The university made a mistake. Only one room reserved for both of them.

You enter and see Jack standing in front of the two beds... which were pushed together by mistake.

“We have a problem.”

“Do you snore?”

“Jack!”

Later, in the dark, you move. He’s still awake.

“Are you okay?” he asks in a low voice.

“Just... uncomfortable. With everything.”

He turns sideways, the kindest voice you’ve ever heard before.

“I respect you more than anyone in this environment. Even when I disagree with everything you say.”

You hesitate.

“Thank you. That... means more than I would like.”