Chapter Text
The first year of college was said to be the hardest for any new student. Living away for the first time, sometimes not even in the same country. Usually, it was a time for self-exploration, whether it be introspective or through finding new relationships with like-minded others.
For Noah, it was a welcome reprieve from the hectic life he had been through for the past two years on reality TV.
He had decided on a college in Vancouver, excellent grades allowing him to pass with no issue into the computer science field.
From a young age, he had always had a knack for technology, hacking into online MMO’s and helping run them from the inside. He had always felt pretty proud of those accomplishments. More-so than the life he had been leading since Total Drama ended.
He had been offered a place on the Ridonculous Race but had turned it down in favor of attending college. Owen had been a bit disappointed, but knowing his friend he would quickly find some other television show to participate in.
College was where Noah wanted to relax and enjoy himself now.
The first semester went by fairly quickly, general courses and electives littering his course schedule. The next semester would be much the same, and Noah expected as much.
What he didn’t expect was to run into a familiar face in his creative writing course.
Alejandro Burromuerto.
He froze, nearly dropping his rented textbook. The familiar eel was sitting and chatting familiarly with one of the other students, not noticing Noah come in through the door.
‘Small mercies,’ Noah thought to himself.
He took a seat at the opposite end of the room, hoping to hide in plain sight (and behind a couple of other taller students; he silently thanked his genetics for his short stature for the very first time in his life.)
After a few tense moments, the professor entered the room, closing it with a resounding click.
The room continued to relax, students idly on their phones as the professor gave his introduction without much fanfare.
Clearly, this would be an easy and relaxing course- as long as he could avoid Alejandro that is. Which, considering they both weren’t on speaking terms, Alejandro would probably leave Noah alone even if he did notice him.
With that comforting thought in mind, Noah sunk into his seat, taking out a notebook from his backpack and writing down notes for the first assignment.
The rest of the class passed normally, rubrics being passed out and office hours being discussed. After that, they were free to leave for the day.
However, as soon as Noah stood up, he felt eyes on him. He swore quietly. He had been too careless. Not turning his head to face where he knew Alejandro was watching him from, he gathered up his things and left the room.
After making it out of the room, he let out a breath he didn’t know he had been holding. Shaking his head slightly, he exited the building and headed back to his dorm.
Alejandro didn’t make an attempt to approach him.
Alejandro hadn’t noticed Noah until the very end of the class. He had been busy pleasantly chatting with one of his classmates- a fellow business major- when the class had ended and he had finally glanced around the room to see if there was anyone of interest.
Standing in plain sight was someone dangerous from his past.
Noah.
It took all of his willpower not to gape openly.
Noah either didn’t notice him or just didn’t care as he quickly left the room.
Alejandro, unfortunately, didn’t have to ponder on this development as his classmate offered to grab a coffee with him after the class.
Of course, he had to oblige for appearance’s sake.
Kind, thoughtful, and utterly charming was the goal for college. With any luck, it would help him with deals in the future of his own business.
And what was one coffee with a potential nobody compared to a future with a successful businessman?
Noah would have to wait.