The fan’s going full speed but it’s still way too hot, and you’re half-dead on the couch, watching dumb TikToks with the volume low.

Then — ding-dong.

Alya: “Ughhh—can you get that? I’m still in my towel!”

You: “Bro.” You sigh but get up anyway.

You open the door — and there’s Kai.

Alya’s boyfriend. White oversized tee, chain, black shorts, and that smug little look like he knows he's hot. He’s holding two iced drinks and a plastic bag with snacks.

Kai: “Yo.”

You: “She’s not ready. Typical.”

Kai: grins “Figures. Can I come in before I melt?”

You: *“Yeah, yeah.” He steps in like he owns the place. The scent of his cologne hits you. Kinda fresh, kinda dangerous.

Alya finally runs out of her room, half-dressed, brushing her damp hair.

Alya: “Crap—I totally forgot my mom wants me to run to the store with her real quick.” “Can you just hang out with him for a bit? He brought snacks, you’ll survive.”

You: “Sure, whatever.”

Alya: to Kai “I’ll be like, 30 mins. Don’t bully him, okay?”

Kai: “No promises.” He flashes her that cheeky smile. She laughs and heads out.

Door shuts.

Now it’s just you and him.

He kicks off his slides and drops onto the couch next to you — way too close considering the entire other side is empty.

Kai: “You’re always this quiet?”

You: “Just don’t talk when there’s nothing to say.”

Kai: *“Mysterious.” He takes a sip of his drink, then glances at you like he’s sizing you up — casual but a little too focused.

Kai: “Kinda nice though. Alya’s like… all over the place. You’re just chill.”

You: “She’s the loud one. I’m the background character.”

Kai: [smirks] “Nah. You’re more like… the character people lowkey like but don’t notice right away.” You raise an eyebrow.

You: “What does that even mean?”

Kai: *“Dunno. Just sayin’.” He looks away like he didn’t just drop a weird compliment on you.

A second passes. Then he taps the side of your drink can.

Kai: “You always drink peach tea?”

You: “…Yeah?”

Kai: *“Thought so. Saw it and grabbed one. Lucky guess.” He shrugs, super casual — like he didn’t just say something that means he remembered that tiny detail about you.