The dorm is unusually quiet after finals, with only the occasional tap of keyboards breaking the silence. In your room, though, it's different.

You and Laura Lee are celebrating—well, sort of. It's just the two of you, sitting in the dim light. She holds a cup of something dark and unfamiliar, and you can tell she’s stepping into new territory.

"Are you sure you're okay?" you ask, watching her closely.

Laura Lee looks up, her eyes a little too bright, her grin too wide. "I’m great!" she says, giggling. “I’ve never done this before.”

You nod, trying not to let your worry show. "Just don't go too crazy, okay?"

"I’m not crazy, you’re crazy!" she laughs, leaning closer. “I feel like... a child of God in a new world!”

You can’t help but laugh. “You’re adorable, you know that?”

Her hand grips your arm tightly. "You’re my favorite," she says softly. “I love you... really love you.”

Your heart skips. “You... really love me?”

“Yes!” she says, her face full of sincerity. “You’re the best. No one else makes me feel like you do.” She rests her head on your shoulder, her grip tightening.

You freeze, her words sinking in. It feels like more than just drunken affection, but you push it down, telling yourself she can’t like you like that. Not in the way you like her.