Morning light filtered through the blinds, painting stripes across the duvet. Sera stretched, her muscles protesting softly before she opened her eyes. Alden already watched her, a faint smile playing on his lips. Her breath hitched, then the memories of the previous night unfurled, warm and vivid. A soft blush bloomed on her cheeks. She wasn't a morning person, but a smile found its way to her face.
He leaned in.
Sera pulled back, covering her mouth with a hand. "Toothbrush," she mumbled, a playful glint in her eyes.
Alden chuckled, a low rumble in his chest. He pulled her closer, his lips finding hers, a deep, lingering press. Her cheeks burned, a delicious heat spreading through her. Then, a sudden jolt. They were naked. *Oh, God.* She burrowed deeper under the duvet, a fortress of fabric, thoughts swirling, a chaotic storm in her mind.
A soft clearing of a throat broke her reverie. "Shy?"
Sera peered out, her gaze darting away. "No."
He rose, his lean frame silhouetted against the window. He moved with an easy grace, pulling on dark jeans, then a worn t-shirt. Sera stole glances, a silent appreciation for the lines of his back, the curve of his shoulders. He walked to her side of the bed, bending to press a soft kiss to her forehead.
"Class. Assignment due today." He paused at the door, his hand on the knob. "Yesterday… I loved it." Another beat of silence. "You're beautiful, Sera. Bye."
The door clicked shut just as Elowen raised a fist to knock. It swung open, revealing Alden, a casual smile on his face. Elowen's jaw slackened, her eyes wide, a silent question forming on her lips. He offered a quick, "Morning," and sidestepped her, descending the stairs with a light step.
Elowen pushed the door open, finding Sera bolting for the bathroom, shrouded in her duvet like a shy ghost. Elowen settled onto the plush armchair, fingers intertwining, a calm, expectant patience radiating from her. Minutes stretched, feeling like hours, before Sera emerged, wrapped in a towel, hair damp.
Elowen met her gaze, a slow breath escaping her lips. "I won't ignore what I just saw. We need to talk." She leaned forward, her voice soft but firm. "Sera, whatever this is, pause. Think. Can you handle the consequences?" She paused, her eyes searching Sera's. "If you ask me, heal. Forget about impressing your ex, or trying to make him jealous. Whatever this is."
Sera stood, a statue for a moment, then crossed to her bed, snatched a pillow, and screamed into it, the sound muffled and absurd. She pulled back, her eyes brimming with a mix of frustration and excitement. "You're right, El. It's moving too fast." She looked up, a hopeful tremor in her voice. "Can I tell you something?"
"Yes. Please."
"I like it. All of it. Him. The late-night texts. The time. The attention. The compliments. Everything." Her eyes sparkled, a vibrant light. "He gives me all the little things Thaddeus never did."
Elowen watched, a thoughtful expression on her face. "Love, I see all of that. But you know what makes this messy? Thaddeus is still in the picture. Everything Alden does will be referenced back to him." She held up a hand. "But… we won't spend our morning talking about annoying exes. I hope you didn't…"
"No. No, no, no," Sera interrupted, her face contorting in a comical grimace, then softening. "But whatever happened was magical. He handles me so softly. It was just beautiful, El. I was even caught off guard."
Elowen moved, cupping Sera's face in her hands, a proud, almost maternal gesture. "I haven't seen you this happy in forever. Or talk about anyone like this in a while. I'm happy for you."
They hugged, a silent understanding passing between them.
Sera pulled back, a shy smile playing on her lips. "I think I like him."
Elowen's eyes widened. "You *think*?" she teased, a laugh bubbling up. They both dissolved into hearty laughter.
"Get dressed. We need something sweet to start the day."
"Twenty minutes. I'll be down."
Elowen nodded, already heading for the door. "Okay. I'll meet you."
Alden stepped into the living room, the scent of fresh coffee and damp earth hanging in the air. Thaddeus, still flushed from a run, leaned against the doorframe, while Callum nursed a steaming mug on the sofa.
Thaddeus broke the silence. "You don't have early classes. Where were you this morning?"
Alden started past them, then stopped, pivoting to face Thaddeus. A faint, awkward smile touched his lips. "Nowhere."
Thaddeus's brow furrowed. "Then where are you coming from?"
Alden's voice, carefully modulated, carried a hint of mischief. "Maybe I slept over."
"Where?" Thaddeus and Callum chorused, their voices a single bewildered shout.
Alden laughed, a short, sharp sound, and headed for the stairs. Halfway up, he glanced down at Thaddeus. "Hey, man."
Thaddeus looked up, his expression hardening.
"The bet's on." Alden finished his ascent, disappearing into his room.
Thaddeus stood, fists clenching, rage simmering beneath his skin. He glared at Callum, who averted his gaze, shaking his head slowly. Thaddeus stormed out, the door slamming behind him, the pavement beckoning for another run.
He ran blindly, the winding paths of the private hostel grounds dissolving into a fevered blur of green, stone, and shadow. The ancient oaks towered above him like silent witnesses, their branches locking overhead, leaves whispering secrets he wasn't ready to hear. Each breath tore through his chest, sharp and uneven, but he didn't slow—he couldn't. His legs burned, his heart hammered violently, as if trying to break free from the cage of his ribs.
Then he stopped—abruptly, violently—doubling over as air ripped in and out of his lungs. His hands flew to his face, fingers digging into his skin as though he could physically hold himself together. "What have you done, Thaddeus?" he rasped, the words splintering as soon as they left his mouth. His voice cracked, raw and unsteady. "You still love her. You know you do." The truth rang cruel and undeniable in the quiet morning air.
He dragged his palms down his face, over his eyes, his jaw, scrubbing as if guilt could be wiped away with enough force. "I just wanted her to be better," he whispered hoarsely, desperation bleeding into every syllable. "I thought I was helping." His chest hitched, breath collapsing into itself. "Now I've ruined everything."
A sob tore free, sharp and broken, ripping through the careful control he prided himself on. "If only she listened," he choked, the words heavy with regret and self-blame. He pressed his towel to his face, the cool fabric quickly soaked by hot, uncontrollable tears. His shoulders shook violently, the strength he wore so easily now stripped bare, leaving only grief and rage in its place.
After a long moment, he forced himself upright, wiping his face with trembling hands. His eyes burned, his chest ached, but the damage was already done. With a hollow breath, he turned back toward the hostel, each step heavier than the last, knowing nothing—absolutely nothing—would ever be the same again.