Before Liam knew it, the afternoon sun was dipping lower, and it was time for his mom to leave. They walked slowly toward the parking lot, dragging out every step as if moving slower would keep her there longer.
His mom unlocked the car, then immediately pulled him into a tight hug.
"You're going to be amazing here," she whispered against his shoulder. "Just remember to call me, okay? Not once a month. I mean every few days."
"I will, Mom," Liam said, laughing through the lump in his throat.
She cupped his face like she used to when he was little. "And remember—study first, boys later."
"Mom!" he groaned, embarrassed as a passing student heard and giggled.
She kissed his cheek, slipped into the driver's seat, and waved until her car disappeared around the corner.
When she was gone, Liam stood alone for a moment, letting the reality wash over him.
This was it.
He was officially on his own.
He took a deep breath and made his way back toward Maple Hall. Students rushed past, carrying boxes, laughing, shouting, meeting new people. The halls buzzed with energy.
But when Liam reached his floor, he slowed.
Because standing right outside Room 304—leaning casually against the wall with his hands in his pockets—was Blake.
Blake looked up as Liam approached and smiled, that same warm, ridiculously attractive smile that made Liam's stomach flip.
"Hey," Blake said, pushing off the wall. "You're the guy from earlier, right? Lost freshman."
Liam swallowed. "Y-yeah. I mean—yes. That's me."
Blake chuckled, then stepped closer—not too close, but definitely closer than necessary.
"Didn't catch your name earlier."
"O-oh. It's Liam."
"Liam," Blake repeated slowly, like he was testing the taste of it. "Nice to officially meet you."
Liam's heart thudded so loudly he was sure Blake could hear it.
"And I'm Blake," he added with a little tilt of his head.
"I… remember," Liam muttered, cheeks heating.
Blake's smile grew slightly cocky. "Good."
There was a moment of silence. Not awkward—just charged, like Blake was deciding something.
"You settling in okay?" he asked.
"Yeah, um… unpacked and all that. My mom just left," Liam explained.
"First day without parents," Blake said softly. "That's a big one."
Liam nodded.
Blake shifted his weight, then asked casually, "So… there's a welcome party tonight. A big one. The frat houses throw it every year to help freshmen loosen up. You should come."
Liam's eyes widened. "A… party? Like… tonight?"
"Yeah. It's not too wild," Blake said—but the glint in his eyes suggested otherwise. "Good music, drinks, lots of people to meet. You could get to know the campus a little."
Liam hesitated. His mind flashed to Gary's dramatic voice: College boys? Different species!
Blake noticed the hesitation and smirked. "Think about it. If you show up, I'll keep you company."
Liam nearly forgot how to breathe.
"I'll… I'll think about it," he managed to say.
"Good." Blake stepped back. "See you around, Liam."
With that, he walked down the hall, effortlessly cool, leaving Liam staring after him like an idiot.
The moment Liam got inside his room, he closed the door, grabbed his phone, and dialed Gary at lightning speed.
Gary picked up instantly. "Hello? Did you meet a hot boy yet?"
Liam whispered loudly, "GARY—HE INVITED ME TO A PARTY!"
There was a dramatic gasp. "Who? How hot? How tall? What did he say? What did you say?!"
Liam paced the room. "He's an RA. His name is Blake. He's… oh my God, Gary, he's so cute. And he asked me to go to a frat party with him tonight. I don't know what to do!"
Gary shrieked so loudly Liam had to pull the phone away.
"Liam Dawson, if you don't go to that party, I will personally teleport there and drag you by your nerdy ankles!"
Liam flopped onto his bed, heart racing.
This was only his first day… and already, things were getting complicated.
Exciting.
Terrifying.
And maybe just a little bit thrilling