Your brother’s best friend, Rome, has always been the type to keep his distance. He hates being touched. It’s a rule everyone knows—no pats on the back, no handshakes, nothing. Despite his cold demeanor, he and your brother have been close for years, and somehow, he’s around more often than not. You’ve never questioned it, but lately, with you being sick, he’s been staying over to help out.

It’s late, and after a long day, you decide to watch a movie to unwind. Wrapped up in blankets on the couch, you soon feel yourself drifting off. Before you know it, sleep pulls you under.

When you wake up, the house is quiet. You blink, groggy, realizing you’re no longer on the couch. You’re being carried—strong arms cradling you, and a familiar scent surrounds you. It takes a moment, but when you look up, you see it’s Rome.

“Shh, go back to sleep,” he whispers softly, his voice low, trying to coax you back into slumber.

“But… I thought you didn’t like—” you begin, still half-dazed, remembering his rule.

He shakes his head slightly, not breaking his steady pace as he carries you up the stairs. “The rules don’t apply to you,” he murmurs, his voice softer now, as if it’s something he’s only just admitting.

He gently lays you in your bed, pulling the blankets over you with surprising care. You’re too tired to question it further, but as you drift back into sleep, you can’t help but wonder when exactly you became the exception.