Pete didn’t fail the exam. He didn’t master it either. “What a horrendous use of the ‘past iterative’.” He sighed as he let himself fall onto his bed. His gaze lingered on his notes at the desk. The next exam was Friday. He should be studying but Pete’s eyes were too heavy and the grammar rules of ancient Greek exhausted him too much. He couldn’t concentrate. He was struggling to keep himself awake. “Five minute break.” He mumbled to nobody in particular and closed his eyes. A little nap won’t kill him. Pete was sure that he only needed a few hours of sleep to recharge and then he’d be ready to study all night. Melissa had thankfully taken notes during econ so he didn’t miss out on anything. She was a good friend. And my only friend. He shooed the thoughts away and summoned his favourite plot to dream about. Him and Oscar Wilde in the 19th century hiding from society, falling in love on a rainy day and writing charming letters to each other. His lips curled up into a smile as he drifted off into sleep. Nothing could ruin this now. Alas.

“Tonight the music seems so loud, I wish that we could lose this crowd, maybe it’s better this way, we hurt each other with the things we’d want to say. We could have been so good together-”

Pete groaned in frustration and sat up. “I’m going to kill him.” He rubbed his eyes and grabbed his keys. This madness had to end. No matter how attractive his neighbour was, he was being a dick. Oh crap. Wrong thought. Peter backed away from Derek’s door while trying to fan himself. No dicks, no dicks, no dicks, Pete get it together you pervert, you’ve only seen him once! Just as he was walking up and down the corridor in front of Derek’s room the door suddenly opened and his neighbour stepped out. He regarded Pete with a cold glance and then walked past. His mind short circuited and Pete reached out to grab Derek’s arm. The man halted and turned slowly. Pete has never seen such a credible death glare before and he immediately let go. “Yes?” Derek asked and his low voice sent a shiver down Pete’s spine. Concentrate you idiot, don’t stare at his olive green eyes just use words Pete, words, you useless gay!

“The music is too loud, Sir. I can’t concentrate.” Derek’s left eye twitched and it seemed like a threat to Pete. “Don’t use ridiculous titles to make fun of me. I may be thirty-three but I’m a student here just like you.” He shifted his gaze towards Pete’s doorbell nameplate. “Hallberg, is it?” “Y-yes?” “Choose your words more carefully or if age is such an important matter to you at least treat your elders with respect.” He came closer with every word until he stood right in front of Pete. Then he rummaged through the pocket of his coat. Pete prayed that he wouldn’t be stabbed to death by an angry – and attractive – neighbour and if that was his destiny at least let it be on a day where he looked hot. Derek however pulled out a cigarette and lit it right in front of Pete’s nose. “You said the music’s too loud?” He nodded carefully. Derek took a drag and blew the smoke into his face. “Fine. I’ll tone it down. Anything else, Hallberg?” Pete shook his head. He was still frozen in place minutes after Derek had left, too stunned to move or even breathe. His heart was beating wildly. Out of fear? Out of attraction? He couldn’t tell.