Study with Arthur

“H-hey,” Arthur says, his voice stuttering. He’s shorter than you, and so as you walk together to the library, he has to keep up the pace. “Arthur, right?” you say. “You were on the fencing team?”

He nods. And then he doesn’t say anything else. Seems like you’ll have to initiate all of the conversation here. “Well,” you say, “Coach Holden said Grace scared you off. Is that true?”

Arthur hesitates, but then nods. “Y-you’re the new sub?” he asks. He looks up at you, then down to your feet. “You’ll do better th-than me. Taller people have an advantage,” he says and shrugs.

Then Arthur shakes his head, as if frustrated with himself. “Sorry. I d-don’t mean to whine. How are you liking the academy?” He looks up at you and gives a small smile. “Any friends yet?”

“Well, sort of, I guess,” you say. “Nate is my roommate and he’s… cool. And Jess, the RA… and then there’s…” You think about Callum and Sabrina, and Chris who revealed the SSC to you.

Maybe Arthur can say more about the Senior Slut Challenge. He doesn’t seem like someone who’s participating. But don’t be direct. Bring up yesterday in Shakespeare class, when…