The Unsettling Feeling
John had spent the last thirty minutes walking around campus, pretending to look for something. In truth, he was trying to shake off the strange, uncomfortable feeling that had crept up on him ever since stepping into that house. It wasn't the place—it was *him*. Peter. Calm, polite, composed Peter. There was nothing wrong, technically, but John couldn't help feeling like he didn't belong.
His phone buzzed.
Dylan(bestie):Caffeine store by the department. Get your gloomy self over here. Now."
John cracked a small smile and texted back,On my way.
He found Dylan waiting with a cup of coffee and two seats already claimed.
Dylan:"You were wandering again, weren't you?"
John:"I wasn't… Okay, maybe I was. It's just… I feel weird around Peter. Like I'm intruding."Dylan: "He's your brother's boyfriend's brother. Not a crime. Just act like you're living with two older brothers. You've done that before."
John:"Yeah, but one of them's too kind, too quiet, too… intense."
Dylan smirked "Ah. So he's the problem."
John gave him a look. They chatted for a while longer, laughed over their schedules, and compared class notes. Then, Dylan brought up business class.Dylan: "By the way, we've got Professor Lee first. Seniors say he's brutal with notes and never jokes. Like… ever."
John groaned:"Great. My hand's gonna die today."
Later that day…
Class with Professor Lee was exactly as promised: long, intense, and with way too many notes. When it finally ended, John stretched out his sore fingers and packed up.
He and Dylan walked together to their next class—Professor Evans
Dylan: "oh my I can see your problem he's hot and smart. That's a rare combo."
John rolled his eyes. "Can we not say that out loud?"
As they entered the lecture hall, John's eyes immediately found Evans at the front. But before he could shift his gaze away, he noticed Evans was already looking at him. Their eyes locked for a moment too long. John quickly looked down and hurried to a seat.After class…John was heading out when a familiar voice stopped him.
Peter:" Need a ride?"John turned. "No, I'm good. I'll just...
Peter: Come on. You're living with us now. Might as well start getting used to it."
John hesitated but nodded. "Alright."
In the car... Peter kept his eyes on the road. How was class? fine John muttered a pause.
Peter:"You're officially moving in today, right?"
John looked out the window. "Yeah."
Peter: I see
And they got home.At home Evans wasn't back yet ,Peter locked the door behind them and headed to the kitchen.
Peter:"You can go freshen up i'll dish something."
John nodded and went to his room. He dropped his bag, flopped on the bed, and sighed deeply. John (to himself):
"Why am I so uncomfortable around him? He's just… Peter. Maybe I'm just tired."
He stayed there for a few minutes before heading to the dining room. Peter had already served they sat in silence until Evans arrived from work.
Evans: "Smells good, you two didn't wait for me?"
Peter (calmly):"You're late, eat before it gets cold."
As they ate, Peter glanced at John.
Peter:"Are you okay with me dating your brother?"
John looked up, surprised.
John: "Yeah. I am."
Peter:"Even though I'm a guy?"
John hesitated. "Still okay."
Peter (smiling): "Alright thanks for being cool."
But John wasn't cool. His appetite died completely. The whole conversation had made him even more uneasy. He rushed his food I'm done he said and quickly left the dinning room to his room
And Evans said to peter "what was that for "
Peter: what are you talking about
Evans: The question you asked him
Peter: I just wanted to know after all he's going to be staying with us from now , nothing much .
John in is room breathing heavily after rushing to his room slammed the door and He leaned against it, breathing unevenly John (whispering):"What is this unsettling feeling again?"