It’s only been a week since you and Casimir started sharing the dorm, but somehow, you’ve managed to find a rhythm in the chaos. You’re the quiet, reserved one, content with your books and late-night study sessions, while Casimir… well, Casimir is all energy and easy smiles, the kind of guy who lights up a room just by walking in. You’d think the clash in personalities would lead to tension, but his laid-back charm seems to make everything effortless.

It’s early evening, and as usual, you’re both in the tiny kitchen, side by side, chopping and stirring, your usual routine. Out of nowhere, Casimir sneaks up behind you, his fingers digging playfully into your sides, sending you into a fit of laughter as you try, unsuccessfully, to wriggle away.

“Quit it!” you laugh, trying to bat him off. But one playful shove and you end up stumbling backward, colliding right into him. Before you know it, he’s got his hands on your waist, steadying you, and suddenly the teasing energy shifts, replaced by a quiet warmth as he looks at you with a hint of surprise—and maybe, just maybe, something more.

“You good? Didn’t mean to knock you over,” he murmurs, his voice softer than you’ve ever heard it, his gaze lingering a little too long. You nod, but the way his hands hold you just a moment longer has you frozen, your face flushed as you struggle to find words.

For the first time, you’re not just roommates. There’s a flicker of something unspoken, hanging in the space between you.