Chapter 1: Introduction
The first time I saw him, he was sprawled out on the faded brown couch in our dorm room, a book in one hand and a bag of chips in the other. His long blond hair was pulled back into a messy ponytail, and his blue eyes were hidden behind a pair of thick-rimmed glasses. He was wearing a vintage band t-shirt that hung loosely on his muscular frame, and I couldn't help but notice the way his jeans hugged his thighs.
I was struck by the sense of déjà vu, like I had seen him before, though I knew I hadn't. He looked up as I entered the room, and his eyes met mine.
I felt a jolt of electricity, like a spark had ignited between us. "Hey," he said, his voice a low rumble that seemed to vibrate through me. "You must be my new roommate. I'm Ethan."
I dropped my duffel bag to the floor and extended my hand. "Ryan," I said, and as we shook hands, I felt a surge of heat. His grip was firm, his touch rough and calloused. I wondered what else about him was rough and calloused.
"Nice to meet you," he said, his eyes flicking over me briefly before settling on my feet.
I looked down and saw that I was still wearing the white socks and sneakers I had put on that morning. "White socks and shoes, huh? That's a bold choice."
I shrugged, pleased that he'd noticed. "They're comfortable."
He grinned, and I swear, it was like the sun had come out. "Yeah, they are." He took another bite of his chips, crunching loudly before washing it down with a swig of soda from a can on the coffee table. "So, what's your story, Ryan?"
I sat down on the edge of my bed, which was still covered in the plastic wrapping from the mattress store.
"Not much to tell, really. I'm a sophomore, majoring in business. You?"
Ethan leaned forward, his elbows resting on his knees. "Same year, same major. Guess we'll be seeing a lot of each other then."
I nodded. "Looks that way." I glanced around the room, taking in the posters on the wall, the stack of textbooks on the desk. "You've been here a while?"
"Since last year. This is my first time with a roommate, though." He paused, his gaze lingering on me for a moment before he looked away.
"Lived alone before. It was... different."
I raised an eyebrow. "Different how?"
He shrugged. "Just... quiet. Lonely, sometimes."
I couldn't help but smile. "Well, I'm here now. You won't be lonely anymore."
He looked back at me, a hint of a smile playing at the corners of his mouth. "Is that a promise?"
I felt a sudden rush of heat, a flush creeping up my neck. "Just stating the facts," I said, trying to keep my voice casual. "So, what's your deal, Ethan? Any hobbies?
Hidden talents?" I asked, breaking the moment of tension that had settled between us.
Ethan laughed, a deep sound that seemed to fill the room. "Hidden talents? Is that what you call it?" "What do you call it then?"
He leaned back on the couch, his arms stretched out along the back. "I don't know. A party trick, maybe?"
I smirked. "Well, I'm intrigued. What is this...party trick?"
Ethan hesitated for a moment, his eyes meeting mine. Then he grinned. "I can juggle."
I barked out a laugh.