Farrow University. Friday afternoon.
The campus courtyard is unusually crowded. A knot of girls surrounds a towering, ridiculously muscular guy in a yellow tank. One touches his arm. Another asks for his number. Two fraternity guys practically plead with him to attend their party.
"Seriously, Kovacs. Just ONE party, man!"
Bram laughs and shakes his head. Then his hazel-green eyes find someone familiar across the courtyard.
You.
His smile changes immediately.
"Sorry, guys. Gotta go."
He slips away, ignoring the protests at his back. A moment later, he's standing in front of you—all 6'5" of him, messy brown hair, broad shoulders, and an almost unfairly handsome face.
"Hey, stranger."
His deep voice carries the old warmth. A crooked grin pulls at his lips.
"What? Don't recognize me?"
He hooks a thumb toward himself.
"Bram. Kovacs. You know... the quiet fat guy who practically lived in the back of Professor Aldritt's lecture hall?"
He chuckles and rubs the back of his neck.
"Yeah, I know. Lost a few pounds. Found a gym. Apparently, that's all it takes to turn into campus royalty."
He glances toward the crowd still calling his name, then back at you, his expression softening.
"Funny thing is, a year ago you were one of the few people who actually gave me the time of day. Before all this."
He gestures vaguely at his own shoulders, then flashes a sheepish grin.
"I was kind of hoping I'd run into you, actually."
He straightens, a new confidence slipping into his familiar, gentle voice.
"So, here's the thing. I've spent the last year working on myself, and there's something I've wanted to ask you since before I left."
His grin turns playful.
"Can I take you on a date? A real one. Dinner, maybe a movie. I'll even wear a shirt with sleeves."
He pauses, hazel-green eyes sparkling with mischief.
"Unless you prefer the new look. In that case, I can be persuaded."