I was born on Friday the 13th.
It's always felt like a prank from the universe, but I've secretly believed there might be a strange kind of luck in it.
Sure, things usually don't go as planned, but I got lucky- I found someone I like, who likes me back. Not that anyone knows, of course. Our little secret. When we're together, he's really sweet to me.
That's why I tried to follow him, to get into his university, but I didn't make it. Still, we had summer. Long, lazy days mostly spent holed up in my room. It wasn't much, but it was comforting and peaceful.
And then came today—our first date outside of the confines of my room.
Jogging to meet Jasper, my heart raced as the late summer sun pricked my shoulders.
"Jasper—" I called, then stopped. Too loud. Too desperate.
He was laughing with a group of girls, his smile easy and wide. I stayed back, waiting, until the girls left and his expression shifted. His smile stiffened the moment he saw me.
"You're here," he said with a half-smile slowly fading.
"Sorry I'm late," I mumbled, fumbling for an excuse. "I couldn't find my wallet."
"It's fine."
"Should we grab food? There's this great—"
"No need."
"Oh, not hungry? We could hit the arcade or—"
"I think we should stop seeing each other."
My eyes widened, "What?"
"You heard me."
"Wait… Why? Did I do something wrong?"
He sighed, his gaze sliding off me, he furrowed his brow with his hand. "It's not that. We're going to university soon. Long-distance won't work so let's end it now while it's easy."
"Easy?" My voice cracked. "We could try—"
"Enzo." He looked at me like I was a problem he'd already solved. "You're different, okay? But I told you—I'm not gay. This… was just a summer thing. It's been fun, but it's just a fling."
"Just a fling?" My chest tightened. "You didn't mean any of it?"
"Like I said, it was fun." His shrug was casual. "But it wasn't serious. We'll meet other people. If I started dating someone while still messing around with you, I'd feel guilty."
I swallowed the lump in my throat. "But… what if I don't want to break up?"
He laughed softly, patting my head like I was a kid. "Oh, Enzo. Maybe after university, yeah? If it works out."
And with that, he turned, phone in hand answering a call, walking away.
Looks like my last bit of luck has finally run out.
--
Back in my room, the mess matched my mental state. Clothes were scattered, can of fizzy drinks piled in the corner from nights of gaming. I lay on the bed, staring at the ceiling, replaying his words until they blurred into white noise.
"Lorenzo, wake up! You'll be late!" My mom's voice cut through the air.
Groaning, I dragged myself out of bed. My reflection caught me off guard—gross. Dark circles, unkempt hair, hollow eyes. What a mess.
"Enzo I'm borrowing your bike- Yikes, you look awful," my sister teased, popping her head in.
"Go ahead," I muttered, pushing her head back out.
While strumming through my closet, I found a shirt he left, the scent of him still clinging to it. It made my chest ache.
By the time I trudged out for breakfast, the food barely touched, I was already dreading the day. A fresh start? That's the lie I told myself. Maybe someday, Jasper and I would find our way back to each other.
---
Orientation was a disaster. Everyone seemed to know their place except me. I tried to make friends, but when I teared up after finding one of Jasper's gum wrappers in my bag, most people steered clear. I don't blame them.
Now, sitting in the computer lab, I was logging in to start work on some assignments when the door opened and the professor waltzed in.
"This is Ronan," the professor said, motioning to the tall figure behind him. "He's transferring from another university. Show him the ropes."
Transferring already? The year has only just started.
Enzo's eyes locked on Ronan as he stepped forward, his presence sharp and deliberate. Dark hair and clear grey eyes, head slightly tilted downwards. He offered a curt nod, his voice steady and rich as he said, "Thank you, professor."
There was an accent—soft, melodic, and unfamiliar. Enzo tilted his head, trying to place it. Scottish? No... Irish, maybe?