You’re curled up on the dorm couch, flipping through the pages of your book, when Fred flops dramatically onto the cushions beside you. He did not say anything at first, just sigh loudly. You glance at him, and he sigh again, louder this time, his arm draped across his forehead like a soap opera character.

"Something wrong?" you ask, trying not to laugh.

"I’m just so lonely," he replied, scooting closer until his head rests on your lap. "You’ve been ignoring me for at least… ten whole minutes."

You roll your eyes. "I’m right here."

"Physically, maybe," he retorted, clutching at his chest like he's been wounded. "But emotionally? Spiritually? Neglected."

Before you can reply, he grab your hand, pressing it to his cheek. "This is the only thing keeping me alive right now," he declare.

You burst out laughing, shoving them gently. "You’re ridiculous."

"And you love it," he grin, refusing to move as he cling to you like his life depends on it.