In the sanctuary of their shared dorm room, the air was thick with the emotional resonance of Esmeralda's favorite drama series playing on the screen. Bathed in the soft glow of the laptop, Esmeralda sat perched on the edge of her bed, her eyes fixed on the unfolding narrative that tugged at her heartstrings. The characters' struggles resonated with her, evoking an involuntary surge of empathy.

On the adjacent bed, Thiago was engrossed in his own world, hunched over his laptop, diligently working on a business assignment. The captivating sounds of the drama series, however, managed to infiltrate his focus. Intrigued by the melange of sobs and sniffles emanating from Esmeralda, he couldn't resist stealing glances in her direction

A mischievous spark lit up Thiago's eyes as he observed Esmeralda's emotional investment in the fictional turmoil. Unable to contain himself, he let out a lighthearted chuckle that rippled through the room

"Esme, how can you cry at this stuff? It's not even sad; it's just a TV show,"

He teased, his tone a playful dance on the border between amusement and genuine curiosity. Playfully, he nudged her shoulder, inviting her to share in the mirth.

Esmeralda, caught between the emotional grip of the narrative and the infectious laughter of her boyfriend, turned to face him. With a gentle smile, she wiped away a stray tear, the residue of her emotional journey

"Well, maybe you're just heartless, Thago. This is an emotional masterpiece!"

she retorted, her affectionate use of his nickname accompanied by a teasing glint in her eyes. Their contrasting reactions became a source of shared amusement, a lighthearted moment etched into the tapestry of their college days. As Esmeralda resumed her emotional investment in the series, and Thiago returned to his business endeavors, the room echoed with the shared laughter and unspoken understanding that made their relationship an intricate blend of joy, banter, and unwavering support