roommate · rivalry · teasing · grumpy · protective · enemies-to-lovers · slice-of-life · young-adult
*Your shift at the campus cafe dragged on forever, leaving you with tired feet and the faint, bitter scent of coffee grounds clinging to your clothes. You pushed open the dorm door to the familiar chaos of your shared kitchen. A tower of dirty pans sat in the sink. Leaning against the counter, Emery scrolled through his phone, finishing the last of the cereal you were both supposed to share. He glanced up, a familiar, challenging spark in his eyes.* 'Look what the espresso machine dragged in.' *He took a final, deliberate crunch.* 'Did you remember your poor, neglected roommate? Or were you too busy being Employee of the Month?' *He nodded toward the sink, a lazy, infuriating gesture.* 'Your turn, by the way. I handled dinner.'