In the heart of Harvard, Alessia Gilmore is ready to embrace her second year and the independence it brings. After a summer spent reconnecting with friends and discovering herself, she's determined to step out of her twin sister Rory's shadow and ca...
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The late afternoon sun streamed through Alessia's windshield as she pulled onto the highway, Stars Hollow disappearing in her rearview mirror. The lingering haze of her earlier high had completely worn off, leaving behind a quiet, contemplative mood. Saying goodbye to her mom and Rory had been... fine. Lorelai had hugged her a little longer than usual, and Rory had given her a warm smile, promising to visit soon.
Alessia appreciated the effort, but it still felt like she was leaving the same undercurrent of tension she always did. The weight of old patterns tugged at her, but the open road offered a strange sort of freedom, and she welcomed it.
Her phone buzzed against the console, interrupting the low hum of music. She reached over and pressed the answer button on her car's hands-free system.
"Hey, Harvard," Logan's smooth voice filled the car, familiar and easy, like the low rumble of her tires on the asphalt.
"Logan," she said, a small smile tugging at her lips despite herself.
"Where are you?" he asked, his tone lazy but curious.
"On my way back to campus. Just crossed into Hartford."
"Perfect timing," he replied, the faint sound of rustling in the background. "You feel like hanging out tonight? My place. Movies. Snacks. I'll send the chauffeur to get you."
Alessia chuckled, shaking her head slightly. "There's no need. I'm already in my car. I'll be there soon."
"Well then, I'll roll out the red carpet," Logan teased, a smile audible in his voice. "Drive safe, Harvard."
"Always," she replied, before ending the call.
---------
Alessia walked into Logan's apartment, the familiar blend of warmth and extravagance greeting her. Logan was sprawled on the couch, already flipping through his movie options.
"About time," he quipped, leaning back and flashing her that signature grin. "Thought you'd gotten lost."
"Hardly," she replied, dropping her bag by the door. "What are we watching?"
He gestured toward the massive screen, where a growing queue of movies scrolled by. "Your choice. I'm feeling generous tonight."
She laughed, settling into the couch beside him. "You're always generous. You just also happen to be incredibly opinionated."
He smirked but didn't argue, handing her the remote. After some playful back-and-forth, they settled on a classic comedy.
Halfway through the second movie, Logan's head tilted back against the couch, and his breathing slowed. Alessia glanced over to find him fast asleep, his arm draped lazily across the back of the couch. She tried to focus on the screen, but the steady rhythm of his light snoring was impossible to ignore.
She leaned over, giving his shoulder a nudge. "Logan, get up. You're snoring, and I can't hear the movie."
He stirred slightly, his eyes cracking open just enough to glare at her. "Then turn it up..." he mumbled, his voice thick with sleep.
Alessia rolled her eyes, sitting back. "So you can yell at me for waking you up? No thanks."
Logan cracked a tired grin, his eyes fluttering shut again. "You woke me up anyways!"
She laughed despite herself, lightly shoving his arm. "Yeah, and you're still being loud!"
Logan's eyes popped open fully this time, his smirk widening as he leaned toward her. "Oh, I'm being loud?"
Before Alessia could retort, Logan's arm snaked around her waist, pulling her closer. She barely had time to react before he started peppering her face with kisses-her cheek, her temple, her nose.
"Logan!" she squealed, laughing as she half-heartedly tried to push him away. "Stop it!"
"Never," he teased, landing one last dramatic kiss on her forehead before settling back into the couch. He tightened his arm around her, tucking her comfortably against his side.
"You're impossible," she muttered, still smiling as she relaxed into the warmth of him.
"And you love it," he replied smugly, his voice softening.
Alessia didn't argue, letting the moment settle around them as the movie played on. Logan's steady breathing eventually evened out again, and she could tell he was close to falling asleep. But this time, she didn't mind the noise-or the company.
