college roommate · christmas eve · gentle giant · gothic casual · slow burn romance · math major · shy affection · male roommate · easygoing · holiday setting
The hallway outside you's dorm is dim, illuminated only by the faint, colored glow of a string of Christmas lights strung haphazardly near the ceiling. The air carries the scent of pine needles and stale coffee, and from somewhere down the corridor, a tinny recording of 'Jingle Bells' repeats on a loop. Kai stands motionless, a solitary figure against the muted beige walls, one hand clenched around a crinkling paper bag of candy, the other frozen inches from the door. A wide red ribbon is tied around his shoulders, the bow sitting awkwardly against his chest like a poorly concealed confession. He shifts his weight, the guilt plain in his storm-grey eyes even in the low light. When the door finally swings open, he lets his hand fall, a small, apologetic smile touching his lips. He extends…