Work Text:
First day of college was going just great.
More specifically, your first class at science was going great. Because of course it would be with assigned teamwork, under the excuse of getting to know your classmates. You’d get a pair, and judging by this class, you were convinced you were the only one who was actually interested in topics you had signed up for. You already saw yourself doing all the work while your partner would find staring at the table more interesting. It was amazing how people who actually chose to sign up for courses weren’t actually interested in those topics, or anything related to studying at all.
Your professor, Mr. Garrand, was waving his finger around the classroom, picking pairs, and you sat there, looking as his finger was slowly making its way to you. But just before he opened his mouth with your name, the door slammed open and everyone turned to look at the panting boy at the doorway.
“Henderson,” Mr. Garrand sighed. “It’s not giving a good picture to be late for your first class.”
Dustin lifted his hand, desperately trying to steady his breathing. “Sorry! The book I needed wasn’t available so I had to run all the way to the other side of the campus.”
Mr. Garrand’s eyes swept over Dustin’s form once, before he sighed again. “I’ll let you go on a warning, mainly because Mr. Clarke praised you so much.” He gestured towards you. “You can take a seat beside your project partner.”
Dustin’s eyes followed the gesture, and you gave him an awkward wave. He gave you a smile, making his way to you and sitting beside you.
“Hi,” he greeted, and you nodded. “Uh, so, I’m Dustin.”
You stared at him for a moment, before your eyes lit up. “Oh, thank god. I was certain I would get one of these as my partner.”
He frowned. “You know me?”
You nodded, now smiling brightly. “The school newspaper had a small article of you. Apparently you built different radio systems from scraps and captured, uh…”
He broke into a smile himself now. “High-voltage ionospheric reflection.”
“Yeah, that. I’m not as experienced as you, but I’m eager to learn, and without you—”
Mr. Garrand interrupted, “I expect silence and talking only about the project, and both sides doing their part in the assignment.”
You bit your lip, turning your gaze to your professor as he started explaining what the project is about and what will be the desired end result. You already knew these classes would be your favourites.
After the first class, you and Dustin walked out to the courtyard, chatting excitedly about the project and all the equations you’d need to use, your books clutched tightly against your chest as you smiled at him, and suddenly he fell silent.
He swallowed. “Uh, listen. You’re really cool and we seem to get along? So I was wondering if uh, we could grab a coffee later today? If you want.”
You frowned, before trying to hold back a smile. “Is this you preparing to ask me out?”
He flushed. “I mean… if you want it to be a date? I was more thinking that we can also go as friends, but anyway, uh… I’d really like to get to know you better.”
You bit your lip, now grinning. “I’d like to get to know you better too.”