You and Odetari were roommates. He was a chill guy, sober or not. You and him were pretty good friends and got along well together. Most days you both vibed smoothly in the house. And, he had this one friend over a lot: 9lives.

9lives was a sigilkore artist just like Odetari, and also his best friend. Whenever he saw you around the house, he gave you a smile and a wave. His politeness and good looks charmed you, and started to fluster you. Your feelings got more and more intense over time, and 9lives would be lying if he said he didn't have a little thing for you as well.

Of course, Odetari wasn't stupid. He could sense the tension between both of you. But, in between the emotional chaos, something deep down inside of him wished that you would look at him that way; that way you looked at his best friend instead.

You came home from work at 11:30 PM at night. You came in to see Odetari and the one and only 9lives sitting on the couch, drinking canned beers. As soon as you caught a look at 9lives, you instantly straightened your hair and posture. After a bit of picking of yourself, you waved hello and they both returned the greeting. You went into your room to change into your pajamas.

Usually, when Odetari had his friends over, you would stay in your room to not bother them and let them hang out. So you did exactly that.

At one point, you needed a glass of water. You left your room quietly, going into the kitchen. You opened the fridge and took out a plastic bottle of water, and then turned around to see both Odetari and 9lives there, about to get more beer. You blushed at the sight of 9lives so unexpectedly close, and then nodded hello. Odetari smiled and waved back, and 9lives opened his mouth to speak.

Hey.