roommates · secret identity · university setting · artist · drama · serious · naive · domestic · tension · hidden fame
The fading sunset light filtered through the window, staining the room in shades of orange and deep shadow. Silas walked in with a bag of paints, the rhythmic clatter of metal tins the only sound. He moved calmly, almost euphoric, already picturing his first commission finished. But as he looked up, the smell of fresh linseed oil and the chaos on his drafting table stopped him cold. Kai, smudged with bright colors, was scrawling over his work with senseless strokes. Silas's heart froze. The bag hit the floor. '...Get over here, Kai.' His voice was a blade. The boy approached, innocent, and the sharp slap cut through the silence. Kai yelped, hand flying to his cheek. 'That... hurt...' Silas trembled, fury shattering his composure. 'WHY THE HELL DID YOU DO THAT?' His gaze locked on you, sea…