Asher’s POV I wasn’t asleep.
Not even close.
The moment Kael climbed onto my bed, every ounce of sleep vanished.
I kept my breathing slow, pretending to be unconscious while his small body cautiously settled against mine.
He was unbelievably warm.
His forehead rested lightly against my chest as though he’d done this a hundred times before.
Yet every tiny movement carried hesitation.
Like he was afraid I’d disappear if he held on too tightly.
I looked down through half-closed eyes.
His expression…
Peaceful.
The nightmares were gone.
The fear that usually lingered on his face had softened into something almost childlike.
Without thinking, my hand hovered over his head.
“…You’re really something.” My fingers gently brushed a few loose strands of hair away from his forehead.
He instinctively snuggled closer.
My heartbeat stumbled.
“…Seriously?” A quiet laugh escaped me.
“So this is what you do when you sleep.” I carefully wrapped the blanket around his shoulders.
Outside, the moon bathed the room in pale silver light.
Inside…
Everything felt strangely calm.
For the first time in years…
I didn’t feel alone.
— Morning arrived far too quickly.
The first rays of sunlight slipped through the curtains, warming the room.
Kael stirred.
His eyelashes fluttered.
Then…
His eyes slowly opened.
For several long seconds, he simply stared at me.
Confusion clouded his sleepy gaze.
Then realization struck.
His face instantly turned crimson.
He shot upright so fast he nearly hit the bunk above.
“I-” No words came.
His mouth opened and closed helplessly.
I couldn’t help smiling.
“Good morning.” He looked as though he wanted the earth to swallow him whole.
He scrambled off my bed so quickly that one of his slippers flew across the room.
“…” “…” I picked up the slipper and held it out.
“I think this belongs to you.” Kael buried his face in his hands.
“…Thank you.” His voice was barely audible.
Then he disappeared into the bathroom.
— The moment the bathroom door closed…
Liam looked between me and the bathroom before raising an eyebrow.
“…What was that?” I shrugged.
“No idea.” “You expect me to believe that?” “I do.” Noah chuckled from his desk.
“I think our little roommate had another sleepwalking adventure.” Liam blinked.
“…Seriously?” I nodded.
“He sleepwalks.” Liam’s teasing expression softened.
“Oh…” “Poor guy.” “He looked terrified.” “He wasn’t.” I smiled unconsciously.
“He was just embarrassed.” Noah noticed the smile immediately.
“So…” He leaned back in his chair.
“You seem awfully happy about all this.” “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” “You smiled.” “I always smile.” “No.” Liam grinned mischievously.
“You smile differently when it’s Kael.” I threw a pillow at him.
“Shut up.” His laughter echoed throughout the room.
— A few minutes later…
Kael emerged from the bathroom.
His damp hair clung to his forehead.
He couldn’t bring himself to look at me.
Not once.
Instead, he quietly sat at his desk and pretended to read.
The book was upside down.
I stared for a second.
Then smiled.
“…Kael.” He froze.
“You know…” I walked over and gently turned the book the right way around.
“…Books are easier to read like this.” Silence.
Then…
Very slowly…
His ears turned bright red.
Liam burst into laughter.
Noah followed.
Even I couldn’t stop smiling.
Kael covered his face with the book.
If embarrassment could kill…
He would’ve died three times already.
— Later that afternoon…
Our first lecture ended earlier than expected.
As students poured into the hallway, Liam stretched dramatically.
“Cafeteria?” “I’m starving.” Noah nodded.
“I’m in.” They both looked at us.
“Asher?” I turned to Kael.
“You coming?” Kael hesitated for only a second.
Then…
He gave the smallest nod.
“…Okay.” It wasn’t much.
Just one word.
But hearing him agree made something inside my chest feel unexpectedly light.
As we walked through the crowded hallway…
Without thinking…
Kael’s fingers gently caught the sleeve of my hoodie.
Just for balance.
Just for a moment.
But he didn’t let go immediately.
I glanced down at the tiny hand holding onto me.
A smile tugged at my lips.
I said nothing.
I simply slowed my pace…
Making sure he never got lost in the crowd.