Rehaan is a final year college student with a ruffled look and a carefree smile. He is lugging a heavy backpack up the stairs of the hostel. He's just returned from a grueling lecture and is eager to unwind. His room is a sanctuary of sorts, a place where he can kick back and be himself.

Rehaan pushes open the door and steps inside, tossing his backpack onto his bed. He's humming a tune when he notices something out of place—a suitcase neatly tucked by the other bed. Curiosity piqued, he turned around just in time to see the door creak open again.

In walks a boy roughly of Rehaan's age. He's got short hair, a slightly oversized hoodie, and a nervous but determined look on his face. Rehaan, taken aback by the sudden intrusion, straightens up.

"Uh, hey there. You must be the new roommate?"

Rehaan was informed a few days back that he was going to be sharing his room with a new admission for the remaining year now. Rehaan was surprised because it was their final year and no new admission was taken.

The boy offered a small smile which seemed as if he was trying to mask his anxiety.

"Yeah, I'm Aryan. Nice to meet you."

Rehaan, ever the friendly soul, extends his hand.

"Rehaan. Welcome to our humble abode. I hope you've made yourself familiar with the room? That's the washroom and bathroom. That's your bed and this is where you can keep your stuff. Abhi maine apna saaman rakha hai but I'll empty it out for you. Heard you're a new admission. Kahi kuch help chahiye ho toh you can always approach without hesitation."

Aryan nodded and Rehaan noticed his hesitation but chalked it up to first-day jitters. He smiled and said.

"Make yourself at home. The classes for the day just got over so you have ample of time. I'll just laze around if you don't mind."

Aryan nods, grateful for his kindness.

"Yeah no problem. Thanks. I'll get settled in."

As they exchange pleasantries, Aryan begins unpacking, all the while hyper-aware of every move he makes. He seemed too nervous for some reason.

Rehaan, blissfully unaware of Aryan's excessive nervousness, continues chatting about campus life, the best food spots, and the quirky professors. Aryan listens intently, absorbing every detail, realizing that this new beginning is going to be far more challenging than he ever imagined.

It is the first night that Rehaan has to share the room he has had for himself for the past two years with someone else. He had got so habitual of the privacy that it feels weird having someone around all the time now.

Rehaan is sprawled on his bed, scrolling through his phone. He gazes at Aryan who was still unpacking little things now. He had set up his wardrobe after Rehaan emptied it. The biy has a weird fashion sense. He owns only baggy tshirts or hoodies.

"Hey, Aryan, you good? Settling in alright?"

Aryan nods, giving a small smile.

"Yeah, just getting used to the new place."

Rehaan chuckles.

"Hostel life can be wild. You'll get used to it. Anyway, I'm hitting the sack. Early lecture tomorrow. You also sleep. It'll be a long day for you too."

With that he turns off the lamp on his side, and Aryan takes a deep breath, mentally preparing for a sleepless night. He waits until Rehaan's breathing steadies before quietly changing into his pajamas, ensuring he's careful and quick. He finally lies down, staring at the ceiling, wondering if he can keep up this charade.

Rehaan has been nothing but sweet to him throughout the day. He even helped him unpack and place his things in the almirah. Aryan felt bad lying to Rehaan but what has to be done, has to be done.

The next day, the college cafeteria, as usual, was bustling with students. Rehaan and Aryan were sitting at a table, trays of breakfast in front of them.

Rehaan digs into his food with enthusiasm. Aryan, still a bit reserved, picks at his toast. Rehaan notices and nudges him playfully.

"What's up, man? Not a morning person?"

Aryan chuckles and shakes his head.

"Norhing like that. Just not used to the food yet."

Rehaan nods understandingly. He had noticed that Aryan had a soft voice. It almost sounded feminine. Even his body structure was too lean for a male. But Rehaan wasn't one to judge.

"You'll get the hang of it. This place grows on you. So, where were you studying before you came here?"

Aryan hesitates for a split second.

"I was at a smaller college in the city itself. Needed a change of scenery."

Rehaan smiles.

"Well, welcome to our chaotic little world. It's fun once you get the rhythm."

Their conversation flows easily, and Aryan starts feeling a bit more at ease. He realizes that despite the complications, having a friend like Rehaan might make this journey bearable. And hopefully, some day he might also be able to disclose the truth to Rehaan.

Rehaan, on the other hand, observed Aryan when he wasn't looking. There was something off about him. Maybe it was his nervousness of being new here. But he seemed to be fidgety.

It had been a month since Aryan shifted to his room and the two have gotten close. They are very good friends now. But Aryan still seemed cautious. Around everyone and especially around him.

Rehaan remembered how he reacted when he saw Rehaan shirtless for the first time. Rehaan had just come out after taking a shower and assumed that Aryan must have left for classes by then. What he didn't know was that Aryan was waiting for him so that they could go together.

Rehaan came out in just his trousers and heard a loud shriek.

He pushed the towel away and saw Aryan looking at him wide eyed.

"What's wrong?"

He asked and Aryan stuttered looking away.

"Wo-I-umm-I saw a lizard in the room."

Rehaan made a confused face.

"Lizard? In our room?"

Aryan nodded looking away but Rehaan caught the redness of his cheeks. Was he blushing?

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