Work Text:
A love swirl/ The two rivals...✮
Will the tension let up?
Chapter 1; page 1
It was a pleasant morning as usual for Corbin, quiet, relaxed. For the most part Corbin could stay in bed.. though he'd probably be awoken by the crowded hall soon. Corbin effortlessly rose from his silk sheets stretching comfortably in his large bed he was so blessed to have. He didn't mind whatsoever the sound growing in the halls of the dormitory, he was far too comfortable in his own bed. Soon he got out of bed his feet sliding into his plush slippers he usually wore when doing his morning routine. He couldn't stand people who ignored their own well-being for a few more minutes of sleep. He couldn't understand why they wouldn't bother doing a bit of skin care or just genuinely taking care of themselves. Corbin was one to have a thorough routine, much more focused on giving himself a clean look. He took his time in the morning; now sat before of his mirror brushing his comb through his dark hair, each wave perfectly falling down and looking sleek. He then took a moment for his skin care, hyperfocused on making his skin appear well hydrated and soft, he wouldn't want to age overnight.
After finishing his self-care routine he finally brushed his teeth and began dressing himself, removing his red silk robe and replacing it with a black pair of pants tugging a belt through the loops to prevent them from inevitable sag. He slipped on his black loafers and began buttoning his shirt as his mother did years ago when preparing him for his classes at the private school he attended. He moved towards his closet and began sorting through his arrangement of ties, of course he'd chose a black tie, not minding if he got the comment on appearing too well dressed, or wearing too much black. He didn't mind dressing himself up, his father had always said 'dress your best because you'll never know who you'll meet'. It was truly a good saying, he'd met several people, made several good impressions.. except one. His academic rival, he couldn't stand Cash, nor could he really even call him a rival.. yes they were both fighting for the best position in their class, but Corbin was obviously much more serious about his future than Cash. Anyone could see with a plain eye that they were different than one another by a long run. Cash was absurd, barely organized and seemed to barely try when it came to mid-terms. Corbin struggled to understand how Cash-- such a sleep deprived student was able to easily compete with him for the top grade.
Corbin had made his way into the hall, leaving his dorm and instantly being met with the student he so dreaded-- Cash. Cash stood there in his pajamas annoyingly unbothered by the cold bite of the hallway's conditioner, and rummaging through his bag. Corbin could see through the large group of people cluttering the hall watching as Cash pulled out a crisp and small bag of chips, off brand too, it was called 'Lads', as if it was its own brand.. and it was supposedly union flavored. Corbin covered his nose as he felt the smell attack him, it was disgusting. As soon as the crowd had cleared Corbin got closer immediately without question pushing the bag from Cash's hand. Cash was quick witted and snapped a crude remark; "Seriously, rich boy? That was my breakfast.." .Corbin seemed unbothered by him and just rolled his eyes annoyed, usually he had no issue with keeping a calm slate, but when it came to Cash he felt so impulsed to put him in his place.. he assumed it was an alpha thing-- though it was a bit odd when Cash was also an alpha just like he was. Corbin ignored his feelings and sighed trying to make a better impression.. despite their already messy past. "How about I take you to breakfast? My treat.." Corbin said regretting each syllable that came from his mouth, he nearly gagged at the thought. Cash was quick to accept though, of course he was, any poor college student would agree to free food. Cash smiled widely moving his hot (garbage) pink hair from his face before he verbalized a yippy and excited; "Hell yeah!!".
The two left the building swiftly dodging the crowded halls by taking the elevator. It was an awkward ride down.. the two barely made eye contact, it was most definitely uncomfortable. Out of their class they hadn't had much to talk about, it was just the regular silence, not that Corbin minded, it was much more calm than any other interaction they'd had. No dispute, and no smug comments about one another. Since they were sat in silence it finally gave Corbin the time to get a better look at Cash, which he didn't have much time to do usually. Cash was sort of pleasant in an odd way, a sort of incel way, at least that's how Corbin saw him, he always was some geeky incel, the same grease ball Corbin had seen through their years in college, not even now did Cash dress up, even with graduation being in a mere two hours. Corbin could see his sort of adorable face, though it had a few zits it was still full of life, like a raggedy Andy doll. Each freckle that adorned his face made him appear less conventionally attractive. It was an odd thought to Corbin, having adoration for the grease ball of his class, it didn't make sense. Usually he wouldn't even bat his eye in Cash's direction, but more recently he'd felt an odd pull making him wanna be affectionate for some odd reason. He never really bothered to try and get or give affection but with Cash it was much more different, like Cash had some sort of attracting feature.. one Corbin couldn't quite catch on. Once the two were out of the building Cash had brought Corbins attention to the rain, though Corbin seemed much more busied with his thoughts. Cash would sigh and pull out a umbrella he'd carelessly thrown into his bag the night before and opened it before Corbin could even comment on the rain. He stood there for a moment before tugging Corbin into the umbrella ensuring he didn't ruin his oh so fancy outfit. Corbin didn't flinch at all as he usually would, not even fretting to move away, maybe too busy to care that Cash had tugged him closer. Corbin led them to the cafe he'd usually go to, it was a small one, not many costumers, but it had a certain attraction like an old library or a calm park. They were quick to get inside, wanting to escape the rain before getting soaked, Cash despised getting wet, he'd always felt like a wet dog whenever he did. Cash put down his umbrella and going in. Cash paused as he was suddenly met with his favorite smell, it was apple cider. Upon entering he'd seen a little apple like mascot on the door but he didn't pay much mind to it. He loved the smell dearly, and he was quick to order, not wasting a minute, he couldn't miss out on the opportunity to get one of his favorite beverages. Corbin on the other hand was simply going through his wallet to find his card, he then ordered and leaned against the front counter intimidating the employees on accident.
Once the two finished their breakfast it was finally time to head out, though of course Cash was more than hesitant to comply, he absolutely despised the rain. Corbin took notice and sighed to himself, of course Cash was being a big baby about a little rain. Corbin had pushed Cash out the door, and immediately regretted it when Cash started squirming away like an annoyed and peeved cat. Corbin got the umbrella up and put it over Cash watching him eventually calm down. Cash was still annoyed at him as they walked down the pavement to their class, it was another awkward walk, though Cash was breaking the silence every once in a while to say something random; a short "ugh", or a "I don't wanna go to class" and even a "This shite sucks". Of course Corbin couldn't be bothered as usual. That was until they'd notice a paper stuck to the door of their class, it was a note left behind...