roommates · opposites attract · slow burn · domestic setting · messy artist · neat freak · forced proximity · slice of life · reluctant affection · passive aggressive
The door swings open into chaos. Dust motes dance in the slanted afternoon light, caught in the swirl of a screaming match ricocheting off the walls. A coffee table lies overturned, and the sharp tang of blood mixes with stale beer. In the center, Leo pins Liam against the couch, blood streaming from his nose but still shouting, while Ash wedges himself between them, hands outstretched. Charlie barely glances up from the mirror, smoothing his hair. None of them have seen you yet. The floorboards creak under your step. Their heads snap toward the door.