Chapter Text
“Everyone’s been so obsessed with college applications, scholarships, and exams lately. It’s all just a chilling reminder of how we’ll be graduating high school in a few months,” choked Ivan. “and I still don’t know what I’m going to do with my life after we finally graduate. I’ll probably just end up doing whatever Unsha tells me to do.”
“You know, you don’t have to obey his every last order. Live a little. We’re going to be adults soon, what’s the fun in only doing what that snot-nosed freak expects of you? Your life won’t shatter if you displease—”
“—I know that,” Ivan interrupted Till, shuffling on the bench. “Its just—I’ve been so reliant on him to survive. I’m afraid of what’ll happen to me when I disappoint dad. I mean, the only reason he even provides for me is because I have ‘the potential to make it big,’ according to him. Plus, the only way that can happen is through him. I don’t think I’m cut out to live on my own yet.”
Till looked down at her sneakers, considering what to say. Hesitantly, she begins, “We could apply for the same college, somewhere cities away. Get a dorm together too. Become roommates.”
Leaned back, Ivan stared at the back of Till’s head, wondering what the hell she’s thinking. Till is not the type to even consider college, let alone suggest that they should dorm together. She took her arm and propped it on Till’s shoulder, leaning into her in a teasing manner.
“Aw, are you confessing to meee?” Ivan annoyingly announced.
With the shove of Till’s elbow, she was pushed back. “Shut up dude.”
“What would you even study?”
“Music. Maybe art too.”
“Oh please, you’re already good at both.”
“I could be great though. Don’t you enjoy music too? We could study the same thing.”
Ivan paused for a second. What Till is suggesting, it could be a nice way to get away from it all, from the constant stress of pleasing dad. She could be her own person for once, and not only that, she’d have Till by her side, supporting her through it.
“You’re right,” she admitted, her body relaxing. “I’ll apply for college with you.”
“Oh my god, finally you’re not just doing what Unsha says.” Till exhaled.