CHAPTER 1

*John POV*

I place the last of my boxes by the front door of Herc and Laf's dorm room. I smile and look across the room at the two of them exhaling deeply before I say, "Thanks again, Laf, for letting me stay with you last year. I really appreciate it...Oh! And thanks for having my boxes carried up here. It made everything so easy." Laf has been my friend since early junior high, and Herc since high school. They're always there for me. From Laf allowing me to live with him the past year and Herc just being a great support system when my dad kicked me out, I couldn't ask for better friends.

"Oh mon ami, it was no problem! I loved having you there and glad I can be of some help to my dearest friend!" Laf cries with a thicc French accent. I notice an awkward glance that Herc gave Laf, followed by a grin. I act like I don't notice but I've always noticed small things like this from Herc; however, this is the first time I've thought something suspicious of it.

"John! You excited to meet your new dorm room uhhh…. mate?!" Herc laughed as he shifted his glance away from Laf.

"I'm actually pretty excited, but at the same time really nervous. Like, what if he's some weird pervert?" I giggle to myself at the thought of my roommate being a pervert. Laf and Herc both raise their eyebrows as if saying in unison "You would like that now wouldn't you?".

I stick my tongue out at them before grabbing my last few boxes. "Just because I like men doesn't mean I'll be into him. Now, I'm going to my room and I'll text you guys about it later! See ya!" I close the door behind me and make my way down the hall towards my new dorm room.

I approach the door and notice its unlocked. He must already be here, I think to myself. I can already hear someone shuffling inside. With my hands full of boxes and my back to the door, I enter the room.

"Hey! My name is Alexander Hamilton, how do you do?" I hear a voice gleaming with confidence and an intelligent approach. I place my boxes on the bed I had claimed earlier.

I respond, "You're already in here! I'm John... John Laurens. It's a pleasure..." As I turn to face him, I gesture for a handshake. He quickly returns the gesture to shake my hand. I silently gasp to myself, looking curiously into his eyes as our hands meet. Deep brown eyes, sparking with passion. He has long, dark hair thrown into a messy ponytail. His frame is small, especially compared to mine. And very, very handsome. I just can't seem to take my eyes off of him. I realize our handshake is now becoming awkwardly long. I pull away nervously.

Alex quickly apologized, "Oh! I'm sorry. Lost my train of thought. It's very nice to meet you. I look forward to our stay here." I sigh in relief as the panic diminishes, bu there is something so sexy about his voice that leaves me begging for more. My face heats up as Alex turns around, so I laugh to hide my embarrassment.

"I look forward to the year with you too, Alexander." I sputter. As I turn around to unpack once again I notice Alex pull out a laptop. Only the sounds of clicking keyboards and shuffling boxes fill the room. I can't help but admire how fast he types on the computer. I wish I knew what he was typing. I feel a vibration coming from my pocket. I can already tell it's the low rumble of ridicule.

Group chat: What Time Is It? SHOWTIME!

Herc: Sooooooooo…. How is he? ;)

Laf: Yes, please tell us how you have fallen for your pervert of a roommate.

Me: Guys it's not like that! His name is Alexander Hamilton. He's very nice, and honestly really cute!

Laf: Well why don't we have a look for ourselves…. Loverboy. ;)

Herc: Yes we can be the judge of that Heh Heh Heh!

Me: Maybe you guys shouldn't… you're scaring me! Knowing you two, I won't talk to him ever again due to embarrassment.

Herc: Fine, Fine… we can be civil. Let us meet this Alexander Hamilton.

Laf: Oui Oui, we can meet at that coffee shack on campus.

Me: Fine…. Meet you guys there in 20?

Laf: See you there loverboy. ;)

Herc: *heart emojis*

I roll my eyes at my phone and look back up at Alex. He's still just sitting there and typing away at his computer. His big beautiful eyes are glued to that computer screen. I stare for another moment before speaking up.

"Hey Alex!" I say while attempting to be confident. Without looking up, he nods and offers a hum. I wonder again what that boy is writing about. I proceed with my question, "Would you be interested in joining me and my friends for coffee?" His short silence leaves me feeling slightly more nervous than I was a minute ago. I'm not sure what has come over me. I feel a connection to him, and all I can think about is how I want to know more about him.

"Sure!" I hear him say. A big smile extends across my face. I observe Alex as he finishes off whatever he was writing. He shuts his laptop and hops off the bed. I slip my shoes back on as I stand at the door and pray in my head that this meeting won't end in disaster. I just want Herc and Laf to behave.

Alex and I walk out the door and make our way to the coffee shop. Together.

Word Count: 972