Roomates

[it’s a couple days before college starts and everybody decided to meet up before, you make it there last. you have two roommates Alvin and Mack]

Mack: he groans “There you are we’ve had been waiting for a couple hours now" Alvin: he waves at you quickly and grin then looks back down at his book

[You notice that both Alvin and Mack are looking at you with intense interest and fascination.]

[Alvin shrugs indifferently while Mack grins and says:] "We were wondering when you'd show up. Ready to get this meeting started?"

[Alvin closes his book and says with a serious tone:] "Alright, let's get down to business. We need to figure out sleeping arrangements for the dorm."

[Meanwhile, Mack leans in closer to you, a sly smile on his face:] "So, what do you think of us as roommates? Pretty cool, huh?"

[Alvin rolls his eyes at Mack's comment, clearly not amused by his antics.]

[Meanwhile, Mack continues to smile in a teasing manner:] "Oh come on, don't be shy. We know you have a crush on one of us."

[Alvin interjects, not looking up from his book:] "Mack, cut it out. We have more important things to discuss than gossiping."

[Alvin meets your gaze with a stern expression.] "Have you given any thought to how you would like to divide up the room? We have two bunk beds and a small desk. I assume you will want your own bed, but we need to figure out who will take the other top bunk and who gets the desk."

[Mack grins at you and says:] "Well, I think it's only fair for you to get the first pick. So, what do you think? Do you want the top bunk or the desk?"

[Alvin nods in agreement.] "Alright then, that settles it. I'll take the other top bunk. Mack, you get the bottom bunk."

[Mack shrugs and says:] "Works for me. I don't mind sleeping on the bottom bunk."

[Alvin gets up from his seat and motions towards the door.] "Well, now that we have our sleeping arrangements sorted out, let's go grab some food. I'm starving."

[Alvin and Mack both nod and exit the room, leaving you alone.]

[As you walk into your room, you notice that it's fairly small but cozy. The furniture is simple but functional, with the two bunk beds and a small desk fitted perfectly into the space. You take a moment to glance around and take in your new surroundings.]

[You find that the bed is relatively comfortable and you certainly appreciate the break from the heat. As you start to relax, you hear a soft knock on the door.]

[You hear Alvin's voice from outside say:] "It's just me. Can I come in?"

[Alvin enters the room and looks at you with a slightly embarrassed expression as he notices your state of undress.] "Oh, sorry. I didn't realize you were changing. I can come back later if you'd like."

[You see Alvin turn around awkwardly, clearly trying not to look directly at you.]

[Alvin turns back towards you, but still looks slightly uncomfortable.] "Okay. Well, I just wanted to let you know that Mack and I are heading out to grab some food. We were wondering if you wanted to come with us?"

[Alvin nods his head in understanding.] "Alright then. We won't be too long. If you need anything, just give us a call."

[He then turns to leave but stops at the door and looks back at you.] "Oh, and I'm sorry if that question earlier about sleeping arrangements was a bit blunt. I hope we can all be good roommates."

[With that, he exits the room, leaving you alone once again.]

[You spend the rest of the evening unpacking and getting settled in your new room. As night draws closer, you realize that despite your exhaustion, sleep isn't coming easily. You hear soft breathing from the bunk bed below, indicating that Mack is already asleep, while Alvin is silently reading a book on his bunk.]

[You try to get into a comfortable position and close your eyes, but the quiet of the room and the newness of the situation keep your mind racing. You're not used to being in an unfamiliar place with people you don't know well.]

[As you continue to toss and turn, you suddenly feel the bed gently shaking. You hear a soft whisper from below]- "Hey, you alright up there?"

[Mack seems to have woken up to your movement and looks up at you with concern.]

[Mack climbs up to your bunk with ease and sits beside you, placing a hand on your arm.] "What's wrong? Having trouble sleeping?"

[He gives you a reassuring smile, his eyes crinkling at the corners.]

[Mack rubs your arm gently, speaking in a soothing tone:] "It's okay, don't worry. It can be tough sleeping in a new place for the first time. But you'll get used to it. Just try to relax and take deep breaths. Focus on your breaths. Inhale...exhale."

[He takes a deep breath, and then exhales slowly, as an example for you to follow.] "I'll stay with you as long as you need me to, okay?"

[Mack nods with a kind smile, moving to wrap an arm around you.] "Sure thing. I'm here for you."

[He pulls you close so that your head is resting on his chest. He begins to stroke your hair gently, continuing the deep breathing exercise.] "Just breathe and relax... You'll fall asleep soon."

[Mack looks down and sees your bare chest pressed against his stomach, making him feel a little flustered, but he tries to push those thoughts away and continue comforting you.]

[He clears his throat and speaks in a quiet voice:] "Uh, I'm not sure if this is appropriate..."

[You can feel his chest rumble slightly as he talks, indicating he's still speaking even though his tone was softer.]

[He takes a deep breath, steadying himself before continuing to speak.] "It's not appropriate for us to be...cuddling like this. I don't want to make you feel uncomfortable or anything."

[He gently disentangles himself from you and sits back, giving you some space.]

[Mack looks at you with concern, he reaches out a hand to gently touch your shoulders, unsure of what to say.] "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to upset you."

[He speaks softly, his voice filled with regret.] "Please don't cry. It's alright. We don't have to do anything that makes you uncomfortable."

[Mack watches you as you get down from your bunk and put on a shirt.] "I know. And I really don't mind cuddling with you. I just didn't want to make you uncomfortable."

[He looks at you, his expression gentle as he speaks:] "If you want to come back up here, we can cuddle again. But only if that's what you're comfortable with."

[Mack continues to look at you, noticing that you've sat down on the floor.] "Is my offer okay with you? Or do you want to be alone for a while?"

[He speaks softly, trying to gauge your feelings and actions so he can respond accordingly.]

[Mack's heart sinks a little upon seeing you sniffle, and he realizes he may have upset you more than he thought. He reaches out gently to touch your arm.] "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make you cry."

[He looks at you with worried eyes.] "Can you tell me what's wrong? Is it because of what I said about not cuddling?"

[Mack's tone is apologetic as he responds.] "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to give that impression. I don't mind cuddling with you at all. In fact, I would really like that."

[He extends his arm towards you again, leaving it up to you to accept his offer.] "Would you like to come back up here and cuddle some more?"

[Mack's expression softens as he listens to your question, and he speaks in a gentle tone.] "No, I promise. I won't send you away again. We can cuddle for as long as you'd like."

[He reaches out again to offer his embrace with a reassuring smile.] "Come on, let's get cozy."

[Mack holds onto your hand, guiding you back up onto the bunk beside him. He pulls the blanket up over both of you and wraps an arm around your shoulders, pulling you close.]

[He rests his chin on top of your head and speaks in a soothing voice:] "Just relax and breathe. I'm right here with you."