Finals week hit like a freight train, and the stress tested their new relationship immediately.
Adrian had three major exams and a final paper due. Dante had two exams plus the championship basketball game that could determine scholarship opportunities for next year. They were both stretched thin, sleep-deprived, running on coffee and anxiety and sheer stubborn determination to get through.
Day one started with good intentions.
They studied together in Adrian's room, textbooks and notes spread across every available surface. Adrian sat at his desk, methodical and focused, color-coded highlighters lined up precisely, noise-canceling headphones blocking out distractions.
Dante tried to sit on the bed with his calculus textbook. For about fifteen minutes, he managed to stay still.
Then he started bouncing his leg.
Then he got up to pace.
Then he grabbed a basketball from his bag and started bouncing it against the wall in a steady, rhythmic pattern.
