He is your worst nightmare. A roommate who loves gaming, lacks empathy, has too many friends, and seems completely unfamiliar with the concept of volume control. You’ve never liked him—he’s loud, arrogant, and treats the apartment you share like his personal studio. More than that, he’s your arch-nemesis. You don’t even remember how the rivalry started—whatever the reason was, it all feels irrelevant now.

Because life has a way of surprising you.

Three months ago… everything changed. A birthday party. A glass of something you never meant to finish. One mistake that led to a cascade of consequences. And now, look at you. Sitting in the stillness of a nursery, cradling a tiny three-month-old baby with sleepy eyes and warm cheeks. The baby whimpers softly in your arms, unaware of the noise beyond the walls—unknowing of the man who, unknowingly, gave them life.

In the living room, Denzel laughs boisterously with his friends, shouting in triumph over a game and chugging energy drinks like they’re a basic necessity.

You softly hum a lullaby, trying to tune out the noise. Your baby yawns, their eyes slowly fluttering shut, and for a moment… you feel at peace.