"I'll email you both to set up an initial session in my office. Don't worry, Sebastian. This is a small bump in your road to med school."
I leave the lecture hall in a daze, barely noticing the rain that's started to fall. A tutor. I need a tutor. I've never needed a tutor. And I don't even know who it is.
Perfect. Just fuckin perfect.
Chapter 2
Asking for a Friend
Gavin
The cool January air burns my lungs as I launch the shot put across the field. It arcs through the clear blue sky before landing with a satisfying thunk, kicking up a small cloud of dirt inside the circle. Not my best, but decent for the first week of the spring semester's practice.
"Nice throw, Gavin-san!" Haru calls from the sidelines. He's bundled in so many layers he looks like a walking parka with legs, clipboard clutched against his chest like it might fly away.
I jog over, toweling off my neck. Despite the cool weather, I've worked up a sweat.
"Thanks. Still getting back into the rhythm after winter break."
Haru pushes his glasses up and consults his notes. "According to my research, your personal record is still .3 meters short of the university record.
I laugh. "Always keeping me humble, Haru."
"I meant no offence," he says quickly, eyes widening. "Your progress is most impressive considering your primary sport is football."
"Relax, I'm teasing." I bump his shoulder gently. "Besides, breaking records isn't why I'm here."
"Your scholarship," Haru nods seriously.
"Scholarships, plural," I correct, grabbing my water bottle. "Football covers most of it, track fills in the gaps, and the academic one handles books and my extra meal plan."
Haru tilts his head. "I still do not understand why you hide your intelligence from your friends and teammates."
I shrug, watching the rest of the track team practicing across the field. "People see what they expect to see. Six-foot-four guy built like a refrigerator? Must be all muscle, no brain."
"It is most perplexing," Haru mutters. "In Japan, athletes who excel academically are celebrated."
"Welcome to America," I grin. "Land of weird stereotypes."
Coach Wilson blows his whistle, signalling a five-minute break. It's perfect timing, as we've got frat recruitment to discuss.
"So," I say, leading Haru to a bench, "about our diversity mission. Any ideas for getting non-traditional guys interested in Delta Psi?"
I asked Haru as a ‘maybe pledge’ if he would help me find potential guys who might not otherwise consider Greek life. Drew's mission this year is to make our house the most inclusive on campus.
"I have compiled a list," Haru says, flipping pages on his clipboard with impressive efficiency. "Several international students expressed interest after learning I was considering pledging. Also, the gaming club has three freshmen who might consider it if approached correctly."
"Nice work." I look at his careful notes. "What about your friends? The guys you live with?"
Haru hesitates. "They are... how do I say it... Super nerds? Very intelligent but socially anxious. Most are in science or pre-medicine tracks."
"Perfect," I say. "That's exactly who we need. Guys with different perspectives."
"They were not receptive when I suggested it before," Haru admits. "May I ask why this diversity initiative is so important to you personally?"
The question catches me off guard. It's perceptive, which is typical of Haru, but still hits close to home.
"I guess..." I pause, trying to articulate what I've never said aloud. "I know what it's like to be put in a box. Football player. Jock. People think they know everything about me from those labels."
