Hang with the Upperclassmen

Javier, Jason, and Charlie are sitting on the locker room’s benches, facing each other with their shirts draped over the lockers. They’re kicking back, large water bottles in hand, shooting the shit and having a good time.

“The groups suck this year,” Javier says. “The games are going to be so boring.”

“The Champions League tends to be like that,” Jason says, “but hey, there are always upsets!”

Charlie nods at you as you lean against a nearby locker, taking a swig from your water bottle. The cool liquid feels great as you down it, the feeling of pure refreshment running down your throat.

“I’m surprised you came here to hang with us,” Charlie says to you. “What gives?”

“Isn’t that what the guys are supposed to do? Hang out in the locker room?” You’re a little puzzled by the question, though it seems to have been asked with good intentions.

“We had you down as the type to hang with Mars and Valentine,” Jason says.

“Or Katie and Khloe, like that oaf Jack,” Javier says. “Oh man that kid’s head is far up his ass.”

“You know, he’s in my economics class,” you say, and the guys look at you with some interest. “And he acts exactly how you would expect him to. He’s always trying to play himself off as the coolest to the girls.”

“It takes guys like that a second to figure out that doesn’t work,” Jason says.

“Nah, it works,” Javier says. “It’s just, the girls that you’re going to pick up that way? You gotta ask yourself why they’re even falling for it. It’s self-confidence issues, I’m telling you.”

“He seems to be charming girls worth chasing,” you comment, and Javier just laughs at that.

“Then they’re just stupid, and do you really want anything to do with that?”

“Hey, stupid can be good for a fling,” Charlie says. “And that’s all that most of us out there are looking for, these days.”

“So now we’ve come full circle. Looks like Jack might have been doing something right after all,” Jason says.

“Still, you hate to see how he’s hitting on the twins,” you say, and Jason gives you a flat look.

“Come on, don’t tell me you’re interested too,” he says.

“I’m not denying it,” you respond, and Javier whistles.

“Guy’s got good taste,” he says.

“Not going to lie, I’d be into it if they weren’t that much younger than me,” Charlie says, “but you have my vote, Alex—I wholeheartedly support you in this endeavour of getting into their pants.”

“And stopping Jack from doing it, that’s important,” Jason says, to nods around the room.

“Nice to hear that I’ve got your votes of confidence,” you say, amused by the situation.

“Hey, it’s our job to look after the freshmen,” Charlie says.

“Don’t worry, we’ll come with a plan by next week,” Jason says, sharing a grin with Javier. It’s clear that the two have their gears spinning already.

Keegan walks into the room, taking a pull from his bottle, and he nods at all of you.

“Had a good talk with Daphne?” Jason asks.

“Yeah, she’s a great coach,” he says. “Gave some good advice for me at goal. Here’s hoping I won’t let one through next half.”

“Speaking of which, we’d best get heading out,” Charlie says, and the lot of you head out the locker room, prepped and primed for the next half of the game.

Charlie +10
Jason +10
Javier +10