Chapter Text
At 4 a.m., when most creatures are still sleeping and the sun remains hidden, the moonlight softly illuminates a college dorm room.
Inside, Nathan—a border collie usually sticking to a strict routine—is wide awake. He sits with his knees pulled close, staring blankly out the window, his mind drifting elsewhere.
“Am I still dreaming?” he whispers to himself. “How is this even possible?” Silence from the night is his only reply.
His thoughts rewind to the previous day's basketball game. It had seemed like an ordinary evening. Nathan, lost in thoughts about upcoming exams and assignments, stood beneath the hot shower spray when suddenly, Daniel—a tall, athletic blonde dingo—unexpectedly pulled open the shower curtain.
“Nathan,” Daniel began urgently, water dripping from his golden fur.
Nathan instinctively blushed, quickly tossing his towel at Daniel’s face. “Can't you wait until I'm finished?”
Daniel removed the towel, slightly embarrassed but insistent. “Sorry, but it's important. I'll wait in the locker room.”
Nathan sighed deeply, trying to calm himself as Daniel left. He muttered quietly, “Why did I have to fall for someone like him?” After drying off, Nathan stepped out, only to find Daniel waiting intently on the locker room bench.
“What is it, Daniel?” Nathan asked, attempting to be not caring.
Without warning, Daniel stood up, swiftly pinning Nathan against the locker, his face mere inches from Nathan’s. Nathan felt his heart race, words frozen in his throat.
Daniel stared earnestly into Nathan’s blue eyes. “Nathan, I think—I like you.”
Nathan's mind spun, blurring all coherent thoughts. He vaguely remembered mumbling something affirmative before running off. He’d spent the rest of the day avoiding Daniel, overwhelmed and confused.
Now, at 4 a.m., sleep eluded him entirely.
Frustrated, Nathan pressed a pillow to his face, muffling a yell. Exhausted, he decided to get some water. As he opened his door, he was stunned to find Daniel slumped against the wall, eyes closed, wearing only a tank top beneath a short-sleeved jacket.
Nathan quickly shook Daniel awake. “Daniel! Wake up! Why are you sleeping here?”
Daniel’s eyes slowly opened, smiling softly upon seeing Nathan. “You've been avoiding me since yesterday. This seemed like the best way to find you.”
“What if you caught a cold?” Nathan scolded, worry coloring his voice. “Were you planning to stay here until morning if I didn't come out?”
Daniel sheepishly rubbed his head. “Actually, yes.”
Nathan sighed deeply, opening the door wider. “Come inside. You left your coat here last time.”
Inside the neatly arranged room, Nathan handed Daniel the coat, which Daniel gratefully accepted. “Why were you really outside my door?” Nathan asked gently.
Daniel's ears perked nervously. “You said you'd date me but then ran away. You've avoided me since then.”
Nathan blushed furiously, memories rushing back. “Did I really say that...?” Embarrassed, he covered his face with his paws.
Daniel’s tail wagged hopefully. “So, when can we go out?”
“Can't it at least wait until morning?” Nathan pleaded.
Daniel stepped closer, smiling playfully. “What if you run away again?”
Nathan backed into the closet, feeling cornered but ultimately giving in. “Fine, let's go out now. I can't sleep anyway.”
Nathan quickly gathered his belongings, and Daniel firmly took his paw, preventing any escape attempts. Nathan shyly looked away, surprising himself by suggesting, “Want to watch the stars from the rooftop?”
Daniel agreed enthusiastically, and they quietly made their way up. Beneath the open sky, Daniel gently stroked Nathan’s head, calming his nerves.
Nathan finally voiced his curiosity. “Why confess so suddenly?”
Daniel scratched his cheek nervously. “I planned something more special, but there was a rumor you were seeing someone. I panicked.”
Nathan sighed, smiling faintly. “I'm not seeing anyone—but thank you.”
Relieved, Daniel hugged Nathan warmly. Nathan felt his cheeks burn, heart pounding against Daniel’s chest. Daniel softly kissed Nathan’s head. “Thank you for saying yes.”
Nathan hid his face in Daniel's fur. “You're going to be the death of me.”
After a peaceful silence, Nathan pulled away gently. “We should get some rest. I have an exam later today.”
Daniel nodded. “Can I stay in your room?”
Blushing yet again, Nathan quietly agreed. They returned to Nathan’s room, crowding onto the small bed. As Nathan felt Daniel’s warmth beside him, he knew sleep would be nearly impossible. But at this moment, sleep didn’t matter. All that mattered was the comforting feeling of Daniel's fur against his own and the happiness of finally being together. Nathan smiled softly, closing his eyes, content to savor every second of this unexpected, perfect night.