Mr Thompson glared at me, I couldn't tell if he was disappointed or angry, or both? His warning was clear, study harder or I would fail my exams. He was right, and a few months later, aged almost 20, I found myself repeating exams, at the local tech.
First impressions count. The tech was located in a picturesque, tree lined campus, with a small lake. It was rumoured, the lake was artificial, designed to limit student protests. It was a favourite spot to relax and check each other out.
Everyone passed by the lake to access class, visit the cafe, workout in the gym, or utilise the sports pitches. John and I spent a lot of time there, sometimes studying, but mostly people watching.
John was my height 6ft 2, his build stronger than mine. He was good looking, with a greyish blue eyes, a strong expression and solid jawline. I envied his 'thickness'. His arms, legs, shoulders, back, packed with more meat than mine.
By every measurement John was attractive, but even had he liked men, he wouldn't have satisfied me. I didn't consider myself gay, I had kissed two girls and hated it, but I had no desire to kiss a boy.
John knew who he was, he sat there on the grass beside me, paying special attention to every second girl who passed by. I was focused on lads physiques, their build, their muscles, their stride. It's a gym bros thing? to compare isn't it?
Tim changed all that. In the distance, I spotted a squarish looking shape. He drew my eye, he was about 5ft 11 and incredibly stocky. I studied his form, as he edged closer, his legs were like nothing I had seen before. How could this lad, my age, have such powerful legs?
His white trainers were right in front of my face. I remember being impressed by the thickness of his ankles. He wasn't wearing socks, his ankles sprouted light brownish coloured hair. His voice was deep: 'Hey John, didn't know you were here?'.
John was surprised to see Tim. They chatted for a few minutes. I was almost afraid to look up. The sun was beaming down anyway. What I did see, we're glimpses, of superb athleticism. Genetics had been generous to Tim, he was the full package, bursting out of his white rugby shorts, rippling and bulging in in all the most desirable places.
Without realizing it, I was intensely attracted to Tim and when he spoke to me, I almost lost my voice. He only said 'hey', when John introduced us but when he did, it offered me an excuse to gaze at him. He was handsome, youthful, rough looking too and had this cocky grin.
It was clear from their conversation that Tim was a star player. John enquired if Tim had tried out for the Tech team, he had, and was picked for the elite squad.
