Classroom conversations

Sitting in the lecture halls early was always a nice way to focus. They had a still calmness to them, and the studiousness of the environment made it easy for me to concentrate. I sat there for some time getting the prepwork done for class; making sure I had all the reading material, summer work, notes, syllabus, and other relevant forms. With everything in order, I decided some last second overviews of the reading would kill time productively.

I settled in and cracked open the thick textbook. I felt like I was prepared for whatever the day was going to throw at me.

People slowly filed in, some faces known and some not. It was surprising to see all the new faces given the level of the class, but I was hardly social enough to be familiar with everyone in my department in the first place. I continued reading a little longer, until eventually I was interrupted by Jun patting my back as he fell into the adjacent seat.

Jun: Ay dude, haven’t seen ya in a hot minute.

I jerked at the sudden touch. He had come from the other end of the room and scooted through the whole far end of the bench. He must’ve decided to sneak up on me when he saw how concentrated I was.

Jun: Ahaha, sorry to startle you man. I forgot how jumpy you can be sometimes.

…Or not, I forget he’s not as calculating as Lucy. I made a disgruntled face at him, but it melted away as soon as it came. His relaxed energy and calm cadence were seldom unwelcome. Not to mention he was right, it really had been a while since we’ve seen each other. A minor scare was a small price to pay. I put the book down and turned his way.

Emery: Hey man, missed you too.

I grabbed Jun’s bag for him as he took off his sweater and got himself situated.

Jun: What’s good?

Emery: Life’s good. Bummed that we have to get back into the grind, but I’m glad I’m not sitting around the house being antsy anymore.

Jun stretched himself on the back of the bench, then rested against the desk.

Emery: Not gonna get out any of your paperwork?

Jun shot me a sideways smirk.

Jun: Who do ya think you’re talkin’ to here?

I gave Jun a bit of a theatrical bow and put on an affected accent.

Emery: I’m very sorry sir, I have been most impetuous.

Jun: You’re damn right.

He let out a slow laugh and leaned further into the desk, then turned his head so we could each see the other despite the angle. I leaned my elbow against the desk and faced him.

Emery: You do you Jun, I’m just saying.

Jun: I appreciate the input, as usual, Mr. Model Student. You know I manage fine without the notes.

Emery: Yeah, you lucky bastard. If I were you I wouldn’t have to study nearly as hard.

He shrugged in his typical blase fashion.

Jun: Well if I were you, I’d be in the top of the grade and have a kick-ass girlfriend. We can’t have it all my boy.

Emery: I guess when you put it that way, there’s no way I’d trade hahaha.

Jun: Damn, some ice cold shit.

He languidly threw his head back into a dramatic sigh and clutched his heart as if he’d been stabbed.

Emery: Eh you’ll manage. You’ve got a lot going for you in your own right.

Jun: No kidding? I feel ten times better now bro.

Emery: Screw you too.

The two of us chuckled and relaxed for a moment. It was nice to be able to unwind a bit before class. Jun was always good for that.

As the students came in greater numbers, my thoughts from earlier this morning popped back to the forefront of my mind.

Emery: Oh yeah, I meant to ask you something.

Jun: Shoot, daddio.

Emery: You live in the dorms right? It seems like there are a lot more people than usual on campus. Nia and I came in early and it was still fairly busy. Was there a change of some kind?

Jun let out a groan and slinked his head back, letting his mouth fall open as he went.

Emery: That bad, huh?

Jun: Yeah they changed some stuff last minute and made things complicated for everyone who'd been staying in the dorms a while.

He rolled his shoulders as if just recounting this was making him tired.

Jun: Guess a lot of the new blood’s families wanted their kids to get the full college experience and they were pissed that so many people were paying extra to take up entire dorm rooms themselves. A lot of people have to share now, moi included. I heard some people even had to relocate.

Emery: Well while that sucks, I can’t say I’m too shocked. With the reputation it has, it’s a kind of wonder the institution hasn’t had something like this come up already.

Jun: Heh, maybe the amount of money being offered finally outweighed the money they’ve been making?

Emery: I’d be surprised if finances didn’t play a part. They might get subsidies, but it is still a private school tied up in a lot of businesses. This isn’t really my field though so…

I shrugged.

Emery: Honestly, it just makes me glad I don’t live in the dorms. I bet they downgraded scholarship students first.

Jun: Yeah prolly. Didn’t fuck em over too bad I hope…On the bright side my roomie is pree chill, so I’m aight with things for now.

Emery: Well that’s good to hear.

Our chit chat died out as the professor came into the room. Seems like it was finally time to get the ball rolling.