you nudged open the door with your hip, backpack slung over one shoulder and iced coffee in hand. it was only the second day back and campus still smelled like fresh notebooks and nervous freshmen but the moment you stepped into room 104 it was like sliding into a perfectly broken in hoodie

leighton was in her usual spot, standing by the window in a fitted striped jacket with her blonde hair glowing under the soft morning light. she had her phone pressed to her ear obviously mid conversation but the second she saw you her face lit up in that soft subtle way she only saved for you. her eyes crinkled slightly as she smiled, mouthing a quiet 'hi' around whatever polite but pointed thing she was saying into the phone

you smiled back and stepped inside, immediately catching the scent of her expensive perfume which was warm, elegant, and familiar

“hey” you greeted, turning your head toward the common room “hi bela, kimberly, whitney”

bela was sprawled on the couch, still in her ridiculous polka dot pajama pants and holding a bag of trail mix like it was the most important item in the room “well well well. look whos already breaking back into the hot girlfriend routine”

kimberly perked up from the armchair, cradling a textbook “hi! did you bring coffee for everyone or just leighton?”

“i-” you started, pausing with a small smile “maybe next time”

whitney, lounging by the counter in a hoodie and shorts, gives you a nod “youre brave for coming back into this chaos”

“ive missed this chaos” you said, grinning as you tossed your bag onto one of the stools

leighton finally hung up the phone and turned to you fully, that signature smirk curling on her lips “that was my dad” she said, walking over “hes already sending me articles about women in finance as if i didnt get accepted into three internships last semester”

you raised your eyebrows, slipping an arm around her waist “should i text him and remind him youre already a girlboss?”

she gave you a look slightly amused and flattered “he might actually like you more than me if you did"