One Summer Day (BWWM)

CHAPTER 9

I quickly make it to the cafeteria and order some chicken soup and warm buns for Roman and myself. What can I say? Bread is good. As I wait for the order, I quickly text Yon to give her a heads-up about Roman being in our room—not the part about him crying, just that he's here.

Fifteen minutes later, I hear my name being called. I walk to the counter, grab the food, thank the server, and head back to the dorm. On the way, my phone rings, and I see it's an unknown number. I hesitate for a second, then pick up.

"Hello?" I ask warily.

"Hey Cléo, it's me, Tako," said the voice I immediately recognize.

"Hey Tako, how are you?" I reply.

"I'm doing good. Quick question, do you know where Rome is? I've been looking for him, and his phone's off. His mom told me to check on him, but I can't if I can't reach him," he says briskly.

"Roman's in my room. He came over, and he wasn't in the best shape," I say quietly. "Do you know what happened?"

"His mom didn't explain much; she just wanted me to make sure he was okay," Tako replies.

"Alright, well, I'm at my apartment now, so I gotta go, but I'll update you later if anything changes," I say, reaching for my keys.

"Okay, and Cléo?" he says.

"Yeah?"

"Thank you."

"You're welcome," I respond softly, ending the call.

I glance at the bed and see that Roman is still asleep. I quietly place the food on my desk, head to the bathroom to wash my hands, and remind myself that I can shower later. Right now, Roman's my priority. When I finish, I walk to the bed and gently place my hand on Roman's head, caressing his hair.

"Hey, hun, wake up. I got some soup for you," I whisper softly. He stirs but doesn't wake, leaning into my hand. I hold back a smile, trying again with a little more force. This time, he wakes up and looks around, processing where he is before his eyes land on me.

"You're here," he says groggily, smiling softly.

I smile back. "I am. I got you some soup and warm buns, hmm? Why don't you go freshen up in the bathroom, and when you come back, it'll be ready to eat, okay?" I help him up, guiding him toward the bathroom.

"There are towels and toothbrushes under the sink," I say, gently closing the door behind him for privacy.

I grab some bowls and spoons from our mini kitchen, then portion out the soup and buns. I also warm up some water for chamomile tea. Five minutes later, I hear the bathroom door open. Roman walks over to the table, pulls out a chair, and sits down while I push the food toward him. He picks up his spoon and takes slow, measured sips.

For a while, the only sound in the room is the clinking of spoons against bowls. I'm not a fan of silence. It makes me nervous, so I start picking at my nails and humming softly. After a moment, I cough, trying to break the quiet.

"I like your hair," Roman says in a low voice.

I chuckle softly. "Thanks. I got it done earlier this week."

"Why'd you change it? The other one was pretty too. Not that this one isn't!" he says, rambling cutely.

"No, it's fine," I laugh. "I just needed a change. Whenever I feel like I'm not in control of something, I change my appearance a little."

I get up from the table and walk to the sink. "Oh," Roman says, swirling his spoon in his bowl. I notice, walk back over, and ask, "You done with that? I can wash it up for you."

He nods, and I take his bowl to the sink. By the time I turn back around, he's already back in bed, all snuggled up. Cute. I quickly dry my hands and walk over to the bed.

"You okay? Need anything?" I ask softly. I really need a shower; I feel so gross right now.

"No," he mumbles.

"Alright, I'm going to take a quick shower, and I'll be right back," I say, heading toward the bathroom. Just before I turn around, I feel a loose grip on my hand. I stop and look at Roman.

"What's up? You need something?" I ask gently.

"Thank you, Cléo. I don't deserve this after how I've treated you. I really appreciate everything," he says softly.

I inhale sharply, taken aback. No one's ever really thanked me for taking care of them before. Tears well up in my eyes, and I can't help but wrap my arms around his neck, hugging him.

"You're welcome, Roman. I'll always be here if you need me," I whisper, rubbing his hair. "But I really need to shower," I add, letting go, and we both chuckle.

I grab some clean clothes from my closet and practically run to the bathroom. As I close the door, I lean against it for a moment. What a day. I wash my hands and start my skincare routine. In the shower, I exfoliate and let the hot water run down my back, feeling the tension melt away. I sigh deeply, thinking about everything that happened today. When I start feeling lightheaded, I know it's time to get out.

I brush my teeth, finish my skincare, and slip into my comfy clothes. When I leave the bathroom, I walk toward the bed and notice a duffel bag next to Roman.

"What's that?" I ask.

"Jeno brought me some clothes. I wanted to wear something fresh before going to sleep," he says, getting up.

"You're staying the night?" I ask, trying to hide my surprise. I mean, I wouldn't mind—it's nice having someone to stay with.

"Is it cool if I do?" Roman asks, breaking me out of my thoughts.

"Yeah, it's cool," I say, smiling. "You know where the bathroom is." I push him toward the bathroom, giggling to myself like a schoolgirl once he's inside. What am I doing? I dive onto my bed, swinging my feet in the air and squealing into my pillow.

Okay, okay, I need to stop. But maybe, just maybe, I have a tiny crush on Roman. I mean, can you blame me? He's cute, and he's open about his emotions. That's rare.

In the middle of my little daydream, I hear the bathroom door open. Roman walks toward the bed, chuckling.

"You okay? You've been under there for a while," he says with a laugh.

I pull the blanket off my head awkwardly. "Yeah, I was just, uh... looking for my phone under the bed," I mumble.

"Oh, you mean the phone you left charging in the bathroom?" he says, still laughing as he walks closer.

I jump out of bed, laughing with him. Of course, I left my phone in the bathroom.