Yea, but slowly!

The fair was winding down when you and Jamal finally left the lawn. The booths were half-packed, posters curling in the late-day sun, music fading as speakers are getting unplugged. You still felt a little buzzed from all the noise and the people, you are not used to being around so many people for such a long time. The easy rhythm of the campus starting to feel like something you belonged to.

Jamal stretched his arms over his head as you started down the sidewalk toward the dorms. “Man, that was good. Every year I forget how much energy that fair’s got.”

You laughed softly. “You didn’t even sign up for anything.”

“I didn’t need to. I’m already running half of it.” He laughed and glanced at you, grin crooked. “But you liked it, right? You looked like you were having fun.”

“I did,” you admitted. “Everyone was just… really nice. The BSA table especially. They make it really easy to talk to them even though Im such a new member.”

“That’s the point.” Jamal’s voice warmed. “That’s what community feels like, you know? It’s more than a club, it’s people looking out for each other. You join the BSA, and suddenly you’ve got folks in your corner no matter what.”

You nodded, thinking of Mary’s bright laugh, Taylor and Dior leaning against each other, Ashton’s easy smile. “Yeah, I get it. I mean… it felt good to be there. Like everyone was already connected somehow.”

Jamal’s hands were in his pockets, the sound of his sneakers steady on the pavement. “Exactly. It’s family, but without the pressure. You mess up, you learn, you get better together. That’s why I like helping run things. It’s real and fun.”

He paused, glancing sideways at you. “And hey, a guy like Calvin joining? That’s gonna be interesting, let's see how Ashton handles a white guy like him.”

You looked up, curious. “You think so?”

“Oh yeah,” Jamal said, chuckling. “Ashton doesn’t even realize yet, but that dude was flirting hard. You saw that little note he left? Bet it’s a number.”

You laughed, half-surprised. “Seriously? You caught that?”

“Man, you gotta learn to watch the small stuff.” He nudged your shoulder lightly. “Still, could be good for both of them. Ashton needs somebody to shake him up a bit and that he can lern on, and Calvin’s got the confidence for it. Plus, if we are being honest, he's pretty hot too. I’m excited to see how that plays out.”

Jamal laughs, and the way he shines makes you smile, the evening light turning his skin golden as you walked. “You really care about this, huh?”

Jamal shrugged, his tone easy but sincere. “Yeah. It’s important. BSA isn’t just about meetings and flyers. It’s about people actually learning to care about black folks. I like seeing that happen. You felt it too, didn’t you? The way people there made space for someone like me.”

You hesitated, then nodded. “Yeah… I think I did. It must be nice.”

He gave a small hum of approval. “Told you. You'll fit in good, man, the guys can't even fucking take their eyes off of you.”

You looked over at him. “What?”

“Nothing,” Jamal said quickly, grinning as he kicked at a pebble. “Just saying, you’ve got a good vibe and a body to fit it. People notice.”

You blinked, unsure if he was teasing or complimenting you. “Uh… thanks?”

He chuckled, shoulders shaking. “Don’t worry about it.”

For a moment, neither of you spoke. The quiet between you wasn’t awkward, it was comfortable, stretching out with the sound of the cicadas and the rustle of trees overhead. The campus lights flickered on as you turned down the dorm path.

Jamal finally said, softer this time, “I’m glad you came with me today, Emile. I know I kinda dragged you into half of this stuff, but you really make it better.”

Your stomach fluttered unexpectedly. You looked ahead, pretending you hadn’t heard it right. “Yeah, it was fun,” you said lightly. “I’m glad you showed me around.”

He smiled, just enough to catch in the dim light. “Anytime, man. That’s what I’m here for.”