Chapter 2: Why God?

Ethan’s POV:

“Are you alright?”

A kind, soft voice from behind summoned me as I turned back to notice the person who had called me. That guy was also a tall, handsome young man, but a little shorter than me in height. Wearing specs and looking a bit nerdy, he seemed like a studious polite student, but I wondered if all the guys on this campus were blessed with handsome faces.

“Well, I happened to meet an arrogant jerk on my first day here. So, I am a little perplexed right now. I wonder if the other people here are at least a bit friendly…”  Gulping my saliva, I answered him in a low, irked tone while glancing at the way that jerk just left. 

“Well, everyone who runs into Zeus for the first time has the same experience more or less. He’s just the opposite trait of yours.” That guy chuckled a bit while responding to me, walking closer. 

“Zeus?” I quickly caught his point, frowning my brows as I questioned, “Did you see me bumping into that jerk? Are you talking about him?”

His smile widened a bit with my curious question, before he responded, “Yes, I am talking about that arrogant jerk you have just mentioned. His name is Zeus Blackwell, and he’s in the senior year of this Literature department.” 

“That rude punk belongs from this department? Fuck…and here I hoped I wouldn’t run into him ever again…” 

I was certainly displeased by his information, while I expressed my utter vexation towards that strange guy. I continued to grunt, “Zeus Blackwell? Hah, sounds like he belongs to a family of criminals or thugs given his rotten attitude…” 

“But, despite his rotten attitude, he’s surrounded by his admirers and fans who are crazy for him. He even has a fandom here by the girls from the other departments.” That guy was talking to me amicably and each of his revelations startled me more than the other one. 

“Let me tell you, not only the heartthrob of maidens but our lady professors also tend to keep falling for his dark charm. Rich, cold, mysterious, great in studies as well as divinely handsome, Zeus is also known as the ‘Dark Prince’ of Bordwell.” 

‘Dark Prince my ass…even hearing about that prick is pissing me off! That punk even has a fandom of girls here? Maybe the girls here aren’t as sane as I had expected them to be…’ 

While I was busy grumbling in my mind, I felt that guy coughed a bit aloud, as if he wanted to gain my attention towards his little blabbering. 

“Well, but judging your expression, you look certainly displeased to keep hearing about him…” When I lifted my gaze on him, that guy curved his ash-brown eyes which had a mystic tint in them. 

“Well, I want you to ask something,” I couldn’t stop myself from getting curious as I inquired in a curt voice, “Are you one of his admirers too? How do you know about all these? Are you in the senior year too? Or...perhaps his batchmate?”

“Oh, sorry, I should’ve introduced myself first.” The guy tossed a gentle smile at me while stretching out his hand for a formal handshake. “I am also a freshman, just like you. Myself, Hermes, nice to meet you. Are you the scholarship student of this year?” 

I was a bit taken aback by his accurate guess, while I extended my arm to respond to his greeting. “Um, yes, I qualified for the exam and was selected as the scholarship student. I am Ethan Marley, nice to meet you too, Hermes.” 

“Well, that’s great to know, Ethan. Thankfully, I didn’t have to take any of such exams because my father is the Chief Trustee of this University. So, yes, I got an easy admission.” 

Suddenly, the subtle smile I had on my face faded after hearing his response Once again, I was pathetically made to realize how unfair the world has been always towards those who lacked money and power, like me. But the rich brats like him who were born in an influential household perhaps never needed to worry about anything in the world apart from playing and lazing around their whole lives. 

I felt a tinge of jealousy inside my chest but I forged a smile intact, while I parted my arm away from him. “Well, then Hermes, shouldn’t we head to the class now? It’s almost time now.” 

“Oh, but I am not feeling it right now to attend the class. But anyways, I have something to give you.” 

Hermes shrugged before he grabbed a flyer from the trouser pocket and tucked it in my hand before he spoke, “This is the invitation pass for the Fresher’s Party our seniors have organized today. I don’t know if you’re familiar with such parties, but make sure to show up today in the evening, Ethan. You’ll be done with your classes by then too.” 

I took a cautious glance at the colorful pamphlet he tucked in my hand, which seemed like a free pass particularly for a restaurant. 

However, when I saw the name of the Italian restaurant mentioned on it, ‘Mio Amore’ where the fresher’s welcome party was said to be organized, I winced a bit hard from shock. 

That said restaurant was world-renowned for serving the most expensive cuisines and drinks, which only the high class elites could afford. And just the thought of going there alone somehow made me feel nervous, as I was not accustomed to this world of riches around me. 

“Are you sure I can attend this party too? And…will you go there too, Hermes?” I resorted to asking for his companionship, as my tone sounded a bit baffled. 

“Of course you should be there, in fact the seniors will be glad to have you on board, Ethan.” Hermes patted on my shoulder again, trying to sound more cordial to make me feel comfortable. “And yes, I will go there too because its mandatory for every freshman to attend the party.” 

Even though I had expected him to behave like a boastful rich brat, surprisingly he was very amicable with me. Gradually I felt a little comfortable as I answered with a subtle smile, “Alright, then I will see you at the party, Hermes.” 

“Okay, I will meet you there around 6 pm, so don’t be late for the party. And, welcome to Bordwell campus, enjoy your first class here.” As if he was pleased at my response, Hermes waved his arm at me before he walked away at the opposite direction from the building. 

I don’t know but I felt as if I could see a mysterious tint in his brown eyes all the time he was talking to me. 

But…the next moment I felt, maybe, running into that rude jerk first before anyone else must have turned me skeptical towards everyone’s intention here. 

Maybe, if Hermes is actually a nice guy, I can try and see if we can get along as friends.

……………

With that thought, I checked the scheduled class timings and assigned hall mentioned in the chart which we had received in our phone right after the enrollment was finished. Following the guide, I reached the 3rd floor and ended up to a giant classroom, which was far bigger than I had ever expected. Probably it was the largest classroom I had seen in my whole life!

There were uncountable rows with desks assigned for the students and most of them were freshmen like me. Each desk was allotted for two students, but when I reached the classroom, I felt a little disappointed to see almost all the seats were already taken by the students. 

Except for one desk, where one student was gallantly sitting there. And the person was no one other than that particular guy I never wanted to face again… Zeus Blackwell. 

Why God? Why is it him again? Why are you making my life so difficult since my first day here?