1. FIRST SEMESTER IN FOXBURY

The Foxbury Institute welcomed us with winter weather, even though spring officially began. Bastian have just moved into the Briny Tower dorm.

Roommate: You must be Sebastian. I’m Lincoln. Lincoln Shackleton. You can call me Link.

Bastian: Nice to meet you. My friends call me Bas.

Link: So, Bas, I’ve heard you’re a smart guy. You’d have to be, getting into Foxbury—and at such a young age, too. So I’m sure you’ll understand the golden rule of our cohabitation: I don’t bother you, you don’t bother me. That way, everyone’s happier.

Link wasn’t the most positive Sim. And he really didn’t like having a roommate who was still practically a kid. This was his 3rd term. He was a star on the soccer team and hoped his well-earned reputation would let him cut loose this year. A baby-faced roommate was not part of the plan.

But Bastian didn’t mind the arrangement at all. In fact, he was glad his new roommate wouldn’t be a distraction from studying. After a painful breakup with Laura, he’s decided that relationships and romantic feelings were just roadblocks on the path to real success.

That’s why he didn’t plan to waste any time on pointless socializing and devoted himself entirely to his studies from the very start of the term. He was completely absorbed by various branches of physics.

The only entertainment he allowed himself was his beloved computer games. But even that had a practical goal. To maintain full scholarship, Bastian had to join the E-Sports Competitor training team. So he needed to practice before the E-Sports Tournament, which took place every weekend.

Campus life suited him. He felt like a fish in water attending physics lectures and robotics lab sessions. He stocked up on everything a diligent student might need. He went to guest lectures in engineering and dutifully completed all his assignments.

Eventually, he stopped feeling so awful about the breakup with Laura. In fact, he felt happy being single. He was no longer tied down, and if he wanted to, he could flirt guilt-free with fellow students.

Still, from time to time, he just felt plain lonely. He always had lots of friends around. Maybe deciding to avoid social relationships wasn’t such a great idea after all… Too bad none of his friends started college yet. He couldn’t exactly count on his roommate for company.

Spring finally arrived in full force at Foxbury. And with the good weather came final exams. Even though Bastian studied hard and reviewed thoroughly before the exams, he still decided to make an offering to plead for academic success. Just in case.

He didn't need to worry! Of course, he passed with flying colors.

That same day, his mom called.

Maja: Sweetheart, how’s university? When are you coming home?

Bastian: Hey Mom, everything’s good—I passed! We’re seeing each other tomorrow at Grandma’s, right?

Maja: Yes, yes, I just wanted to check if you remembered!

Bastian: Come on, like I’d forget my own birthday!

Finally, the long-awaited day arrived—Bastian’s birthday, which happened to fall on Spring Holiday. The birthday boy couldn’t wait.

The birthday party was held in Windenburg. Filip wasn’t thrilled about being today’s grill master.

Eventually, the guests gathered and Filip finished grilling. This time, it was a small, family-only gathering, because of Jace—he could now control his fury, but not his transformations, and was currently stuck in his werewolf form. Enough that the closest family had to adjust to the situation.

Happy Birthday, Bastian! May all your wishes come true!

Bas was randomly gifted the Socially Awkward trait… Not ideal for exploring the Lovestruck expansion pack. But maybe that’ll make things more interesting. :P

Bas: Why didn’t you tell me about the werewolf thing? You know I’ve read every book about Peter Barker. Fantasy is my thing—I could’ve helped you!

Jace: You know, son, being werewolf is a bit more complicated than in the books. At first, I couldn’t control the fury at all.

Jace: I was scared even thinking that I might hurt you in a moment of rage. Volkov helped me learn the basics and brought me into the pack. But you see, I’m still having problems. I’ve calmed the fury, but now I can’t transform back. I just hope I’m not stuck like this...

Bas: I’ll try to find something out, I’m sure I can dig up something. In books or on Simternet. But hey, it’s kind of awesome having a werewolf dad! You have to tell me everything.

Filip: I’m sorry you didn’t win that fashion program.

Maja: And I’m not, Dad. I’ve thought it over. I got quite a fame, and honestly, nothing’s stopping me from launching my own brand already—but I’d like to work under someone experienced for a little while.

Maja: Izzy Fabulous offered me a stylist job at his company. It’ll be perfect experience. I’ll learn the business inside and out—not just through Simstagram. Then I’ll launch my own brand. Perfect plan!

Bas, Mary and Barb headed over to the nearby ruins.

Mary: How’s uni going?

Barb: Do you even take breaks for parties, or are you just glued to your books all the time?

Mary: Ignore her. I’m super jealous. I want to go to Foxbury too, but I have to wait a little longer.

Bas: Maybe we’ll meet on campus next term! That would be awesome! We’ve got an unbeatable E-Sports team. And there’s the Bot Savants! I haven’t joined yet, but maybe in my second term I will.

Barb: Knew it. All you do is studying and geeking.

Bas: Hey, have you talked to Laura lately?

Mary: Laura kind of disconnected. She says she’s just prepping for her university entrance exams and doesn’t have time—but I think it’s more because of your breakup. What happened between you two? Neither of you wants to talk about it...