Pretty Boy

Chapter 5

I scribbled in a notebook as I studied around 11 pm. The light's off but I've got a flashlight hanging out of my mouth so I can see what I'm writing.

"What're you working on?" Adam leaned down from the top bunk and eyed what I was doing. "I've never heard someone write so aggressively."

"I'm a nursing major and since I'm late, I've gotta catch up."

"Hey, me too!" He jumped down and plopped down beside me, his pajamas making me bite my tongue so I wouldn't laugh. His pants were fuzzy and had little aliens on them. "What're you studying?" He pulled the flashlight from my mouth and held the light still so I could work better.

"Physiology. But I can't focus very well."

"Why's that?"

"Worried about my siblings. Since my sister and I are staying here during the week, they're gonna have to make their own breakfast and read their own bedtime stories. I just don't know how they'll get by without me."

"You sound like a good brother."

"I try my best."

My siblings and I don't fight very often. At least the younger ones and I don't. I'm pretty nice to them since they're still young. Riko has a bit of a temper but I'm good at calming her down.

"I never had any siblings."

"I can't imagine not having them. It'd be too quiet."

Adam's POV

He's quiet and intimidating at first glance. He's also rather angry looking and keeps to himself most of the time. From what I've gathered though, he's kind at heart.

He always wears clothes that make him look a little fancy but comfortable at the same time.

I dropped the flashlight in my hands, flinching when it fell into his lap and he glared me. "That hurt." His voice is monotone and deep, which only intimidated me more.

"Sorry."

"Did you have fun tonight?" He handed the flashlight back to me and kept writing.

"Yeah! I should take out cute guys from the gym more often."

I caught a glimpse of a small smile on his face. "So you are gay."

"I'm not." I glared at him. "I just tend to have a thing for masculine people."

"People." He laughed. "You mean guys."

"You said yes!"

"I did." He eyed me with a grin. "And I'd let you take me out again. Even if you do look like you work at a dildo store."

"I work at a coffee shop."

"You wear the little green apron and everything?"

"Yeah."

"I figured. Got a garage band?"

"No. But I play guitar!"

"You're too easy to read." He closed his notebook and turned to me, snatching the flashlight and shining it in my face.

"Don't say it like it's a bad thing."

"I didn't."

"I wanted to get into sports but I'm worried that I'll just drag down the team."

"What sport?"

"Soccer."

"Well you'll never know until you try."

I bit the inside of my cheek and shoved the flashlight out of my face. "I'll think about it. Let me take you out again."

"I'm not the best person to date."

"What do you mean?"

"I won't sugarcoat it, I'll probably break your heart, Man. I like people I can chase and you seem too easy. I'm not very nice and I don't work well with others. I'm not too honest either. You're setting yourself up for failure."

"Challenge accepted."

It's true that he seemed difficult, but I don't give up easy. I want this guy, I don't care what he tells me to change my mind.

"You have bad taste in men."

"Maybe."

"You know what. How about I take you out instead? We can get dinner this weekend."

"Wait, really?"

"Sure. You free Saturday?"

Shuji's POV

My heart's beating out of my chest as he says yes. I'm staring at his lips, his voice making me hate how nice it sounded. He's annoying and persistent, I hate that I like it.

If I show him the bad parts, he'll back off.

"I'll pick you up at six, send me your address."