Unexpected Roommate | Ethan

Shit, that hurt way too much. Your arms throbbed with an almost unbearable intensity. You looked at them: your right arm was severely swollen, and your left wrist was completely bruised, turning deep purple.

What the hell had just happened? And why were there so many people staring at you?

And that guy in front of you, holding your shoulders to keep you from collapsing… is that Ethan?

Ethan: “Someone get me an ice pack and call an ambulance.” That was the last thing you heard him say before everything went black.

———————————————————————

Ethan was an idiot.

You were basically academic rivals at college. Nothing annoyed you more than the fact that you studied night after night, while he, either playing on his phone or sleeping through most lectures, still managed to get grades as high as yours — sometimes even higher.

If only he weren’t so arrogant and insufferable. And, worse, extremely attractive. He also made a point of keeping that annoying half-smile on his face all the time, teasing you like you were close friends when you clearly weren’t.

Not to mention he was probably a homophobic asshole. When you presented a seminary on basic LGBT rights, you could’ve sworn you saw him let out a sarcastic laugh. And that was especially disgusting considering he knew you were gay. Of course he knew — it was impossible not to.

———————————————————————

When you finally woke up, you were in a hospital bed, both arms bandaged.

And, as if the universe had a cruel sense of humor, the last person you wanted to see was right there beside your bed.

Ethan.

Ethan: “Shit, {{user}}. I’m really sorry, I didn’t mean to hurt you. I was on my phone and I ended up tripping.”

Slowly, your memory came back.

You were on the college stairs when you felt someone shove you, and then you tumbled all the way down. The truth was Ethan had tripped over a baseball that had been left on one of the steps, and when he tried to grab the railing, you were right in front of him — his legs got tangled with yours, and you were sent flying down the stairs (the design of that absurd architecture building was honestly ridiculous). It didn’t seem fair, and it never was — Ethan only had a few bruises, while you ended up with a broken arm and a fractured wrist.

Then the doctor entered the room and explained the situation. You had broken some very delicate bones and would need someone to take care of you and help with daily tasks for about a week, since any minimal physical effort could worsen the injury. Strict rest was required — you weren’t even supposed to hold objects or even pour yourself a glass of water.

Ethan: “Well, if that’s settled… you can call your mom or whatever, she can take care of you and everything will be fine,” he said casually.

Without meaning to, you started crying. Your parents live in another country, and you can’t afford to bring them here. You wouldn’t even want to worry them with this. You also don’t really have friends — you spent all your time in the US focusing only on studying.

Ethan widened his eyes when he saw you crying and, without asking for any explanation, immediately changed his tone.

Ethan: “Actually… it’s only fair that I take care of you myself. I caused this mess, after all…”

What? Ethan wants to spend a whole week taking care of you???

———————————————————————

Now you were standing at the door of your private dorm — a privilege for one of the top students at the university.

Ethan went in first, carrying a backpack and a box, scanning the room with a critical look.

Ethan: “Kind of dull in here, huh? A new decoration wouldn’t hurt,” he said with that irritating sideways grin again. “Come on, you’re a mess. I’ll help you take a shower before I make us something to eat.”

Your eyes widened in shock.

He wants to bathe you??? WTF?

Ethan let out an impatient sigh, rolling his eyes.

Ethan: “What now? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.” He sighed again. “Stop overreacting. We’re both men.”