Leaning toward them, he counted off on his fingers. “First, co-students. Now, co-workers. Next, co-friends.” He splayed his hands like he’d just revealed something pivotal and irrefutable. “It’s like the universe is bringing us together to be besties.”
A disbelieving huff of amusement burst from them. “Oh, no. No, no, no. That’s… No.”
For the first time, Dex frowned. “What do you mean?”
“I decline your offer,” they said with a tight, patronizing smile. “Of friendship. Thank you, but no. No, I… No.”
“But you can’t decline,” he said, again sounding so very somber. “’Cause you know the one thing in this world you can’t fight?”
He paused, as if he was genuinely awaiting an answer.
With an exasperated exhale, Cya crossed their arms over their chest. “Destiny?”
“Desti—aw, whatever. I pretty much gave you the answer,” he grumbled with a pout before he shook off his melancholy and said, with far too much enthusiasm, “But, yes! Destiny!”
“For deities’ sake,” they muttered, running a hand through their hair. “I don’t believe in destiny.”
Like a bad drama actor, he reared back with a gasp, large hand flattening on his chest over his white tank top. “Dude, don’t say that! Now fate’s gonna fuck your shit up.”
“I beg your pardon?” they cried. “Fuck my shit up?”
Eyes wide, Dex nodded. “Uh, shyeah! You can’t go spitting in the face of destiny and not expect to get throat-fucked.”
“You’re obscene,” they hissed scathingly, and he held up his hands in surrender.
“Hey, now, don’t shit on the messenger just ’cause you don’t like the message.”
“It’sshootthe messenger,” Cya corrected.
He blew a raspberry and shrugged. “I’m pretty sure it’s shit on.”
“It’s definitely not,” they insisted.
“Whatever. Shitting or shooting, destiny’s coming for your ass, and I can’t wait to see it.”
Burying their face in their hands, they groaned. “Please stop talking to me.”
“No way. When destiny speaks, I listen.” Hands up, Dex slid down in his seat and crossed his feet at the ankles. “Just because you’re willing to piss off the universe, doesn’t mean I am.”
Finally, the professor entered the lecture hall, and Cya heaved a sigh of relief. “Oh thank gods.”
“Good afternoon,” Professor Myls greeted the class, though few returned the sentiment. “As semester exams draw nearer, we will start prepping. I have a practice test for you today.” At the sound of several groans, she narrowed her eyes. “Don’t stress about getting the answers right. Everywrong answer informs you where to focus your time and energy in the coming weeks.”
“Pst,” Dex whispered, but Cya studiously ignored him, gaze focused on the teacher. “Hey, your highness. Pst.”
“For gods’ sake, what?” they whispered back, and he grinned.
“You’re cute when you’re huffy.” Heat flooded their face instantly, but he didn’t give them time to react tothat. “But, like, what’s your name again? I’m usually good with names, but I met so many people that day, so I forgot yours.”
“Mr. Triever, Ms. Vysov,” Professor Myls said, leveling them both with a stern stare. “Can you save your flirting for after class?”
Humiliation roasted Cya’s face as they shook their head. “No, we weren’t—I was listening, but he—”
“No shade or anything, Karyn,” Dex interrupted Cya’s blubbered protests.
“Don’t call me Karyn,” Professor Myls said, but Dex continued as if he hadn’t heard.
“But you can’t call them ‘Miss’. That’s misgendering them ’cause they exist outside the gender binary. Not that I’m canceling you, because I made the same mistake, but we still gotta be open to learn and better ourselves, you know?” Turning to Cya, Dex beamed at them, flashing them a thumbs-up. “I got you, fam.”
