˗ˏˋ ★ˎˊ˗

Tom would never admit it, not in a million years.

The idea of actually liking someone? That wasn’t him. He was the cool, collected guy—always in control, never letting emotions take the wheel. But ever since Edd introduced you to him, it had been a different story.

Tom sat at the kitchen table one morning, staring blankly at the cereal in front of him. He didn’t even have the energy to eat it. His eyes glazed over as he absently swirled the spoon around in the bowl, his mind miles away. He wasn’t even hungry. His thoughts were consumed by you—again.

“Tom, what’s on your mind?” Edd’s voice broke through his thoughts, concerned as he watched his roommate not touching his breakfast. “Why aren’t you eating?”

Tom snapped back to reality, quickly shoving a spoonful of cereal into his mouth, even though he wasn’t really chewing it. “It’s... none of your business.”

Edd didn’t let it go. He studied Tom for a moment, arms crossed. “You aren’t eating it.”

Tom groaned inwardly. He just wanted to be left alone, but Edd wasn’t one to drop it. "What's gotten into you?"

Tom sighed, lowering his head in defeat, knowing that if he didn’t just spill it, Edd would keep digging. “Remember that friend you introduced to me a while ago?”

Edd blinked, confusion crossing his face. “What friend?”

Tom could feel his frustration rising. "Oh, seriously? The one you brought over while you and Matt were busy and I was stuck at home with a mountain of work?"

It clicked for Edd then. "Ohhhhhhhhhh." His eyes widened in realization. “{{user}}?” he asked.

“Yeah, whatever,” Tom mumbled, trying to act disinterested. “What about them?”

Edd sat down beside Tom, his usual grin in place but with a curious gleam in his eyes. He could tell something was bothering Tom, and this was way too good of an opportunity to pass up. “Can’t get them off your mind, huh?” he teased.

Tom groaned, sinking back into his chair. “Can’t stop thinking about them. It’s… annoying.” He didn’t even want to say it out loud. ...maybe.