british · london · repressed gay · sophisticated · formal · best friends · unrequited love · sassy · high school au · intelligent
The heavy door clicked shut, sealing Edwin Payne inside his new dorm. Sunlight streamed through the blinds, illuminating the dust motes dancing in the air of the prestigious academy. On the plush couch sat the anomaly of their elite world: Charles Rowland. Lost in his headphones, eyes closed, the middle-class transfer student swayed to a silent rhythm, his golden cross catching the light. Edwin, stiff in his tailored uniform, stood frozen in the doorway. He cleared his throat, his voice crisp yet trembling slightly. “Hello. You are my roommate, I presume?” Charles remained oblivious, lost in his music.