I finished packing the two bags I had prepared and lay down on the bed, staring at Jacob, who was staring back with a look that screamed concern.
"So you're moving in with Kenan?" he asked, shocked.
Yes. And deep down, I was just as shocked as him.
I nodded. "The only reason we're moving in together is because… we're attached."
"Wait—what? Doesn't that happen, like, rarely? "
"I found out the day I left the dorm," I admitted. "I only recently accepted it."
Jacob blinked at me. "So how does it feel… attaching to someone?"
"It's not as exciting as everyone makes it sound."
Jacob laughed. "Probably because most of the people who are attached didn't spend years disliking each other beforehand."
"If it weren't for the withdrawal symptoms, I wouldn't have even noticed."
"What's that like?"
"Well, I couldn't eat, I was drained, always sleepy… my body basically gave out."
He nodded slowly. "Is it like bonding without a mark?"
"Well it's our body fighting for us to mark each other." I replied.
"Well, even though you're leaving me, at least you're doing it for your health."
I smiled faintly. Right. My health. That's what this is about.
"So, what time is he coming to get you?"
I checked my phone. "Probably in thirty minutes."
"Wait,so you guys are renting an apartment together, or…?"
"No. I'm just staying in his place until the attachment fades."
Jacob frowned. "But it rarely fades. Should I just start preparing your wedding gift now?"
"Oh please. You're just as delusional as Cora."
"Well, at least we're realistic."
I rolled my eyes.
"Oh wait,how are you and your so-called boyfriend?"
He laughed. "Love how you switched the topic. But honestly? I don't know. Feels like push and pull."
Jacob sighed. "It's hard leaving someone after dating them for two years." His tone softened.
"Am I hearing wedding bells, then?"
"Who knows," he said.
My phone lit up with Kenan's name.
I sat up, answering quickly. "Hey."
"I'm downstairs."
"Give me three minutes, I'll be there."
I hugged Jacob and grabbed my bags.
"You're acting like I am not seeing you tomorrow" he teased.
"I was just being nice. Anyway, bye."
I closed the door behind me and took the elevator down.
Kenan was leaning against his car, staring at the ground. He only looked up when the gate opened. His eyes flicked to the bags in my hands.
"I thought you said it wasn't much?"
"Oh, there's more I still have to bring," I said casually, walking up to him.
He glanced at the bags, then back at me. "Are you serious?"
"Why would I lie? Hurry, open the door. My hands are tired."
He didn't say anything, just unlocked the car. I tossed the bags in the back and slid into the passenger seat.
Kenan stalled for a second, watching me with that unreadable look before finally sitting down and starting the car.
"Did I mention my professor finally replied to my email?" I asked.
He shook his head.
"Well, he said as long as I submit it, my marks won't be deducted."
"Good to hear."
Right. Enthusiasm zero point one. I pulled out my phone to pass the hour-long drive.
When we pulled into the underground parking, Kenan immediately grabbed the bags.
"You need help?" I asked, just to be polite not because I had any intention of helping.
He ignored me and led the way upstairs. I followed, already knowing the path from last time.
The door opened with the jingle of keys, and I stepped inside. It was the same as before quiet, clean, a little too bare.
I dropped onto the couch while Kenan disappeared into his room. When he reappeared, he was in sweatpants, shirtless, looking like he had just walked out of a gym ad. I sighed. How unfair life was that some people just had abs like that without trying.
Kenan sat next to me. "I'll sleep on the chair. You can take the room. I'll only come in for my clothes."
I rolled my eyes. " I'm comfortable sharing the bed."
As if completely ignoring what I previously said Kenan stood up, motioning for me to follow him to the room making our way to the walk in closet which was a decent size.
"This side's yours."
I glanced at the empty section. It would fit my things easily. After unpacking, I wandered out to find him scrolling his phone on the couch.
"I ordered food. Want anything?" he asked.
"I'm not picky," I shrugged.
I left him to his phone and wandered toward a hidden door behind the curtains. The balcony. I stepped outside, the cool breeze hitting me, the city lights stretching in the distance. I sent Jacob a picture, smiling faintly.
When it got too chilly, I returned inside. "Why are the curtains covering this up?"
"It was my first time putting up curtains," Kenan said plainly.
I let it go, grabbed my towel, and showered. The bathroom was simple, modern. When I finished my skincare routine, I walked out with a mask still on my face.
Kenan looked up from his phone. "How do you plan to eat with that on?"
"I'll be fine."
I sat beside him, staring at the blank white wall. "There's no TV?"
"I'm barely here," he replied. "Didn't see the point."
Right. Med student. Sometimes I forget.
The food arrived, and we ate quietly. Later, I lay on the bed, staring at the ceiling, wondering if it was smart to say sharing wouldn't be a problem.
I turned over, trying to sleep. I tried counting sheep. Nothing worked.
The bed dipped, and his familiar scent filled the air.
"You can't sleep?" Kenan's voice came low behind me.
"Yeah," I sighed. "Somehow, I just can't."
"Well, if you weren't turning and sighing so much, we could both be asleep."
I scoffed quietly, but when the blanket was pulled over me, warmth settled in. The steady presence of his pheromones filled the room, calming my restless mind.
And, just like that, I finally fell asleep.