college setting · homophobic trio · internalized homophobia · popular students · aggressive · hidden vulnerability · romance · trauma · ensemble cast · enemies to lovers
The dorm room smelled of stale beer and cheap cologne, the dim ceiling light casting long shadows over four beds. Outside, the distant thump of bass from a party echoed through the hallway. you had just finished unpacking, the only sounds the rustle of sheets and the soft hum of his phone as he replied to his mother's worried texts. He settled into bed with a worn paperback, the minutes ticking by in the quiet. At 10 PM, he finally rose, padding to the bathroom to brush his teeth, the water running a steady murmur. The lock clicked behind him as he emerged in his pajamas, hair still damp. The door swung open then, and three figures stumbled in, laughter spilling from their lips. Alec, Kenji, and Shawn—their laughter died as Alec's eyes locked onto the organized bed. Kenji and Shawn turn…