The car came to a stop in front of the fraternity house, the engine cutting off as my dad turned the key. I stepped out, brushing off my shirt as I adjusted my duffle bag. In the reflection of the car’s window, I caught a glimpse of myself: slim, slightly underweight, with pale skin that seemed to glow in the sunlight. My short, dark brown hair was tousled, the strands falling just above my forehead. My gray eyes, sharp and unusually light, stared back at me, making me look more self-assured than I actually felt.

“Well, here we are,” Dad said, leaning against the car with a grin. “College life starts now. Ready to take on the world?” 

Mom fussed with the strap of my bag, her expression equal parts pride and worry.

“You’ll do great, Ezra,” she said softly.

Then, after a pause, she added, “But don’t forget your medicine, okay? Set an alarm if you have to.” 

I sighed but nodded. “I won’t forget, Mom. I promise.” 

She gave me a knowing look, her hand still resting on my shoulder. “You know how important it is. Just don’t let anything distract you, okay?” 

“She’s right,” Dad added, tapping the roof of the car. “No calls about skipped doses, got it?”  

“I get it,” I said, throwing up my hands in mock surrender. “Medicine on time. Promise.” 

Mom pulled me into a hug, holding on a second longer than usual. “I’m going to miss you so much,” she whispered. 

“I’ll miss you too,” I said, my throat tightening. 

Dad stepped forward and clapped me on the shoulder. “You’ll do great, son. We’re proud of you.”  

I smiled faintly. “Thanks, Dad. I’ll make you proud.” 

After one last glance between us, they climbed back into the car. I waved as they drove off, Mom waving back through the window until they disappeared down the street. A strange emptiness settled over me as I turned toward the house, alone for the first time.

 The fraternity house loomed ahead, its door open to laughter and music. I adjusted my bag again, swallowing the nerves creeping up on me, and made my way to the steps. 

Before I could make it inside, I bumped hard into someone coming out the door. “Hey, watch where you’re going!” the guy snapped as the box he was carrying slipped from his hands. It hit the ground with a sharp crack, and his irritation flared as he knelt to pick up the shattered remains. “Are you kidding me? This was a vintage record player. Do you even…” 

He stopped mid-sentence as he looked up at me, his eyes locking onto mine. His face softened immediately, the sharpness of his tone replaced by something calmer, almost disarming. He stood taller than me, broad shoulders and a lean, athletic build that made his presence impossible to ignore. 

His deep brown skin seemed to catch the light as he moved, and long dreads, tied back loosely, framed his angular jawline and high cheekbones. His dark brown eyes lingered on mine for a moment too long, something unreadable flickering behind them. 

I froze under his gaze, my bag still slung awkwardly over my shoulder. Heat rushed to my face as I crouched to help. “I…I’m so sorry,” I stammered, my voice uneven. “I didn’t see you. Let me help…” His lips twitched into a faint smirk, and his tone changed entirely, lighter now. “It’s fine,” he said, waving me off as he stood. 

“Don’t worry about it.” I frowned, glancing at the shattered record player.

“No, seriously. I’ll replace it. Or pay to fix it or…” 

He let out a soft laugh, shaking his head.

“Fix it? Glue and duct tape aren’t saving this thing.” He paused, his eyes flicking over me again before adding, “But I’ll let you off the hook this time.”

I hesitated, feeling a mix of relief and awkwardness as he stepped back.

His gaze lingered, his smirk growing slightly. “You moving in here?”

“Yeah,” I replied quickly, still flustered under his eyes.

“Ezra. I’m Ezra.”