It was a warm afternoon when Henry dropped Rose off at her house after their lectures. As usual, she invited him in. The routine was familiar—kick off the shoes, share a meal, tease each other, laugh.
But something was different that day.
After lunch, the heat of the afternoon settled over the house like a heavy blanket. Both Henry and Rose decided to freshen up—something they often did on days like this. Henry had a room in Rose's house, one that felt just as familiar as his own. It made things simple, comfortable… easy.
When he finished his shower, Henry wrapped a towel around his waist and checked his phone. A call from his mother lit up the screen. He answered with a smile, leaning back against the doorframe as they caught up—her business abroad, his classes, the usual check-ins. Before hanging up, she sent her warm regards to Rose, as always.
Once the call ended, he made his way to Rose's room to pass on the message. He knocked gently but didn't hear a response. Assuming she was asleep, he pushed the door open slightly.
There she was, curled up on her bed, the late sunlight spilling through the curtains and casting a warm glow on her skin. Her breathing was soft, steady. Henry stepped in quietly and reached for the duvet to cover her, a simple, thoughtful gesture.
But as he lifted the blanket, his hand froze mid-air.
Rose was lying in nothing but a red bra and matching panties, her body relaxed, unguarded. The color against her skin made his pulse quicken. She looked… different. Sexy. Vulnerable. Forbidden.
He swallowed hard, eyes lingering before he snapped himself out of it.
She's my friend. Just my friend, he reminded himself.
But in that moment, he wasn't so sure.
Rose stirred, sensing his presence. Her eyes fluttered open slightly, catching him in the act—standing at her bedside, eyes on her body, the duvet still in his hands. Heat rushed to her cheeks, but she didn't move. Part of her was embarrassed… yet part of her liked that look in his eyes.
Henry blinked, startled, then gently dropped the blanket over her and turned away, walking out of the room without a word.
The door clicked shut behind him.
Rose sat up slowly, letting the duvet slide off her shoulders. She stared down at her bare skin, still feeling the burn of his gaze. Her heart was racing. She told herself they were just friends. That nothing should happen between them.
But something already had.