Fell In Love With My Roomy Chapter 101

"When we got back, we told them when exams would be over. We had too much going on, and I wanted to focus on my studies. But we agreed to inform both of you tonight, just that... I'm really exhausted, and my mind feels like mush. This was supposed to be a private matter, and we didn't want you to find out this way, but we did want you to be the first to know."

I take a deep breath and move slowly across the floor to Kent, who looks vulnerable and open. I quietly slip my hand into his, ignoring the disapproving glances.

"I want you to understand something," I insist, tightening my grip on his hand. "I can make my own decisions about this, and Kent's part in it is just as significant as mine. Please don't portray it otherwise." I nod, trying to gauge their reactions, but they both still appear pretty firm in their stances.

"I get that this is difficult and will take time. But don't direct your anger toward Kent because we both made this choice."

"And don't take it out on Juls either," he shakes his head and sighs. "I'd rather you be mad at me." He puts his arm around my shoulders and tucks my arm around his waist to keep our hands joined. He pulls me closer to him and says nothing, but I can tell he regrets what happened. Leaning in signifies my acceptance of that apology. "Juls means everything to me right now. It's just that people have disagreements."

"Fights happen," I agree with a nod. "Just tell us what could make this situation easier and don't stand there looking upset with us." I whisper, feeling sad and overwhelmed once more.

"I don't like any of this at all," Mark sighs and heads to his room. "I need some space." He enters and closes the door, and I nod quietly, knowing that this will be a challenging situation.

"Do you also need some time?" I ask Kyle in a hushed tone, but he shakes his head.

"Just... tell me what's going on, give me some context. It's like two bulldogs with switchblades decided to have puppies," he says, causing us to wince.

"We're not going to have any puppies," Kent retorts, and the three of us share a small laugh.

Kent and I take turns sharing parts of our story until Kyle, who hasn't witnessed our transformation, gets a better grasp of it. He nods thoughtfully as he processes what I'm saying, and I'm grateful that at least one of them is willing to listen.

"Okay," he agrees with a sigh. "I just have a few rules to keep my sanity."

"Fire away," Kent says with a smile.

"Don't kiss anywhere I can see, and don't display too much affection in the apartment. If you break up, promise me you'll be civil so I don't end up hating living here," he instructs, and we both concur.

"That's doable," Kent assures him, and he nods.

"One more thing: you two still have to argue from time to time. Stay honest," he adds, and I chuckle at his request.

"Deal," I say softly, and he nods. "I know this is a lot to take in, Kyle, and I appreciate your level-headedness about it."

"That's cool, but it'll take me some time to process," he says with a shrug. "I'm sorry we stumbled into something private you two were dealing with."

"It's our fault," I mumble as he chuckles.

"Wow, this is bizarre," he sighs and shakes his head, and I stifle a smile by pressing my lips together. "I'm glad you told us before Mark. I know he's acting like a jerk right now, but he'll come around."

"Thanks, Kyle." Kent whispers something, and I nod. "We need to have a conversation, so we'll leave you and Mark to sort things out." Kent places his hand on my knee and squeezes it reassuringly.

He puts his hand on the small of my back and leads me out of the door. Kyle waves, and I sigh as I hear Kent's car keys jingling.

I get into the car with him, exhale, and tell him I need a nap.

"One of the hard parts is over," he says, and I simply nod. I fidget with my hands, feeling embarrassed, and Kent reaches over to hold one of them.

"I'm sorry about what happened, but I'm content with how things are now. I don't care what others think or if they approve of us. I just enjoy being with you. You make me so happy, and I don't mind if people find out about us. I guess... don't worry too much," he reassures me.

I nod, reflecting on his words. It's lovely, and it means a lot to me. I need to express a few things as well because it's not all his responsibility.

"I want to stop making life decisions based on other people's opinions," I mumble. "I've always been that way, but it's easier to be myself when I'm with you. You're popular, and both of us know that people would probably assume you're dating the first girl you hang out with. It's tough because I'm afraid I'm not like those girls."

"What?" He nods as he whispers.

"I'm not like those girls," I affirm.

"I'd rather you weren't," he interjects, and I sigh. "Juls, you remember how you said it's okay if Mark needs some time to adjust? It might be like that for a while, and it's not great. But I'm always here, I care about you, and I don't want you to be overwhelmed by fear when I don't think I could be any luckier." A tear trickles down my face, mostly due to happiness. "You're leaving in January, and I just... I can't let you go when nothing feels stable."

His face reflects concern, and I sigh and shake my head. I've hurt his feelings by hesitating and repeatedly saying no. It's given him doubts, and I need to show him that's not how I truly feel.

"Kent," I whisper, and he looks up at me. "Would you like to date me?"

I nearly surprised myself with the question, as I wasn't usually so direct about my feelings. Maybe I didn't articulate anything profound because I hadn't slept enough, and my brain felt mushy.

His entire demeanor changes. At times, he looks surprised, and at others, he looks delighted. I smile a bit and feel my cheeks flush.

"I think I would," I say, and he smiles even wider. "Really?"

"Really," I confirm, and he smiles, pulling me closer for a kiss. "We'll figure the rest out as we go."

"That sounds good to me," he whispers as he presses his lips to mine, sending shivers down my spine. "Come on, let's go inside. It's chilly out here, and I know you need some sleep."

"Can we sleep together?" I whisper, and he chuckles, nodding.

"Anytime," he replies.

We finally part, and he guides me back inside. We walk to his room together, and after he shuts the door, I remove my coat. Then I take off my jeans, and he removes his hoodie.

"Can I borrow that?" I whisper, and he smiles, tossing it over to me. I remove my own crewneck and then my bra, slipping into the oversized garment. It fits him better than his T-shirts because it's less snug.

Then he playfully tosses me onto the bed, and I giggle, snuggling up to him. "Sleep, Juls. I hope you won't cry again for a long time."

He says the right things sometimes, and this was one of those times.