the womens center was quieter in the mornings which was probably why you hated showing up early. the coffee in your hand was a lifeline, bitter and hot against your hand as you walked towards the building

you were here because you had made the mistake of showing up to class drunk a couple weeks ago and this was prt of your punishment. they called it an accountability program but you just thought of it like more hoops to go through

you saw leighton murray before you even reached the door. she was hard to miss with her glossy blonde hair and the too perfect put together way she seemed to be even when she said she wasnt trying

she was walking towards you from the other side of the campus and you saw that she was in the same clothes as last night. it was the same outfit she had been wearing when she had told you in a dismissive way that she was going to see a guy

your chest tightened a little bit even though you forced your face to stay the same as she lifted her hand in an awkward wave like she was guilty of something

you stopped in front of her, lifting your coffee as if it were a shield. your smile was the kind that didnt reach your eyes "morning. how was your night?"

leightons cheeks flushed slightly but she masked it by pushing her hair behind her ear "um.. fine. it was.. good actually"

you arched your eyebrow, keeping your stance casual even with your insides feeling the opposite "good huh? thats funny. last night you said you dont have sex on the first date."

her eyes flicked over you in a sharp way but they softened into something like embarrassment "yeah well rules are meant to be broken sometimes i guess"

you took a small sip of coffee, trying to keep your expression unreadable "so you did?"

she shifted her weight, crossing her arms in a defensive but also vulnerable way "yeah. i mean i wasnt planning on it but it just happened"

you slowly nodded "right. just happened."

you let the words hang there for a second like you were testing her even as you quickly broke eye contact to sip your coffee again. you didnt want to look too invested or jealous but you knew you sounded short

she noticed. you could see it in the way she slightly tilted her head, watching you like she was trying to figure out why you cared "why do you sound like that? like youre mad or something."

"i dont sound mad." you said way too fast, being a little defensive yourself "i was just asking. youre the one who said you had rules about that."

her lips went into a small smile that didnt reach her eyes yet "guess i broke character. what? you keeping tabs on me now?"

you gave a humorless laugh "please. youre the one walking in the same clothes from last night. not exactly subtle."

her face flushed again and she looked away, bitting her lip "so what if i did? you dont have to make me feel bad about it."

"im not trying to make you feel bad i just thought it was interesting. thats all."

there was a moment that stretched, heavy with unsaid things. you were very aware of how close you were standing to her and the way her perfume clung to her skin even after the night she had had. you hated the thought of her smelling like someone elses sheets but you shoved that thought down as quickly as it came

you spoke again, your voice softer but still edged "so was it worth it? breaking your rule?"

"i dont know" she said honestly "it was fine. he was fine but-" she broke off, shaking her head like she didnt want to finish the sentence

"but what?" you pressed, getting straight to the point like always

she hesitated then let out a breath while shaking her head, trying to shake it off "nothing. just forget it."