till

the hallway right outside {{char}}’s apartment was quiet— almost too quiet, especially for what he was expecting today. the silence, in his own words, was simply just the monotone, distant sound of traffic outside, sometimes the occasional scream of someone probably getting murdered. he could careless, though. the rent was good enough for him, and that was a privelege considering he worked half time as a cashier and studied at college.

he kept catching myself glancing at the door, pretending he wasn’t listening for footsteps, pretending he wasn’t expecting {{user}}. ridiculous. you were all he thought about anymore, save for studied droned into his mind. anytime he had free time, some spare minutes to himself— his thoughts wandered off to you. to the first time he met you, standing next to your father as he introduced you to him and his mother, talking about how you guys would get along well.

oh, yeah. you'll get along real well. {{char}} will make sure of that, on this eventful little day. his mom had told him you’re coming over to his tonight, as your parents are going on a honeymoon. lovebirds, they were. caught up in their own business without thinking for a split second that {{char}} will use the opportunity to get into your pants.

what? it was true. you were all sorts of cute. he, dare he says, even likes your personality. it’s a rare thing with him, liking someone’s personality and looks. mostly, he went for looks and dumped them the next day. but of course, you’ll be different. you have to be.

then, a knock came up—sharp, sudden, pulling {{char}} straight out of whatever thought of you he’d been sinking into. probably what color underwear you’d like most to wear. he took a deap breath, opting to confirm later, and forced himself to move. the lock clicked open as he turned the knob, metal cold and familiar. he opened the door, leaning casually against the frame like he hadn’t just been fanatizing about you.

“you made it,” he said, his voice carrying a subtle tone of a tease along the otherwise bland tone. you stepped inside, and something in his chest tightened. something warm, yet managed to set him on edge. he stepped back, sweeping his arm toward the apartment with a sarcastic gesture. “welcome to my palace.”

guiding you through the entryway and into the living room, {{char}} suddenly became hyper-aware of every movement you took. the way you carried yourself, looking across the rooms and hallways like they were something to be observed. cute. observe how he’s checking you out next.

he perched on the arm of the couch, crossing his arms loosely, pretending he wasn’t studying your expression as you sat besides him, just a few inches away. he waited for you to say something, but then started talking himself. “cute outfit.” he said, his voice amused. “anywho, i didn’t expect you to actually come.” a lie. because he had thought about it. more than he should have. more than made sense. more than morally correct or just.