chapter 2

The first rays of sunlight barely shone through the thick trees outside Misha's apartment window. They made his small, new room dimly lit. He had barely slept. Worry about starting college and Axel's group being so close churned in his stomach. The quiet of the apartment building, except for a far-off bird or rustling leaves, was very different from his noisy home. Today was his first day of college, and it was already feeling strange.

His stomach growled, but first, a shower. He got his soap and shampoo, put his towel over his arm, and quietly left his room, locking the door. The hallway was empty. All other apartment doors were closed. He hoped his feeling about avoiding Axel was right, at least for now. He reached the shared bathroom, a small, tiled room with one shower, toilet, and sink. It was cleaner than he thought, probably because it was early. He quickly stepped into the shower, letting the cool water wash away some of his worry.He hummed a soft song to himself, a habit from home, enjoying the short moment of quiet. Just as he was about to turn off the water, a loud clang from the hallway made him jump. It sounded like something heavy had fallen. He froze, his heart pounding hard. He suddenly felt how thin the bathroom door was. He listened closely, but then it was silent again. Probably nothing, he told himself, trying to calm his fast heart.

A few minutes later, wrapped in his towel, Misha reached for the doorknob. He waited, took a deep breath, and opened it. As he stepped out, his eyes were still getting used to the dimmer light in the hall. He almost bumped into a wide chest.

Axel: "Woah, easy there, softie,"

A voice said slowly, sounding strangely amused.

Misha gasped, stumbling back. His towel almost fell. It was Axel. He stood in the hallway, leaning against the wall near the shared bathroom. He had a small, dark thing in his hand – maybe a dropped phone? Misha's eyes, wide with fear, looked from Axel's face to the floor, and then, without meaning to, down.

Axel's eyes moved slowly, carefully. They took in Misha's thin body, the curve of his hip showing from the towel, and his damp hair clinging to his neck. A small, almost hidden change in Axel's face, a tightening around his eyes, showed a lot. It was a look of pure, strong interest, but not friendly. It was the look of a hunter sizing up its prey.

Misha held his towel tighter. Shame and a deep fear washed over him. He felt open, weak, like an insect under a magnifying glass.

Misha: "I-I'm sorry,"

He stammered, his voice barely a whisper. "I didn't know anyone was out here."

Axel pushed himself off the wall and took a slow step forward.

Axel: "No need to say sorry, little bird. It's a shared bathroom, right?"

He stopped, his smirk getting wider.

Axel: "Though I have to say, you really woke up the place."

He leaned closer, his voice dropping to a low, rough whisper that made Misha shiver.

Axel: "Wouldn't want you to catch a cold, though. You look... delicate."

Misha felt his face get hot, the warmth rising despite the cold from his shower. He wanted to talk back, to tell Axel to leave him alone, but the words got stuck in his throat. He just stood there, stuck, very aware of his half-nakedness and Axel’s uncomfortable, strong stare.

Axel finally stood straight, a shine in his eyes.

Axel: "Well, don't just stand there. Get dressed before you freeze." He chuckled, a low, unsettling sound. Then, without another word, he turned and walked towards the shared bathroom, whistling a tune.

Misha didn't move until the bathroom door closed behind Axel. He let out a shaky breath he didn't know he was holding. His legs suddenly felt weak. He quickly got back into his room, locking the door with shaking hands. He leaned against it, his heart still beating hard. The privacy of his own room felt like a weak shield. This was only the first day. This was only the beginning.

PINK-TASTIC

Should I just completely make it as narrative style? I don't know so I'll release chapter 3-5 sooner.

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