If fate had a favorite game, it was this:
Put Pete and Mek in the same room and make them suffer.
But this time… it went too far.
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"Pair project. Due next week. Choose your partner now," said Mr. Linton, dropping the bomb without blinking.
Pete's head turned. Mek's eyes were already on him.
> "No," Mek said instantly.
> "We're neighbors," Pete offered with an easy smile. "We could work together."
> "I'd rather choke on a fork."
Pete pouted dramatically. "Kinky."
Mek turned to walk off.
But the universe was a little sassy today.
> "No switching," Mr. Linton barked. "You're stuck with whoever you made eye contact with."
Pete's grin widened like a cat who just caught the gayest mouse.
> "Looks like you made eye contact, baby."
Mek groaned. "I'm going to kill something. Preferably you."
---
🏡 That Evening, Mek's Room
Pete sat on Mek's bed like he owned it. Mek sat at his desk, glaring daggers sharp enough to cut through metal—and patience.
> "Could you not touch everything?" Mek snapped, snatching a photo frame out of Pete's hand.
Pete raised his hands, mock-surrender.
> "Just getting to know my soulmate."
> "We're not soulmates."
> "We share a wall. That's destiny, Meky-boy."
Mek's eye twitched.
But Pete saw the tiny flush on his neck.
They worked in tense silence after that. Mek scribbling notes. Pete typing lazily.
But every time Mek reached for something, their fingers brushed.
And every single time, it lingered.
Pete pretended he didn't notice. Mek pretended harder.
But Pete noticed everything.
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🕒 11:43 PM
Pete finally stood. "Alright. I'm gonna head back. Try not to dream about me too much."
Mek snorted. "As if."
Pete leaned in at the door. Real close. Too close.
> "You still keep your window open at night?"
Mek blinked. "Why?"
Pete winked. "Just... leave it open."
Mek didn't reply.
But that night, the window stayed open.
And for the first time in forever… Mek didn't feel alone.
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