Chapter 3 COLLEGE

OWEN COLLEGE

"Pee pee pee!" That was the sound of Mr. Anderson's car horn as he drove into the compound, signaling his return home.

The boys, Time and Kornel, rushed out to greet him and help carry the items he had bought on his way back, while Mrs. Anderson remained in the kitchen, preparing dinner.

As Mr. Anderson was about to walk into the house, his phone buzzed with a notification. It was an email. Curious, he went inside and sat on one of the chairs in the living room to check it.

Clicking on the email, he discovered it was from Owen College. Eager to know its contents, he read through the message and was elated to find out that both boys had been offered admission to study there. This news brought him immense joy because it aligned perfectly with the plan he and his wife, along with Mr. and Mrs. Philips, had envisioned for the boys.

Excited, Mr. Anderson called out, "Kornel! Time! Come to the sitting room now!" Then he turned toward the kitchen and called, "Baby! Come here-I've got some good news to share with you all!"

The anticipation in his voice filled the house as everyone quickly gathered to hear what he had to say.

Mrs. Anderson emerged from the kitchen eagerly, while the boys rushed into the sitting room, their faces lit with excitement. There was a brief moment of silence filled with smiles, then Mr. Anderson broke it, exclaiming, "Boys, you've been admitted to Owen College!"

"Yeahhhhhhhhh! Yesssss! Yes!" Time and Kornel screamed in unison, overwhelmed with excitement. Mrs. Anderson clapped her hands together, exclaiming, "Hallelujah! Thank you, Lord!" She hugged the boys tightly, then gave her husband a kiss on the cheek before returning to the kitchen to finish preparing dinner.

Mr. Anderson, still beaming, headed to his room to freshen up, while Time and Kornel dashed back to Time's room to do the same. They couldn't stop grinning, the excitement bubbling between them as they prepared to join the family for dinner.

A few minutes later, the family gathered around the dinner table. They said a prayer of thanks before enjoying the meal that Mrs. Anderson had lovingly prepared. The atmosphere was warm and filled with happiness, especially for Time and Kornel, who were thrilled about the opportunity to continue their journey together.

Later that night, as Mr. and Mrs. Anderson retired to their room, Mr. Anderson forwarded the email from Owen College to the Philips, ensuring they could share in the joy of the boys' achievement. Meanwhile, Time and Kornel went to bed, feeling deeply grateful and optimistic about the future. Their dream of staying close to each other was finally back on track.

The next morning, there was a knock on the door-it was the Philips family, who had come to see their son, Kornel, and join the Andersons in celebrating the boys' good news. They entered with warm smiles and joined everyone at the dining table, where Mrs. Anderson had prepared a hearty breakfast. The air was filled with excitement as everyone dug into the delicious meal.

After breakfast, before heading to their respective activities, the group discussed the email from Owen College. Mr. Anderson spoke up, saying, "We've already made plans in case both of you got into Owen College."

Curious, Time and Kornel looked at him eagerly. Mr. Philips continued, "We've decided to rent a large room for both of you in the same dormitory. You'll be resuming together and staying together throughout your college years."

Time and Kornel jumped out of their seats, shouting in unison, "Yes, yes, yes!" Their excitement was contagious, bringing smiles to everyone at the table.

Mrs. Anderson and Mrs. Philips exchanged knowing looks before Mrs. Anderson said, "Don't get too carried away with excitement. There's still a lot of preparation to do before the summer break ends. And I don't want you two going off to college and misbehaving."

"She's absolutely right," Mrs. Philips added.

The boys nodded enthusiastically. "We won't! You can trust us," they promised in unison.

"Good," Mr. Anderson said, smiling. "Now, you both have a few weeks to get yourselves ready for the official resumption day."

With that, the Philips family thanked the Andersons for their hospitality. "Thank you so much for breakfast, and for always looking out for Kornel," Mrs. Philips said warmly.

"You're always welcome," Mr. and Mrs. Anderson said in unison as they walked the Philips family to their car. After bidding them goodbye and watching them drive off, Mr. Anderson kissed his wife goodbye and left for work, leaving Mrs. Anderson at home with the boys.

Back inside, Mrs. Anderson headed to the kitchen, where Time and Kornel were already assisting with the dishes. Once the chores were done, the boys went upstairs to Time's room to relax and plan their day.

As the resumption day approached, Time and Kornel prepared diligently for college with Mrs. Anderson's guidance. She made sure to keep Mr. Anderson updated on what they needed, while Kornel also communicated with his parents about any additional requirements. It was a busy but exciting time, and the boys couldn't wait to start this new chapter together.

A few weeks flew by, and finally, the much-anticipated day arrived. Time and Kornel came downstairs, brimming with excitement, their luggage in tow. They joined Mr. and Mrs. Anderson, along with Mr. and Mrs. Philips, in the dining room for one last meal together before heading off to college. The table was set with toasted bread, fried eggs, and tea, lovingly prepared by Mrs. Anderson.

As they sat down, everyone savored the meal while chatting about the journey ahead. Once they were done, Mr. Anderson offered to drop the boys off at college. However, both Mr. and Mrs. Philips, as well as Mrs. Anderson, insisted on coming along. "It might be a while before they come home," Mrs. Anderson said, "and we'd love to see them off together."

Mr. Anderson agreed, and they decided to use Mr. Philips' car since his seven-seater Sienna had enough space for everyone and their luggage.

"Wow, all of you are coming with us?" Time asked in surprise.

"Yes, of course," Mrs. Anderson replied.

"Or don't you want us to come along?" Mrs. Philips teased.

"No, no! I'm just surprised. This has never happened before," Time said, laughing.

"That's true," Kornel added with a grin.

With everyone in agreement, Mr. Philips headed to the car while the others followed. They helped the boys load their luggage into the trunk, ensuring everything they needed for college was packed securely. Kornel opened the back door for Time to get in first before sliding in after him. Mrs. Anderson and Mrs. Philips took the middle seats, while Mr. Anderson joined Mr. Philips in the front, sitting in the passenger seat.

And with that, "Zoom!" they were off, the Sienna pulling out of the driveway.

In the backseat, Time and Kornel chatted excitedly about their new adventure and the college experience awaiting them. In the middle, Mrs. Anderson and Mrs. Philips discussed various topics, mostly revolving around family and home. Up front, Mr. Anderson and Mr. Philips talked logistics, finalizing how they'd handle the boys' college fees and expenses.

They agreed that all fees and related payments would be sent to Mr. Anderson's account so that he could handle payments for both boys simultaneously. As for their pocket money, it would be transferred to their individual bank accounts, which the Andersons had helped them set up during the summer break.

The journey was filled with warmth, laughter, and a shared sense of excitement as the group embarked on this milestone trip together. It was a bittersweet moment, marking the beginning of a new chapter for Time and Kornel while showcasing the love and support of their families.

After a few hours on the road, they finally arrived at Owen College. Excitement buzzed in the air as they drove through the college gates and headed straight to the dormitory that had been arranged for the boys. Once there, everyone stepped out of the car. Mr. Anderson and Mr. Philips went to the dormitory keeper to collect the boys' registration forms and keys, while Mrs. Anderson and Mrs. Philips helped unload the luggage from the car.

Time and Kornel grabbed their bags and joined Mr. Anderson and Mr. Philips, who were with the dormitory keeper. Mrs. Anderson and Mrs. Philips carried the remaining luggage and followed them inside. Mr. Anderson handed over the forms for the boys to fill out. Once completed, the forms were submitted to the dormitory keeper, who then handed them their room key.

The atmosphere grew bittersweet as reality set in-they were about to part ways with their families. The Andersons and Philips hugged the boys warmly, bidding them heartfelt goodbyes before turning to leave. Time, unable to hold back his emotions, felt a tear slip down his cheek as he watched his parents walk away. Kornel noticed and immediately embraced him tightly, offering silent comfort, ignoring the other students passing by and even the dorm keeper waiting nearby.

A few moments later, they collected their luggage and followed the dorm keeper inside. They were led to their designated room. The dorm keeper pointed to the door and said, "Check your key for the room number. It should match this-202." They thanked him, and he left.

Kornel unlocked the door, and as they stepped inside, they were astonished by what they saw. The room was enormous! It featured two separate bedrooms, each with its own bathroom, a mini kitchen, a cozy sitting room, and a small study/relaxation area.

"Wow, wow, wow!" they exclaimed in unison.

"This is huge! I love it here!" Time said, beaming with excitement.

"Lol, it's nice, but isn't this a bit much for college students?" Kornel replied, grinning as he watched Time explore every corner of the room enthusiastically.

Time rushed to the bedroom on the left. "I'm taking this one!" he declared.

"Lol, no problem. I'll take the other one on the right," Kornel said. He smirked and added, "But let's be real-will you actually sleep in here alone every night?"

"Lol, I'll try! I'm grown now!" Time replied, laughing.

They exchanged smiles before getting to work unpacking and arranging their belongings. By the time they were done, night had fallen, and they were both too exhausted to cook. They decided to order takeout, and once it arrived, they ate quickly before heading to their rooms to sleep.

However, in the middle of the night, Time couldn't resist leaving his room and walking to Kornel's. Quietly, he climbed into Kornel's bed, lifting the duvet carefully. Kornel opened his eyes and smirked. "Lol, I knew you'd come here," he said, spreading his arms wide. Time slipped into his embrace, and they cuddled until morning.

Although they were in different faculties, with Time studying Artistic and Visual Performance and Kornel in the Business Department, their official classes wouldn't start until Monday. For now, they had the weekend to settle in and explore.

On Saturday, they visited the basketball court they had discovered the evening before. Kornel registered with the team after meeting the captain and filling out a form. He learned the practice schedule and, since no one else was on the court, decided to practice alone. Meanwhile, Time watched him play, sketching him as he often did.

After a few hours, they returned to their room, freshened up, had dinner, and went to bed together-this time in Time's room.

The next day, Sunday, they chose to stay in, play video games, and enjoy each other's company. They knew that starting Monday, their schedules would be packed, and their time together would be limited to evenings or short breaks between classes. The weekend was their last chance to fully enjoy uninterrupted moments of friendship before the realities of college life took over.

It was Monday morning, and Time and Kornel were already awake. While having breakfast together in their dining space, a sense of nostalgia lingered in the air. Though they were excited about their first day of college, the thought of being apart weighed on them. They ate quietly, occasionally stealing glances at each other, until Kornel finally broke the silence.

"We're grown-ups now," he said with a slightly shaky voice. "We should learn to live our lives a little apart, right?"

Time smirked. "Lol, listen to you. Like we could even manage that," he said, cutting in.

Kornel chuckled softly. "Okay, but I think we'll eventually get used to not being by each other's side all the time-just like back in high school." He paused before adding, "But let's make sure we spend the little time we do have together here in college wisely."

"Of course we will," Time replied confidently, reaching out his hand to Kornel. Kornel smiled and took his hand, holding it firmly as they finished their breakfast together.

A few minutes later, they grabbed their bags and headed off to their respective classes. Their schedules were packed, with lectures lasting from morning until evening, Monday through Friday. The only reprieve was a shared free period in the afternoons from 12 to 2 PM, or occasionally until 3 PM. As they walked to their classes, they both silently hoped that the bond they shared would remain as strong as ever, even with their busy schedules ahead.

"Go, go, pass!" The shouts of players echoed across the basketball court, mingling with the enthusiastic cheers from the crowd. Kornel was on the court, his movements sharp and confident, weaving through opponents with ease. The girls in the audience screamed his name, "Kornel! Kornel!"waving banners and shouting encouragement.

Meanwhile, Time sat off to the side, cheering silently as always, a small smile playing on his lips. His sketchpad rested on his lap, and his pencil moved swiftly, capturing every detail of Kornel's athleticism.

As the game concluded, Kornel's team emerged victorious. The crowd erupted in applause, and Kornel's teammates slapped him on the back in celebration. Time stood up, his sketchpad tucked under his arm, holding a bottle of water and a towel he had brought along for Kornel. But just as he started walking toward him, he noticed a group of girls rushing to Kornel, surrounding him like a swarm.

Time paused mid-step and retreated to his seat, unsure of how to approach. He watched silently as the girls crowded Kornel, chattering and giggling, each trying to catch his attention. Kornel smiled politely at them but didn't linger. With a subtle gesture, he made his way through the crowd and walked toward Time.

Time, his head bent and eyes fixed on the ground, heard Kornel's voice. "Aren't you going to give me those?" Kornel asked, stretching out his hand.

Time looked up, already knowing who it was. A shy smile spread across his face as he handed the towel and bottle of water to Kornel. "Here you go," he said softly.

Kornel smiled back, wiped the sweat off his face and neck with the towel, then opened the water bottle. He drank a few sips and poured the rest over his head, the cool water cascading down his toned, muscular body. Time couldn't help but stare, his eyes tracing the droplets as they glided over Kornel's broad chest and defined abs. Kornel had been working out regularly since starting college, and his physique had transformed-his shoulders were broader, his abs more sculpted, and veins stood out prominently on his arms.

Lost in his thoughts, Time didn't notice Kornel looking at him until he snapped his fingers. "Hey, you okay?" Kornel asked with a grin.

The girls, who had been watching from a distance, were visibly disappointed that Kornel hadn't accepted any of their towels or water. Frustrated, they sighed and headed back to their classes, muttering complaints among themselves.

But one girl, Mara, lingered. She was the queen of the college campus, admired and desired by nearly every boy at school. But Mara had eyes only for Kornel. She had been pursuing him relentlessly, trying every tactic to get his attention. Despite her status and beauty, Kornel remained indifferent.

Mara's gaze shifted to Time, and her expression darkened. She couldn't understand why Kornel seemed to favor Time, even claiming they were just friends or like brothers. To Mara, Time was a threat, an obstacle standing between her and Kornel.

"Why him?" Mara muttered under her breath, her eyes narrowing as she watched Kornel and Time walk off together, talking and laughing as if the rest of the world didn't exist. "I'll make him regret ever getting in my way."

Unbothered by Mara's growing jealousy, Kornel and Time headed back to their dorm, unaware of the storm brewing in the background. They were too wrapped up in their own world, cherishing the bond they shared and the peace it brought them, even in the chaos of college life.

Ever since Kornel joined the college basketball team, he had become the idol of the school. His incredible skills on the court set him apart, making him a star in the eyes of students and faculty alike. No matter how talented his teammates were, Kornel's excellence shone brighter, drawing the crowd's admiration with every game. His moves were precise, his shots flawless, and his leadership undeniable. But it wasn't just his talent that captivated everyone-it was also his charm. With his handsome features and a perfectly sculpted athletic body, Kornel was the definition of a campus heartthrob.

Girls flocked to him wherever he went, and over the weeks, he had received dozens of proposals. Some were bold, some were shy, but all were turned down with polite indifference. No one knew why Kornel wasn't interested in dating, and the mystery only made him more intriguing.

Later that evening, after Kornel and Time returned to their dorm, Time couldn't resist teasing him. "Celebrity boyfriend!" Time quipped with a mischievous grin as they stepped into their shared space.

Kornel laughed, dropping his gym bag on the floor. "Celebrity? Stop it. I'm not anyone's boyfriend."He paused and smirked. "I'm all yours, anyway."

Time froze, caught off guard by the comment. "All mine? As in how?" he asked, his voice wavering slightly as he tried to mask his sudden nervousness. "You're not my boyfriend, okay? You're just my childhood friend, so don't get sarcastic."

Kornel walked up to Time, closing the distance between them. His playful expression softened into something unreadable. He gently placed his hand under Time's chin, lifting his head so their eyes met. "Or..." Kornel began, his voice low and teasing, "do you want me to be your boyfriend?"

Time's heart started racing, pounding so hard he thought Kornel might hear it. His breath caught, and he struggled to form a response. "Uh... uh... I didn't say that, okay?" he stammered, breaking away from Kornel's grasp. "Besides, we don't have those kinds of feelings for each other. It's not possible!" His voice was rushed, as though he were trying to convince himself as much as Kornel.

Time turned on his heel and bolted to his room, slamming the door shut behind him. Kornel, left standing in the living room, chuckled to himself and smirked. "Not possible, huh?" he muttered, shaking his head as he walked to his room.

Inside Time's room, chaos reigned. He threw himself onto the bed, clutching his chest where his heart was still hammering. "What's wrong with me?" he muttered, his voice barely above a whisper. "Why did my heart race like that? He's Kornel, my childhood friend. Not someone else. So why?"

He rolled over onto his side, staring at the wall as if it held the answers to his questions. "He's almost like a brother to me," Time reasoned, trying to calm the storm of emotions swirling inside him. "Maybe I was just startled. Yeah, that's it. I was caught off guard."

But no matter how many times he tried to convince himself, the memory of Kornel's hand under his chin and the intensity of his gaze refused to leave his mind. Time groaned in frustration, burying his face in a pillow. "This is so weird," he whispered. "I just need to sleep it off."

Meanwhile, Kornel sat on the edge of his bed, thinking about the moment they'd just shared. A small smile lingered on his lips as he replayed Time's flustered reaction. He wasn't entirely sure why he had teased him like that, but he couldn't deny the strange satisfaction it brought. He leaned back, staring at the ceiling.

As the night deepened, Time finally drifted off into a restless sleep, his dreams filled with fragments of moments shared with Kornel. Across the hall, Kornel lay awake a little longer , the slept off afterwards.

Over the next few days, weeks, months, and eventually three years, Time and Kornel remained inseparable. They made it their mission to savor every moment of their college life together. Whether it was during class breaks, in the evenings, or on weekends, they always found ways to be with one another. Their bond also deepened during the holidays when they returned home, where they spent time reminiscing about their childhood and creating new memories.

As their friendship grew stronger, so did Time's feelings for Kornel-but in a way that confused and scared him. At first, he dismissed it as simple admiration for his best friend. But the more they laughed, the more they shared, and the more time they spent together, the harder it became to ignore the way his heart raced when Kornel smiled or the pangs of jealousy he felt when others got too close to him.

Time knew he was falling for Kornel, and it terrified him. The realization hit him like a storm, leaving him breathless and overwhelmed. Kornel was everything to him-his best friend, his confidant, his safe place. But the feelings growing inside him weren't the kind of feelings one should have for a best friend.

He tried to fight it. He told himself over and over again that it was just a phase, that it would pass. He even went out of his way to avoid situations that might deepen his feelings, but it was impossible to stay away from Kornel. Every moment they spent together only made Time fall deeper. He became possessive in his own quiet way, hating how girls flocked to Kornel after every basketball game, how they giggled and blushed in his presence. The attention Kornel received only fueled Time's silent longing and jealousy.

Meanwhile, Kornel remained oblivious to Time's internal struggle. While he enjoyed the attention he received from his peers, he was always quick to shrug off romantic advances. Girls admired him for his looks, charisma, and incredible basketball skills, but Kornel seemed immune to their charms. Even Mara, the queen of Owen College, couldn't break through the wall he had built around his heart.

Mara had been infatuated with Kornel since their first year. She was the perfect match for him in the eyes of the school-a confident, beautiful girl who was used to getting what she wanted. As the years went by, the students began shipping Kornel and Mara together, especially after they were crowned King and Queen of Owen College during their second year.

Their supposed relationship was the talk of the campus, and Kornel, ever the gentleman, played his "kingly" role to perfection, attending events and fulfilling his duties alongside Mara. Though it was clear Mara had strong feelings for him, Kornel remained distant. He respected her and enjoyed her company in public, but behind closed doors, there was nothing romantic between them.

Despite the rumors about Kornel and Mara, another group of students emerged with a different ship in mind-Kornel and Time. These students, particularly the BL fans on campus, noticed the way Kornel always prioritized Time, how he seemed to light up in his presence. To them, there was something undeniably special about their bond, something that went beyond mere friendship.

The Kornel-and-Time shippers were fiercely loyal, even though their ship seemed like an impossible dream. They saw the way Kornel's eyes softened when he talked to Time, how he always seemed to seek him out in a crowded room. They ignored the rumors about Mara, clinging to their belief that Kornel's heart belonged to Time, even if neither of them realized it yet.

For Time, the whispers and rumors only added to his pain. Watching the school push Kornel and Mara together was like a dagger to his heart, a constant reminder of what could never be. Though he saw the small gestures that others missed-the way Kornel always checked on him, how Kornel's laughter came easiest when they were together-Time convinced himself it was just friendship.

In his quiet moments, Time prayed for his feelings to fade. He didn't want to ruin their friendship or risk losing Kornel altogether. He kept his emotions bottled up, wearing a mask of happiness to hide the sadness that ate away at him. Every time Kornel smiled at him or leaned in a little too close, Time's heart would flutter, and he'd curse himself for wanting something he couldn't have.

As their college days passed, Time and Kornel continued to navigate their lives side by side. To the world, they were the epitome of a perfect friendship. But beneath the surface, Time was silently falling apart, torn between his love for Kornel and his fear of losing him.

Kornel, oblivious to the storm brewing in Time's heart, remained his usual self-protective, caring, and fiercely loyal. He didn't know the impact his actions had on Time, nor did he realize the depths of Time's feelings.

The world saw them as best friends, brothers even. But for Time, every moment with Kornel was both a gift and a curse, a bittersweet reminder of a love he couldn't speak aloud. And so, he continued to live in silence, cherishing every second he had with Kornel while quietly hoping for the strength to let go.