Pov: Nathan
I leaned against the doorframe, studying Jules's reaction as the awkwardness thickened the air between us. She was sitting on the bed, confusion and embarrassment etched on her face. I couldn't help but smirk. I don't know why Jules was in my room but it's very amusing.
"Or maybe you are," I said, leaning in slightly, making sure my smugness was crystal clear. Her eyes narrowed, and she folded her arms, looking like she'd rather be anywhere but here.
"Why are you...?" She glanced around the room, as if searching for a logical explanation, then back at me. "This is... my dorm. I think."
You're dorm? I raised an eyebrow. "Funny, I was going to say the same."
A flicker of confusion crossed her face, and she rubbed her eyes as if trying to wake up from a bad dream. Her gaze shifted to her suitcase and then to the chaos of my belongingsâtextbooks stacked on the floor, clothes everywhere. I had plans to clean up soon, but seeing her scrunch her nose at the mess was a nice bonus.
She hesitated before speaking, her voice a bit shaky but still challenging. "Look, I'm pretty sure the office assigned me here... I even have the key."
I leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed, projecting casual indifference. "Same. But this is the guys' floor. Not exactly normal for a girl to be randomly tossed in here."
Her eyes widened, genuine surprise replacing her initial confidence. "What do you mean guys floor..." She blinked, processing, then muttered under her breath, "But there was a girl earlier. Blonde, tall..."
I raised my brows. "Oh, her? That would be Chloe. She comes here for a special visit sometimes." The words slipped out before I caught her blush. She looked away, probably realizing what kind of "visit" Chloe had made. I chuckled to myself. Her reaction was priceless.
"Okkkayyyyy then..." she muttered, more to herself than to me. "Great. This has to be a mistake."
I tilted my head, feigning concern. "What's the problem? Not thrilled about bunking with the guy of your dreams?"
She rolled her eyes, her cheeks still flushed. "I've dreamed of a lot of things, and this isn't one of them."
A grin tugged at my mouth. I loved a little pushback.
"So... Jules, right?" I asked. She nodded, casting a sideways glance my way. "If you really can't stand it here, there's a couch in the common room. Not the worst place to crash if you need a break from my charming company."
She stared at me giving a 'wtf' look. I laughed, shrugging as if it didn't matter to me. "Suit yourself. Just don't touch my stuff."
"Wouldn't dream of it," she snapped back, hugging her knees to her chest like she was preparing for battle.
I could tell she was trying hard not to look uncomfortableâor too irritated. The slight edge to her tone and the way she kept glancing around told me she was processing everything and wasn't exactly thrilled.
Just then, our eyes locked, lingering longer than before. She was beautifulâmore than I expected, honestly. I gave her a smug look, ready for her next move.
"Fine," she finally said, her voice steady but still tinged with frustration. "I'll go talk to the office about this mix-up. I'm sure they'll sort this out, and I'll be in the right dorm."
I shrugged, feigning indifference, but a flicker of curiosity sparked in me. "Sure. Go ahead. But don't be too disappointed if it turns out you're stuck here."
Her eyes narrowed as she clutched the handle of her suitcase a little tighter. "Trust me, I'll be thrilled to get out of here." Yet as she spoke, the wavering in her tone hinted that she might not be as certain as she wanted to sound.
She paused at the door, her hand hovering over the doorknob as if she had one last thing to say but couldn't quite find the words. When she turned back to face me, her expression was sharp and determined.
"You know, for a guy who acts like he's got it all figured out, you're pretty clueless," she said, her voice laced with that quiet challenge I'd seen simmering beneath the surface.
I arched an eyebrow, intrigued. "Clueless? About what?"
She hesitated, then shook her head, a small, almost disappointed smile tugging at her lips. "Never mind. I'm sure you wouldn't get it."
Without another word, she pulled the door open and slipped out, leaving me alone with the faint echo of her words. I didn't know what she was getting at, but something about her expression lingered, a hint of a dare behind those dark eyes of hers.
I found myself laughing, shaking my head in disbelief. This was going to be interesting, that much was clear.
I couldn't help but wonder if she'd manage to get herself reassigned. Not that I cared, of course. But the idea of having someone around who didn't just fall in line, who challenged me instead of backing down... well, maybe I didn't mind the thought of her sticking around.
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A/N
Nathans first POV!!!! HIHHIHI, so first thoughts of nathan. What do we think?
POOKIE HAS ARRIVED