New Stakes

I barely had time to catch my breath after classes ended before I was whisked to Lyon AI Company. Standing in the hallway, I looked at the company's polished floors and gleaming walls while Mr. Lee, the company driver, tapped his foot impatiently nearby.

Mr. Lyon emerged from his office, exuding his usual calm authority. His sharp eyes scanned me as he spoke.

"Buchi, I trust your first day went smoothly?

"As smooth as it could," I replied, forcing a weak smile.

He nodded encouragingly. "Good. Mr. Lee here will be taking you across to the hostel. I have also made arrangements for someone to check on you daily, that you settle in and are keeping up with the studies."

"Someone… daily?" I echoed, raising my eyebrow.

"Yes," Mr. Lyon replied. "Consider it part of your scholarship conditions. Don't worry, they'll provide me with a detailed report. I expect you to excel."

"Understood," I said, resisting the urge to let a sigh slip.

Mr. Lee cleared his throat. "Shall we, sir?"

Mr. Lyon gestured for him to go ahead, then swung to face me again. "Make good use of this opportunity, Buchi. I'll be expecting great things."

"I won't disappoint you," I said, which came out firm despite the lump in my throat.

---

Mr. Lee was strangely chatty for a man who seemed quite gruff at first sight.

"So, kid," he started, eyeing me through the rearview mirror. "First day of school, huh? Bet it was a circus."

"You have no idea," I said, sinking into the seat of the car.

"Any crazy seniors yet?" he asked with a smirk.

"One," I said, my mind immediately calling up images of Williams. "He's… memorable."

Mr. Lee laughed; it was a deep and hearty sound. "Ah, the joys of being the new guy. You'll survive. Just keep your head down and don't let them push you around too much."

"Thanks for the advice," I muttered.

We drove along in silence for a second before he said, "You know, Mr. Lyon's got high hopes for you. Don't mess it up, yeah?"

"No pressure, right?" I said, raising an eyebrow.

"No pressure whatsoever," he chimed, winking.

There, he helped me shoulder my luggage up the staircase. It was a charming mess: students running along the halls, in and out of rooms; somebody was playing music down the hallway. He stopped in front of one of the numbered doors. "Room 302.".

I pushed it open to find a small but functional space—two twin beds, two desks, and a single wardrobe. One side of the room was already claimed, a pile of clothes spilling from an open suitcase.

"Looks like your roommate's already here," Mr. Lee observed.

"Great," I muttered, wondering what kind of person I'd be stuck with.

"Good luck, kid," Mr. Lee said, clapping me on the shoulder before heading out.

The door creaked open a moment later, and a tall, lanky guy with a mop of messy hair stepped in, a smirk plastered across his face.

"You must be Buchi," he said, dropping onto his bed with a dramatic sigh. "I'm Pia. And before you ask, no, it's not short for anything cool. Just Pia."

"Nice to meet you," I said cautiously.

"Nice? Oh, you're one of those polite types. This is going to be fun," he teased, propping himself up on his elbows. "So, tell me, what's a new guy like you doing in a place like this?"

"Trying to survive, apparently," I said, unpacking my bag.

"Good luck with that," Pia said, laughing. "This school's a jungle, and the seniors are the lions. But hey, stick with me, and I'll show you the ropes."

"Thanks," I said, unsure if he was serious or just messing with me.

Pia grinned. "Oh, we're going to have so much fun. Or you are. I'll be laughing from the sidelines."

Later that night, as I settled into bed, my phone buzzed with a notification.

Frank: "Buchi! Welcome to the freshman group chat! "

Random Name: "Ooooh, fresh meat! Welcome, Buchi! "

Buchi: "Uh, thanks? Hi, everyone."

Pia: "Oh no, he's polite even here. Guys, this one's gonna be a treat. "

Random Girl: "Wait, Buchi's your roommate? Lucky! Is he cute? "

Pia: "Eh, he's alright. Could use a makeover, though."

Frank: "Ignore Pia, he's always like this. Buchi, how was your first day?"

Buchi: "Eventful. Let's leave it that way."

Another Random Name: "Eventful? Spill! Did you meet Williams? ????"

Buchi: "Unfortunately."

Frank: "Uh-oh. What happened?"

Buchi: "Let's just say today was a humility check for me."

Pia: "Translation: Williams ate him alive. Classic."

Random Girl: "Be careful, Buchi. Williams isn't someone you want to mess with."

Buchi: "Noted.

Well, it went downhill from there, with emojis flying around and people arguing over what their best strategies for surviving senior hazing were. Pia continued to throw in sarcastic comments, and I was laughing despite my exhaustion.

I turned my head to look at my phone for what seemed like the hundredth time, turning it off. That is when a sharp knock at the door sounded.

Pia groaned. "Who knocks this late? If it's a prank, I swear…"

I stood up, rubbing my eyes, and went to open the door.

Williams was standing there. His face was impassive.

"You again?" I repeated with incredulity in my voice.

He smiled wryly. "We're not done, Buchi. Tomorrow, 6 a.m., gym. Don't be late."

Before I even had the chance to respond, he did an about-face and started walking away, leaving me standing there with my heart churning out dread and curiosity.

"What was that all about?" Pia asked, looking over my shoulder.

"Sincerely? I have absolutely no idea," I said, shutting the door and leaning against it.

But what was definite-this was going to be one very, very long year.

---

I was home in my dream-smelling jollof rice and fried plantains on a warm Sunday afternoon-when the sharp knock that came through my door tore me back to reality. Groaning, I turned over, determined to shut it out.

"Buchi! Open the door!" Williams' voice came booming from the hallway.

I cracked one eye open and stared at the wall clock. 6:00 a.m. On a Saturday.

The knocking grew louder. "If you don't open this door in three seconds, I'm coming in."

With a groan, I threw myself out of bed and ambled to the door. The moment I opened it, a heavy gym bag hit me square in the chest.

"Good. You're awake," Williams said, stepping back and crossing his arms. Already in full gym gear: black tank top, joggers, and sneakers.

What's this?" I asked, blinking at the bag in my hands.

"Your gym bag. Be ready in five minutes," he said, his tone not allowing for any arguments.

"Wait, gym? What gym? I don't even-"

"Five minutes, Buchi," he repeated, turning to walk away. "Don't make me come back here."

"Are you serious?" I called after him, but he was already halfway down the hallway.

Before I could answer, Pia's head popped out from the door behind me, his hair looking like some bird's nest. "What's going on? Who's yelling at this hour? Oh, it's you," Pia said, squinting at Williams. "Mind your business," Williams snapped. "Touchy, touchy," Pia replied, smirking. "Buchi, you sure you're not being recruited into some sort of cult? He's got that whole scary leader vibe going on." "Pia, not now," I muttered, shaking my head.

Williams pointed at me. "Gym. Five minutes." He simply walked off, leaving me holding the bag and wondering again how I got roped into this nonsense.