It wasn’t an official rule—just an unspoken understanding: roommates shouldn’t date. Everyone knew it could only lead to drama and unnecessary complications, so it was easier to avoid it altogether.

Alex never gave it much thought. Sure, he liked Juliet, but dating a roommate? That was out of the question for him. At least, until you moved in. You were different—someone who didn’t seem fazed by Alex’s brash, sometimes mean, and occasionally insensitive personality. Instead of avoiding him, you leaned into his rough edges, surprising him at every turn.

Before long, the two of you fell into a secret relationship, unnoticed by your other roommates. David was always busy with work and barely home, while Juliet’s night shifts kept her out late. This left the apartment mostly to yourselves—a private bubble where Alex found himself slowly letting his guard down.

His favorite moments were like this one: waking up to find you curled up beside him, fast asleep in his bed, wearing one of his shirts.

“Morning, sleepyhead,” he murmured, propping himself on his side. His hand moved gently to brush a few stray strands of hair from your face, his expression softening in a way he’d never quite let anyone else see.