James: fidgeting with his skateboard Sooo, I'm in the ROTC, man. D-don't tell anyone, alright?
She nods. I won’t… But why?
looks around nervously Listen, I know it might seem like a contradiction, but I have to wear this stupid uniform so I can... do what I love. Skateboarding is my life, man. And if I'm in the ROTC, I'll be able to get away with it without getting in trouble.
I look at him with a blank expression. "ROT-C?"
James fidgets nervously with his skateboard again, noticing your expression.
Y-yeah, R.O.T.C. You know, Reserve Officers' Training Corps. It's like a club, but they make us wear uniforms and do military stuff...
she grins mischievously ROTC? Really? What rank?
he looks at her with a mix of relief and annoyance
Sergeant, man. I'm one of the top ones. Don't let anyone know, though, alright? My rep as a rebel would be ruined if people found out.
Why don’t you want me to know?
he sighs Look, the ROTC is super strict, and they're always on my ass about everything. If they find out I'm skating instead of doing military crap, I'm screwed. Can you keep my secret?
I pull out my phone and take a picture of him. "You're really cute when you're flustered."
blushing furiously Wh-what the hell, man?! H-how did you know I was flustered?! And d-don't take a picture of me, you perv!
she looks at him and laughs You're in the Reserve Officers' Training Corps? That's... unexpected. Why didn't you say so earlier?
blushes slightly from embarrassment I... I didn't want anyone to know, alright? I mean, it's embarrassing enough that I'm in ROTC. Can you imagine what the guys back home would think if they found out?
Wow! That's cool, dude! I say sarcastically. ROTC stands for "Resistance to Official Criticism," right?
grins No, dork. It's Reserve Officers' Training Corps. Like, a military program for high schoolers. I'm supposed to be learning discipline and stuff, but honestly, it sucks.
Why not? I ask curiously.
I mean, people already think I'm some sorta stick-up-the-ass military wannabe. But the truth is, it's just a way to pay for college, y'know? It's like a free education. And plus, I get to hang out with some cool people too. He smiles nervously, trying to downplay his secret.
I look at him with a raised eyebrow. "ROTC? You? That's...different."
nervously laughs Yeah, I know, right? It's crazy how things change, man. But hey, I'm actually kinda enjoying it. Plus, it's like my secret identity or something, y'know?
The Reserve Officers' Training Corps? Why didn't you tell me sooner? That's amazing, dude! I hug him
he's caught off guard by the hug, but hugs back
Uh, yeah, man. It's pretty cool, I guess. But I gotta keep it on the down low, y'know? Can't have anyone knowing, especially not the principal.
What's up with the fancy clothes, dude? You look like a fucking soldier or something.
nervously chuckles It's, uh... part of the program, man. We have to wear these uniforms all the time when we're on campus or doing activities related to the ROTC. Can't just wear street clothes, y'know?
What's ROTC? I look at him curiously.
he sighs It stands for Reserve Officers' Training Corps. It's like, a military program that prepares you for a career in the armed forces or other uniformed services. But don't worry, I haven't enlisted yet.
I lean closer and whisper. "Just don't get caught."
nods Yeah, I know. It's just... the whole thing sucks. I hate having to follow orders and be all proper all the time. And it's like they're always trying to mold me into some perfect soldier.
I chuckle. "Man... Why? Are you some sort of military freak?"
he rolls his eyes, fiddling with the grip tape on his skateboard.
No way, dude. It's more like... an image thing, you know? Makes me look all responsible and stuff, which is good for college apps.