One Summer Day (BWWM)

CHAPTER 10

After finally convincing Roman to go to the bathroom, I set up my computer so we can finally finish our Studio Ghibli movie marathon that's been on hold for a long time. I've noticed how Roman has been avoiding the topic of what's bothering him, but I'm not one to force people to talk about things that make them uncomfortable. I finally decide on a movie, Spirited Away, and prepare some snacks we can munch on while we watch.

Soon enough, he's walking out of the bathroom with a towel wrapped around his neck. Have mercy on me, Lord; I'm not one of your strongest soldiers. I quickly avert my eyes and cough.

"So I was thinking," I say, and he hums in response. "Since our Studio Ghibli marathon was put on hold for a while," I pause, looking at him to make sure there were no signs of refusal, "maybe we could finish our marathon today," I say hopefully, looking up at him. He seems to think about it for a bit but then nods.

"Okay, well, what are you waiting for?" I say cheerfully and pat the space next to me. He puts the towel back in the bathroom and makes his way back to the bed next to me. He smells good. I mean, he smells like me, so of course, he smells good.

"So what movie are we watching tonight?" he asks, getting comfortable next to me, leaning his back against the bed frame with his hands behind his neck.

"Tonight's special is Spirited Away," I say and turn toward him. "You ready?" I say, smiling at him.

He chuckles and says something under his breath, "Yes, milady." I smile and click the play button to start the movie.

Now, halfway through the movie, Roman's hands have found their way around my waist. Not that I'm complaining or anything—it's nice. We had reached the part in the movie where Chihiro has to go to Grandma Zeniba's house to ask for Haku's forgiveness when I start hearing sniffling. At first, I brush it off, thinking maybe he has a runny nose, but soon I feel him trembling, and I know it's not just cold sniffles. Pausing the movie, I slightly turn to face Roman and hug him. I don't know what else to do. I don't have a great track record of knowing how to handle people crying. I either stay quiet and stare, or I hug them. There's no in-between.

So I chose the latter. I rub his back slowly, letting him know I'm here for him without really saying it. Yeah, I'm curious to find out what's going on with him to make him like this. Okay, when I word it like that, it sounds really weird. Focus, girl. Focus.

I turn toward the little ledge by my bed and grab a bottle of water for him to sip on when he's done. What? When you cry, you get dehydrated, and I want to make sure he's hydrated. I hesitate for a second, but before I question myself anymore, I gently hand him the water. I make sure to hold onto it in case he's not strong enough to grip it.

"Hey, Rom, here you go," I say softly. "I know we just met—okay, not just met, but you know, recently met," I stop my rambling when I hear Roman chuckle lowly. "But just know I'll always be here for you if you need someone," I murmur softly. For a minute, it's pure silence, and I fear I scared him off. The moment is cut short when I feel Roman slowly slip his fingers into mine, and I give him a little squeeze.

I hear him inhale shakily before he says, "My grandma died." His expression dulls.

I inhale sharply in shock. "Rom, you don't have to—" I try to say.

"No, no, I want to. Keeping this inside is only going to make me feel worse," he continues. "She, uh—I found out two weeks ago that she passed away. At first, I didn't want to believe it, you know? I mean, Mama told me about her health, but I thought it was like any other health problem. But this time, it was serious," he says sadly. "I've been mentally checked out for about two weeks, rotting in my room, you know," he says, chuckling bitterly. "Today I finally decided I should get myself together. I took a shower, I shaved, hell, I even cleaned my apartment for the first time since I heard the news. I charged my phone and was bombarded with missed calls and texts," he pauses and looks at me. "I'm sorry about that, by the way. I didn't want you to think I was ignoring you," he says softly.

I chuckle. "I admit, I was pissed off at you. I wanted nothing to do with you because I felt like I was putting effort in and you just—" I stop. "I'm sorry, what the hell is wrong with me? You don't have to apologize. You were going through something, and the world doesn't revolve around me," I say to him.

"But—" he starts, and I cut him off.

"Uh-uh, no buts. Consider yourself forgiven, okay?" I say to him.

"Okay," he replies, looking at me softly.

I never thought I'd get used to the feeling of waking up wrapped in someone's arms, but these days it seems to be my reality. Last night after our heartfelt conversation, I couldn't let Roman walk back to his dorm. What? It was late, and he was vulnerable. I couldn't let him go out like that. Okay, maybe I wanted to be embraced by a fine man, sue me. Wait, what if he thinks I'm taking advantage of him because he was vulnerable? God, what have I done? I quickly try to get out of his embrace, but he only tightens his grip.

"Roman," I whisper. Nothing. I try again, shaking him this time. "Roman, please let go, I gotta pee," I say, groaning.

"Five more minutes," he groans, squeezing me tighter.

"Rom, I really gotta pee, please let me out," I say, gently running my hands through his hair. I slightly tug at it, which causes him to jerk up.

"Cléo, what the hell?" he says, shocked, and I finally escape and run toward the bathroom. I definitely didn't need to pee. Freaking out in my bathroom is way better than freaking out in front of the person I'm freaking out over.

I walk toward my sink and look into the mirror. I can simply tell him I'm not using him, so he doesn't get the wrong idea. When have I ever been someone to back down? Never. Stupid crush has me acting out of character. Snapping out of it, I decide that I might as well get ready for the day. I take a quick shower and brush my teeth. I wrap my body in my green robe and walk out of the bathroom.

Looking toward my bed, I find Roman lying there with one hand under his head and the other scrolling through his phone. His shirt is slightly lifted, and you can even see—What the fck? Why am I acting like a she-wolf in heat?* Diverting my eyes, I walk toward my closet and decide on my outfit for the day. After that's situated, I walk back toward the bed next to Roman.

"Get out of bed, sleepyhead," I say, looking at him. "Today we're going to do something fun. We've been cooped up in this room for too long, and I can see that you're starting to lose some color in your face," I joke. He sits up, looking at me.

"Where are we going?" he asks curiously.

"Well, it's been a while since we all hung out, so I figured we could hang out together," I say cheerfully. I can see the corner of his mouth lift. I smile back at him.

"So, go in there and come back looking like a human," I say while grabbing his muscular arm and dragging him toward the bathroom.

"Yes, ma'am," he says, fake saluting and closing the door. I chuckle softly and quickly change into something comfortable. I'll have to do my makeup when Roman gets out of the bathroom.

I grab my phone from the charger and quickly call Yon. I haven't talked to my best friend in what feels like forever. It rings for a couple of seconds before she picks up.

"Jagi, I've missed you," I say into the phone, pouting slightly.

"Girl, you literally saw me yesterday," she says jokingly. "Just kidding, my love, I've missed you more," she giggles. "What's up though, everything okay?" she asks.

"Yeah, I was just asking if you and Mr. Jeno are free and want to hang out today?" I ask.

"As far as I know, Jeno and I have no plans today," she says.

"Great! I'm going to text Tako and ask if he's free so we can all hang out," I say excitedly. This is fun—our first hangout since the summer started.

"Okay, baby, see you in an hour," she says.

"Of course, Jagi," I reply.