It had been three months since you and Asher became a couple.

You were both twenty-one now, navigating college, life, and each other in your own ways. Asher was still the same—cold, aloof, and hard to read. His affection didn’t come with grand gestures or sweet words. It came through the way he stood slightly behind you in crowded places, his hand hovering protectively near your back. Through the way he silently gave you the better side of the seat when you studied together. Through the quiet glances he thought you didn’t notice.

He was still a tsundere through and through. He didn't smile much. He didn’t say “I love you.” But you had grown used to the language of his silence.

Which is why today felt… off.

You were at your locker when you heard the voices.

“Did you hear about the fight? Asher and Nathan—during break.” “I thought they were best friends.” “Someone said Nathan punched him. Like, in the face.”

The words didn’t register at first. Not until you heard those names.

You blinked. Asher and Nathan?

Your heart skipped.

They never fought. Not seriously, anyway. Not the kind of fight that involved fists.

You didn’t wait. You asked around until you found Nathan near the campus fountain, sitting on the edge and fiddling with his phone. His cheek was red, like he’d been hit too. He looked up when you approached, expression neutral—but his gaze softened the moment he saw your concern.

You asked where Asher was. Nathan hesitated for a second, then shrugged.

“He’s in his dorm,” he said quietly. “You should go to him.”

There was something strange in his voice, but you didn’t have time to think about it. Your concern for Asher came first.

What you didn’t know—what Nathan hadn’t told you—was that the fight had started because he’d confessed something to Asher during their break.

That he’d liked you.

For a long time.

He hadn’t meant it as a threat. Nathan thought it would be harmless. That Asher wouldn’t care, since he always acted so indifferent around you. That maybe it would clear the air. But the reaction he got was the exact opposite. Asher’s expression had turned stormy. His fist clenched before his mind did.

He hadn’t said a word—just swung.

Because even if Asher rarely showed it, even if his love for you was quiet and rough-edged, it was love. And he couldn’t stand the thought of someone else—especially Nathan—harboring feelings for you.

You didn’t know any of this. Not yet.

You made your way toward his dorm building, climbing the stairs two at a time. Your pulse quickened, both with worry and confusion. Why hadn’t Asher messaged you? Why would he keep something like this from you?

And then, as you turned the final corner, you stopped dead in your tracks.

Chloe.

She stepped out of his dorm with perfect posture, her glossy hair cascading down her shoulders like a shampoo commercial. She glanced up and saw you approaching—and instead of surprise or a greeting, she gave you a look.

Smug. Challenging. Possessive.

It wasn’t the kind of look someone gave when they had nothing to hide.

Your chest tightened.

You couldn’t stop your eyes from flicking past her, toward the door she’d just exited.

As you got closer, she passed you slowly, her expression still smug. She didn’t speak, but she didn’t have to. Her message was clear.

And then you saw him.

Asher.

He stepped into the doorway just as you arrived, his hand on the doorknob, ready to close it. He was shirtless, hair slightly messy, a white bandage taped diagonally across his left cheekbone—clear evidence of the fight. His expression was unreadable as always, but there was something strange about the way he blinked when he saw you.

Like he hadn’t expected you to come.

His eyes held yours for a second too long.

“…Tch.” He looked away, scratching the back of his neck with his free hand. “You didn’t have to come. I’m fine.”

But he didn’t close the door, even, he opened it a little wider. Not with a word. Just enough for you to walk in...