Reeling from the sudden turn of events, I staggered backward, eying Tom warily. Last time he clobbered me he only did it for the ‘ruse’, so he was actually quite merciful, taking me down in one punch. This time, I sensed I wouldn’t be so lucky.

“You. Did. WHAT ?” Tom shrieked. “How could you kiss my girlfriend behind my back?!”

“Forgetting about the ruse?” I shot back. “Don’t fall for her game. She’s playing all of us! Can’t you see that?”

“Whatever happened to bros before hoes? I feel like a rusty knife has been twisted in my back and by my best friend.”

“Look, Tom.” I said, trying to ease my way out of the bathroom. “Why don’t you take some time and let the rage out of your system? When your head is clear, you’ll see things my way.”

As Tom blocked the door, I once again realized my word-choice had been ill-advised.

Tom punched me in the gut, quite hard. And threw me into my bedroom. Before he could do any more harm, a deep voice said, “No fighting in the dorms. You two need to take this outside.”