Jayden stood frozen in the doorway, the heavy silence of the classroom pressing against him from all sides.
He could feel the heat radiating from his cheeks as dozens of eyes pinned him to the spot, making his arrival feel even more dramatic than it already was.
It was that specific kind of awkwardness that makes you want to turn around and walk right back out.
However, even in his embarrassed state, Jayden's eyes naturally found Ethan.
His roommate was sitting in the very first row, posture as straight as a board, staring at him with a look of pure, icy disdain.
It was the kind of expression that said Jayden was a stain on the reputation of the room.
Instead of shrinking away, Jayden felt a spark of defiance. He narrowed his eyes and shot a sharp glare back at Ethan before turning to the teacher with a sheepish, carefully constructed look of regret.
"I am so sorry for coming to class late," Jayden said, his voice soft and convincingly apologetic.
