many times has he been through it and friends. Even drops to the floor and begins to puke into the toilet. Isak cringes at the noise. He closes the door and leans against it and watches Even throw up his innards.
“I’m gonna kill Mikael,” he groans into the toilet and it echoed in the bathroom.
Isak smirks smugly, “That’s what you get for drinking.” Seeing someone who gets looked at like he’s nothing but perfection look the exact opposite made Isak feel better.
Even lifts his head up and rips off a piece of toilet paper, wiping his mouth. He looks over at Isak and narrows his eyes, “I kinda wish I threw up on you for being the biggest bitch I’ve met this entire year.” He smiles tightly, “And I’ve met a lot.”
The look on Isak’s face is gone immediately. His eyebrows turn down in a furrow, “Excuse me?”
“I’m sorry my friends are dicks, but guess what,” he flushes the toilet and stands up. “You don’t have to be a dick to everyone else.” he smoothed out his shirt. “I don’t know what your problem is with me specifically so, enlighten me.”
“You act like you guys don’t have a fucking reputation?” Isak scoffs in disbelief, “Plus when your friend fucking groped my friend you didn’t do shit.”
Even rolls his eyes, “And what was I supposed to do?”
“Tell him to fuck off, are you kidding me right now?” Even opens his mouth to say something in return but he shuts it instantly. Isak groans as Even drops down again and continues to vomit. “Jesus, you’re a mess.”
“Just shut the fuck up.” Even whispers into the bowl. His hands gripping hard onto the porcelain that his knuckles turn white.
Isak swallows hard and walks over. “I can’t believe I’m doing this.” he murmurs. He digs through the cabinet of the bathroom and grabs a small glass. He fills it with water and hands it over. Even raises an eyebrow at him. “I might not like you, but when someone’s throwing up everything they possibly can, I’m not a dick about it.”
Even takes it, eyes never leaving Isak’s, then he sips the water slowly. Isak leans over and flushes whatever was in Even’s stomach down the drain. Isak sighs and holds his hand out for him to take. Even stands up slowly and groans at how he feels. Isak frowns, “Wash your face for a second.”
“I know.” Even says sharply. Even splashes water over his face and spits into the sink. He puts some water into his hands and sips it, swishing around. He grimaces at the look of his spit and turns off the faucet. He grabs the towel and wipes his face off and when he pulls it away, he looks at Isak strangely.
Isak presses his tongue to his cheek, “I’m just trying to help you, okay? I don’t know what you drank, what drugs you took, but if you took any, it’s down that damn toilet.”
Even closed his eyes again and pinched the bridge of his nose. Isak stepped forward and to his side, putting a hand on his back. He pushed Even out of the bathroom and up the stairs, ignoring the way people looked at them. Isak lets Even guide him to which room is his and once Isak gets the door open he practically throws Even onto the bed.
Isak held up a finger and walked out of the room. He hurried back down the stairs and dug through the cabinets again. Once he got a hold of a bottle of ibuprofen, he filled the glass with water again. He navigated with the still filled party and managed to get up the stairs without losing anything. When he walked back into the room, Even was already asleep. Isak flipped him till he was on his side and set the supplies down on the nightstand.
He awkwardly leaned over and pat Even on the shoulder. He back out quietly and shut the door behind himself. Isak leaned his head back till it hit the door and closed his eyes. He sighed heavily. He opened his eyes and they got wide. Standing across from him was one of Even’s friends. His hand was on the doorknob to his own room and they just stared at each other. Music and everyone downstairs was all they could hear. Isak felt his own pulse pick up.
The guy eyed him up and down then nodded. He opened the door to his room and shut it behind himself. Isak moved as fast as he could down the stairs to find someone he knew. No one else knew where he was besides one person and a roommate of all people. Isak was fucked. Somehow he was fucked.
-----
Isak walked to his class with headphones dug deep into his ears. He was tired and last night’s incident was on his mind. He stopped walking when he saw Even walking his way, but he was looking down at something on his phone. Isak pulled an earbud out just in case and kept walking, hoping and praying nothing would happen.
And nothing did, Even just kept walking. Isak stopped again and frowned. He turned around and swallowed past the lump in his throat. He started a jog to catch up to Even, “Hey!”
Even looked up and turned around. “Oh, hey.” his eyebrows shot up.
Isak rubs the back of his neck, and manages to stutter out, “So um, how are you?”
“Why do you wanna know?”
Isak looked at him, confused, “Because you were dying last night?”
“Oh, yeah,” Even scratched the back of his head. “I have a pretty shitty hangover, so.”
Isak could tell from how he was talking he was pissed or tired or whatever the hell it was. Isak moved his laptop and notes to his other arm, “You know that means jackshit, right?”
Even rolled his eyes, “Yeah I know. I gotta get to class and so do you. Don’t have time to hate you right now.” he shrugged. “But you seem to have free time so, go do that, yeah?” He turns away from Isak and continues walking.
Isak stood there, not moving. He was speechless. Isak didn’t expect anything of him, he really didn’t, but not even saying thank you? That was a new low. He had to get to class, no matter how pissed he was and when he sat down Chris and Sana gave each other a look.
“What’s wrong?” Chris asked.
“You seem grumpier than usual.” Sana added.
Isak took a deep breath, not wanting to expel his anger onto them, “Some people are ungrateful.”
Sana scoffs, “Obviously.”
Isak turned to her, “But when they’re already an asshole, it stings more, right?”
Sana leaned and rested the side of her face on her hand, “What’d you do now?”
“We went to a party last night-” Chris gasped, offended. “-I know, but anyway.” Isak sat up so he could look at both the girls. “And I saw that frat guy, who now has a name, Even, and he was wasted and I helped him out.”
Chris laughed, “You helped out someone you hate? Since when were you an angel?” She smiled at Sana and Sana bit back a laugh.
“Oh, be quiet.” he shoved her gently. “I did it because I felt bad. You see anyone like that, you feel bad. Then I saw him before I got here and he didn’t even say thanks.”
Sana’s eyebrows furrowed, “Maybe because he’s hungover?”
Isak scoffed, “You can still say thank you and move on.”
Chris shrugged, “He might just be tired. But if he doesn’t say thanks when he’s not hungover-”
“He’s an asshole.” Sana finished.
“Exactly!” Chris gestured and nodded in agreement. “Quit thinking about this annoying guy, Isak. You act like you fucked him and now you can’t let go.”
Sana laughed, “It really does.”
Isak rolled his eyes with a smile, “Fine, fine.” he held up his hands. “I won’t let it get to me anymore.”
Sana pointed her pen at him, “And if you see this-”
“Even.”
“Okay, this Even - just keep walking.”
Chris leaned across Isak and high-fived Sana. He nodded, “I will.” he smiled at her and she smiled back, dimples and all. “No one else knows about this so just keep it that way, okay?”
Sana raises an eyebrow, smirking, “Not even the boys?”
“No,” Isak laughs, “Because they don’t notice or don’t ask.”
“I’m sure they notice.” Sana smiled. “They probably just don't want to ask because you might not want them too.”
Isak shrugged, “I don’t know if I want them too or I expect it.”
Chris chuckles, “Well, you always come in looking pissed. It's why we ask.” Sana throws her a glare. “And, we care about you too of course.”
-----
Another fraternity was throwing a party that night. None of them thought twice about who’d go to it. The only worry Isak had was seeing Even or any of his friends. It was loud as the usual but more packed than expected. Jonas, Mahdi, Magnus, and Isak ended up going into the backyard. The inside of the house making them feel claustrophobic.
“This shits gonna get shut down.” Mahdi said.
There was one loveseat, so Isak sat down on the wood planks of the porch with Mahdi. Magnus threw himself down onto the cold cushions dramatically. Jonas shoved him upright and sat down next to him.
“I hate to admit this,” Magnus says, biting his lip. “But that other frat has better parties.”
Jonas groaned, “But they’re assholes.”
Mahdi sighed, “But every time we go it’s great!”
“We don’t have any drama with them anymore.” Magnus points out.
Jonas caves quickly, “Fine. Next party we’ll go there.”
Isak looks at his friends and around. “Do we have anything? Drinks at least?”
Magnus lifts his head, “Shit!”
“We didn’t grab drinks before we came out?” Mahdi says in confusion.
“Obviously not.” Isak gestured to their empty hands.
Jonas groans as he stands up. “I’ll be back. If I don’t make it out of the walking dead, make sure you all give me a eulogy,” he threw a peace sign over his shoulder and stepped back into the house.
Magnus jumped up when he got a text message, “Guys!” his face lit up as he read along. “Guess who’s here!”
Mahdi and Isak rolled their eyes, “Vilde?” they said in unison.
“Hell yeah!” he jumped up and ran into the house.
Mahdi and Isak took the opportunity to sit on the couch. A few other people were outside as well, but they were on the lawn rather than the porch.
“You okay?” Mahdi asks quietly.
Isak nods, “Yeah,” he tilts his head. “Why are you asking?”
Mahdi shrugs, “Just wanna make sure. We never really talk about shit, but I care about you.” he looked at Isak and there was genuine concern in his eyes. “You seemed pissed off a few days ago, so.”
Isak smiled, “I’m fine, don't worry.” he winked.
“Good.” Mahdi beamed his wonderful smile. After minutes passed and Jonas still didn’t come back, Mahdi got up. He jumped slightly as he did to fix his pants. “I’m gonna go see where they are and if they died. Don’t get into trouble.” he pointed a finger.
“Can’t promise anything.” Isak held his hands up with a smirk. He sighed when he was left alone. He adjusted his hat, brushing his hair back, then placing it back on his head.
He looked around in boredom. Then he pulled his phone out, seeing as it's the only thing he can do.
“Playing on your phone at a party?”
Isak froze. His thumbs stopped moving over the game he was playing. He felt his jaw clench at the voice. He reluctantly looked up to see Even. He was leaning against the post that held up the house. Leg crossed over the other, hands in his pockets. Isak wanted to punch him.
“And why do you care what I do at a party?”
“Where're your friends? Seems like a pattern, you being left alone.”
Isak put his phone down, “Inside getting shit for all of us.”
Even tilted his head, “Yet they’re all still inside.”
“You know how crowded it is in there.”
“Doesn't matter.”
Isak let out an annoyed sigh, “Just fuck off.”
“Why do you care what I do at a party?” Even mocked.
Isak wanted nothing more than to throw his phone full force at Even. Stand up and kick him in the dick like he deserves. But he knew he couldn't do that. Even would probably kill him in return.
“What do you want?” Isak asked, deadpan.
Even folded his arms and pursed his lips. “You to treat me with some decency.”
Isak blinks. His face scrunches up in disbelief and anger, “Treat you with decency?”
“Yup. You seem to be foreign with the concept.” he retorted.
“So do you, obviously,” Isak bit back.
Even hummed, “I’m a good person, really.” He stopped leaning against the pole and took a step forward. “You just decided to hate me from the get go,” he smiled and before Isak could speak, walked back into the house.
Isak’s mouth was agape. He looked as furious as he felt. The nerve he felt to say that when Isak spent his time taking care of him. Ditched his friends to help his drunk ass. Put up with the rude remarks. Ignored what he hated most and he was being told to be nice to Even.
That was when Isak decided. That was the last party he’d go to from now on. He didn’t want to risk having to see Even. He didn't want to even think about him.
-----
Isak was bored beyond belief. All his work was completed, and his classes were already done. He decided to walk with Jonas and Eskild to their class. Eskild was a friend of Isak’s, who he met in high school. He was serving as a TA for Jonas’ class, and even if he wasn’t under Isak’s major, he was a big help. He’d always been kind to Isak. He had shitty advice, sure, but the fact that he tried mattered much more.
Jonas and Eskild were talking about his paper he’d written for the class. Isak was amused by the fact Jonas wasn’t trying to bribe Eskild to give him a six. But Jonas wouldn’t do that if he really liked the work he’d done. Isak would do it if he felt shitty enough.
When Isak saw who made eye contact with him in the hallway yet again, he had to mentally remind himself to keep walking. Jonas and Eskild must’ve noticed too because they looked up and had the same reaction. More like Eskild was somehow impressed with the looks of him. Yet again, Even. He looked at Isak in a way that implied in the most obvious way, he knows who he is. The eye contact only broke when he finally got past them.
“Was that-”
“Who was that godly piece of work?” Eskild asked, looking back.
“That was the guy from the frat.” Isak said.
Jonas blinked, “I thought so,” his voice was uneasy.
Isak grimaced, “We saw each other in the hall another time before. He clearly remembers who I am and he’s a fucking asshole.”
Eskild laughed, “How? Because he’s attractive?”
Isak rolled his eyes, “No, because he just acts so shitty at parties and what he did with the whole Vilde thing.”
“That I get, he should’ve done something they’re his friends.” Jonas inputs. “But the acting like a dick, he’s all wired on alcohol and drugs. What can he do?”
“There are other people at that party who get just as hammered as him and yet they don’t talk the way he does.”
“Maybe that’s just his personality?” Eskild suggests.
Jonas chuckles sarcastically, “That’s a great personality to have.”
“People who are drunk are different than what they are in the morning.”
“Drunk actions are sober thoughts,” Isak throws in.
Eskild holds his hands up, keeping a firm grip on the notebooks in his hand, “I’m just saying, he might actually be a decent person when he isn’t partying.”
Jonas explains, “He has a reputation of being quite the lady killer.”
Eskild waves a hand, “Whatever. I can understand why, anyway.”
Isak sighs, “I don’t even know him, and he pisses me off. I just look at him and I wanna get up and punch a wall.”
Jonas laughs, “Did he do anything to you, though?”
“No.” Isak’s mouth formed a thin line.
Jonas and Eskild looked at each other from the corner of their eyes. “Alright,” is all Jonas says and then they continue to where they need to go.
-----
School had been kicking Isak’s ass for weeks. He finally managed to never see any of the fraternity guys ever again which is the one time Isak felt like the universe was on his side. He couldn’t get school under his grip and he spent nights awake studying. Magnus told him he should just do everything in the morning but Isak wasn’t having it.
One night it became too much. He practically threw his text book across the room right when Magnus walked in.
“Okay, fuck this.” Magnus bent down and picked it up. He put it down on his bed and folded his arms. “We need to go out. You haven’t done shit besides studying.”
Isak stood up, “Because I have assignments to ace?” He reaches for the book when Magnus grabs his hand.
“We’re getting Mahdi and Jonas, and we’re going to a party.”
Isak groaned, throwing his head back, “Mags!”
“No! We’ve seen how tired you look! You need to relax for one night.” Isak folded his arms and looked away.
“So let’s take me, who is so tired, to a loud party?”
Magnus sighed, “Please! One night!” He put his hands together and dropped to his knees, begging.
“Okay!” Isak laughed. “Don’t need to get all weird on me.” He turned around and grabbed a jacket.
Magnus leaped up, “Fuck yeah!” He cheered. He swung open the door and ran across, knocking on the door.
Isak shook his head and put his shoes on. He leaned forward and waved to Mahdi and Jonas.
Mahdi tossed something to Jonas, “You take the keys!”
“Why do I always take them?” Jonas shoved them deep into his pocket.
“Because I trust you.”
Jonas pointed a finger, “I trust you more.”
Mahdi rolled his eyes, “As long as we don’t get locked out it’s fine.” He walked into Isak and Magnus’ dorm. “Or we might have to crash here.”
Isak pushed everyone out and locked the door. He put the keys in his pocket, “How can I deal with you guys in our dorm if I can barely handle Magnus on his own?”
Mahdi and Jonas laughed while Magnus shoved Isak playfully. “Says you who stays up and slams into everything.”
Isak shrugged, “You got me there.”
-----
Isak was willing to go out, sure. But he didn’t know where the hell they were going. If they were going to Even’s fraternity or any other he couldn’t back out even if he wanted to. He was lucky to see that it wasn’t his house. It was a sorority they’d been to many times before.
He knew some people there but there were too many you couldn’t find anyone. He ended up splitting from his friends. Ended up on a couch with some random people and he usually stuck with them. They kept Isak from doing shit he’d regret later. But the stress that took over his life for the past two weeks was something he wanted to get rid of in one night.
Downing cups left and right. He felt like shit but none of that mattered. He didn’t know who he was with and he didn’t care. The guy next to him at some point pulled out a bottle and Isak didn’t think twice of it. Didn’t question the guy putting it into a piece. Didn’t question when it came to him. Didn’t question what the hell he smoked. Isak’s eyes widened instantly at the intensity. He coughed a few times and shook his head to shake it off. He laughed at the sudden rush and he didn’t even notice who came up to him.
“Isak? The hell you look fucked up.”
“Hey, Even!” he grabbed his hand and pulled Even down next to him. “You gotta try this shit, man.” Isak took a breath and smiled, “It feels so fucking good.”
Even leaned forward, and studied his face. Pupils blown and Even shook his head, “What the fuck did you smoke?”
Isak shrugged, “I don’t know, but who cares! I feel fucking fantastic. I haven’t felt good in so long, Even.” his words began to tumble as he spoke fast.
“Isak,” he looked at the rest of the pills on the table. “You fucking took speed, what the hell?”
Isak laughed, “Oh, shit, really?”
“You don’t check what you’re taking before taking it?” he stood up and pulled Isak with him. “What if they did something to you?”
“In my defense, it was smoked.”
“That doesn’t change the fact it’s fucking meth!”
The music became painfully loud to Isak’s ears now. He ignored it just like he was ignoring everything else. Even dragged him out of the party and he didn’t care where they were going.
“Wait! My keys!”
“You don’t need your keys right now.”
Isak dug his feet into the ground to stop Even, “Magnus needs them to get in!”
Even rolled his eyes, “He can stay with someone for one fucking night.”
“Even, I’m not sleeping. I’m not even tired,” Isak pulled away from Even and stopped in the middle of the walkway. “Can we just go back?”
Even stared at him for a second. He let his arms fall to his sides and he sighed. “I’m trying to help you here can you just work with me?” he stepped forward slowly.
Isak pushed him back. He wasn't happy anymore. He wasn't on whatever high he had been on where he'd let Even drag him out of the party. "Wait, hold the fuck on,” he stared at him, glowering. “I went out of my way at that party and you treated me like shit after. We don’t need to be buddy-buddy with each other but fuck!” his breathing started to pick up. Whether it was from the drugs or his sudden anger or both. “Then at the other one, you acted like an even bigger asshole! Treat me with decency? Fuck you!”
“Okay! I’m a dick and I’m sorry about that.” Even spilled out quickly. “Just calm down, take a breather. You look like you’re ready to pass out, Jesus.” he put his hands out and looked down at Isak. “Just relax, please.”
Isak took a deep breath and stepped away so he wasn’t so close. He crouched down and placed his head in his hands, “What am I doing?” the rush was dying out. Everything went from striking to soft. The courtyard and Even now were soft focused. The music in the distance wasn’t loud anymore. It was cold and Isak shivered.
“What you want, I guess.”
“And what are you doing?” Isak looked up at Even and then around. He stood up slowly, “You can’t make up anything just by this. Being nice this one time.”
Even rolled his lips in to fight raising his voice, “Are you really going to hold one night against me? You’re gonna trust what other people say about me? So that makes me the asshole and you a saint? You might not have a reputation and even if you did I wouldn’t treat you like shit over it. You were nice to me once, Isak.”
“And I still got told off in return!”
Even laughed, “Because I was tired! I threw my guts up that night, you really expect me to be fine the next day? We’re not even close at all why are you acting like you matter! Why are you acting like I should matter to you?”
Isak stiffened at that. “I don’t give a shit about you. I just can’t fucking stand seeing you and it pisses me off.” he pointed a finger, punctuating, “Because I can’t stop myself from getting annoyed because you like to walk around like you’re hot shit.”
“Maybe,” Even stepped forward, leaning down, “if you stopped caring about what I did, you wouldn’t have to be pissed,” he smirked, “I wasn’t even the one who was an asshole from the start. That was you.”
Isak didn’t say anything else. He didn’t have the energy and didn’t want to. He turned around and stormed back to the dormitory. He ignored Even calling after him, but he didn't run to stop Isak. When he got there Magnus was sitting outside the door on the floor.
“Where’d you go, man? We left to shit got too crazy and the-” he stood up and took one look at Isak. “Whoa, are you okay?”
Isak shoved him out of the way and unlocked the door. He kicked off his shoes and they flew carelessly around the floor. Magnus didn’t walk in. He stood in the doorway and watched with concern.
“Are you coming in or not?” Isak asked sharply. Then from behind Magnus, Jonas opened the door to his dorm. He leaned against the doorframe and Isak’s angry expression faded.
Jonas pushed himself off and walked past Magnus into the room. “Go stay in my room for now.” he murmured to Magnus. He nodded and closed the door to the other dorm, leaving Jonas and Isak.
Isak lost control the moment he heard the door click. “I’m so fucking tired.” he whispered, his voice breaking.
“I know,” Jonas whispered back. He closed the door and walked further into the room till he was right in front of Isak.
“No, Jonas, “ he put his hands in his hair and let out a shaky breath. “I’m fucking tired.”
Jonas placed his hands on Isak’s shoulders, “No one likes seeing you like this.”
“I don’t like being like this!” Isak sat down on the bed and put his head in his hands.
“What happened anyway? Why’d you leave the party without us?” Jonas sat down and looked at Isak closely.
Isak rubbed his hands over his face before sitting up straight, “I-I fucking took some drugs I’m still drunk I ran into fucking Even of all people and we fought and I can’t even look at him without getting pissed so that didn’t help.”
“Who’s Even?” Isak knew Jonas was more concerned about the drugs more than some random person. But he didn’t care to bring it up because it’s obvious what’s more important.
“The guy who owns the frat.” Isak sighed.
Jonas laughed, “Him? You hate him, big deal! He’s an asshole, he’s an asshole!” He put a hand on Isak’s back and shook him gently. “He’s not your friend, so why does it matter what he does and says? If he’s on a high horse, then he is. That’s how every person is who’s in a fraternity or a sorority.”
“I know that,” Isak turned his head. “It was working for a while since I managed to dodge him. I don’t know why but I just can’t fucking stand him. I stopped going to parties because he was always there and we’d always get into some sort of fight. He’s an ass!”
“Then you don’t need to let him know that.” Jonas shook his head, “Look, the more upset you get over some random person the more it’s gonna stress you out. You have enough on your plate already let this guy out of your head.”
Isak nodded, “I know. It’s just hard.”
Jonas huffed, “As I said, you’re not friends. You never were. You met him a few times at parties and didn’t hit it off, so what. His friends are dicks anyway.”
“Thanks.” Isak laughed.
“Just focus on what you were doing before that shitty party.” Jonas pat him on the back and stood up. “Get your work settled and we’ll only go to parties if we stick together.”
Isak smiled, “Really, thanks. This shit sounds so pathetic.”
Jonas shrugged, “It’s not pathetic to me. Someone’s rubbing you the wrong way, is all.”
There was a knock at the door and then Magnus stepped in. “Is it safe now?”
Isak grabbed his pillow and threw it at Magnus. Jonas laughed and stood up, “We’re cool.” he put a hand on Isak’s neck and squeezed. Then he said goodnight and shut the door behind himself.
Magnus titled his head, “You’re fine now, right?”
Isak smiled, “Yes Magnus, I’m fine now.”
-----
Isak woke up earlier than he wanted. He didn’t have class till midday and he couldn’t fall back asleep. So he grabbed his things and went to the library. He couldn’t handle anything this early besides the most silent place you could possibly be.
He flipped through the pages of his textbook to where he left off. There were a few other people in there as well. All looking just as tired as him. He fiddled with his pen, slowly zoning out. As he began to practically dissociate someone pulled the chair out across from him and sit down. They snapped their fingers in front of him and he came back to reality.
“Can you just for the sake of both of us, leave me alone?” Isak asks with not much effort in it.
Even folds his hands on the table, “I wanted to talk to you.”
Isak rolled his eyes, “I think we’ve said what we needed to.”
“No.” Even watched him intently. “I really want to talk to you.”
Isak put his stuff down and leaned back in the chair, “Fine.”
Even smiled. “Thank you, you’re so generous.”
“Not off to a good start.” Isak mumbled.
“Alright.” he took a deep breath. “First of all, I wanted to know how you were doing.”
Isak raised his eyebrows, “Why?”
“Because last night you were a mess.”
Isak couldn’t be mad at him for saying what it was. Isak knew he wasn’t the best last night and he knows what Even wants to address. “I’m fine now.”
Even nodded, “Good, that’s good.” He tapped on the table quietly. “I wanted to apologize properly to you. I’ve been an asshole to you and I didn’t mean what I said last night I was just stressed out. During the day, it’s hard, so I just party at night and get trashed and do whatever I want to. I know my reputation, the good and the bad, I know how people look at me. I’m sorry about my friend and what he did. That was wrong and I should’ve done something, but I didn’t. I admit that.
I don’t need us to be friends, Isak. I just want us to be able to look at each other from across the room and not think about the ways to kill each other. I want you to feel comfortable to go to parties. As I said, I get drunk and drugged up at every party but,” he shrugged. “That’s how I am.”
Isak stared at him for a while. He couldn’t figure out what to say. The apology seemed genuine throughout. He swallowed hard, “I’m sorry for being a total dick. It wasn’t appropriate either and I’m not even on something at half those parties.”
“Don’t think on it.” Even says softly. “We both acted like shitty people and we owned up to it so,” he shrugged. “It’s fine and I could’ve just ignored you, but I didn’t.”
Isak nodded, agreeing. He could’ve done the same thing. “It’s really not fine.” Isak sighed. “As you said before, you didn’t do shit I just acted like a total asshole.”
“You and I both have a lot to do everyday and parties are a thing we need to relax and it’s been hell, hasn’t it?” Isak didn’t need to say anything for Even to know he agreed. “I have a top grade that I need to keep, you probably need to focus on your work, and honestly partying the way I do isn’t helping either one of us.”
Isak laughed, “Top grade?” he lowered his voice when he realized how loud he was. “You? Top grade? Bullshit.”
Even smiled, “You don’t believe me?”
“Of course I don’t! How can you expect me to?”
“Maybe you’d have some hope.”
“Even, there’s no way someone who parties the way you do is like, some class scholar.”
“Okay, then how about you, hm?” Even leaned forward and tapped the book. “What’s this all about? You seem to act like you’re smart, and I’m not.”
Isak scoffed, “I didn’t say you weren’t smart, I just don’t believe you’re the smartest guy in your class.”
Even raised an eyebrow and smirked, “I major in visual and performing arts. Music, theater, all that. It takes a lot of brains to come up and analyze what you hear and see. You need passion and persistence to succeed in it. I spend most of the day watching the same films and plays on repeat. Listening to old songs you wouldn’t want to listen to on a daily. I love it, don’t get me wrong,” he inhales sharply, “but it can be a little repetitive.”
Isak folds his arms, “What makes you the best then?” he tilts his chin up and smirks.
“I exceed in every form.” Even grins.
“Oh, really?”
Even leans back, relaxing into the chair, “I’ll show you some time. What have you been studying then?”
Isak looked at him for the first time without hate. Listened to him talk and didn’t get annoyed or want to leave. He looked at him like a person. Isak smiled, genuinely smiled, at him. He wasn’t bad at all. When he wasn’t trashed or drugged up like Jonas said, he was intriguing. From his voice to everything else about him he was intriguing.
“Human ecology.”
Even nodded, lips pursed, “That’s interesting.”
“I try to wrap my brain around it but,” Isak shakes his head. “It can get complicated.”
“How so?”
“Just having to understand humans and all their fucked up ways of dealing with things. Relationships, neuroscience, nutritional science, human development, our relationship with the Earth. It can just get all,” Isak flails his hands. “Mixed up and shit.”
Even narrows his eyes slightly, “Did you like biology in high school?”
Isak nods, “Yeah, it was my best class. I also just like learning about how we work, too. Not just the basics.”
“Are you passing now?”
“I’ve managed to keep it up with the help of my friends, but I’m not a scholar like you.” he smirked.
Even pointed a finger and raised his eyebrows, “Got that right.”
Isak laughed. Fully laughed. Big and deep in his chest. He thought on Even’s apology, at least one part of it. He didn’t want them to be friends - he needed them to be. Why it was such a necessity wasn't clear yet. He didn't want to forgive Even so easily, but something in his brain told him to. Isak would put up with the trashy drunk Even was if it meant being close.