The Gray Effect - Chapter 4: Chapter 4

●SOPHIA HONEY ●
IT'S OFFICIAL. I'm going to kill Theo.
I can practically feel the heat rising from my cheeks as I remember this morning nightmare. I woke up thinking maybe we'd actually start off on a good foot. I mean, I made my mum's favorite tomato and garlic pasta for him last night, thinking it would smooth over some of the tension between us. You know, kill off that urge to strangle each other every second we share the same air.
But of course, the first thing I notice this morning–no thank you text. Not even a "Hey, thanks for dinner,"or "Hey dinner was great."
Nada. I scoff mentally at that, trying to shake off the irritation building in my chest. And don't even get me started on the bathroom situation. Apparently, I'm supposed to share it with him now, which means I'm greeted with a lineup of every skin product.
Yes. You heard me. Guys use skin products and Apparently this one uses more than I do. And don't get me started on the amount of boxes I witnessed. So many boxes, why does he need this many?
My memory burns just thinking about it.
And the cherry on top? He disappeared this morning. Just up and left. Didn’t even have the decency to tell me how to get to my department or school. I don’t know where anything is! And, of course, I don't have a student ID yet, so when I try to leave the building, I get stuck. It's like, could this day get any worse?
Thankfully, the gate man which I remembered because Theo calls him, Mr Nick saw me struggling and took pity on my clueless self. After explaining that I was a freshman who just resumed yesterday, he understood. Finally someone with a heart, he said he'd let me get out just for today.
What a nice man. Theo could learn something from him.
With Mr Nick's direction, I set off for the college, get this-I had to walk. Yeah, walk. Sure, I would have been walking the college without a carefree mind but when I realized Theo was my roommate with a car I thought I would be on it now not freezing with the strong cold.
I'm so lucky I woke up early since I managed to flag down a nearby bus that passed the road and climbed in, praying I wouldn't somehow end up in the wrong part of the city.
It felt... off. Back home, everything was so much simpler, and now here I am, feeling completely out of place. And teh creepy stares I got from these ugly guys on the bus? Don't get me started. They were definitely staring at my ass. Gross. Way to make a first experience even worse.
Then, like a beacon from heaven, I spot it. The huge logo of the school: Northridge University, bold as hell outside the building. Without thinking, I practically scream at the driver to stop. The panic was real, okay? I had no idea what I was doing.
The driver cursed under his breath but, thankfully, opened the door for me to get out. I step onto the sidewalk and immediately regret not bringing my lip balm because, of course, it's freezing and my lips feel like they're turning into sandpaper. At least I had the sense to wear my tight jeans and a big black cardigan with a Pink kitten on it.
It was cute...ish, but now all I cared about was not freezing to death.
I stood there, staring at the massive entrance. It was overwhelming. There were so many people swarming in at the same time, and all I could think was, Just follow them, Sophie. Follow them and you'll be fine.
But fine I was not. The moment I realize I have no idea where the hell I'm supposed to be going, I panic. My brain is screaming, Talk to someone!
I stop the first person I see and they look at me like I've just asked them to solve quantum physics. "Uh, yeah no idea,
Great. Thanks.
My heart was racing at this point, but finally, finally someone decent—probably an angel in disguise—takes pity on me and gives me directions. I'm so grateful I could hug them, but I resist and just thank them like a normal person.
No need to scare them, Sophie, this is not your hometown.
I held the strap of my bag tightly, trying to remember the directions that person had given me. *Please, please let me make it in time.*
"Good for nothing Theo," I muttered under my breath. "He’ll help you, Ryan said. Help my ass—"
I was so lost in my ranting that I didn't even notice someone in front of me until I crashed into them, almost losing my balance. I managed to steady myself, but the person I bumped into stumbled, fumbling to hold onto something in his hand—a camera. Not just any camera, though—wow. The latest model, one I had practically begged Dad to get me, but sadly, it was way out of our budget.
“Oh, I’m so sorry,” I apologized quickly, eyes darting to the camera he clutched in his hand.
He looked up, and, oh. He was fine. Brown hair poked out from under a red cap, and his brown eyes matched perfectly. His clothes were pretty standard—jeans and a casual shirt—but the way he carried himself, with those broad shoulders and toned arms, suggested he definitely worked out.
“It’s okay,” he replied, tucking the camera safely into his bag. His voice was smooth, casual, but his smile was... well, distracting.
“No, it’s not,” I sighed, rubbing the back of my neck. This day was just not going my way.
He chuckled lightly, “Let me guess—freshman, right?”
I nodded, feeling a little sheepish.
“Cool,” he said, smiling a bit wider. “I’m also a freshman.”
“Cool,” I echoed, awkwardly. Come on, say something normal. “I like your camera, it’s the latest edition.”
Did that sound weird? I hope that didn’t sound weird.
“Oh, thanks,” he said, glancing at his watch. “Is your course photography?”
“Oh, yes! I’m just trying to find the class…” I trailed off, hoping he’d offer help.
His face lit up. “Then we’re course mates. I’m Scott Rivers,” he introduced himself, extending his hand.
“Sophia Honey, but you can call me Sophie.” I replied, shaking his hand. His eyebrow raised slightly when he heard my last name.
“Honey, huh?” he grinned, clearly amused.
I laughed, feeling a little more at ease. “You don’t wanna know.”
He nodded, still grinning. “Okay, then. Let’s go.”
We made our way into the building, and my anxiety started to melt away as we walked together. Inside, the photography studio was buzzing with students already seated at large tables. Each table had at least three people, their laptops open and cameras proudly on display, the hum of excitement filling the room.
I took it all in—the sleek workstations, the smell of freshly brewed coffee lingering in the air, the large windows letting in the perfect amount of natural light. It was everything I had hoped for. This was where I was meant to be.
“Hey, Scott!” A girl’s voice interrupted my thoughts. I looked up to see a girl waving at him from across the room. She was seated with two other girls, who also turned to look at us—well, mostly at Scott.
Scott waved back. “Wanna join us?” he asked, already moving in their direction.
I hesitated. Is this really happening? I had barely managed to start a conversation with him, and now I was getting invited to sit with his friends. I could barely contain my relief. For once, something was going right. “If it’s okay with them…” I trailed off, feeling a little shy.
“Of course they will,” Scott said confidently, nodding toward the group. “Let’s go.”
I followed Scott over to the table, stealing a glance at the girls he was joining. Two of them were blonde, like me, and dressed in casual jeans and crop tops. The other had fiery red hair, styled in loose waves, and wore a mini skirt that instantly caught my eye.
"Hey guys," Scott greeted as he grabbed a chair and sat down, his casual demeanor putting me at ease even though I felt out of place. He gestured toward me, grinning. "I made a new friend. Sophie."
I felt my cheeks warm up, but I forced myself to stay composed. Keep it together, I thought, smiling awkwardly.
"Umm, it’s nice meeting you all," I said, trying not to sound too nervous.
"Hi," one of the blondes waved at me. "My name is Blair."
"Hey, Blair," I responded, feeling a bit more comfortable.
"Why don't you sit down?" the other blonde, who was sitting close to Blair, offered. "I'm Alex, by the way."
I was about to sit next to Scott, but before I could even move, The redhead slid into the chair next to him with a casual smirk. Okay then.
"Hey there, I’m Stephanie," the redhead added, giving me a quick once-over before settling back in her seat. She had this air about her—something off, like she was sizing me up. Still, I sat down in her previous chair, trying not to make things awkward.
"Nice to meet you," I said, though my tone came out flat. I couldn’t help it—Stephanie’s vibe was a little weird. She was overly friendly with Scott, leaning into him more than necessary, her body pressed against his. And what was worse? He didn’t seem to mind at all.
Guess they’re a thing, I thought, feeling a slight pang of discomfort, though I wasn’t sure why.
"Oh, where’s Joe?" Scott asked, adjusting his chair as Stephanie cozied up to him even more, practically draping herself over him.
"Probably late, as usual," Alex says, rolling her eyes.
Blair tilted her head and eyed me curiously. "So, where are you from? You don’t really look like you're from around here."
I frowned, trying to figure out what she meant by that. "What do you mean?"
Before Blair could answer, Stephanie leaned in with her signature smirk. "You look... too normal to be here."
What the hell did that even mean?
Before I could snap back at her, Scott cut in, clearly annoyed. "Steph, cut that shit out." He shot me a reassuring smile. "So, Sophie, what made you want to join here?"
I shrugged, deciding to keep it simple. "Nothing special. I just needed to get away from my hometown."
"Oh, so you're a town's girl," Stephanie said, with a sneer that made me want to roll my eyes so hard they might pop out.
"Yeah. Got a problem with that?" I shot back, my voice sharper than I intended. Her smirk faded, and she pressed her lips together, clearly not expecting me to bite back.
"I think Steph's met her match," I heard Alex whisper to Blair, both of them snickering. Stephanie’s glare in their direction could’ve set the whole room on fire.
"Come on, Stephanie, take a joke," Alex said, trying to ease the tension. Then she changed the subject, thankfully. "Oh, by the way, have you guys done the assignment Mrs. Pine sent us in the department group chat?"
Assignment? Already? My heart dropped a little.
They started discussing something about lighting techniques and composition angles for a first-year photography project, and I just sat there nodding, pretending to understand. My mind was racing. I didn’t even know Mrs. Pine was our professor, let alone that we had a group chat.
Great. Day one, and I'm already behind.
I have a whole lot to do.
Scott must have noticed the confusion on my face because he leaned toward me, his voice low and kind. "Don’t worry, I got you. I’ll send you the notes."
"Uh, okay, sure," I said, grabbing my phone. Then, without thinking, I asked, "What's your number?"
Oh, smooth, Sophie, I thought to myself. Sure, he could’ve just sent it via Bluetooth, but part of me kind of enjoyed the fact that I was asking for his number in front of Stephanie. Her eyes practically burned a hole through me as she watched our exchange.
Does she really think she can intimidate me with that glare? Like, hello, we’re in college now. Time to grow up.
Scott nodded, and we quickly exchanged numbers, just in time as the lecturer walked into the class. Everyone scrambled to take their seats.
"See you after class, Sophie," Scott waved, flashing me a grin as he got up. Of course, Stephanie was clinging onto him like her life depended on it, giving me a half-hearted wave goodbye as well.
"I'm serious, one day his hand will fall off with Steph clinging onto him like a monkey," Blair said, rolling her eyes. Her comment made both me and Rose burst into laughter.
"Wanna sit with us or would you rather spend the entire class watching them on the side?" Alex teased, raising a brow. I caught her meaning instantly, and without a second thought, I sat with them. I wasn’t going to torture myself staring at that.
As soon as we settled, the lecturer began, introducing herself. She mentioned that today was the start of a new semester with new students, and we would need to write our names down so she could keep track. It felt normal, like something Ryan had always warned me about, and so far, everything seemed fine.
Blair leaned over, nudging me lightly. "Wanna hang with us after class today? Well, technically, you will since we have two more classes after this, but you get the point."
I smiled, grateful for the offer. "I have nowhere else to go after so yes."
They chuckled softly, trying not to be overheard by the lecturer. I felt a wave of relief wash over me. Okay, Sophie, you’re playing it cool. Today started off rocky, but now it’s going pretty great.
I was finally starting to relax, feeling like maybe this whole thing wouldn’t be so bad after all. Sure, my day had started with a lot of frustration and annoyance, but right now, things were looking up. Even the thought of my so-called roommate—whom I had no intention of thinking about—wasn’t going to ruin this mood.
That is, until I heard a girl in the row behind us whisper loudly, "Did you see how hot Theo looked after he won for our school? I almost wet my pants."
You have got to be fucking with me, universe.
Theo? Maybe it's another Theo, I thought, trying to convince myself I was overreacting.
"Right, Theo Gray can ask me out, this instinct and I'll spread my legs for him," the girl continued, making me scowl.
Gross, please just stop.
"But you have a boyfriend," another girl chimed in, sounding slightly scandalized.
"So, what's the deal? My sister's friend slept with him last Saturday, and she said she saw stars."
Kill me now and throw my corpse away. Nausea churned in my stomach as they kept on talking, their conversation growing more graphic by the second. They shifted to discussing the size of Theo’s... ugh. I pressed my hands against my ears, willing myself not to hear anymore. Please, please stop.
Then it hit me. Theo had sex with someone on Saturday? And picked me on Sunday. That explained the hickey. In fact, screw that. He had the nerve to argue with me about not calling, when he was off doing... that. He couldn’t even keep it in his pants when he knew he would come late but had the audacity to blame me.
That’s it. I’m kicking his balls.
Suddenly, a hand touched my wrist, snapping me out of my murderous thoughts. I looked up to find Blair and Rose staring at me, confused.
"Are you okay?" Rose asked, her brows furrowed. "Don’t tell me this is your first time hearing girls talk about Theo Gray?"
Oh, trust me, it is. "Umm, I guess it is," I managed to say, swallowing hard.
"Oh really?" Blair seemed genuinely shocked. "I’m surprised because that’s, like, all anyone talks about in the dorms. It’s like a national anthem at this point—Theo this, Theo that. Like, seriously, just wait a second." She glanced at the teacher, making sure we weren’t about to get caught, then pulled out her phone. After a few taps, she slid it toward me.
It was Theo. I recognized that face even with half of it hidden behind the mask, and those annoyingly striking blue eyes were unmistakable. His athletic build made sense now; I’d always figured he was into sports, but a hockey player? That, I never would’ve guessed.
"Doesn’t he just scream sex?" Blair fake-gasped, her tone dramatic as Alex burst out laughing. Meanwhile, I stared at the picture, my mind whirling.
How is this my life right now? For no reason, I couldn’t look away from the image of him. As much as I would give nothing more than to hit him with that stick of his. I was lost, suddenly tranced.
Blair had swiped to yet another picture of Theo, this time without his mask. His dirty blond hair was drenched with sweat, strands clinging to his forehead as his hand pushed back the rest. But that wasn’t what made my stomach flip.
His jawline looked almost too perfect in the photo, and his skin was impossibly smooth. It was like I was starstruck, unable to tear my eyes away. His eyes were closed, lips so damn red—probably from the cold—slightly parted as if he’d just caught his breath after something intense, smoke curling from his mouth like he was trying to steady himself.
He looked worn out, probably from the game the girls wouldn’t shut up about. But still... there was something else in his expression. Something that screamed exhaustion in the most sexual way, like he—
Oh no, stop it. Why does he look like he wants to fuck someone?
What the hell did i just say? I shook the thought out of my head, feeling a surge of panic.
Before I could say anything, Blair glanced at me with a smirk. "Don’t cum here, Sophie, we don’t have wipes."
My head snaps toward her, eyes wide. "Huh?"
Blair raises an eyebrow, her expression teasing. "The look on your face was priceless. Don’t worry, everyone has that reaction to Theo at some point."
I could feel my face burning, scrambling for a denial that didn’t sound weak. I wasn’t going to be like everyone else, obsessing over Theo just because he had a good photo. This was just a good angle, and he was sweaty—big deal. Besides, in real life, he wasn’t that hot.
At least, that’s what I told myself. My stupid eyes didn’t get the memo as they flicked back to the screen one last time before Blair tucked her phone away with a dramatic sigh.
“Too bad he’s a senior,” she said, almost wistfully. “We’re just freshmen. Guys like that don’t look our way.”
“Then look for someone else,” I muttered, trying to steer the conversation away from him. There had to be other decent-looking guys here. Theo couldn’t be the only one.
Blair leaned closer, whispering loudly, “I don’t think anyone else has made my insides tingle just from a picture. And he wasn’t even shirtless!”
I rolled my eyes as Alex grinned. “Woah, I guess you’re anti-Theo then?”
“I guess I am,” I shrugged, determined not to fall into whatever weird obsession this campus had over him.
Blair gave me a teasing smile. “Oh, that’s cool and all. Just don’t let the other girls hear you.”
My mind flashed back to yesterday when Theo had said something similar. “When you say ‘girls,’ what exactly—”
Blair didn’t answer, just tapped the shoulder of a girl sitting nearby. “Quick question: Which guy on campus would you fuck without a second thought in mind?”
“Theo Gray,” the girl replied without hesitation, like it was the most obvious answer in the world. “He's on the hockey team and he's super hot.”
Blair just smiled and tapped another girl, repeating the question. The answer came just as fast.
“Theo Gray.”
I wanted to pull my hair out. Why, of all places, did Ryan have to send me here—to a school where Theo was basically the king?
I hadn’t heard a single word of the lecture at this point, but one thing I learned for sure: stay far away from Theo outside of classes or I’d be toast.
Fantastic.