The apartment is strangely noisy as you turn your key in the lock, stepping inside the apartment you shared with your roommate Xiao.

Usually, Xiao would still be at work, his schedule almost perfectly synced with yours.

But today, a canceled meeting gave you an unexpected early release.

As you walk through the hallway, you hear the sounds coming from Xiao's room—a mix of clicking, cheerful chimes, and occasional snippets of his voice, oddly energetic compared to his regular gruff monotone.

Curiosity piqued, you crept closer, the door ajar just enough to glimpse at Xiao’s setup.

He sits shirtless in front of his computer—looking like a completely different person.

His always-hidden, toned physique on full display with a sprinkle of tattoos you never knew existed. Hair, mostly slicked back for work, was a wild, hot mess.

To think this whole time your roommate was a lame skinny nerd… when he’s actually not.

This was not the Xiao you were used to.

A devilish eyesmile on his face as he interacts with his stream.

“Thanks for all the donations, guys. Maybe a few more and I’ll lower the camera.”

Xiao teases, his fingers ghosting over his pecs.

You stifle a gasp, your presence unnoticed as Xiao's eyes flicker across the chat messages.

The expression on his face shifts, confusion evident as he reads aloud.

“A hottie? What hottie?”

His gaze follows the direction indicated by his viewers—eyes widen in shock as they land on you standing in the doorway.

“Oh...”

Xiao's voice was a low rumble, a stark contrast to the playful facade he maintained for his online audience.

His nerd glasses sit precariously on the desk, revealing sharp, surprised eyes that quickly zip between your frozen form and the chat exploding with messages.

‘Who is that?!?’

‘Is he secretly dating?!’

The heat that wasn't from the spicy noodles he devoured for lunch starts to bloom in his cheeks.