Champagne Problems

N I N E T E E N

"Tell your little sister she can pick whatever clothes she wants—at my expense," Daphné says softly, her eyes glancing at Riley, who's still holding her hand. His head is down, as if he's slightly embarrassed by the offer, but she notices how his lips curve into a small smile. His hands are soft, almost gentle in contrast to his tough exterior, and the feel of his skin against hers brings a sense of warmth she didn't expect.

They walk slowly through the quiet, dimly lit campus toward Riley and Jérome's new room. The night air is cool, but it doesn't bother Daphné—if anything, it adds to the peacefulness between them. Riley hasn't stayed in the new place yet, but now, with Daphné by his side, he feels like maybe this could be the perfect way to break in the space.

"You don't have to do that, Daphné," Riley says, shaking his head, though his smile remains. His dark green eyes flicker up to meet hers, glowing under the campus lights, and Daphné feels her heart skip a beat. She's struck again by how effortlessly handsome he is—there's something about the way his messy hair frames his face, his relaxed smile, the way he walks with ease, holding her hand like it's the most natural thing in the world.

"You know I want to," Daphné insists, squeezing his hand. Just then, they hear rustling from the bushes. Before either of them can say anything, the unmistakable sounds of moaning reach their ears. Daphné's eyes widen, and she looks at Riley in disbelief.

"Yeah," Riley says, his grin widening, "it's just two people... well, you know." He nods toward the bushes, his tone casual, but his eyes are full of amusement.

Daphné's expression twists into one of distaste. "Is that something students here regularly do?" she asks, clearly repulsed.

Riley chuckles softly. "It's kind of a thing," he admits. "People get a little wild around here."

"Gross," Daphné mutters under her breath. She can't imagine ever being that... reckless. Sure, she had her own less-than-ideal first time in a car, but at least it was somewhat private. This? This was just... no.

They walk a bit further, finally reaching Riley and Jérome's room. Daphné steps inside first, taking in the simple surroundings. The room is sparse, just two beds, a shared closet, and Riley's drum kit in the corner. There's nothing to indicate any personality in the space yet, and it strikes her how different this is from the luxury she's used to. But somehow, it feels right.

"We still need to buy a few things," Riley says, sensing her thoughts as she takes in the blank space. He's always been good at reading her, even when she doesn't say anything.

Daphné glances down at her phone and notices the time—5:59 a.m. The sky outside is starting to lighten, the first soft rays of dawn just peeking over the horizon. She feels a little flutter of excitement in her chest, realizing how long they've been together. The night feels infinite, like a stolen moment between them that no one else can touch.

Riley walks over to his bed, peeling off his shirt in one fluid motion. The movement catches her attention, and she can't help but admire the way the dim light falls across his toned chest. He tosses his shirt toward her with a lazy grin. "Here," he says, "you can wear this to sleep in."

She catches it, her eyebrows raising at his casual attitude. "You sure know how to treat a lady," she says with a playful smile, folding the shirt over her arm.

Riley flops onto the bed, stretching his arms behind his head. "I'm always a gentleman. That's why your grandfather loves me," he jokes, his eyes twinkling with mischief.

Daphné kicks off her shoes, laughing softly at his remark. She starts to unbutton her jeans but pauses when she notices Riley watching her from his spot on the bed, his gaze not exactly subtle.