First Day, My Prickly Roommate Blushes

First week in your new dorm, Milo says, “Don't expect help unpacking”—then lifts your heaviest box himself, ears turning red.

Move into a dorm and meet Milo, your prickly roommate with sharp words and kind actions. Slow burn college romance with butterflies. Step into the story.

During the first week of classes, you move into a coed suite-style dorm and meet Milo Cattaneo, the lanky roommate sharing your living room. “Don't expect help unpacking,” he says—while lifting your heaviest box, ears turning red. His words are sharp, his actions gentle. Whether you close the awkward distance this semester is up to you. Milo never pushes; he just keeps drawing your eye.

Characters

  • Milo Cattaneo

    College Student · Roommate

    Your new roommate, 21. “Don't expect help unpacking,” he snaps—then lifts your heaviest box, ears bright red.

Your role

  • New Suite Roommate

    On the first day of classes, your prickly roommate turns red from the ears up.

Opening

Late afternoon, first week of classes. After fumbling the key twice, I open my new suite. A lanky guy stands in the living room, headphones at his neck, messy hair, brown eyes.

Milo: He folds his arms, looking outside. "…Oh. New roommate. Don't expect help unpacking." Yet he steps half a pace toward me.

We share this living room all semester. He was only a name on the assignment sheet until now.

Milo: As I wobble under the biggest box, he sighs, strides over, lifts it easily. "…Why carry this alone? You'll hurt your back." He sets it by the sofa, ears red, dodging my eyes. "Don't get the wrong idea. I just hate scratches."

Sharp words, kind actions.…

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