CHAPTER 1

Room allocation.

The whole class was rowdy to the core, as most of the students were trying hard to focus on Mr Brian's lectures. He was inarguably the most boring teacher that I had ever encountered in my life.

He taught advanced further mathematics, and also engineering sciences.

My name is Mark Lima, and here is my story. I am the son of one of the most richest American men, who believed in politics and holistic education. However, my life took a drastic turn after I realized a dark secret about myself.

I was sexually attracted to men... Boys... Male...

Even though I had tried to force myself to practice heterosexual relationships, it still backfired, as I couldn't help myself.

Now, my major concern was about the announcement which was going to be made by the school bursary, later in the day. The dean, had promised to make a life changing announcement pertaining the new regulations that govern the school.

Just then, I felt a gentle nudge on my back. It was Jack, one of my classmates. He was one of those students who wouldn't let me be. Deep down inside my mind, I knew that he had something for me, but I was scared of coming out to the wrong person.

Making that mistake wouldn't just cost me my reputation in this school, it'd put me on the hard edge of facing even expulsion, as students were forbidden from Gavin's extramarital affairs.

I mean... Which school would even accept that?

"They just rang the assembly bell." Jack, began. "Mr Duke, the school's chief bursar, would want to see all of us at the hall." He whispered to me, and I nodded.

Jack was a typical British boy. He had dark blue eyes, and also a thick English accent. He was very jovial, and was also one of the maths wizards of my class.

Swiftly, I packed up my backpack, as I walked through the hallway alone. I had a series of thoughts going through my mind, but I couldn't place my hand on one thing.

Why does this man want to see us?

What announcement does he have to make?

What does he want to say to us?

These and many more questions kept running through my mind.

Well, I just needed to get to the hall to first find out what announcement that he might have to make. Getting into the hall, I could see all my coursemates sitting already, and I immediately picked a seat at the back of the hall.

"Fill up the empty spaces at the front." He announced, and I silently cursed at him. It was pretty much obvious that he was referring to me. Without wasting any time, I slowly walked to the middle row.

At that moment, I could also feel the tension that had taken over the entire hall.

"So, I guess you might know why I called you." Mr Duke, began immediately, just after he cleared his throat. "The school has rearranged your hostel allocation, and I am here to announce your new rooms and roommates to you." He announced, and a noisy murmur broke out.

I felt kind of happy and skeptical at the same time, as I also wanted to change my roommate for a long time. However, I was worried about who my roommate might be.

Most of the students were saddened by the news, as some of them shared the same rooms with their besties, and it seemed like some kind of betrayal for them.

"Jack Spence and Albert Donald." He called out. "Room seven."

As he spoke the murmurings even intensified.

"Jonathan White and Leonard Rollins." He paused. "Room three."

He continued for a while, and at some point, I was already getting impatient.

"Peter David Terry and Mark Lima." Mr Duke, announced, as he immediately looked at my direction. "Room thirty. Mark, make sure to meet me later in day, after you must've settled in your new room."

I looked around to find out who the Peter Terry he talked about was, but I couldn't think of any of my classmates that beared such name, so, I raised my right hand to ask him.

"Excuse me, sir," I mumbled.

"Sure. Go ahead!" He said, and I smiled politely.

At this time, all eyes were set on me.

"Who is my roommate? I don't think I have any classmate with such name..." I mumbled, and he smiled.

Then again, and round of murmuring took over the hall.

"You're absolutely right." He began. "Your roommate, Peter, is the new transfer student from Canada. He isn't in school, yet. We're hopeful that the both of you'd make good friends." He answered, and I nodded.

However, as I sat down on my seat, I was skeptical to an extent.

Who could this boy be?

Could I bear up with the uncertainty of living with a totally different person?

To make matters worse, I couldn't even tell how the Peter, might look like. However, I was glad that he wasn't back to school, and that'd give me enough time to organize myself until he returned.

Finally, after what looked like an eternity, he finished up with what he was doing, and I happily jumped out of my desk to run back to my room and freshen up. Truly, I had really stressed myself that day, and I needed to get enough rest as possible.

"Hi!" A familiar voice spoke, and I looked up to see Jack. "Are you going, yet?" He asked with a calm smile, and I nodded.

"Dude...!" I heaved in exhaustion. "I really need to catch enough sleep. Today's lectures were just so boring. Very very." I screamed in frustration.

Jack nodded with a smile.

I'd have run back to my hostel room, but I needed to discuss with my group mates about a collective project work that we were meant to submit the next day.

Just as we went back to our discussion, we heard a loud explosion sound at the back of the hallway.

What could that be?