"What?"
"Nothing." He shifts, uncomfortable. "Just wondering why you are prowling around at three AM."
"Same reason as you. Peace and quiet." Cracking open the can, I take a large swallow. "Server maintenance is easier when nobody's trying to stream movies or download porn."
The corner of his mouth twitches, almost a smile, before he suppresses it. "Speaking of which, your Wi-Fi security is surprisingly decent. Most frat houses are digital cesspools."
"That's because most frats don't have someone dedicated to maintaining their networks," I'm somewhat mollified by the technical compliment. "Though it doesn't stop these idiots from infecting their devices. Speaking of viruses, I spent half my day removing malware from Rex's laptop. Third time this month."
Caleb snorts. "Let me guess, sketchy porn sites?"
"According to him, he was 'just' trying to stream the new Marvel movie." My voice is dry. "On a site that conveniently required his credit card information for 'verification.'"
"Amateurs," Caleb mutters, and I can hear real annoyance in his voice. I kinda like that about him.
"The worst part is teaching them the same lesson over and over. I've made informational posters, sent emails, and even set up individual lessons. Nothing helps."
Caleb takes another bite of pizza, considering. "You know what Drew would do."
Looking up, I catch Caleb's eyes. There's this gleam there, mischief, maybe? Or just the shared misery of dealing with people who think computers run on magic and good intentions.
"Make it mandatory."
We say it together, perfectly timed, like we've both had the exact same evil thought.
And just like that, we're both cracking up, real, honest laughter that feels weird inside. I can't remember the last timeI laughed like this with anyone in the fraternity, let alone Caleb Huntington the third.
"A required course on 'How Not to Give Your Computer an STI,'" Caleb suggests between chuckles.
"Complete with graphic photos of infected hard drives."
This sets him off again. "Lesson one: If the site asks for your credit card to watch a movie that's still in theatres, it's not legitimate streaming!"
"Lesson two: Those hot singles in your area? They're actually hot malware packets ready to destroy your system."
We're both laughing harder now, the kind that actually hurts your ribs, and the tension between us dissolves like it was never there.
When Caleb laughs, his whole face transforms. The perpetual scowl smooths out, eyes crinkling, and he looks…
Gorgeous.The word surfaces before I can stop it.Unhelpful. Very unhelpful observation, brain.
"What if we actually locked down the network?" he asks, sobering slightly but still smiling. "Block certain keywords and suspicious domains. Set up a proper firewall that even these tech disasters can't penetrate."
"I've considered it. But Drew is big on treating everyone like adults capable of making their own decisions."
"Even when those decisions cost you hours of cleanup work?"
"Even then." Drew's got this whole philosophy about treating people like adults. Hasn't quite figured out that some adults are just tall children with credit cards. "Though lately he's been all about mandatory brotherhood activities, so maybe he'd make an exception."
"What's with that, anyway?" Caleb asks, leaning against the counter. "It's like he's suddenly decided we're not spending enough time together."
"I think it's the holiday season. He gets extra sentimental around Christmas… no one knows why. Starts worrying about everyone being included and supported."
Caleb rolls his eyes, but the move has less heat than I would have expected. "Great. More forced bonding."
"Like ice skating tomorrow night. "The groan is involuntary. "Because nothing says brotherhood like watching twenty university guys flail around on ice."
"Wait, ice skating is mandatory?" Caleb looks genuinely dismayed. "I thought it was optional."
