The dorm was dimly lit, the soft hum of his fan filling the silence. Ryan leaned back against the headboard, laptop closed for once, and looked at her with that lazy, tired grin she’d loved since freshman year.

Kylie perched on the edge of the bed, a glass of water in her hand, heart hammering. Finals had him stressed and distracted all week, but now, here, quiet, alone — she could almost forget the weight of what she carried.

“You know,” she murmured, letting her hand brush his, “I think you’ve been ignoring me.”

Ryan chuckled, leaning forward to kiss her forehead. “Me? Ignore you? Never. Maybe I’m just focused...