Chapter Text
There were many things that Kyle Broflovski wanted to experience in his lifetime. He wouldn’t say he had his life planned out, but he had hoped to accomplish some goals by a definite time. He could proudly admit that he had achieved many of his milestones, such as: graduating as one of the tops of his class, being accepted into his dream school, and earning a basketball and academic merit scholarship. His triumphs didn’t surprise any of his peers; he was always known for being an overachiever. He took as many AP and honors classes as possible, studied every moment he could, and earned perfect grades in all of his courses. When he wasn’t engrossed in academics, he dedicated as much time as possible to basketball, making him one of the best players on his team.
His friends always questioned how he was still functioning from juggling such a busy schedule on top of work. In all honesty, Kyle had been exhausted, but being busy helped him forget about what he lacked. While all his closest friends had experiences in love, Kyle was embarrassed to admit that he was behind in that department. When he thought about it for too long, he couldn’t help but feel like he was missing out on something.
He’d never admit it to them, but he was always envious of the romantic lives of his friends. Stan, of course, had Wendy. Even if they didn’t have the smoothest relationship, it was evident to everyone how deeply they loved each other. Tolkien was still dating Nichole since they got together again in 5th grade. Then Kenny started going out with Marjorine during junior year when she started going by her true identity. Although initially being pushed together, Craig and Tweek had stuck by each other since the 4th grade, and they were one of the healthiest couples ever. The only relationship he didn’t really envy was Clyde and Bebe’s. Their dynamic was just too confusing. And honestly, Kyle didn’t care enough to know if they were dating. He was happy for his friends, but a part of him also wished he had what they had. He was 18, entering his first year of university, and he’d yet to be in a serious relationship.
“Dude, are you okay there?” Kyle’s best friend, Stan, asked with concern. Kyle shook his head, snapping from his thoughts. “Shit, my bad. I must’ve zoned out a bit. What were you saying?” Kyle turned to face the direction of his friends. They were hanging out at Stan’s house along with Kenny, Tolkien, and Craig. Clyde had called last minute to say he couldn’t make it since he had made plans with Bebe. “We were talking about meeting up for breakfast tomorrow. You know, before heading off to college.” Tolkien responded to him. “Yeah, Tweek said he’ll close the coffee shop so we can have a get-together.” Craig added, glancing up from his phone. The coffee shop, Tweek Bros. Coffee, had become a staple meeting place for the teenagers of South Park.
“Sweet, do you think he’ll let me bring Marj?” Kenny asked excitedly. “Yeah, dude, I don't think he’d mind. I mean, I’m bringing Wendy. Tolkien’s bringing Nichole, Clyde and Bebe are going together, and even Jimmy’s bringing his partner. The more, the merrier. Right?” Stan replied to the dirty blonde.
Kyle rests his face in his hands and sighs in frustration. Great. Practically everyone is bringing a partner; everyone except for him. Granted, Cartman wasn’t accompanying anyone either, but having something in common with that fatass didn’t make him feel any better. Speaking of Cartman, even that asshole had more relationship experience than Kyle. Cartman of all people! That reminder just worsened Kyle’s night.
***
The following morning Kyle had to part from his family. Although his mother had initially insisted on accompanying him to college, Kyle convinced her he needed to do this alone. Sheila, being the protective mother she was, kept reminding him to stay safe and to stay out of any trouble. Gerald embraced the boy and advised him to listen to his mother. The hardest goodbye, however, was with his younger brother Ike. Of course, Kyle would be back for breaks and holidays, but the thought of not being around his baby brother pulled at his heartstrings.
“Ike, make sure you Facetime me at least once a week, okay? I want to keep tabs on you; I don’t want the distance to get to us.” Kyle insisted while embracing his sibling. “Yeah, yeah. I know that you don’t have to keep reminding me. Besides, without you, I’d have no one to play Minecraft with.” the younger boy reassured him. It was weird to Kyle just how much his brother had grown over the years. To Kyle, Ike was still that little 5-year-old boy who constantly followed him around and idolized everything he did. Now 13, Ike was in high school (Ike had skipped grades), and Kyle still couldn’t believe his baby brother was growing. Time really did just go by fast.
Kyle just laughed as he ruffled his brother's hair. He waved goodbye to his family as he drove away in his minivan. Looking in the rearview mirror, Kyle felt his chest tighten. He missed his little brother already.
***
Once Kyle picked up Stan, they headed to Tweek Bros. Coffee. When they arrived, Craig greeted the two of them at the entrance. “You guys are late. Everyone’s already here. What the fuck even took you so long?” Craig scolded the group. “Sorry, it’s just one of us decided to sleep in even though they set the whole thing up.” Kyle irritably said as he stared daggers at his dark-haired friend. “Jesus, I already said I’m sorry. I just slept late because I was anxious.” Stan disputed, trying to defend himself.
The duo made their way into the coffee shop, and just as Craig said, everyone was there. The cafe was adorned with festive decor, and it was clear that both Tweek and Craig put in the effort. Stan walked over to the table where Clyde, Bebe, Tweek, and Wendy were so he could sit beside his partner. Since he had no one else to sit with, Kyle headed towards Stan and Wendy’s table.
“Mind if I sit with y’all?” an annoying voice spoke. Cartman sat himself down right next to Kyle before anyone could protest. Kyle scooched away from the brunette and huffed in annoyance. “Actually, I do mind you dickhole.” Kyle said, noticeable venom in his tone. Cartman opened his mouth, most likely to make an insult, but chose to ignore the redhead. Although Eric was still a pretty big asshole, he had mellowed out over their high school years. Despite this, Kyle still held resentment toward his “frenemy.” Maybe he held a grudge, but Kyle believed it was well deserved.
“So, are you guys excited or what? ” Wendy asked her friends. Bebe put her scone down and let out a dreamy sigh. “Duh. Don’t get me wrong, I’m getting my degree, but I just can’t wait to party. I know a girl throwing one this weekend, and I can’t wait to go!” Bebe loved throwing parties or attending them. It didn't matter if they were big or small; she just wanted to have fun. “What?! You’re already planning to party?!” Tweek shakily asked, trying not to spill his drink.
“Der. We need to make sure we start the year off well. And what better way than with alcohol and hot college chicks.” Clyde stated as if it was the most obvious fact in the world. “Maybe then we can finally score you a girl. You’ll definitely bag a hot chic at this party. Or dude- if that’s what you’re into.” He smugly continued while nudging an elbow to Kyle’s shoulder. “Dude, leave him alone. He can’t help that he’s a hopeless romantic.” Stan said, joining in on teasing the redhead. God, sometimes Kyle wanted to punch his friends so bad. “I really hate you two.” He sighed as his friends continued to taunt him.
Soon it was 9:00, and the friend group decided it was time to leave. They quickly finished their breakfast and cleaned up the cafe before departing. The group said their goodbyes before going their separate ways. Finally, the two best friends were on the road toward their university.
***
After an hour's drive, they arrived at the University of Colorado. Kyle felt his stomach turn in knots. He was already nervous before, but now being on campus, he felt even more anxious thinking about the upcoming semester. Once Kyle parked his car, the duo took out their bags and headed for their assigned dorm rooms. Lucky for Kyle, he would be sharing a room with his super-best friend. Just the thought of sharing his space with some random person was unbearable. It’s a known fact that Kyle was a bit of a clean freak. He wanted his area to be clean and organized, and although Stan wasn’t the most hygienic person, Kyle was used to his mess. If possible, he would’ve preferred off-campus housing. Unfortunately, all first-year students needed to live on campus.
After checking in, the two friends headed toward their shared dorm and began dropping off their belongings. The room was small, with two twin beds on each side and a desk in front of each bed. Kyle was grateful for the small window as the natural sunlight helped brighten the place. The dorm looked depressing with its bare walls and empty beds and desks. Unpacking and cleaning aside, Kyle was excited to make the room feel more homey.
“Come on, dude. We still have a lot of shit to unload from the van.” Kyle said, rushing his dark-haired friend. “My bad, Jesus. It’s not my fault you walk too fast. I can’t keep up.” Stan groaned as he followed behind his friend. As the tall boy kept arguing with his friend, he stopped paying much attention to where he was going. Before he knew it, Kyle felt himself crash into something- or someone.
Embarrassed, Kyle began to stutter out an apology. “I-I’m so sorry. I wasn’t watching where I was going, and I- ugh, are you okay?” Kyle managed to stammer out, his face turning slightly pink. He noticed that the girl had fallen to the floor, making him feel guiltier, so he lent a hand out to assist the girl up. The girl took his hand and stood up on her feet. She was significantly shorter than Kyle and had short ashy brown hair.
“Oh, don’t worry about it. I’m fine, plus I wasn’t really looking myself.” The brunette chuckled, reassuring Kyle. Once face to face, Kyle couldn’t help but stare at her. She was pretty, of course, but something about her also felt vaguely familiar. He kept trying to remember if he’d met her somewhere, but there was nothing in his foggy memory. He must’ve been staring for a while because the girl began notably smiling awkwardly.
“Well, I should get going. I still have a lot to unpack. It was nice bumping into you, though! Maybe, I’ll see you around campus?” the girl cheerfully said. “Oh! Yeah, it was nice meeting you too. I’m Kyle, by the way, Kyle Broflovski. And this is Stan Marsh, my friend.” The boy awkwardly said as his friend gave a small wave.
The girl’s smile drops and is quickly replaced with surprise. “Holy shit. Kyle? Stan? Wow. It’s me, Heidi! Heidi Turner from elementary! I didn’t recognize you two. It’s been forever since I’ve seen you both.” the girl practically shouted with amusement. Then everything started to click inside Kyle’s brain.