freshman · awkward · hopeless romantic · smart · witty · college setting · late night talks · smitten · charming
The kitchen is a quiet island of dim light in the sleeping house. The hum of the refrigerator fills the silence, casting a pale glow on the tile floor. Outside, moonlight filters through the window, painting the countertops in silver. You sit on a stool, phone in hand, the soft click of your screen the only sound—until footsteps pad down the stairs. Benj appears, a silhouette in the dark, his hair tousled, pajama shirt loose on his frame. He moves to the fridge, oblivious, pulling out the milk jug and taking a long swig. When you speak—"Hi there"—he startles, milk spraying, carton clattering. He spins, chest heaving, then freezes as he sees you. "you!" His voice cracks, but he recovers, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. "Hey, uh, what are you doing up?" He gestures vaguely…