"I'm aware." Not bothering to look up from my laptop. "I sent the calendar reminder to everyone."
"Right, but you always pretend to forget." He drops onto the couch beside me with a grin. "Drew said this one's important. Mandatory attendance."
Sighing, I save my work. "When Drew says 'important,' he usually means 'I'm going to volunteer all of you for something.'"
"Probably," Gavin says, grinning. "But that's part of the fun, right?"
Fun isn't the word I'd choose, but I've learned it's easier to go along with our President's schemes than fight them. Three years in DPO has taught me that much.
Gradually, the rest of the brothers filter into the common room. Tyler and Ethan arrive hand-in-hand, still in the honeymoon phase of their reconciliation. Drew and Marcos are deep in conversation, no doubt finalizing whatever plans they're about to spring on us.
Jaren bounds in with his usual energy, heading straight for the coffee pot before dropping into a seat near the front. He's got a textbook tucked under his arm, something about adolescent psychology, and seems completely unbothered by whatever drama is about to unfold. That's Jaren in a nutshell: perpetually prepared and perpetually cheerful about it.
Caleb arrives last, slipping in quietly and taking a seat in the corner, as far from me as possible. Jaren glances over at his roommate and offers a friendly wave, which Caleb acknowledges with the barest nod before pointedly looking elsewhere. The contrast between them is almost comical, Jaren's open friendliness bouncing right off Caleb's carefully constructed walls.
We've been avoiding each other without talking about it for weeks now. After our quick chat at 3 AM, he seems to think I'm not worth talking to, which works for me. The fewer people I have to deal with, the better.
"Alright, listen up!" Drew calls, commanding the room's attention with practiced ease. "I've got a few announcements before we get to the main agenda."
I tune out as he goes through the usual updates, upcoming events, house maintenance issues, and academic reminders. It's only when he mentions my name that I snap back to attention.
"James has updated our website with the winter fundraising information," Drew says. "Great job on that, by the way. The donation page looks sick."
A quick nod, then back to the screen. Let the newer members look surprised all they want.I don't know why he's so shocked.Yes, I occasionally do things well; no need to make a big deal of it.
"Now for the main item," Drew continues, his expression growing more serious. "After discussing with the executive committee, we've decided to implement some changes to how we operate as a fraternity."
A ripple of whispers passes through the room. Changes are rarely popular.
"It's come to my attention that some of our brothers are falling through the cracks," Drew says, his gaze briefly sweeping over me and then Caleb. "We're so busy with classes and events that we're not actually connecting as a fraternity."
Oh shit.I know where this is heading.
"Starting next week, attendance at Sunday dinners will be mandatory for all brothers," he announces. "No exceptions unless you're literally in the hospital."
The protests start immediately. Tyler raises his hand. "What about those of us who have standing plans with significant others?"
"Bring them," Drew says simply. "Fraternity dinners include family."
"I work Sunday nights," Caleb points out from his corner.
"Adjust your schedule," Drew replies, unmoved. "This isn't about food, it's about making sure no one in this fraternity is isolated or unsupported."
His gaze lands on me again, more pointed this time. I resist the urge to roll my eyes. Just because I prefer my own company doesn't mean I need an intervention.
"Additionally," Drew continues over the grumbles, "we're implementing a mentor system for the newer members. Each pledge will be paired with an established brother who'll check in regularly and help them navigate fraternity life."
This announcement brings even louder protests. Babysitting freshmen is not what anyone signed up for.
"The pairings have already been decided," he says firmly. "And before you ask, no, they're not negotiable." He picks up a list from the coffee table. "I'll read them out now."
My brain tunes out again as he goes through the names, confident that I've dodged this particular bullet. As the Webmaster, I'm not exactly brotherhood material. My job is to maintain our digital presence, not hold hands with newbies.
"And finally," Drew says, "James will be mentoring Caleb."
My head snaps up. "What?"
Across the room, Caleb looks equally horrified. "You can't be serious."
