Pete let himself fall onto the bed next to Melissa with a deep sigh on his lips. “I don't get paid enough for this.” Melissa hummed contentedly while being on her phone. She was scrolling through TikTok, sometimes chuckling and sometimes scrunching her nose. Pete always wondered what being on Straight TikTok must be like but Melissa seemed to enjoy herself there. “Thanks for the pizza.” “You’re welcome. Did Max whine a lot?” “The whole time.” Pete mumbled and covered his face with his hands. He hadn’t planned on staying there so long but Max was really bad so they basically had to start from scratch. Melissa caught up on Pete’s silence and put her phone aside. “I didn’t interrupt you earlier, right?” Pete shook his head and turned towards her. They were lying next to each other just like they used to do as children. “I actually had coffee with Derek before you called.” “Derek?” It took her a second, then her eyes widened. “Your neighbor?!” She playfully hit his chest until Pete rolled over in defeat. He almost fell to the ground. “Then I WAS interrupting you! How did this even happen?”

Pete quickly explained how he messed up his one chance at getting closer to Derek. Melissa wasn’t surprised about the outcome which was honestly a bit hurtful. “I’m not sure how to face him again. I want to apologize but how?” “Knock on his door and say sorry.” “Thanks Mel.” She glared at him and picked up her phone. “I’m serious Pete. I know you’re struggling with social interactions but it’s that easy. You don’t need a big speech or gesture, you can just knock and tell him you’re sorry for asking.” “Yeah?” Melissa sat up and cupped Pete’s cheeks. “Listen here, dummy, you didn’t mess up. Do I support you crushing on Derek? Not sure yet. Do I have your back? Absolutely. You survived coffee and a conversation, Pete. You’ll survive an apology, and hey, who knows, maybe next time he’ll invite you in for more.”

On the subway ride back to the dorms Pete kept thinking about Melissa’s words. Derek was really kind. Odd perhaps. Grumpy too. But his laugh was so sweet and refreshing. He began to hope that Derek was into guys. Pete may be socially awkward but for Derek he’d gather all his courage to ask him out on a date. He left the subway station with butterflies in his stomach. It’s been a while since he crushed on someone. After Thomas he took a break from boys. Now that he’s seen Derek however he couldn’t ignore the growing excitement inside of him. His lectures on Friday were all in the evening but he’d have to write his exam first which would leave him with a two hour window where he could apologize to Derek and ask him out. Not even he could mess this up. Unless…

Pete rummaged through his pockets. “Where are these stupid keys?” He groaned and texted Melissa but she replied in a second that he didn’t leave them at her place which could only mean one thing. He left them inside. It was already past seven so the janitor would only be able to unlock his door in the morning. “Shit.” He cursed and slammed his fist against the door. Right then Derek stepped out of his room. He had a cigarette between his lips and played with the lighter in his hand. He greeted Pete with a nod and walked towards the elevator. Stop him, a voice inside Pete’s mind whined. Ask him to let you sleep over. Pete stayed silent until Derek was gone. He leaned against the closed door and slid down until he’d reached the floor.