CHAPTER 5: Kevin

Dragging herself out of sleep, Alicia blinked at the early light spilling through the narrow dorm window. For a moment, she forgot where she was. Then the memory of yesterday hit her like a splash of cold water, the humiliating encounter with the porter, the argument with Raymond, the ridiculous pillow wall, and the fact that she was stuck in this room with him.

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‎She groaned into her pillow. Day one, and I’m already exhausted.

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‎A sound from the other side of the room caught her attention. Raymond was sitting up, hair tousled but still annoyingly perfect, scrolling on his phone like the world revolved around him.

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‎“You’re up early,” she muttered, throwing the blanket aside.

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‎“Some of us actually have discipline,” he shot back without looking at her.

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‎Alicia rolled her eyes and grabbed her towel. “And some of us have hygiene. Bathroom’s mine first.”

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‎She hopped off the bed before he could argue, slipping into the bathroom with a triumphant grin.

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‎Steam soon fogged the mirror as Alicia took her time under the hot spray. It felt too good to rush, washing away the stiffness of sleeping next to Raymond. She hummed to herself, louder than necessary, just to irritate him.

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‎“Are you running a spa in there?” Raymond’s voice cut through the door, sharp with irritation. “Some of us have places to be.”

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‎She smirked, dragging the towel slowly over her skin. “Then you should’ve booked your appointment earlier.”

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‎“Alicia,” his tone dipped lower, frustration rumbling in his chest. “You’ve been in there for almost thirty minutes.”

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‎“Thirty minutes is nothing when you’re dealing with all this.” She opened the door dramatically, towel wrapped around her body, hair damp and curling against her shoulders. “Perks of sharing a room with me, you get to wait.”

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‎Raymond’s eyes flicked up, then away, jaw tightening. For a brief second, something unreadable flashed across his face. Then it was gone, replaced with his usual arrogance.

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‎“You’re insufferable,” he muttered, shoving past her into the bathroom.

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‎“And yet, you’re stuck with me,” she sang, already pulling on her clothes.

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‎By the time he came out, hair wet and scowl firmly back in place, Alicia was dressed in her chosen outfit, a soft blouse tucked into jeans, simple but neat. She was fixing her curls in the mirror.

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‎“Finally,” she said sweetly. “I thought you drowned in there.”

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‎His glare was answer enough. Alicia smirked, grabbed her bag, and was the first to leave the room.

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‎Navigating her way to class wasn’t easy. The campus was alive now, students rushing in groups, laughter bouncing off the tall stone buildings, the crisp morning air buzzing with energy. Alicia clutched her schedule like it was a lifeline.

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‎Her first lecture was tougher than expected. The professor talked fast, and students scribbled notes like their lives depended on it. Alicia tried to keep up but felt the weight of starting two weeks late pressing on her. Still, she refused to give in.

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‎Catch up. You can do this, she told herself, scribbling fiercely.

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‎The morning dragged into late noon, and by the time her stomach growled, she realized she hadn’t eaten since yesterday evening.

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‎The cafeteria was bustling, voices blending into a chaotic hum. Alicia grabbed a tray and loaded it with food, rice, some chicken, and a drink. She scanned the room for a place to sit.

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‎That’s when she spotted him.

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‎Kevin.

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‎He was alone at a table near the window, posture relaxed, his face half-turned to the light. He was striking, sharp features, calm expression, and an aura that seemed untouchable. Alicia recognized him from one of her morning classes. He was able to answer a difficult question the professor threw at them that earned him a praise.

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‎Without hesitating, she made her way to him. He was, after all, the only familiar face here.

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‎“Mind if I join you?” she asked, sliding her tray onto the table before he could answer.

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‎Kevin looked up, surprised. His eyes were steady, dark, but not unkind. “Go ahead.”

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‎“Thanks.” She sat, poking at her food before glancing at him again. “You’re in Literature, right?”

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‎He gave a small nod. “Yeah. And you’re… Alicia.”

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‎Her eyebrows shot up. “You know my name?”

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‎“You introduced yourself to the professor.” His voice was even, almost detached, but his gaze lingered on her a moment longer than necessary.

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‎“Well, points for observation,” she said with a teasing smile. “I didn’t think anyone noticed.”

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‎“I notice more than you think.”

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‎Something in his tone made her pause, but she covered it with a smirk. “Mysterious, aren’t you?”

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‎Kevin didn’t respond, just sipped his drink. But Alicia felt a strange pull, a curiosity that made her want to dig deeper.

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‎“So,” she leaned forward slightly, “since you already know me, it’s only fair I know you. Name?”

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‎“Kevin.”

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‎“Kevin,” she repeated, testing it on her tongue. “Too stiff. You look more like a Kev.”

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‎His brow arched. “Kev?”

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‎“Yep. Simpler. Cooler. You should thank me, I just improved your branding.”

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‎For the first time, a ghost of a smile tugged at his lips. Alicia grinned in triumph.

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‎Later in the afternoon, Alicia’s schedule led her to an elective class, Creative Writing, something she was genuinely excited about. She slipped into a seat, pulling out her notebook.

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‎Halfway through, the door opened. Raymond walked in.

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‎Her eyes widened. You’ve got to be kidding me.

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‎He glanced around, and their gazes locked for a split second. His lips curled into the faintest smirk before he took a seat two rows behind her.

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‎Alicia tried to ignore him, focusing on the professor. But when Kevin walked in moments later and sat beside her, her heart skipped.

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‎“Didn’t think you’d be here,” she whispered.

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‎“Didn’t think you’d sit next to me,” Kevin replied, his tone calm but his eyes flickering with something unreadable.

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‎Before she could respond, she felt it. A strange, low rumble. Barely audible, but it vibrated through the air.

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‎Raymond.

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‎He was staring at them, jaw tight, hand curled into a fist on his desk. The sound had slipped out unconsciously, a growl buried deep in his chest.

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‎Alicia didn’t notice. She was too focused on Kevin’s dry humor and the comfort of talking to someone who wasn’t Raymond. But Raymond… Raymond noticed. His own reaction startled him.

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‎What the hell was that? he thought, forcing his attention back to his notes.

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‎By the time classes ended, Alicia was drained. She dragged herself back to Room 210, dropping her bag with a sigh.

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‎Her eyes flicked around the room, frowning. “Still no changes?” she muttered. The warden had promised some adjustments to the awkward living arrangement, but everything looked the same.

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‎She groaned, flopping onto the bed. “Great. Another night with Mr. Arrogant.”

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‎But as the hours ticked by, the door never opened. Raymond didn’t return.

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‎Slowly, a grin spread across her face. “So he’s not coming back tonight.”

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‎She stretched across the mattress, relishing the freedom. No pillow wall. No growling, arrogant remarks. Just blissful silence.

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‎Curling under the blanket, Alicia sighed happily. “Finally. A night of peace.”

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‎For the first time since arriving, she drifted to sleep with a smile on her face.