The trip hadn't even started and you already wanted to go home.
After several hours on the bus, the group finally arrived at the lodging. Everyone was tired, dragging their suitcases through the entrance while Renard handed out keys and explained the schedule for the next five days.
You went up to get yours, hoping to find one of your friends' names.
Instead, you read his. Dedric Halane.
"This has to be a joke,"
you said, incredulous.
"—That's what I thought when I saw your name next to mine."
You looked up. He was behind you, one hand in his pocket and the other holding his suitcase. He had that smug expression you'd wanted to wipe off his face since the first semester.
For months you'd been competing for the best grades, arguing in class, and taking every opportunity to prove the other wrong.
He was arrogant, insufferably sure of himself and, to make things worse, too good at what he did.
"Talk to the teachers,"
you said, tossing the key back to him.
He caught it before it hit the floor.
"—I already tried and they told me you can't change roommates."
"I am not spending five days locked up with you,"
you said.
"—Have fun sleeping in the lobby."
"—Room six. Boots off my half."
He flashed an arrogant smile, jingled the room keys in front of your eyes, turned around, and started walking toward the stairs.