The next day after the admission to the college,John stood in front of the apartment building, clutching his small luggage with both hands. The city air felt heavy, not just with heat but with the nerves building up inside him. After passing his entrance exams, Evans his older brother had offered him a place to stay until school officially resumed. Now here he was, standing at the door of the home Evans shared with his secret boyfriend... who also happened to be his professor.He knocked twice.
The door opened almost immediately. Peter stood there in a plain black T-shirt and loose gray joggers, hair still damp like he just stepped out of the shower.
"Oh, hey. You're here already," Peter said, surprised but smiling.
"Yeah… sorry, I came early," John mumbled, eyes darting away as he stepped in.
"It's fine. Evans had to leave early for work, but he told me you'd be coming today. Let me show you to your room."
John followed him silently down the hallway. His heart pounded a bit harder than usual. Maybe it was the fact that Peter was his brother's boyfriend... or maybe it was the awkwardness of suddenly sharing space with someone he barely knew.Peter opened the last door. "This is your room. The desk is new—Evans bought it for your study stuff."
John stepped inside, taking in the simple setup: a single bed, a small shelf, and a clean white desk. It was nothing fancy, but it felt safe.
"Thanks…" he said softly, placing his bag down.Peter leaned against the doorframe. "You hungry? I made toast earlier. Or you can settle in first."
"I'll unpack a bit."
Peter nodded and disappeared back into the living room. John sat on the edge of the bed, exhaled, and ran his fingers through his hair.
A few minutes later, he walked out, finding Peter on the couch with his laptop open.
"So," Peter said without looking up, "have you finalized your course list?"
John blinked. Oh, yeah. Business Administration. I got my schedule yesterday.Orientation's tomorrow
Peter finally looked up. That was Evans' faculty too If you get confused, you can text me or him.John nodded i will the door clicked open.Evans walked in, loosening his tie and tossing his keys in the bowl by the door. He smiled when he saw John.You made itJohn smiled back yeah, just got here
Evans walked up to Peter and pecked him lightly on the cheek.Evans… Peter warned, his eyes flicking toward John."He knows about us," Evans said with a smirk. "Besides, he's not a kid."
John turned away, pretending to check his phone. This is going to be a weird living arrangement,he thought.
Later that evening, John lay on his bed, staring at the ceiling.Did I make the right choice moving in between two lovebirds?
His phone buzzed. A text from his friend:
Bestie: Sooo… you're officially moved in?
John: Yup. It's… something.
Bestie: Don't forget, class starts tomorrow. You got your course list?
John: Yeah, all set.
Bestie: We'll survive. See you tomorrow!
John smiled, dropped the phone, and got up.He walked toward the kitchen, intending to tell Evans something—but stopped when he passed their bedroom. The door was slightly open.Peter and Evans were inside, kissing softly, unaware.
John blinked, then slowly backed away. He walked to the counter, scribbled a note on a sticky pad "I'll move the rest of my stuff in tomorrow. Thanks." – John
Then he quietly let himself out.