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The dorm was loud. Too loud.
Music thumped against the thin walls, bottles clinked, and laughter rolled like thunder across the cramped living room. Fluixon’s party had been meant to be “a few people from campus,” but somehow the guest list had exploded Cass, Cynikka, Ish, Lingulini, Thomas, just all their mutual friends all squeezed in, chatting in small groups or raiding the snacks.
Saparata hugged a cup against their chest like a shield. They were perched on the arm of the couch, half in the shadow of a potted plant, trying not to make eye contact. This was not their scene. Too many faces, too much noise. They could feel their pulse in their ears.
Across the room, Fluixon was laughing with Schpood and Benji about something ridiculous. But even in the middle of the group, Fluixon’s eyes kept flicking toward Saparata. They noticed the stiff shoulders, the downward gaze, the way Saparata’s fingers twisted around the rim of their cup.
After a few more minutes, Fluixon excused themself and threaded through the crowd until they reached Saparata.
“Hey,” they said softly, leaning close so only Saparata could hear. “You okay?”
Saparata forced a smile. “Yeah. Just… crowded.”
Fluixon tilted their head, scanning the room. “Come on. I know a better spot.” Without waiting for an answer, they took Saparata’s free hand and guided them through the kitchen, past the bathroom, and into the small study lounge down the hall. The door clicked shut behind them, cutting off the noise until it was just a muffled bassline.
Here, the lighting was soft, almost golden from a single desk lamp. There was a big window with rain streaking down the glass, and two worn chairs pushed together under it. The room smelled faintly of old coffee and printer paper.
Saparata exhaled, shoulders dropping. “Thank you. It was… a lot in there.”
Fluixon leaned against the desk, arms folded. “I didn’t realize it would blow up like that. I just wanted people to meet you, you know? But I should’ve checked in sooner.”
“You did now,” Saparata murmured. Their eyes finally met Fluixon’s warm purple eyes crinkled at the edges with worry.
For a moment, the bass from the party faded completely. It was just the two of them, close enough to feel the heat of each other’s breath. Fluixon’s voice went softer. “You’re more important than the party, Sap.” Saparata’s cheeks flushed. They stepped closer, almost without meaning to. “I didn’t say you had to—”
Fluixon reached out, brushed a strand of hair from Saparata’s forehead. “I wanted to.”
That tiny gesture undid something in Saparata’s chest. They swallowed, heart hammering. “Flux…”
The name came out like a whisper, and Fluixon’s thumb was still on their cheek, and before either of them could second-guess it, Fluixon dipped down and pressed their lips to Saparata’s.
It wasn’t loud or messy like the party. It was...soft..the kind of kiss that feels like stepping into warm water after being cold all day. Saparata’s free hand found Fluixon’s sleeve and held on.
When they finally pulled back, both of them were smiling a little, shy but real. Fluixon’s forehead rested against Saparata’s.
“Better?” he asked.
Saparata nodded, still breathless. “Much.”
Down the hall, the party raged on but in the study lounge, the world had shrunk to just the two of them.