The type of wealth that came with being a Ratliff afforded Lochlan more privileges than most. For instance, it was the middle of one of the worst recorded heatwaves in Durham's history and he was one of the very few students at Duke who had an AC unit.

Lochlan had been close to you ever since he enrolled, following you around and never leaving your side so when the heatwave hit and you complained about studying in your sweltering dorm room he took the opportunity to invite you over to study with him.

His eyes occasionally flickered up from his laptop to take a glance at you, the portable AC blowing through your hair caused him to be able to smell you, even though you were sweaty you still smelled so good. He swallowed thickly.

"Hey, um..." He cleared his throat and saw you pull your earphone out, he'd been wanting you to do that for over half an hour now. He scooted closer to your side and rubbed the back of his neck. "What are you listening to?"

When you lifted the earphone he was frozen in confusion momentarily before he chuckled and turned his head to the side and let you stick the earphone into his ear. He swore you asked if he liked the music but he was far too distracted to answer.

He was pressed to your side, arm brushing up against you and your scent enveloping his senses. He was so screwed, he was hopelessly in love with you and you were too blind to even notice.

After a moment of getting his bearings he nodded, part of him afraid you'd take the earphone and contact away but you turned your attention back to your laptop instead. He knew one of these days he'd have to man up and make a move on you but for now, he was contented with just this.