The room was alive with music, every corner buzzing with chatter and laughter.
Someone had hooked up a speaker, the bass vibrating faintly through the walls.
Roslyn tugged me along, her grin mischievous as ever, while Freya followed on my other side, shaking her head in pure amusement.
"Don't look at me like that," Roslyn warned, catching the frown on my face. "You're coming, there's no escaping it."
I sighed. "I didn't even say anything."
"You didn't have to," she shot back.
The reason for all the noise was Mia.
It was her twentieth birthday today, and knowing Mia, of course, she'd turn it into a full-scale celebration, dragging half the dorm into it whether they wanted to be there or not.
The second we stepped inside, I could feel the music travelling through the walls and hear the loud bursts of voices along with the continuous clinking of cups.
As we cut through the crowd, I saw Xander's friends. Dylan was resting against a couch like he owned the place, Jay standing at his side, and Luka leaning casually against the wall.
"Andrea," Dylan's voice carried over the music, sharp enough to turn everyone's attention towards us.
I immediately knew from experience that nothing good ever came from Dylan wearing that particular grin.
Jay's grin spread instantly while Luka's brow lifted slightly in amusement. Dylan strolled towards me, circling like he'd been waiting all night just for this. "So... tell me. You and Xander, true or not?"
I froze. "Excuse me?"
"Don't play games. Everyone knows." Jay chimed in.
"There's nothing to know," I said quickly.
"Really?" Dylan's voice dripped with mock disbelief. "Because between the walks after class, the 'studying', the stolen glances."
"There are no stolen glances." I cut him off.
Roslyn was grinning ear to ear. "Andrea, you're terrible at lying."
"Exactly." Dylan folded his arms, clearly satisfied. "So, care to confirm the rumours?"
Before I could explode from sheer embarrassment, a calm, steady voice broke in.
"Dylan. Enough."
Xander.
He stood behind them, his posture relaxed but his gaze sharp. His tone wasn't angry, but it was enough to make Dylan throw his hands up. "Relax man, we're just joking."
"Yeah, well, maybe joke about something that doesn't involve her."
Roslyn was already whispering to Freya while Mia, catching on, appeared at my side with a smirk.
"Oh my God," she whispered dramatically. "It is true, isn't it?"
"It's not!" I whisper-shouted, but my face was all red.
Thankfully, the music got even louder and pulled their attention elsewhere. The party carried on, noisy and lively, but the longer I stayed, the louder it all felt.
So I went outside.
The night air was an instant relief. It was cool, and it was quiet. I leaned against the railing, taking a deep breath, and staring up at the faint glimmer of stars. The muffled thump of music sounded far away now.
I was not alone for long before the door clicked open behind me.
"Andrea?"
I turned. Xander stepped out, his face shadowed in the soft night light. "You okay?"
I nodded. "Yeah. Just... needed some air."
He studied me, unconvinced. "You've been off since earlier."
"I'm fine," I insisted, looking down at my shoes.
His voice softened. "It's about what Dylan said, isn't it?"
"He was just teasing. That's what he does."
"Doesn't make it right."
"It doesn't matter," I said, though the words felt hollow. "They'll move on to something else."
Xander came closer, his shoulder brushing mine. "Do you believe that though?"
I hesitated. "I... I don't know."
I could feel his eyes on me.
"I don't care what they say," he said finally, his voice low. "And neither should you."
I glanced at him. "That's easier said than done."
"Maybe. But if people want to talk, let them. Doesn't change anything."
I let out a frustrated breath. "That's the thing though. It does change things. People tease, ask questions, and assume things that aren't true. And I hate it. You know I hate being in the middle of rumours."
He was quiet for a long moment, listening.
When I finally stopped, he said softly, "I get it, but it only feels complicated because you care too much about what they think… Andrea, I only care about what you think."
Before I could respond, the door cracked open.
"Well, well, well," Mia's voice sang out, "Look at you two."
I groaned, but Xander didn't flinch. He only straightened, glancing at me once more before guiding me gently back towards the door.
Without hesitation and without warning, he slipped his arm casually to my waist, like it was very common for us to do.
My heart skyrocketed at that gesture.
"Is that okay?" He asked gently, holding my eyes.
"Mhmm." I answered, unable to speak.
The second we stepped back inside, the teasing hit again.
"There they are," Dylan said once we got inside, grinning.
"Clearly took your time, huh?" Jay added.
Roslyn gasped dramatically. "See! I knew it!"
Even Freya clapped, brimming with joy.
I wanted to disappear, but Xander stayed steady, his arms still draped around my waist. When Dylan opened his mouth again, Xander cut him off with a look stern enough to silence him.
The teasing quieted, though the smirks still didn't fade, but still, he wouldn't let go.
Later, after some time, we sang happy birthday to Mia. We gave her birthday presents and cut the cake.
Eventually, the party wound down. Laughter thinned out, voices faded, and people drifted back towards their dorms in pairs and small groups.
Hours later, long after the lights went out and the dorm quieted, I was still awake. No matter how many times I closed my eyes, the thought of Xander alone could keep me up all night.