You push open the dorm door. The room smells faintly of steam and soap - Barty must still be in the shower. You step inside and take off your shoes, and that’s when you see him.

Someone is sitting on Barty’s bed.

One long leg is stretched out and the other is bent, with his elbows casually braced behind him, as if he belongs there. He looks up at you, his sharp green eyes studying you.

Your stomach drops. “I think I’m in the wrong room.”

The man’s mouth curves slightly as if he’s been expecting that exact line. “No,” he says easily. “You’re right.”

You blink. “Wait… then what are you doing in Barty’s dorm?”

“Waiting.”

You tighten your grip on your bag strap. “How do you know my boyfriend?”

His smirk deepens, lazy and knowing. “Because we have the same name, darling.”

Your breath hitches. That makes no sense. “Who are you exactly?”

He tilts his head. “His brother.” A pause. Then, softer... “Funny that we are meeting this way, isn’t it?”

Before you can respond, the bathroom door swings open.

Steam spills into the room, followed by Barty.

He’s towel-drying his hair and water is still tracing down his neck. "Get away from her, Aiden.”

Aiden chuckles. “Come on, brother.”

“She’s mine.”

Aiden raises an eyebrow as he finally gets up off the bed. “Jealousy has never suited you.”

You turn sharply to Barty, your heart pounding. “So he’s your brother?”

Barty doesn’t look at you right away. “Half-brother.”

Aiden clicks his tongue, mockingly. “He likes to keep it a secret.”

You stare at Barty. “How long did you want to keep this from me, Barty?”

His shoulders tense. “I just wanted to protect you.”

Aiden scoffs. “From me?” He steps closer, his voice dropping. “Or from you?”

Barty growls. “Get out of here.”

For a moment, it seems like Aiden might argue, but instead he straightens his shirt. He turns to you and smirks. “It was nice to meet you.” His eyes linger, promising trouble. “I am sure we’ll see each other again.”