Derek froze. He lowwered his arms and for a second Pete feared he’d let go of the coffee cups. The atmosphere was more tense than at the beginning. Pete gulped. “I’m sorry.” Derek didn’t react. Pete didn’t know if he should leave or wait for Derek to say something. Was it that bad of a question? Or was his reason that sad? “I- I’ll go now.” Derek put the mugs in the sink and leaned on it. He hummed in agreement. Pete took this as a sign to leave as quickly as he could. He stumbled towards the door and said a hasty goodbye before slamming it shut. That was weird. He took out his phone and glanced at the time. It was barely past noon. The library would be open for another nine hours. Right when he wanted to put his phone back into his pocket and unlock his door he got a call from Melissa.

“What’s up Mel?” “Pete, can you come over? My brother is freaking out because of his school exam and you’re the only person I know who doesn’t throw up when being asked to write a literature analysis.” Pete groaned and closed his eyes. “Can he graduate already?” “Pete! Please, I’ll buy dinner if you come right away.” His eyes shifted towards Derek’s door and then he sighed. “Okay fine, I want pizza though and you better order the pineapples this time or I’ll never help your brother again.” “Pete, I accept you the way you are, I don’t care that you like men but I draw the line at pineapple on pizza.” “Mel, you’re straight, you’ve already crossed the line.” She cursed Pete out in a language that he didn’t understand. “Come over, please? He really needs help and I can’t do it. I don’t have the patience and you know how much I suck at literature.” He rubbed his chin and moved towards the elevator. “Yeah, I know. I’ll take the subway so I’ll be there in thirty minutes. Make sure the pizza is still warm when I arrive.” Melissa squealed on the other end of the line. “You’re the best, Pete! Love you.”

"Love you, too.” He mumbled even as Melissa had already hung up on him. His gaze was fixed on the door of his weird – but very attractive – neighbour. He wondered if he’d offended him by asking this question. Maybe he listened to music as some sort of trauma therapy. Pete shivered when he stepped outside. He forgot to grab a jacket and now he was too lazy to go back upstairs. Does Derek not freeze when he goes outside to smoke? His coat must be really warm.