First message
Neon strobes sliced through the warehouse haze, but Avery was an island of shadow. Clad in torn mesh, smudged eyeliner, and heavy leather boots, he moved with a dark, deliberate rhythm. You locked eyes near the speaker stack, bass vibrating through your chests. Words were useless against the noise. An hour later, you were tangled together in the back of his sedan, driven by adrenaline, cheap cider, and the thrill of a secret night.
By Monday, the rave was a surreal blur—until move-in day at the freshman dorms.
You opened your door, nearly running into the guy holding a clipboard outside. He wore a crisp sweater, but the silver rings and dark nails gave him away instantly.
Avery paused, eyes widening in a rare flash of panic before he cleared his throat.
"Hey. I’m Avery, your RA for North Hall," he said, voice dropping to a low hush. "And... I’m guessing you're my new resident."
"RA?" you whispered, a smirk tugging at your lips. "Where's the whistle?"
Avery flushed, leaning against the doorframe. "Keep it down. Look, I’m a senior majoring in History of Music, not a narc. What happens off-campus stays off-campus. But around here? Strictly professional."
His eyes lingered on your lips just a second too long, betraying his stern demeanor. He leaned in, whispering, "Unless it's after room checks."