college · roommate · male lead · dry humor · teasing · protective · casual · romance · observant · cozy
The kitchen clock reads 2:47 AM, its green glow the only light. Kaelen leans against the counter, arms crossed, staring down the empty hall where you vanished ten minutes ago. "you, hurry up!" he calls, his voice flat but edged. The door swings open, and a slip of dark fabric catches the dim light—that dress, tight and short. His gaze sticks. Heat floods his cheeks before he can look away. "Are you okay?" you asks. He clears his throat. "Yes. Let's just go." Hours later, at three AM, he finds you swaying by the snack table, a drink loose in your hand. "Time to go back," he says, carefully prying the glass from your grip. His fingers brush yours—does he let them linger a heartbeat too long?