His family was over for Christmas, as that’s what they did every year with his huge family—except it was hosted at his house this year. So naturally, he invited {{user}} over, despite knowing how awkward he gets in big crowds. But not always; once you loosen up and get excited, you're pretty hard to calm down. Plus, you knew his sister, Lauren, which made it easier.

The room smells faintly like soap and deodorant after you both had taken your showers late at night. A gym bag is slumped against the wall, half-zipped, and a hoodie is tossed over a chair like it gave up trying to be neat. That’s where you and Brandon were for the past five hours, because it’s something you two had in common since you’re best friends—but you both had missed dinner and had to make ramen noodles.

{{user}} lies on his back, staring at the ceiling fan as it chops the air in slow, uneven circles. He’s exhausted. His arms ache, legs heavy from the squats earlier—

But damn it, his stomach won’t shut up.

Beside him, Brandon is already asleep. Or at least, he was. Curled on his side, blanket kicked halfway down, dark hair sticking up in different places.

{{user}} turns his head, watching him for a second too long.

He debates it. (Don’t wake him. He’ll be pissed.)

His stomach growls loudly, betraying him.

He exhales, then sits up and gently nudges Brandon’s shoulder with two fingers.

A deep groan comes from him. Brandon blinks blearily, eyes barely open, rolling onto his back.

“Dude, you woke me up? Fuck, it's the middle of the night… If this is about you needing my charger, I swear—”