Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The park near the university institute was wide and a calming sight. It was spacious, evident by the fact that there were multiple people around. It helped that the atmosphere was relatively quiet and shrouded in greens that straightened in the sunlight. It was also one of Cameron’s favourite resting spots. 

Under a tree with branches that stretched long and far, was his favourite bench. Deemed ages ago as the most comfortable, with a lovely shade from the canopy to block out the harsh sunlight. It was tucked in a solitary corner of the park too, away from prying eyes. Most people wouldn’t even notice it.

So it was the perfect spot for Cameron to sit at and do whatever he wanted to do. Such as stressing about missing things, which in all honesty was not how he had intended to start the day.

Cameron mumbled to himself worriedly as he rummaged through his bag for his files. It was only the first semester and he would be damned if he had lost his documents already. After checking and clearing out the contents of his bag for what must be the twentieth time already, Cameron sighed in defeat and slumped in his seat. 

He held his head in his hands for a minute, groaning in annoyance and frustration. It wasn’t usual for him to forget things, but he had had a rough week dealing with the new batch of students to tutor. A rowdy bunch that really tried their hardest to push at his buttons. Cameron adored children but sometimes he wondered if they weren’t just devils in disguise. 

He chuckled softly at his own thoughts but it came out muffled and depressing instead. Maybe a break was needed later. 

Suddenly, Cameron caught a whiff of cinnamon in front of his hidden head. A rustling noise accompanied it. Curious, he looked up only to be met with a brown paper bag hovering near his face.

Holding the top of the bag was a redhead. They gave him a grin once Cameron had moved his attention to them and shook the bag again, the familiar sound of rustling from earlier repeated. It was oddly comforting.

What wasn’t comforting was having a total stranger stare at him with a suspicious bag (that smelled amazing) shoved up in his face. 

“Er, hello..?” Cameron started, a bit unsure. Nevertheless, it was only common courtesy to be polite. Perhaps this strange person needed help?

“Hey,” the redhead replied, the two long braids at the back of their head bounced as they nodded. “May I sit beside you?” 

Now? 

Cameron thought but did not say, instead he nodded, a soft smile gracing his lips. He had nothing against the person but he was also not in the proper mood to hold a conversation exactly. Not when his emotions were still high on negativity. 

Despite that he still made an effort to acknowledge the other nameless person who he really wanted the name of. Maybe then they would be less of a stranger and more of a new acquaintance.

“Would you like this?” The person offered without warning, and Cameron inwardly jolted. He eyed the paper bag that was being held out to him. 

One obvious rule taught to kids since young was to never, ever accept things from strange strangers. And even as an adult, Cameron refused to let go of the rules that were meant to keep people safe . He only wished children would understand that.

“Oh, well I don’t really-” his attempt to reject the offer was interrupted.

“You just looked really upset.” 

“I am,” Cameron said slowly, though his tone showed no irritation. The annoyance he held earlier had faded into a new feeling of puzzlement, wondering where this interaction was going. 

The redhead merely shrugged, unfazed by Cameron’s quiet but blunt agreement. “Ah okay, got it. Well, these usually improve my mood so I figured you could have them.”

Again, the paper bag was being offered. Cameron stared at it awkwardly. It was a nice gesture, he guessed. And whatever was in that bag sure smelled pleasant. 

However, “thanks for the offer, really, uhh..?”

“Frey.”

“Frey,” Cameron echoed, feeling relieved that he now had a name to refer to, “nice. Well, thanks, for this. Really, but I don’t need it. You should keep it.”

Thankfully, Frey graciously accepted the apology. Pulling the paper bag away from Cameron calmly. “Alright then. It’s really not poison, though.”

And then to prove their point, they opened the bag to reveal cinnamon rolls. Four of them, slightly squashed but still a delight for the eyes. Cameron stared at the rolls. And stared. And stared. His mind screeched to a blank.

So this was the source of the warm aroma that prodded at his mind? Now that the bag was open fully, the cinnamon scent was stronger than ever. 

“You sure you wouldn’t want one?” Frey drawled, amused. 

And it was amusing how Cameron seemed to consider going back against his words so quickly. He shook his head anyway. He mustn’t just accept treats from random people. It could be laced with something, or it could be a trap for who knows what. 

Right as those thoughts entered his mind, Cameron cringed mentally. He really should stop listening to that theory podcast with Alyssa.

Was accepting an offer really a bad thing to do? What would Diane do? She’d accept it immediately with no queries. With an open mind and heart, and a beam so wide it outshines the sun. She wouldn’t let doubt get in the way. Maybe that would have led to her downfall, but Diane could never go down. She’s much too spectacular to be. He loves her so much. 

He supposed that accepting the offer wouldn’t be such a terrible mistake. Still, this was not a very good example to children. Goodness he hoped Lyra does not find out about this because she would never stop holding it over his head.

“If the offer still stands, may I have one?” Cameron asked shyly, a tad embarrassed that it took him this long. 

Luckily, Frey was fine as they passed him a cinnamon roll. Cameron winced slightly at the texture of the smushed cinnamon roll being placed so suddenly on his hand. He would have preferred it on a plate or at least on something that wasn’t his bare hands , but he couldn’t be picky.

Taking an experimental bite, Cameron immediately melted as his taste buds embraced the sweet rolls. It was as delicious as it smelled and looked. His face twisted into one of enjoyment and pleasure as he scarfed down the dessert. 

Frey was right. His mood did increase tremendously with the help of the cinnamon roll.

Said person watched Cameron with a glint in their eye. Cameron, for once, did not feel unease at their eyes trained on him. While their company so far had been short, Frey had shifted to a welcoming company rather than an unwanted one. 

After finishing the roll, and thoroughly wiping his hands clean with wipes he brought, Cameron and Frey entered a light conversation. 

“The park here is definitely a nice one. My coworker suggested this place to me for morning walks. She said it was very lovely at dawn.”

“She’s not wrong about that,” Cameron agreed. He himself liked to take a stroll along the park pathways as the sun rose. Oftentimes it would be together with Diane. His heart fluttered at the memories. 

Frey observed him with a peculiar expression. “So do you come here often then?”

A frown. Cameron furrowed his eyebrows as he thought of what to answer. On one hand, it was simply a harmless question. Yet on the other hand, he would be revealing parts of his life and habits to someone he barely knew. Which, again, was an ideal way to have a stalker on one’s back.

Ugh, he was definitely blaming Alyssa for these silly thoughts. 

After a long minute of grappling with his ridiculous but valid dilemma, Cameron thought that it wouldn’t be so harmful to share just a bit of his life. 

Just a bit. A tiny speck. 

“I do. It’s nice to come here a few hours before I have to go for lessons.”

Frey perked up at that, “lessons?”

“I attend university,” Cameron explained, shoulders dropping as tension left his body. He had to stop being so paranoid sometimes. And he needed a break. He still hadn’t had a proper one.

“Interesting,” Frey commented, “I work at a café. My family has owned it for generations.” 

Cameron’s eyes widened in intrigue. “That’s cool.”

Frey smiled, huffing their chest a bit with pride. “It is totally cool! It’s music themed and the food is awesome. You’ve tried one already.”

Looking down at his hands that once held the cinnamon rolls, Cameron laughed. The sound had bubbled out of his throat before he could stop it, but he wasn’t complaining. He didn’t know how, but Frey had gone from confusing strangers to a warm presence in a matter of minutes.

“Yeah,” Cameron said quietly after his laughs had died down, “it’s awesome.”

Then his watch caught his eyes and Cameron sprung to his feet. Body anxious again. He had to go soon and he was no closer to finding his missing documents. In spite of that, he wasn’t feeling as awful as he had at the start of the day. It was a good thing he preferred to go to the park hours before his classes started because at least he wouldn’t be late. 

“I have to go,” Cameron said regrettably. 

“That’s fine! I should probably go too.” Frey clicked their tongue as they checked the time themselves. 

“It was very enjoyable meeting you,” Cameron said genuinely. “I do hope we get to meet each other again.”

Frey paused in their movements to leave, and then their eyes sparkled. “I hope so too. Bye..?”

Cameron gaped before knocking his head with his knuckles, “oh my goodness!” He laughed. “I haven’t told you my name at all yet, have I? How awfully rude of me. It’s Cameron.”

Frey snorted, “nice to meet you officially, Cameron. It’s okay.”

Cameron’s ears were as red as his sneakers were now. He felt too embarrassed to say anything else but quickly waved goodbye as he hurried back to his college institution. 

Though as he rushed out of the park, his mind occupied the same thought.

Frey was a fascinating friend.

“Then Talia mentioned a unique café that sounded really cool and when I asked for the location, it was apparently near our block! Can you believe that? There’s a café right down the neighbourhood we live in and I haven’t given it a try at all!” Alyssa ranted, sharing one of her conversations with a friend she knew. 

Alyssa knew a lot of friends. Cameron’s pretty certain her whole circle of connections would be enough to fill three entire ballrooms.

“That’s a first,” Diane giggled.

“Yeah! And here we thought you’d know about every place that sells coffee.” Solros teased, nudging at Alyssa’s arm, who swatted his hand away.

“Oh hush,” she said, feigning annoyance. “At least I know about it now . And I’m going to rate it!”

“Don’t be too harsh,” Cameron chided with a grin.

He recalled the time a restaurant had ill mannered employees and how Alyssa practically tore the whole place down with one critic. Funny, especially since criticising wasn’t even her main content she posts. She had enough of a following to do just that, though.

Alyssa scoffed, “that restaurant had it coming. The food they served might as well have expired with how disgusting it was. And the people working there were just rude. That establishment simply reflected its terrible workers.” 

Diane sent her best friend a disappointed look, “Alyssa…”

“…I won’t be too harsh.” 

“Of course you won’t,” Solros reassured.

Cameron thought it was a good time to change topics, “so what’s so unique about this café?”

Alyssa immediately snapped to attention as she retold whatever her friend had told her, “it’s really cool apparently! It’s music themed, so the decor is like those cute old vintage music stores. You know, the one where people sold vinyls, record players, cds, and etc?”

“Oh I love vinyls!” Solros spoke up.

“So do I!” Alyssa exclaimed excitedly, “and this café still sells stuff like those! They also have instruments on display and some that you can buy too! And based on just those descriptions, I’m assuming this is the type of café that plays music to vibe to while you drink a cup of coffee.”

“Oooh I love cafés that play music. It can be so romantic! Especially for dates,” Diane sighed and entwined her fingers with Cameron. He squeezed her hand gently in response. 

“Okay lovebirds,” Solros raised an eyebrow at them. Diane stuck her tongue out at him. 

While the two of them broke into a quick bickering banter, Cameron’s mind whirled. Something in Alyssa’s explanation had sparked something up in his mind. A reminder. 

Music themed?

Music themed!

“The café is music themed?” He inquired suddenly. Everyone quietened down to stare at him.

“Yes,” Alyssa confirmed, confused, “did I not just say that? Or have you not been listening?”

Solros seemed to understand it first. “Wait, Cameron, didn’t you mention a couple days ago of that new friend of yours that they worked at a café?” 

Cameron was surprised he even remembered it in the first place, but Solros’s memory was nothing but sharp and precise. 

Realisation dawned on the others. 

“Oh of course! Yes, you’ve told us!” Diane held his hand with both of hers now. Dark brown eyes wide and thrilled.

“Wait, Cam, do you think that the Frey guy you met the other day works at this café?” Alyssa tapped her chin with her finger. 

“It’s possible,” Cameron didn’t mention how the thought of it being true excited him. He’d be able to meet Frey again. And he’d be able to introduce them to his favourite people in the world.

“Well then in that case, we must go!” Diane squealed. She had been particularly amused from Cameron’s tale of the stranger he had met and was determined to befriend them. Cameron could not complain because it was an outcome he wanted to happen as well.

“We were already planning to go,” reminded Alyssa. 

In no longer than 10 minutes, the four of them rounded the corner of a street and saw a café situated snugly between two tall apartment buildings. The café was simply an extension of an apartment building itself, placed on the first level. Though the building was evidently shorter and less intimidating than its surrounding neighbours. 

The four of them slowed their walk as they neared the front doors of the café. Immediately, Cameron was impressed by the stunning designs and decor that patterned the front. This was obviously not what a regular, modern café would have looked like.

It was different and extraordinary and Cameron was sure that if Lyra was here she would have loved it as well. Diane shared the same sentiment. As they entered the café, the aroma of freshly baked goods invaded their nostrils. A glance to his friends showed Diane vibrating with excitement, Solros’s eyes flicking around to look at everything as though there’s no tomorrow, and Alyssa was enamoured by it all. 

Then just as he thought things couldn’t be better, his ears tuned in to a soft melody playing from the speakers located around the café. It wasn’t loud and overbearing but it was clear and noticeable enough to set a relaxed and warm vibe. It helped that most of the songs featured were classics from the 80s, his favourite types. And when the four of them finally found seats, the music had faded into soft background noise that was comforting. 

Observing the café once more, Cameron spotted instruments lined up and hung on a wall, shelves filled with what must be cds, vinyls, records, surrounding it. He liked the fact that the café was sort of split into two. A side for the food and drinks, and the other for music related purchases etc. Of course, the themed decoration of music sat true and connected both sides. Overall it was a really, really awesome place.

“This is amazing,” Alyssa declared, snapping pictures of everything she found photo worthy for her socials. Which was everything . 

“Send me some of those later so I can print them out,” Solros requested as he admired his surroundings.

Diane smiled fondly at her friends as Cameron looked around. He couldn’t find Frey anywhere. As his eyes searched and came up with nothing, Cameron began to worry if perhaps this was the wrong café. Though, how many music themed cafés were there?

Lots. Definitely lots. Who was he kidding, Frey might not even live anywhere near their neighbourhood. 

Just as he was about to decide to forget about the prospect of being able to reunite with his new friend, a head of fiery red caught his vision.

There Frey was, balancing multiple plates and cups on their hands and head, delicately manoeuvring around the tables. Cameron stared at them for a while, shocked to see them again so soon without warning, before his face lit up in a smile.

Solros was the first to notice. He traced back Cameron’s line of vision before seeing Frey himself. Then the dots in his head connected and he excitedly tapped on Alyssa’s shoulder, gaining the girls’ attention.

“Cam, is that it? Is that them?” 

Diane and Alyssa immediately whipped their heads to stare at Frey at that. Their eyes were as big as saucers. 

“Yeah,” Cameron said, pleased, “yeah it is!”

And while his voice was soft and only meant for the ears of his friends, it seemed to pull at Frey as well. They turned and gasped when they noticed Cameron and his group of friends. Quickly, and much to the shock of others, Frey served the remaining dishes in a flurry of movements, not dropping a single thing. 

Finally, they hurried over to Cameron’s table. “Oh wow, I can’t believe this! Cameron, is that you?”

Cameron stood up in response to greet Frey with a well mannered handshake. His friends got up and followed suit. “Yes, yes it is me.”

“Guys this is Frey! Frey, this is Diane, Alyssa, and Sol.” Cameron introduced, gesturing to each of his friends respectively.

“Nice to meet you guys,” Frey nodded, “care for me to take your orders?”

Solros jumped on that. “Oh absolutely!”

They each took a turn to look at the options available and ordered a couple of baked treats and drinks to enjoy together while Frey astonishingly took note of all their orders mentally and rushed back towards the back of the café with a speed unmatched. 

A moment of silence passed between the friends.

“I like them already,” Diane grinned.

“Oh agreed.” 

“Yup they’re cool.” 

Cameron felt extremely content with their reactions, the bubbly and soft feeling in his chest expanding. Everyone’s opinion of Frey and the café also increased in positivity by a large margin after just one bite of the tasteful desserts. 

“This café is definitely one of my favourites now. I am really loving this latte.”

“Of course you are.”

Later on, Frey joined their little table on their invite while they were on their short break. They all chatted with each other for a long while, an introduction to everyone and small talk that didn’t seem so small as time moved forward. Eventually it had to end. This time though, before they left, Cameron made sure they all exchanged numbers with Frey first. 

“It was great meeting you guys. You all were an absolute blast!” Frey exclaimed happily.

“You were too!” 

They gave goodbyes and then it was just the four of them again. On the way back to their apartment complex, Cameron hummed a tune he heard from the café, his friends joining in as well. When they neared their apartment doors at last, Diane turned to face the rest of the group.

“We’re making that café one of our everyday spots now, aren’t we?”

“Yes,” everyone chorused. 

It was always nice to have a new friend

Chapter Text

Threading around the university campus was a familiar thing to Solros by now. It was a fun mindless distraction and the fresh breath of air was great. This time, however, he circles the campus for a reason. Solros fiddled with the camera in his hands, his favourite and trusty one since forever, and spied around for anything particularly exciting.

He had a new project he was being assigned to. It was graded, which was fine. Solros was tasked to make a short documentary on what he found inspiring and unique. The issue was not that he couldn’t do it, the issue was that he couldn’t find the perfect subject for his documentary yet. 

It’s not that there was nothing cool or documentary worthy around. In fact, everywhere Solros looked, he found stories waiting to be told, from the large proud building of the university institute to the small pebbles scattered around the garden. It was not an exaggeration. Solros knew he could find a way to showcase everyone and everything’s stories. 

Problem was that while everything was great, it wasn’t what he wanted. When it came to projects as major as these, he looked for something better. He wanted to test the limits as much as he could. He needed it to be out of this world. Not entirely, but it wouldn’t hurt to try. Most of the time the subject of his works would invoke excitement and the feeling of it being right. He’d feel it thrilling in his bones and his heart would flurry with the knowledge that he had found it. So far, he hadn’t felt it yet. So until he found that something, he was at a loss of what to do.

Solros blinked and found himself back in the hallways of the university. He must have gone through here and back a hundred times already. Twenty five times, to be exact. He had an excellent memory. Passing through the halls with enough experience to know it like the back of his hand, it was only inevitable that he’d notice a difference on the ginormous notice board framed on the large walls. 

He paused in his steps, and swivelled on his feets to look at the new notice pinned to the board. 

LOOKING FOR NEW ROOMMATE, it screamed at him in bold letters. Below the large heading were details on the requirements, rooms, etc. Solros scrunched up his nose at it. The notice reminded him unwillingly about the fact that he was in the process of looking for a new place to live. As grateful as he was for his Aunt Kaya lending him her small studio, he knew it wouldn’t last forever. His aunt was quite particular about only providing him access to her property for a few months. And he was nearly reaching the end of those months.

Of course, there was always the option to simply stay in one of the many, many dormitories of the university, but Solros was not fond of the lack of freedom it would give him. Staying in the institute would only help him so much. And the rooms were a bit too cramped for his liking. It would make him feel trapped and he disliked feeling all cooped up.

So, dormitories were a no. 

Where would he find a place on such short notice, though?

From the corner of his eye, Solros caught someone observing the notice with the same intensity he had. Unconsciously, Solros had decided to watch this other blond guy subtly instead. He mentally noted down his posture, the way he dressed, the way his expression furrowed, and analysed him without realising it.  

The blond looked satisfied at what he was reading and leaned away from the noticeboard. Solros assumed it was the right time to speak.

“You’re looking for a roommate?” He asked.

The guy tilted his head towards him, “actually, yes. I kind of am.”

“Oh! Were you the one who made this, then?” Solros wondered out loud, pointing at the pinned notice with his chin.

The guy laughed, “ha! No, I didn’t make that. I’m not the kind to make, um, bold messages like these.”

Solros snorted. “That’s a good thing then.” As much as he hated to admit it, the design of the notice was quite tacky. He supposed if he squinted his eyes, or if he was someone else, it would look better. Beauty was in the eye of the beholder, after all. Besides, the poster got the message clearly across. It garnered attention, and it fulfilled its purpose, so Solros decided that it wasn’t that terrible at all. He’s sure that if he stared at it longer, it would look awesome. The arrangement was just a bit…startling.

“I’m Solros, but you can call me Sol,” he decided to say when he finally tore his eyes away from the noticeboard. “You?”

“Oh, I’m Cameron,” the guy- Cameron - shook his hand with a small smile that crinkled his eyes just the slightest in a way that was so endearing. 

Solros grinned and wished he could just snap a picture. Which he didn’t, because he would have needed consent. The moment had passed anyway, as Cameron pulled his hand away and his face went back to a thoughtful expression.

He was thinking. “What are you thinking?” Solros blurted but did not feel shame when Cameron flashed him a wary look. Instead of fleeing or backing down, he stood straight with a confident smirk when Cameron sighed.

“Nothing, I was just wondering if-”

He was cut off by a vibration in his pocket, and Solros watched amused as Cameron took out his phone and read through what must be messages. Already, Solros was starting to get a good understanding of Cameron’s personality. The guy was definitely a rational thinker with a soft heart and an air of caution. There were more, but Solros wasn’t in the mood to explore those yet.

Who was he kidding, he loved reading people.

As Solros listed down traits he associated his new company with in his head, Cameron texted a couple of replies back to whoever was texting him. Then, he did something that totally made Solros screech to a halt in his long mental rants.

Cameron had smiled fondly at his phone. 

It was a look Solros was well experienced in seeing, having analysed many movies, photographs, and studies. He knew what a face told when he saw one. And what he saw made him rock on his heels with a knowing beam growing on his face.

“Ooh, you’re so in love,” he voiced and Cameron startled so hard he dropped his phone. It was a lucky thing that he caught it again in time.

“What-” the blond fumbled, “what do you mean? Where did that even come from?!”

Solros shrugged, “I don’t know, I see things.”

His new friend (he could call him that right?) parted his lips in shock.

“Wha-”

“So who is it? Who were you texting?” Solros simply loved a good plot. Especially when it happened right in front of his eyes. Based on what he had just seen, Cameron was lovestruck, and Solros wanted in on the details.

Cameron held his phone protectively to his chest, “I’m texting my friend,” he emphasised. Solros only rolled his eyes. “And she was just asking if I could hang out with her.”

“What, like a date?” 

“No.” Cameron scowled, but it seemed more disappointed than anything. “No, Alyssa’s joining us.”

At Solros’s questioning look, he clarified, “she’s Diane’s best friend and roommate. Diane is who I was texting.”

“Ah,” 

There was a beat of silence before Cameron awkwardly tried to start up a conversation again. “So…are you looking for a roommate?”

“I mean, anything would work I suppose.”

“What do you mean,”

Solros rubbed the back of his head, “I’m sort of looking for a place to stay. Whether it be with a roommate or not is honestly alright with me.”

And at Cameron’s prodding look, Solros explained to him his current situation. Including his distaste for living in the university. Cameron understood that point at least, nodding along and saying that staying at the university would be so uneventful.

That strengthened Solros’s desire to not stay in a dormitory here. Having an uneventful life? Maybe for others, the prospect of living in the institute was a dream but he had to give it a hard no. And so, Solros jumped onto a long rant about cramped spaces and even had Cameron wincing at the idea. From there, they diverted to other topics.

Halfway through talking about his recent graded project assignment, Solros realised he was delaying him in the outing he was supposed to go to with his friends. “Shoot! I’m sorry, didn’t you say you were going out with your friends?”

Cameron stared at him for a second before realisation dawned on his features, “oh, no it’s alright! We’re not going out till late dinner. And I’m free for the rest of the afternoon. So we can chat longer.”

Then like he was reconsidering his words, Cameron ducked his head, “that is, if you want to continue, that is. I’m sure you’re busy with that documentary of yours.”

“No! Are you kidding? I haven’t found my spark yet so it’s not like I can start anyway. Talking to you would be much more productive.”

“Well then, how would you feel for a walk around campus as we do so? The weather is quite pleasant.”

Solros had walked around twenty five times already. People would think he would get bored. 

He wasn’t.

“I’m down for it!”

They must have trailed the paths for hours at a leisure pace as they chatted. Surprisingly, Cameron had a lot of interesting things he had to share. And Solros had plenty. His new friend never complained, listening attentively that made Solros feel at ease more than he ever had. He had friends, sure, but Cameron was different somehow. He couldn’t place a finger on it. He would eventually. He swore on it.

Their conversations were friendly but also helped them know more about each other. Solros now knew that Cameron was a Literature major. He was learning education too, and Solros could already envision him as a teacher. He’d be great at it. In return, he shared more about himself as well. He even showed Cameron some of his works, to which the latter marvelled at.

“This is impressive! You’re certainly skillful.” Cameron commented, and Sol felt like his heart could burst out of his chest with the amount of elation he was feeling the entire day.

“Why thanks,” 

Cameron hummed and checked the time, “okay, now I have to go. Thanks for making the afternoon less boring.”

“No big deal,” Solros said and jabbed his elbow at Cameron’s side. Said guy sputtered but got over it easily.

Solros was very grateful that he encountered a new friend during his many rounds around the campus too. He liked it when life threw at him unexpected surprises. Especially fun ones like his new friend. The two of them exchanged numbers and promised to keep in contact despite their different classes and schedules.

And they definitely kept their promises, because Solros found himself talking more and more with Cameron over the phone and texts. He found himself seeking out for his friend during their free breaks and they had even started noting down each other’s schedules so they could meet. And he had even started adding pictures of them both into his scrapbooks! That was a big deal. Cameron had also started to be at more ease around Solros, everyday being more comfortable to interact and tell him things. 

Solros figured it was because he finally had a friend besides Diane who he could talk to freely without feelings getting in the way. Speaking of Diane, Solros hadn’t had the chance to meet her yet at all. And he barely knew anything about Alyssa. They sounded fun from Cameron’s stories and he wanted to meet them badly.

Cameron did not share the same sentiment. If Solros didn’t know any better, he would have come to the conclusion that Cameron was just being nervous to share his friends. However, Solros did know better, so he decided to corner Cameron and ask him about meeting his friends at last.

“I know you’re trying to stop me from meeting your friends,” Solros mentioned nonchalantly as he and Cameron went down the steps of the long and wide staircase of the right wing of the university institute. 

Cameron's steps slowed down and Solros followed suit. The stairs were relatively empty at this time of day. So they had plenty of privacy. 

“What gave you that conclusion?” Cameron asked hesitantly.

Solros only raised an eyebrow and Cameron chuckled. “Well, I can’t lie to you even if I tried, can’t I?” 

“Definitely not,” Solros tried not to sound too gleeful.

“It’s not that I don’t want you to meet them…I just have some reservations,” 

“Reservations?” Solros asked, incredulous. For what?

“For wha- oh.”

Cameron scratched at his neck nervously, “oh what?”

A playful smile formed on Solros’s face, “you don’t want me to meet your friends, because if I met Diane, you’re worried I’ll tattle your feelings to her.” He pointed an accusing finger to the blond.

Whatever Cameron had expected, it was definitely not that because his face was stunned in a look of astonishment, and a hint of horror? Solros took extreme pleasure in the way his friend’s face took on different stages of expressions before falling into one of complete shock. 

After a few seconds went by, he shook himself out of his thoughts and a strangled noise came out of his throat as he glowered at Solros. The latter could tell there was no hint of actual malice in it, though.

“Okay, first of all, what ? Second of all, she’s my best friend. Nothing more. And thirdly, if you were so adamant on meeting them, I would have let you!”

“Would you?” Solros fired back.

“Yes!” Cameron said, exasperated. Then he started storming down the stairs at a much faster rate. Solros hurried to catch up, since he was at a disadvantage with his shorter legs. How unfortunate.

At this point, Cameron was blabbering about how Solros was being so outrageous and how he was oh so ridiculous. Honestly, Solros was barely upset. He was more amused than anything at this wild reaction. He would count this as development towards a closer friendship.

They were out the front large doors of the university as Cameron exclaimed, “-and so you see, I would have definitely let you meet them-!”

“Meet who?”

Both heads snapped up towards the sound of the voice, and Solros met the eyes of someone new. She had pink hair, bright and loud, like the way she stood and from the confident way she held herself, Solros suspected it was her personality as well. Beside her stood another, hair dark and eyes sharp. Something was familiar about her and Solros knew he had seen her somewhere. She was huffing a laugh at the pink haired girl.

Solros already had a good feeling about them.

“Diane?!” Cameron gaped, and Solros observed the pink haired girl closer as he now realised she matched the description of Cameron’s friend. He also noticed how Cameron had instantly brightened up at the sight of her. He was so obviously pining.

“That’s me,” Diane replied albeit confused.

“Who’s that?” The other person- Alyssa, he guessed -gave him a quick glance and Solros flashed her a wide smile that she thankfully reciprocated. 

Understanding that he couldn’t avoid the matter at hand any longer, Cameron shrugged defeatedly, “he’s Solros. We met a couple weeks ago. He’s my friend.”

“His best friend,” Solros added cheerfully.

Diane’s jaw dropped, “I thought I was your best friend!” She cried jokingly. Cameron’s face turned red and he mumbled something that Solros could barely hear. 

Then he sighed, “it’s fine. What are you guys doing here anyway?”

“Waiting for you obviously. We had plans.” Alyssa tapped her foot.

Solros was trying to think if he should slip away so he wouldn’t intrude when Diane gasped and took his hand in hers. He blinked, not expecting it. Her hands were soft with a warmth that felt like home. 

“You should come with us!”

“Really?” No way, this was turning out to be one of the best days ever. And the mortified look on Cameron’s face was enough entertainment. “What are you doing anyway?”

“We were going to have a movie night at our place.” Alyssa told him casually, like him joining was just a regular Monday. She didn’t seem annoyed that he was intruding on them so he took it as a good sign.

Turning to face Cameron, he gave his friend a pleading look for permission. Said person thankfully nodded and gave him a soft smile. Solros grinned from ear to ear in response. He knew his friend would never have the heart to decline. 

The next thing he knew, he was being dragged along the streets and then he was standing in front of a door. Diane proudly unlocked the door and granted everyone entrance. Immediately, Solros was impressed by how spacious the apartment was. A size like this for people his age would probably cost a fortune. 

“Dang,” Solros whistled, “this place is nice.”

“Thank you!” Diane said. “Though it’s all thanks to Alyssa that we even have these apartments.” She slung an arm over the other, “her family bought them for us so generously when they saw that she needed a place to stay. And her family insisted that Cameron live nearby too!”

“We still pay our own bills through our side jobs and incomes of course,” Alyssa informed, “but my family secured the apartments easily first with all the paperwork and legal transactions etc.”

“Apartments? Plural?”

“I live across the hall,” Cameron added like that would explain everything. 

“No way. I don’t believe it.” He totally did believe it but he had to see it with his own eyes.

Sure enough, Cameron’s apartment was just as spacious as the girls. And he lived alone. It was all tidy and neat but it was so Cameron that Solros loved it regardless. It was lovely. The girls and Cameron certainly had special ways in making their own apartment their homes, because a glance at each apartment was enough for him to feel and see their lives and character entwined in everything.

“Must be nice to live here all alone,” Solros noted.

“Oh, well yes. The quiet sure is peaceful and-”

Alyssa interrupted him, “but you almost always choose to crash at ours instead. I think loneliness is getting to him.”

Cameron bristled, “excuse you, I actually like silence.”

“Still wouldn’t hurt to have company.”

“It’s not like I haven’t been looking.”

“You haven’t found a roommate yet?” Solros spoke up, suddenly feeling very excited. It’s already been a few weeks and he was so, so close to being kicked out on the streets unless he moved to the dormitories, which he refused to do. Apartment huntings had been a very long and hard process with barely any progress too.

If there was any chance that his living situation could be solved quickly, he would take it in a heartbeat.

“No, no one in particular that seems compatible yet,” Cameron admitted. Then his eyes grew wide. “Wait, Solros- you could be my roommate!”

“Wow, just jump straight to moving in together, huh? What’s next? Marriage?” Alyssa goaded and Diane slapped her arm with a light hearted frown.

Cameron did not care about what she had said because he bombarded Solros with a bunch of questions that Solros hastily answered as best as he could. He had no idea how joining in on this trio’s outing led to him being interrogated, but he was not complaining. It was actually quite fun.

When he answered the last question, there was silence. Solros watched, befuddled, as the trio looked at him from head to toe. Then, without warning they cheered and congratulated him. Diane embraced him, Cameron muttered approvals, and Alyssa laughed, the sound causing a bubbly feeling in his chest. And he was still without explanation. 

“Could someone help a guy out here and tell me what just happened?”

“You passed my test. You did well on all my questions! Well, except the fire scenario one, because no you should not throw water onto an electrical fire and do the things you suggested.” He wrinkled his nose. “Despite that, you did really well!”

“What does that mean?” Solros pushed.

A hand squeezed his shoulder and Solros met Diane’s sparkling brown eyes,“It means we approve you to be Cameron’s new roommate, silly. You passed his standards!”

“Oh.” 

Wait.

Oh.

Oh!

He whirled on his heels and threw his arms out happily, “I get to move in?!”

The group nodded.

“With you?!” He pointed at Cameron’s chest. The blond confirmed with a nod.

“I get to move in with my new best friend in an apartment that’s ten times more spacious than a cramped dormitory.” Solros stated, feeling faint. His problems were solved. He knew they would be solved. The world had a way of making good things happen when he least expected it.

“Yes, you do.” Cameron reminded gently. “If you want to, that is.”

A scoff, “like I would reject?!”

“I can’t believe this. This is so exciting!”

“Can we start the move another day, though? I was promised a movie and nachos.” Alyssa interjected.

Solros perked up, “I would like smores and popcorn too!”

Cameron grimaced, “that sounds unhealthy.”

“Too bad, roomie.” The word felt weird on his tongue but Solros could only feel exhilaration of what was yet to come. It felt right. Like the feeling he would usually get for his projects. Speaking of which, now that he had a place to stay, he could focus on it more without the added ‘finding a place to stay so you don’t become homeless or subjected to a claustrophobic dormitory’ stress.

“Alright then,” Cameron surrendered, “at least I have someone to split the bills with this time.”

“Pick a movie, pick a movie, pick a movie.” Alyssa chanted as Diane scrolled through the options on the girls’ quite large tv.

“What about a series instead?”

“Doesn’t that defeat the whole purpose of a movie night.”

“Yeah, but…”

As the girls argued, Solros noticed the screen frozen with a series displayed on it. It looked rather interesting, and he thinks he had seen his parents watch it once.

“What about that show?” He pointed out.

They all glanced at each other. 

“Sure, I guess.”

“It looks interesting.”

“Couldn’t hurt to watch one episode.”

Diane selected the first episode and they watched as the screen blackened before reappearing with a set of characters.

F.R.I.E.N.D.S, the name of the show flashed as the intro rolled in.

Solros had a hunch he’d grow to love it.