Amore Mio

by AtsukaK

Summary:

Kimi joined a frat and Ollie was there to welcome him.

Notes:

Hiii! I love Bearnelli and felt like there wasn't enough fics dedicated to them so I wanted to write a short one-shot but here's 32k, which is, imo, still not enough.
I unfortunately had to stop myself from over-detailing or I'd never have finished it...

Also disclaimer /!\ I'm not American and don't really know much about fraternities and how college works in the US but I tried my best to get it right so if some things seem a little wonky, just roll with it, please... It's just a fic, after all :')

 

 

 

The house smelled like cheap cologne, beer and the faint hope that someone had remembered to do the dishes last week. Kimi took one step into the house and immediately regretted the second.

 

“Well, this is something,” he muttered in English, dragging his suitcase over the threshold. His sneakers squeaked slightly against the sticky floor. It was definitely not water.

 

Kimi glanced around. The walls near the staircase were covered with faded posters from old parties and charity events, some barely hanging on. A guy wearing nothing but a toga and sunglasses at 3 p.m. passed him like it was just another Tuesday, offering a lazy “Welcome to Zeta Alpha, dude,” before disappearing into what looked and smelled like the kitchen. Kimi stared after him for a second, then kept walking.

It had been a month since he landed in San Francisco. Jetlagged, overpacked and mentally drained, with a quiet need to be far from everything he used to know. His English teacher had dropped the idea during a late afternoon meeting: “Try the States, Andrea. It’ll do you good.” And because Kimi was the kind of person who said yes before thinking too hard, here he was.

 

He’d thought about staying with Max, a close family friend turned unofficial life coach, but his apartment was on the other side of the city and Kimi didn’t want to waste his college years stuck on public transport. So he looked into fraternities. They seemed absurd and chaotic but also kind of fun and frankly. If he was going to throw himself into the full American experience, he might as well cannonball.

 

He applied, got accepted and three days before he officially moved to campus, the frat president sent him a message, all enthusiasm and emojis:

 

Hey Antonelli, here’s Logan Sargeant, your new president. We met earlier this week 😉

Just letting you know that Oliver Bearman will be your mentor.

He’s great, you’re gonna like him !! 🥳🎉🍾

 

He couldn’t remember the last name exactly, but “Oliver” stuck. It sounded like a child name. And someone blond. Probably too confident.

 

Kimi reached the living room, if the term still applied. The couch was sinking in on itself, its springs threatening to poke through the fabric like angry metal worms. A huge, big crooked TV was mounted above a fake fireplace and someone had abandoned a half-eaten slice of pizza on a paper plate that might’ve doubled as an archaeological artifact.

 

He pulled out his phone and texted Max:

 

 

just arrived

the house is a mess

not sure if I should laugh or disinfect everything

and no sign of my mentor yet

 

I mean

It’s a frat house, Kimi

But good luck

Call me if you need anything

Or if someone is bothering you

 

yeah don’t worry

thanks Max

 

He barely had time to hit “send” before the front door creaked open again behind him.

 

“Andrea Kimi Antonelli?” a voice called, smooth and warm.

 

Kimi turned just as a tall guy stepped into the room, keys jangling in one hand and a grin spreading across his face like he hadn’t rushed a second. His presence hit immediately, the kind of effortless cool that felt unfair.

 

“Shit, sorry, I’m late,” the guy said, already walking closer. “Long meeting with the guys and then someone hid my keys. Again.”

 

He was definitely not blond. His hair was brown and slightly tousled, falling just enough across his forehead to look like he’d run a hand through it on the way in. He was very tall, probably a head above Kimi, with broad shoulders, long limbs, and a very pretty smile, if the Italian must admit. His front teeth were slightly prominent, giving him a rabbit-like look when he grinned. It should’ve been ridiculous. Instead, it was kind of endearing.

 

“So you’re Oliver, right?” Kimi asked, blinking once.

 

“That’s me. Your officially assigned frat mentor-slash-tour guide,” the guy replied with a very not American accent, offering a hand. “Oliver Bearman. But you can call me Ollie.”

 

“Nice to meet you, Ollie. Call me Kimi,” the younger said as he took his hand, noting the warm grip and the way Ollie’s eyes squinted slightly when he smiled. He was annoyingly charismatic. And tall. And still smiling like Kimi was already a part of this place.

 

“You’re British?” Kimi asked, head tilting slightly.

 

Oliver grinned wider. “Wow. How’d you guess? Was it the accent or the charming smile?”

 

Kimi snorted. “The accent. And you look like you drink tea at 4 p.m.”

 

“Guilty,” Oliver said with a shrug, then added, “And I’d ask if you’re Italian but I’m pretty sure I don’t have to.”

 

“Yeah, I’ve been told my accent is… strong.”

 

“Strong’s good. I like strong.” Ollie flashed him a quick smirk, then added more lightly, “I’ve actually got some Italian basics. Spent a summer there once. You might have to forgive my pronunciation though.”

 

Kimi chuckled. “Better than nothing.”

 

And just like that, something shifted. There was no awkwardness, no first-day stiffness. Just this natural, unexpected flow between them. Ollie didn’t act like he was being forced to play mentor. He looked like he genuinely wanted to be here so Kimi found himself reassured.

 

“Alright,” Oliver said, clapping his hands together once. “Come on, I’ll show you around. And if anyone in the house tries to prank you this week, just tell them you’re under my protection.”

 

Kimi raised a brow, amused. “Are you some kind of king here?”

 

“Absolutely not,” Ollie grinned, already turning toward the hallway. “But I know enough to ruin everyone’s reputation here.”

 

They made it up the stairs with only one near-death experience: Kimi’s suitcase catching the edge of a step and nearly dragging both of them down with it.

 

“Remind me what you packed again?” Ollie asked, breathing a little harder than he’d admit. “Rocks? Your country’s entire GDP?”

 

Kimi smirked. “Just the essentials, you know.”

 

His room was on the first floor, which, according to Ollie, was freshman territory. The second floor was for sophomores and the third was the juniors and seniors’. Ollie had added that the third was a mysterious, allegedly quieter zone where people had either matured or learned how to hide the noise better. The ground floor was obviously chaos and common spaces.

 

The door creaked when Ollie pushed it open. Kimi stepped in and blinked.

 

It was bigger than he expected. Two twin beds, each with a desk and a sad-looking dresser. Neutral walls, scuffed floors, one window with blinds that might have survived a hurricane and a faint whiff of dust. Lived-in but not unbearable. Plus, they each had their own bathrooms.

 

“Good news,” Ollie said, dropping Kimi’s suitcase by the closest bed. “Your roommate’s not moving in for another week so you’ve got the place to yourself for now.”

 

“Nice,” Kimi nodded, setting down his backpack. “Better than the dorms I saw online.”

 

“Yeah, we pretend to be civilized here,” Ollie grinned, glancing around. “I’d give this room a good 6.5 out of 10. Bonus point if you don’t get the bed that squeaks.”

 

Kimi let out a soft laugh and sat down carefully on one the beds. “È meglio di quanto pensassi.”

 

Ollie turned to look at him, not understanding.

 

Kimi blinked. “Oh– yeah, sorry. I was just saying the bed was better than I expected.”

 

“Don’t apologize. I like it.” Ollie smiled, leaning back against the dresser. “Speak freely. Plus, I might learn some new parole.”

 

Kimi gave him a playful look. “We need to start with your accent then.”

 

“Can’t promise but can try.”

 

They were still smiling when a knock hit the open doorframe.

 

“Damn, Ollie. You’re alive, where were you since yesterday?”

 

A new voice, low and carrying the thickest French accent Kimi had ever heard. A tall guy leaned casually against the door, a protein shake in one hand, dark hair pushed back from his face and blue eyes already scanning the newcomer.

 

Kimi stood as Ollie stepped forward.

 

“I’m on duty as you can see,” Ollie said towards the newcomer before he turned to the Italian again. “Kimi, meet Arthur Leclerc. One of my best mates. He’s a junior and was my mentor last year. Don’t trust a word he says but you’ll like him.”

 

Arthur raised his hand lazily in greeting. “Nice to meet you, Kimi. You’re the Italian boy, I suppose?”

 

“Yeah,” Kimi nodded. “Nice to meet you too.”

 

Arthur winked at him, “It’s good to have some new guys to the European club.”

 

“You’re French?” Kimi finally dared to ask.

 

Arthur’s lips quirked. “Close. I’m Monégasque.”

 

“È quasi la stessa cosa.”

 

Arthur squinted, then smirked. “Lo ammetto, non hai torto.”

 

Kimi smiled to him and turned to Ollie. “Are there many Europeans here? Cuz’ that’s already three of us.”

 

Ollie shrugged. “Zeta’s kind of known for it, weirdly. We’ve always had a few international guys. Not the majority but enough to make the place feel less… U.S.”

 

Arthur snorted. “Especially because Ollie won’t shut up about tea and biscuits.”

 

“Hey,” Ollie said defensively. “Culture matters.”

 

“Sure it does.”

 

Kimi grinned quietly as he watched them. They seemed like fun to be around and he was glad Ollie was his mentor. He could’ve ended up with someone boring or worse, like someone painfully shy. But a shy person probably wouldn’t want to join a frat in the first place.

 

They headed downstairs again, Arthur now trailing behind them with his protein shake, still half-full and suspiciously green.

 

“You get used to the smell eventually,” he offered casually as they passed the kitchen. “But I’d recommend eating out as much as possible. Or be friends with someone who knows how to cook.”

 

“Noted,” Kimi replied, eyeing the questionable stain near the two big fridges.

 

Ollie pushed open the back door and a wave of warm air hit them, humid and sun-drenched. The frat’s backyard was bigger than expected. A patchy lawn stretched toward a fence, dotted with folding chairs, an old grill, a rusted beer pong table and a tire swing hanging from a tree. Off to the side, a small in-ground pool shimmered under the sun, half-surrounded by cracked tiles and a couple of inflatable floaties lazily drifting. It looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in days but it somehow still made the place feel like a proper frat kingdom.

 

“This,” Ollie said with a grand gesture, “is where half our regrets are born.”

 

“Only half?” Arthur asked, raising a brow.

 

“I’m being generous.”

 

Kimi let out a soft laugh, taking it all in. The space wasn’t particularly pretty but it had a kind of chaotic charm. It looked like the set of a college movie that had gone through three rewrites and lost its budget halfway but still, it had a vibe.

 

“So,” Arthur started, walking ahead to kick a rogue football out of the way, “basic rundown: as a freshman, you’re technically a pledge. It’s not as dramatic as in the movies, no ridiculous hazing or shaving your head.”

 

“Mostly because someone tried that once on half the freshmen and got banned,” Ollie added.

 

“But,” Arthur continued, ignoring him, “you’ll be expected to help around, join house events, be social. Show you want to be part of it. That sort of thing.”

 

Kimi nodded. “I can do that.”

 

“Plus, you’ve got Ollie as your big, which means you’ll probably be fine even if you set something on fire.”

 

“Noted,” Kimi repeated, smirking. “Good to know my back is covered.”

 

They stopped near the fence. The sun cast a soft light over the yard, making even the beer cans in the grass look vaguely aesthetic. Ollie leaned one arm casually on the fence, then reached out with his other hand to rest it lightly on Kimi’s shoulder as he pointed toward the far end.

 

“Over there’s where we set up the projector for movie nights,” he said. “Usually freshmen or sophomores bring the snacks. But sometimes some bring weird things so it’s always a gamble.”

 

Kimi nodded, his gaze following Ollie’s hand on him. He didn’t flinch, didn’t freeze. Just a small shift in attention, a tiny mental note. Ollie was comfortable, apparently. Not that it bothered him. Not at all. The Italian was also a comfortable and social person, he just needed some time to adjust.

 

Arthur kept talking. “Oh and, don’t let the guys rope you into cleaning duty this week. That’s the sophomores’ job right now. They’ll try to gaslight you.”

 

“Noted,” Kimi said again, smirking.

 

“You say that a lot,” Arthur remarked.

 

“I’m just processing everything. È molto da prendere tutto in una volta.”

 

“Don’t worry, you’ll fit right in,” Ollie said, dropping his hand now and smiling. “We’re all walking disasters here.”

 

Kimi snorted. “Good. I like chaos.”

 

“You’re in the right place, then.”

 

They stood in a comfortable silence for a few seconds. The sun filtered through the leaves, the breeze was just warm enough to feel alive and Kimi didn’t feel like a stranger out of place. He felt in transition. But in the right direction.

 

“By the way, Kimi,” Ollie said, glancing at him, “what are you studying again?”

 

“International Business and Communication,” Kimi replied. “Seemed like the most useful option.”

 

“No way,” Arthur said. “We’re also in that program.”

 

Ollie smiled warmly and nodded. “Yeah, Logan probably paired us up because of that. You being new, me being in the same program and… you know, also both of us being from Europe. It makes the adjustment less overwhelming.”

 

“Are most of the guys in the house in the same field?”

 

“Nah,” Arthur said. “There’s a bit of everything. Engineering, arts, law, psych’… That’s actually what’s cool. If you’re stuck on something, someone here will probably be able to help.”

 

“Even if it’s terrible advice,” Ollie added.

 

“Especially if it’s terrible advice,” Arthur corrected with a grin.

 

Kimi smiled faintly, letting it all sink in. A new place, new rhythm, new people. But it didn’t seem so bad.

 

 

___

 

 

 

In just seven days, Kimi had already done more socializing than in his entire final year of high school.

 

Thanks to Ollie and Arthur, he’d met most of their friend group. There was Dino, Ollie’s roommate, full of dry sarcasm and questionable playlists. Logan, the frat president, who acted like he was running a government instead of a frat house. Logan’s own roommate, Oscar, was quieter but sharp, always watching more than he spoke but very nice. And then there was Franco, an Argentinian and the event coordinator, who greeted everyone like they were celebrities and ran every party like it was the Met Gala.

 

They’d dragged Kimi to basketball games, late-night footie matches, taquerías that served “the best burritos in SF, no arguments,” and at least three different rooftops with sunsets so good they felt like a dream. It was overwhelming but somehow manageable. Kimi liked it. He liked them.

 

Now, it was the day of the big Zeta Alpha initiation party and Kimi was halfway through unpacking the last of his bags when the door to his shared room creaked open.

 

A guy stood there, suitcase in hand, smile half-apologetic. “Hey. I guess I’m your new roommate.”

 

He was tall, lean, with black hair and a surprisingly gentle voice for someone wearing a leather jacket.

 

“I’m Josep Martí,” he added, stepping in. “But call me Pepe.”

 

“Nice to meet you, Pepe,” the Italian said with a big smile, shaking his hand. “I’m Kimi. Where are you from?”

 

Pepe chuckled. “España. Dino told me you were Italian so glad to share a room with you.”

 

“Wait— Dino’s your mentor?”

 

“Yeah,” the Spanish nodded. “Kinda funny, right? We’re roommates just like our mentors.”

 

Kimi smirked. “È destino.”

 

 

___

 

 

 

Kimi took one last look at himself in the mirror.

 

Fitted black jeans, short-sleeved black linen shirt, slightly open at the collar to reveal the sharp line of his clavicles and a thin silver chain. He put on his favorite cologne and ran a hand through his curls, taming them just enough to look intentional.

 

He didn’t want to try too hard but didn’t want to disappear either.

 

Downstairs, the house was already filling up. Music echoed through the walls, the kitchen counters were packed with drinks and snacks, and there were people everywhere. Frat members, friends, outsiders, girls in glitter, guys in open shirts, a few people Kimi swore they were too old to be here.

 

Before the crowd swallowed him whole, Kimi helped Franco arrange a last-minute stack of red cups and refill the snack bowls. He caught glimpses of Arthur arm-wrestling someone in the living room and Dino stress-eating pretzels in a corner. Shortly after, the floor vibrated faintly under the bass.

 

Then he spotted Ollie.

 

Standing by the DJ setup, a red cup in hand, shirt crisp and white, hair slightly damp from the heat and his ever-present smile. He looked annoyingly good.

 

Kimi walked over just as Ollie and the DJ turned to him.

 

“This is our star freshman,” Ollie announced. “Gab, meet Kimi. Kimi, here’s Gabriel.”

 

“DJ Gab,” said the guy behind the table as he and the Italian shook hands. “Damn. You look sharp for a freshman.”

 

“Grazie,” Kimi said, smiling.

 

“Yeah, seriously,” Ollie added, giving him a once-over with a raised brow. “You look criminally good, mate.”

 

Kimi smirked, flashing a quick wink. “It’s just the Italian beauty. But you’re not too bad yourself, for a British.”

 

The words left his mouth with ease but the moment they landed, he regretted looking too long.

 

He meant it, though. Ollie looked what he didn’t want to admit. Gorgeous. The all-white outfit made his skin glow and his forehead was already starting to sweat under the lights, causing a few strands of his hair to stick slightly to his temples. It shouldn’t have looked good, but it did.

 

Kimi glanced away quickly. Stupido.

 

He hadn’t come here for that. He hadn’t run across the world just to repeat the same cycle, just to question everything again. He wasn’t even sure what everything was. He was seen with a guy once and people had turned that into his whole personality of last year. He didn’t want that again.

 

He wasn’t gay. He wasn’t anything. He was just adjusting.

 

Ollie tilted his head. “You okay?”

 

“Yeah,” Kimi said quickly, flashing a small smile. “Just warm in here.”

 

“Come on,” Ollie grinned, taking his wrist lightly, “let’s get some air.”

 

He didn’t wait for a reply and tugged Kimi through the crowd, weaving past dancers and drinkers, until they reached the backyard. The air was cooler, the noise duller and a group had already formed around one of the beer pong tables.

 

“Perfect,” Ollie said. “Time for your first frat game.”

 

Kimi looked at the setup, then at Ollie’s face. Still slightly flushed, still stupidly handsome.

 

He breathed in, squared his shoulders, and smirked. “Portami fortuna.”

 

The backyard had transformed into a makeshift colosseum.

 

Two long tables had been dragged together, red cups lined up like soldiers, ping-pong balls bouncing off surfaces and occasionally foreheads. Someone had rigged fairy lights above the setup, bathing everything in a golden glow that made everyone look five percent more attractive.

 

“Alright!” Franco called out, clapping his hands above his head. “Final round, ladies and gentlemen and time for Kimi, our beautiful Italian!”

 

Kimi rolled his eyes, already laughing as he stepped forward. Franco, Dino, Pepe and a rotating cast of three girls and two guys had been going at it for nearly an hour. Everyone was tipsy enough for the rules to be half-remembered and the competitiveness to be at an all-time high.

 

The teams were chaos. Kimi found himself paired with one of the girls (her name was Hailey or Harley?) while Franco and Pepe loudly declared themselves “Team Tipazo” but neither of them was fully sober or remotely coordinated.

 

“Don’t overthink it,” Dino said, tossing a ball and missing spectacularly. “Beer pong is about vibes, not aim.”

 

“And alcohol tolerance,” Franco added, grinning.

 

Kimi was already warm, his cheeks flushed from the heat and the drinks. His shirt clung lightly to his back, curls sticking slightly to his forehead but he felt good. The kind of good that came from being liked. From belonging, even temporarily.

 

The game was a mess. Balls were thrown, insults were shouted and every missed shot led to increasingly creative dares. At some point, Kimi hit three cups in a row and Pepe collapsed to his knees in fake despair.

 

By the time they reached the last cup, everyone was gathered around, chanting in multiple languages. The music thumped behind them. Someone spilled beer near the table but no one cared.

 

Kimi squinted, focused, tongue peeking slightly between his lips. One bounce. One flick. The ball arced cleanly… and landed.

 

Direct hit.

 

The crowd erupted.

 

“KIMI! KIMI! KIMI!” they screamed like he’d just scored the winning goal of a World Cup final.

 

Franco whooped and immediately ran up to him, pulling Kimi up into the air with Pepe’s help. Before he could protest, they had him hoisted on their shoulders, his legs dangling as he laughed uncontrollably.

 

He caught a glimpse of Ollie in the crowd, red cup still in hand, doubled over in laughter, clapping along with everyone else.

 

They like me, Kimi couldn’t help but thought, a warm feeling in his chest. Maybe it was just the alcohol thought.

 

Franco finally set him down and threw an arm over his shoulders. “As the MVP of the night, you get one reward.”

 

“Oh no,” Kimi said, already suspicious.

 

“You get to kiss whoever you want.”

 

Kimi froze. The warmth in his chest shifted instantly. “What?”

 

Franco grinned, unbothered. “Come on, it’s frat tradition.”

 

It wasn’t. At least probably not a real one. But that didn’t stop the crowd from turning expectant. A few people whistled. Kimi felt all eyes on him.

 

Ma che cazzo.

 

He laughed awkwardly, cheeks turning scarlet. “I don’t— I wasn’t planning to—”

 

He risked a glance toward Ollie.

 

Bad idea.

 

Ollie was already looking at him, that damn smirk tugging at his lips. He didn’t say anything. Didn’t move. Just stared.

 

Kimi swallowed. He blamed the alcohol. He blamed the crowd. He blamed the beat of the music that seemed way too intense for a backyard party. And maybe he blamed himself a little, too.

 

Before he could say anything, one of the girls, the same one from his team, Hailey-or-Harley, stepped forward with a confident smile. “Well,” she said sweetly, “if you’re too shy to choose… I volunteer.”

 

Everyone, except Ollie, let out a collective: “Oooooh.”

 

Franco laughed and gave Kimi a little push toward her. “She’s hot, man. Come on. Don’t break her heart.”

 

Kimi hesitated. She was pretty, long lashes, soft perfume, glossy lips and all. But he didn’t want this.

 

Still, he could feel the pressure crawling up his neck. He was the new guy, the Italian, the cool one. And in frat logic, rejecting a girl in front of a cheering crowd didn’t exactly scream confidence. Or straightness.

 

Maybe he was overthinking it. Maybe nobody would care.

 

Or maybe they would.

 

But he didn’t have time to analyze it all because she was already standing close, hands reaching for his face. He closed the gap automatically, letting her pull him in.

 

Her lips were soft. Her perfume was too sweet but he placed a hand gently on her waist, closed his eyes and let it happen.

 

Seven seconds. No more.

 

When they broke apart, the group exploded in cheers and applause. She winked at him, satisfied. Kimi managed a smile, though he felt a little disgusted.

 

He didn’t even remember her name.

 

He glanced at Ollie.

 

Ollie smiled. Polite, calm, distant. Not celebrating like the others. Not teasing. Just staring.

 

Kimi sighed. At least nobody would question him on his sexuality here. Not after that.

 

Even if he himself was still full of questions he didn’t want to answer.

 

 

___

 

 

 

After a few hours, the living room had turned into a sauna.

 

The music was louder now, basslines pulsing through the walls, bodies packed together in a slow-moving tide. Kimi had somehow been dragged to the center of it all and the girl (Hailey-or-Harley as he still hadn’t figured it out) had stayed glued to him since the kiss. Her hands rested far too comfortably on his arm, her voice in his ear constant, her body pressed against his a little more with each beat. He smiled politely, laughed when it seemed appropriate but his feet were shifting, his shoulders tense.

 

Basta, ti prego.

 

And just when he thought he might explode from the awkwardness of it all, a breath brushed his ear:

 

“Follow me.”

 

The voice was low and familiar.

 

Kimi flinched slightly and turned his head just in time to see Ollie, standing behind him, his face half-shadowed by the strobing lights, a mischievous glint in his eye. He winked.

 

Before Kimi could say anything, he addressed the girl directly, tone perfectly polite.

 

“Harley, sorry to interrupt but Kimi’s urgently needed. It’s a matter of frat security.”

 

She pouted. “Seriously? What’s happening?”

 

Ollie nodded solemnly. “Life or death, I’m afraid.”

 

Kimi gave her a sheepish smile and a half-shrug. She sighed dramatically and just like that, Ollie’s hand landed on his back, guiding him gently through the crowd. Kimi didn’t resist. Not even a bit.

 

They slipped into the kitchen, which was mercifully quiet, just a couple of people rummaging for drinks or trying to call an Uber on the wrong app. The fluorescent lights above the island hummed faintly. Kimi leaned back against the counter, exhaling like he’d been underwater all night.

 

“Grazie al cielo.”

 

Ollie chuckled, resting a hip against the island. “You looked like a trapped animal.”

 

“Well, I was,” Kimi muttered, running a hand through his hair. “I mean, she’s nice, I guess, but…”

 

“But definitely not your type,” Ollie finished for him, still smiling.

 

Kimi looked away, cheeks heating. “I didn’t know how to tell her.”

 

“That’s why I rescued you.” Ollie lifted his cup in a mock toast. “No frat boy left behind.”

 

Kimi chuckled, biting his lip. “Thanks. Really.”

 

“Don’t mention it. Happened to me last year. Took me weeks to shake the girl off. And no one saved me.”

 

“Wow, mate. That’s tragic.”

 

“I’m still emotionally scarred.”

 

They both laughed, tension dissolving into easy warmth.

 

Kimi crossed his arms, eyes soft. “I owe you. I really wouldn’t have had the energy to play it cool for weeks.”

 

“Well,” Ollie said, leaning in just slightly, “good thing I like keeping an eye on you.”

 

Kimi looked down quickly, smile turning shy. He didn’t know what to say so instead, he muttered, “So, what was your emergency plan if she didn’t believe you?”

 

“I was gonna fake a text from Logan and say you clogged the downstairs toilet.”

 

Kimi burst out laughing. “You’re the worst.”

 

“You’re welcome.”

 

The moment stretched comfortable, close and quiet until a familiar crash echoed down the hall, followed by an unmistakable voice slurring:

 

“CARLA, WAIT–”

 

They both turned toward the entrance just as Arthur stumbled into the kitchen, half-collapsing into the arms of a tall blonde who looked thoroughly unimpressed. His eyes were glassy, his shirt half-untucked and he smelled like a cocktail of vodka, sweat and regret.

 

“Oliver, do something,” the girl said, exasperated. “He tried to kiss me with that breath and I deserve better.”

 

“Carla,” Ollie said with a grin, stepping forward. “You are, as always, a hero.”

 

“I know,” she muttered, gently depositing Arthur toward him. “But it’s your turn.”

 

Arthur flopped onto a chair by the island, still clinging to Ollie’s sleeve. “She doesn’t get me, mate. She… She doesn’t understand passion.”

 

“She understands hygiene,” Kimi offered dryly.

 

Arthur blinked up at him, squinting. “Was that sass, Antonelli?”

 

“I wouldn’t dare embarrass you more,” Kimi shot back, smirking.

 

Ollie chuckled, gently pushing Arthur’s head down so he’d stop listing to the side. “You’ve had enough, mate.”

 

Arthur grunted. “Define ‘enough’.”

 

“Enough that you’re about to confess your love to any girl passing,” Ollie replied.

 

Arthur looked at them with puppy eyes. “Everyone is so pretty. Even you, guys”

 

Kimi and Ollie both cracked up.

 

“You’re a mess,” Kimi said.

 

“I’m your mess now,” Arthur groaned. “You better take care of me, I’m getting old.”

 

“I know,” Ollie said, patting his friend’s back, “you’re going straight from a frat house to a retirement home.”

 

“Figures,” Arthur muttered, closing his eyes.

 

Kimi shook his head, still smiling. His body was finally relaxing again, the music muffled behind them, the chaos momentarily at bay.

 

He glanced at Ollie.

 

Ollie looked back.

 

Neither said a word.

 

 

____

 

 

 

The frat house was finally clean again. Or at least frat house clean, which meant you could walk barefoot without instantly regretting it and the living room no longer smelled like regret and Cheetos.

 

It had taken two days, six freshmen, a heroic amount of Febreze and a mop that Kimi was now emotionally attached to. But it had been fun. He and Pepe had made a great team, joking around with the other new recruits, sharing leftovers and bonding over their shared status of “foreigners with hot accents”.

 

Now, just one weekend stood between them and the start of classes.

 

Kimi wasn’t the most studious person alive but he liked learning, liked the feeling of possibility that came with it. And here, surrounded by people who seemed to accept him without question, he was starting to believe he could actually enjoy college.

 

He hadn’t seen much of Ollie since the party. Just a few texts, a few waves in the hallway. But that morning, he’d gotten a message:

 

footie and food this afternoon?

just us?

 

Kimi had grinned before he even finished reading. Just them.

 

He didn’t question it.

 

He’d pulled on his Bologna FC training set, one of the few things he was irrationally proud of, and found Ollie waiting in front of the house, leaning against his car like he belonged in a magazine spread.

 

“Ciao, Antonelli,” Ollie called out, sunglasses on, all smiles.

 

Kimi smiled back, heart doing something weird in his chest. “Ciao, Bearman. It’s really just the two of us?”

 

“Is that a problem?” Ollie asked, laughing. “You sound like you expected a crowd.”

 

Kimi laughed softly. “If this is your way of asking me on a date, you could’ve been clearer.”

 

Ollie didn’t even blink. “Next time, I’ll be then.”

 

Kimi’s smirk faltered.

 

Ma che cazzo.

 

Then Ollie clapped him on the back. “Come on, let’s go.”

 

The drive was short but weirdly intimate. It was the first time they were truly alone in Ollie’s car, no Dino screaming, no Arthur making inappropriate jokes, no all of them laughing way too loud.

 

“You okay?” Ollie asked after a moment.

 

Kimi nodded. “Yeah. Just feels weird not to be surrounded by chaos.”

 

Ollie laughed and turned up the radio. Taylor Swift. He started singing along, not badly but mouthing the words with too much drama.

 

Kimi stared, then snorted. “You ever thought about Broadway, mate?”

 

Ollie grinned. “If I had, we wouldn’t have met.”

 

Kimi looked away quickly. “True.”

 

The field was empty. The golden light of late afternoon painted the grass in warm hues and the heat had softened just enough to make running bearable.

 

They played for nearly two hours. Ran, laughed, tried to out-dribble each other like kids. Ollie insisted on ridiculous goals. Kimi tried to nutmeg him and failed. They set up mini-matches, penalty shootouts and stopped only when they were drenched in sweat and breathless on the grass.

 

“I can’t do this anymore,” Kimi groaned, eyes closed.

 

“You started it with your competitiveness,” Ollie panted, lying beside him, shirt clinging to his chest. “I’m hungry now.”

 

The sun was setting behind the bleachers, casting everything in a soft orange haze.

 

“I’m hungry too,” Kimi mumbled. “But I can’t move.”

 

Ollie chuckled, pushed himself up. “Wait here.”

 

Kimi closed his eyes and three minutes later, Ollie was back, tossing a cool towel onto Kimi’s face and setting a bottle of water next to his head.

 

Kimi blinked up at him. For a second, with the sun behind him and that damn smile on his face, Ollie looked like something out of a dream.

 

“Drink and wipe your face. You look like a corpse,” the British said, grinning.

 

Kimi laughed. “Thanks.”

 

He wiped his face, took a long drink then slowly sat up. Ollie was already halfway to the car, tossing his keys in the air. Kimi followed.

 

They got fast food and parked in a quiet spot with a view over the bay, eating out of paper bags with the windows down.

 

It was the first moment of stillness all day.

 

“So,” Ollie said between bites of fries, “can I ask you something?”

 

Kimi glanced at him, mid-chew. “Sure.”

 

“Why’d you leave Italy?”

 

The question landed softly but Kimi still froze for half a second.

 

Ollie noticed. “You don’t have to tell me, I just wondered since it’s so far from your home and your family...”

 

Kimi sighed then answered, voice quiet.

 

“I miss my family a lot, of course. But I just… needed to leave and get away from everything I knew.”

 

He gave a small laugh. “Okay, that sounds dramatic.”

 

“It doesn’t,” Ollie said gently. “It sounds honest.”

 

Kimi turned toward him. Ollie’s face was calm and kind. No judgment. Actually, he’d never seen him judge anything or anyone.

 

“Yeah, I needed to be alone for once,” Kimi added. “Figure out who I am without… I don’t know, everything.”

 

Ollie nodded slowly. “That makes sense.”

 

He smiled, the same way he always did, except this time Kimi felt like he could kiss him.

 

But instead, he looked down at his food and he wasn’t hungry anymore.

 

The sound of a distant dog barking filled the quiet until Ollie finally leaned back in his seat, eyes still on the fading sky.

 

“I get it, by the way,” he said. “The whole needing-to-get-away thing.”

 

Kimi glanced over, curious.

 

“My dad got transferred here four years ago,” Ollie explained. “Took the whole family with him. We moved from London to California like it was nothing. I didn’t get a say.”

 

Kimi blinked. “That’s quite the change.”

 

Ollie laughed. “Yeah. I still miss it, weirdly. The gray skies, the accents, the weird corner shops that sold nothing useful.”

 

“Sounds very poetic.”

 

Ollie shrugged, “I guess,” he said. “But I also love it here, don’t get me wrong. It’s just that... I still think about going back sometimes. Maybe after college.”

 

Kimi studied him for a second, the way his profile caught the last rays of sun, the subtle crease between his brows like he was really considering the idea of going back.

 

“Do you know what you want to do after college?” Kimi asked quietly.

 

Ollie let out a dry chuckle. “Absolutely no idea.”

 

That made Kimi smile.

 

“I’m serious,” Ollie continued. “I picked my major because it sounded cool and my mom didn’t flinch when I told her. But now I’m just… drifting.”

 

Kimi nodded. “I get that. I don’t know either. But we’re still young, mate. We’re allowed to be lost. To try things, fuck up and start over.”

 

Ollie turned to look at him again, his expression softening into a grin. “Kimi, you’d make a great life coach for someone who literally fled across the world on a whim.”

 

“Don’t make fun of me,” Kimi muttered, though he was laughing too.

 

They stayed in the car for another hour, sharing fries and dumb stories, talking about everything and nothing.

 

 

___

 

 

 

Kimi was finally on his first day of class.

 

The lecture hall was massive.

 

Rows of steep, creaky seats arched like an amphitheater with old wooden desks that still bore the carved names and doodles of students long gone. The lights buzzed faintly, the kind of sterile white that made everyone look like they hadn’t slept enough which, to be fair, was probably true.

 

Kimi adjusted his backpack and looked around. Most students were already seated in clusters, chatting or scrolling through their phones. Some looked impossibly confident. Others, just as nervous as he felt.

 

He hadn’t found a single familiar face on the list of students in his program. Pepe was unfortunately not on the same major, same for the other freshmen of the frat. He was officially on his own now.

 

He picked a seat near the middle. Not too close to the front (he didn’t want to look like a try-hard) but not so far back that he’d get distracted. He took out his notebook, his laptop and tried not to look as tense as he felt.

 

When the professor finally walked in, a tall woman with a sharp bob and an accent Kimi couldn’t quite place, the room quieted immediately. She jumped straight into the syllabus with an energy that startled him.

 

The class was dense.

 

Kimi did his best to follow. He caught most of it but sometimes the pace picked up and he got lost in the jargon or a joke that relied on a reference he didn’t know. Every time the professor changed slides, he felt a moment of panic trying to keep up. Halfway through, he muttered under his breath to remember to ask Ollie for his notes from last year. Just in case.

 

The rest of the day was a blur of buildings, introductions and awkward ice-breakers. Kimi managed to chat with a few classmates during lunch and actually found himself smiling by the end of the last class. By the time he stepped out of the building, the sun was low in the sky and his brain felt like it had run a marathon.

 

He took a few steps and then he saw him.

 

Ollie was leaning against a brick column near the main steps, scrolling on his phone like he had all the time in the world. His hair was slightly tousled, his bag slung lazily over one shoulder.

 

Kimi approached him and frowned slightly. “What are you doing here?”

 

Ollie looked up and smiled. “Hello to you too, Kimi.” That stupid, beautiful smile that made something twist in Kimi’s chest. “I was waiting for you.”

 

Kimi laughed nervously. “Why?”

 

“To check how my little freshman survived his first day,” Ollie replied, like if it was the most obvious thing in the world.

 

“Ollie, I’m not a toddler entering kindergarten.”

 

“Almost and I forgot your afternoon snack so I owe you,” Ollie said, mock serious. “Want to grab something at the caf’ and pretend I’m a responsible mentor?”

 

Kimi grinned. “Sure. But not coffee, I want chocolate milk.”

 

“Noted, son.”

 

At the cafeteria, they found Arthur, Dino and a few other guys already sitting at a table. One of them was loudly complaining about the price of bottled water while another tried to balance two trays on one hand.

 

Ollie did the rounds, introducing Kimi to everyone before going to grab food for them both. Kimi ended up between Arthur and some guy named Luca who had way too much caffeine in his system.

 

Arthur turned to him with a lazy grin. “So, Kimi. Survived your first day?”

 

“Barely,” Kimi replied, biting into the sandwich Ollie bought him. “My brain hurts, mate.”

 

Arthur chuckled. “Yeah, welcome to higher education. You’ll learn to fake it.”

 

“Can’t wait.”

 

He took a sip of his milk and glanced across the table at Ollie, who was chatting animatedly with someone else. He looked especially handsome today. Not that he didn’t on others days. Ollie was always handsome, which honestly pissed Kimi off more than he’d admit.

 

The Brit was wearing a very simple white t-shirt with the logo of an unknown brand, blue jeans and white sneakers. He couldn’t do more simple than that and that was the problem. He was effortlessly beautiful.

 

Kimi, on the other hand, liked putting a little more effort into his appearance.

 

He was wearing his favorite black pleated trousers (the ones that made him feel vaguely like a model off-duty) and a dark green polo that was just fitted enough to look intentional. Not that he was trying to impress anyone.

 

“So Kimi,” Dino said through a mouthful of chips. “Did you end up sealing the deal with Harley the other night?”

 

Kimi nearly choked on his drink. “N-no. She wasn’t really my type.”

 

Dino raised a brow. “Damn. Had I known, I would’ve taken over. She was cute.”

 

Kimi smirked, playing along. “If she comes back, I’ll send her your way.”

 

Arthur leaned in. “So, no girlfriend back in Italy?”

 

Kimi shook his head. “Nope.”

 

Arthur grinned. “Well, we’re gonna have to fix that while you’re here, then.”

 

Kimi gave a soft, awkward laugh, trying not to let his discomfort show. “Maybe focus on your own love life first. From what I saw at the party, it didn’t exactly look promising.”

 

The table burst into laughter as Arthur dramatically clutched his chest. “Hey! That was Carla’s fault, not mine. She keeps pushing me away, man. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be looking elsewhere.”

 

Then Arthur turned to Ollie with a mischievous glint in his eyes. “But maybe Lisa can put in a good word for me?”

 

Kimi tilted his head. “Who’s Lisa?”

 

Before Ollie could speak, Luca answered for him. “Ollie’s girlfriend.”

 

“She’s not my girlfriend,” Ollie said quickly, a little too quickly.

 

Arthur smirked. “Not officially but you do visit her dorm pretty often…”

 

Kimi didn’t say a word, just looked at Ollie, and for a moment, his stomach dropped. Of course Ollie liked girls. That much was obvious. And Kimi… Well, Kimi wished he could say the same. But no matter how much he tried to push it down, that familiar weight settled deep in his chest.

 

Ollie looked uncomfortable now, cheeks slightly red. “I don’t see her that often. And we haven’t hung out in a while, anyway.”

 

He didn’t meet Kimi’s eyes again.

 

Soon after, they all decided to head back to the frat. The boys were still chatting as they reached the porch but little by little they peeled off toward their rooms, until only Ollie and Kimi stood by the front door.

 

A quiet settled between them. It wasn’t awkward, just comfortable, like neither of them needed to fill the silence.

 

Then Ollie finally broke it. “Have you tried the pool yet?”

 

Kimi shook his head. “I helped clean it after the party but didn’t get a chance to actually use it.”

 

Ollie nodded thoughtfully. “We should go for a swim then. Before it gets grimy again.”

 

Kimi chuckled. “Sure, why not.”

 

They split to change and a few minutes later Kimi stepped into the backyard again, now dimly lit by string lights overhead. He spotted Ollie near the pool, wearing only a navy blue swim short. A couple of guys were lounging on deck chairs or kicking a ball around.

 

Kimi gave them a quick wave, then made his way toward Ollie, trying not to stare at his bare chest, the light catching on the faint sheen of sweat on his skin. He took off his own shirt, revealing a lean but defined torso, and stepped closer.

 

“Is the water good?” he asked, nodding at Ollie’s foot dipping into the pool.

 

“Should be fine,” Ollie said, still testing the temperature.

 

Kimi looked down at the pool, the surface calm and still clean. Then he felt Ollie turn to him, his gaze trailing briefly down Kimi’s body.

 

“You’re pretty built,” he said, tone neutral but eyes locked on him.

 

Kimi blinked, caught off guard. “What?”

 

Ollie didn’t elaborate, just gave a small smile. Kimi laughed nervously. “Oh. Thanks, mate. You’re… You look fine too.”

 

As soon as the words left his mouth, he regretted them. He sounded like a schoolgirl crushing on the quarterback. So cliché.

 

Ollie didn’t tease. Just smiled wider. Then, in one sudden movement, he stepped behind Kimi, arms wrapping around his waist.

 

“Ollie! What are you—?” Kimi started, heart hammering.

 

“Freshmen go in first,” Ollie said with a laugh, then shoved him into the pool.

 

Kimi’s yell was cut short by the splash.

 

He surfaced with a gasp, pushing his curls back from his face as water dripped down his temples.

 

“Cristo, it’s freezing,” he muttered, shivering slightly.

 

Ollie was doubled over on the edge of the pool, laughing so hard he could barely breathe.

 

“You should’ve seen your face, mate!” he managed between laughs.

 

Kimi narrowed his eyes. “You’re gonna pay for that. You better jump in before I make you.”

 

Ollie leaned back with a smug little grin. “Then make me.”

 

That was all Kimi needed to hear.

 

He swam to the edge, climbed out quickly and took off after Ollie, who yelped and tried to escape, still laughing like an idiot.

 

Kimi chased him across the grass, slipping slightly on the damp patches until he finally caught him near one of the lounge chairs. Ollie tried to sidestep him but Kimi hooked an arm around his waist and with a triumphant shout, shoved him toward the pool.

 

Except Ollie grabbed his arm at the last second and dragged him down with him.

 

They both hit the water with a massive splash, limbs tangled, laughter echoing off the backyard walls.

 

When they surfaced, they were still laughing, barely able to breathe.

 

“You’re insane,” Ollie coughed, wiping water from his face.

 

“Just following my mentor’s example,” Kimi shot back, flicking water at him.

 

They stayed like that for a while. Floating, laughing, splashing each other a bit but not really fighting anymore.

 

The backyard had now gone quiet. Most of the guys had gone back inside, leaving only the soft hum of the pool lights and the occasional breeze rustling through the trees. They drifted toward the shallow end and leaned against the edge, arms resting on the pool tiles, faces turned up toward the now-dark sky. The string lights above them glowed softly, casting golden reflections on the water’s surface.

 

“I just remembered,” Ollie said, breaking the silence, “one time Arthur, Carla, Lisa and I tried to sneak into this abandoned movie theater near the campus. It’s the university’s property but they didn’t use it like for years so we went to explore it.”

 

Kimi turned to him, curious.

 

“Don’t ask why,” Ollie added. “I think Arthur thought it’d be ‘a cool adventure’ or some shit. Anyway, we found this busted side door and got in. Total horror movie vibes like torn red curtains, old projector screen, dust everywhere.”

 

Kimi smiled. “Let me guess, someone freaked out?”

 

“Lisa,” Ollie nodded. “Swore she saw a rat the size of a small dog and screamed so loud I think the building itself flinched. Then the motion sensor lights came on and we panicked.”

 

“Damn, what happened after?”

 

“Carla was yelling about her shoes, Arthur tripped over a chair trying to look heroic and I knocked over a whole row of seats trying to pull Lisa out. Campus security rolled by just as we made it to the street. I think they recognized me and Arthur but didn’t want to deal with it.”

 

Kimi laughed, his whole body shaking slightly in the water. “You’re an idiot.”

 

“Yeah, well. Fun night though.”

 

There was a pause. Kimi stared ahead at the calm water, fingers lightly trailing the surface. Then, without looking at Ollie, he asked quietly, “So… what’s your deal with Lisa?”

 

Ollie didn’t answer right away.

 

Kimi glanced sideways. “You don’t have to tell me—”

 

“No, no, it’s fine,” Ollie said quickly, clearly flustered. “It’s just… there’s not much to say.”

 

He ran a hand through his wet hair and looked at Kimi again. “We were seeing each other for a bit. Nothing serious. A few months, on and off. Never labeled it or anything.”

 

Kimi nodded slowly, eyes back on the water.

 

“It’s been a few weeks since we’ve talked,” Ollie added. “She’s tried texting me but… I just don’t really want to see her anymore now.”

 

Kimi looked at him again. “Not at all?”

 

A faint smile pulling at his lips, Ollie shook his head. “No. Not at all.”

 

“I see.” Kimi returned the smile.

 

He didn’t look away this time. If he used to get flustered whenever Ollie held eye contact while talking to him, he’d definitely gotten used to it by now.

 

 

___

 

 

 

Over the past six weeks, Kimi had slowly settled into his new life.

 

Classes weren’t as overwhelming anymore (Ollie’s notes had basically become his Bible) and with Paul and Doriane, two classmates who quickly became good friends, the days didn’t feel as long. They made him laugh, helped him navigate assignments and always saved him a seat in lectures.

 

At the frat, things were going just as smoothly. He and Pepe had committed to helping Franco organize an inter-frat soccer tournament, which meant they’d been spending most of their afternoons sketching brackets, scouting players and figuring out the best ways to turn it into a full-blown event.

 

And then there was Ollie.

 

Whenever he wasn’t with Paul, Doriane or working with Franco and Pepe, he was with Ollie. Sure, sometimes Dino or Arthur joined them but more often than not, Ollie would text him something like “just us?” and that made Kimi’s heart flip over itself.

 

They were real friends now. That much was obvious. Since day one, something had clicked between them. It just worked. Kimi trusted him, laughed with him, confided in him.

 

And still, there was this weight. This ever-growing, quiet ache he kept tucked under his ribs.

 

He tried not to dwell on it. Tried to ignore the way Ollie’s hands always lingered a little longer than necessary, the way his eyes softened when Kimi spoke, the way he always made room for him, physically and emotionally. Kimi had spent too long hiding, too long running. He wasn’t ready to open that door again, not after everything that happened back home. He wasn’t brave enough.

 

But sometimes, just sometimes, he caught himself wondering if Ollie felt it too.

 

The Brit didn’t act that way with anyone else. Even Arthur and Dino liked to joke that Kimi was his “favorite” and that they looked like a newly married couple. Kimi always laughed with them, brushing it off. But secretly, those comments fed something deep inside him. Something he was scared to name.

 

It was a Thursday evening and he was currently lying sprawled across his bed, tossing a tennis ball up and down while Ollie stood by his wardrobe, folding the clothes that Kimi had been too lazy to put away.

 

“By the way,” Ollie said, voice muffled slightly by the shirt he was holding, “I won’t be around this weekend. Family dinner thing.”

 

Kimi propped himself up on his elbows. “Sounds nice, mate. Even if you don’t look thrilled.”

 

Ollie turned to him and blinked, pausing for a beat. Kimi raised an eyebrow. “What?”

 

“Nothing,” Ollie said with a quick smile, eyes darting away. But Kimi swore he saw the faintest flush rise on his cheeks.

 

Ollie turned back to his shirt, trying to smooth it out for the hanger. Then, with a softer tone, he added, “I just don’t really want to leave you alone.”

 

Kimi snorted. “But I won’t be alone. That’s kind of the point of joining a frat, remember? I’ve got friends here.”

 

Ollie made a small pout, nodding slowly like he was trying to be convinced. “Yeah, I guess.”

 

Kimi stood and walked over, stopping just behind him. “Don’t worry, you’re still my favorite.”

 

Ollie turned again, his smile blooming instantly, smug and satisfied. “Obviously, I’m the best.”

 

Kimi rolled his eyes and stepped closer, close enough now that he had to tilt his head back slightly to see Ollie’s face properly. “You’re very confident, ragazzo.”

 

Ollie’s free hand landed on Kimi’s waist. The contact sent a jolt through the Italian and though he tensed up, he didn’t pull away.

 

“I just hope,” Ollie said, his voice lower now, “that you’ll miss me a little.”

 

Kimi’s heart skipped.

 

He swallowed, trying to gather his thoughts. “I—yeah.”

 

Ollie smiled, softer this time and pinched Kimi’s side gently before pushing him back a bit.

 

“Good,” he said, eyes flicking away again. “Everyone misses me when I’m gone. It’s kind of my curse, you know.”

 

But Kimi didn’t miss the way his voice trembled just slightly. Or the deepening flush on his cheeks.

 

 

___

 

 

 

Saturday night found Kimi wedged into a booth with Arthur, Pepe, Dino and Gabriel at a lively bar-club a few blocks off campus. The place pulsed with energy, colored lights flickering above their heads, pop remixes blasting through speakers, bodies swaying on the dancefloor and a constant clinking of glasses.

 

“I swear,” Arthur shouted over the music, raising his drink dramatically, “if one more guy bumps into me and doesn’t say sorry, I’m throwing hands.”

 

“Maybe they just want your number, mate,” Dino teased, slinging an arm around Arthur’s shoulder. “Can’t blame them. You’re looking especially tragic tonight.”

 

Arthur pushed him off with a laugh. “I’m in my peak, thank you very much.”

 

Pepe leaned toward Kimi. “How many drinks before Arthur starts doing karaoke?”

 

Kimi grinned. “I give it another two.”

 

Gabriel, sitting across from him, snorted. “You haven’t seen anything until you’ve heard his rendition of ‘I Will Survive’ with his French accent.”

 

Laughter burst from the table and Kimi was still smiling when his phone buzzed in his pocket.

 

It was from Ollie.

 

just saw Arthur’s story

you guys look like you’re having fun :(

I’m jealous

I’m literally in bed doing nothing on a Saturday night

this is sad lol

 

Kimi smiled to himself and quickly typed back:

 

you wouldve been helpful tonight

Arthur’s already on his third drink and I’m scared

did your dinner go well?

 

Ollie replied almost instantly.

 

I mean I’m glad I don’t have to babysit him for once lol

love him but still

dinner was fine

but my fam sleeps early so now I’m stuck in my room with nothing to do...

 

Kimi didn’t answer right away. Gabriel had just launched into an animated explanation about how Formula 1 pit stops worked and Kimi was actually interested.

 

Ten minutes passed before Kimi remembered to reply. He tapped out:

 

you could always play something?

like ps or switch

 

He also took a selfie of him and Gabriel, both smiling at the camera, mid-laugh and sent it to Ollie.

 

The reply came in two parts.

 

First:

 

hate playing alone

 

Then two minutes later:

 

you’re hot

 

Kimi blinked. His fingers froze mid-type.

 

He looked up at Gabriel and casually said, “Ollie says we’re hot.”

 

Gabriel smirked. “Tell him I miss him.”

 

Kimi laughed, thumbs flying across the screen.

 

 

Gab says thanks

he misses you.

at least one person does

 

Just as he was about to put his phone away, another vibration.

 

Ollie again.

 

wasn’t talking about Gabriel

just you actually :)

hope you miss me too

 

Kimi’s heart skipped. Then stumbled. Then started pounding for entirely new reasons.

 

He didn’t reply. Couldn’t. Not with everyone around. Not with Arthur dramatically spilling half his drink onto Pepe. Not when he felt like his thoughts were about to burst through his skull.

 

He shoved his phone back into his pocket and took a long sip from his drink, forcing a laugh at Dino’s failed flirting attempt with one of the bartenders. Everything felt louder. Brighter. Too much.

 

Almost another hour passed before they left the bar.

 

Kimi walked in silence beside Gabriel, his phone still burning a hole in his pocket. As they neared the campus, he finally opened the chat again.

 

Ollie had sent something else.

 

A photo.

 

A dimly lit selfie taken from his bed, one hand behind his head, messy hair, glasses slightly askew. Probably his blue light glasses. The blanket was pulled low enough that only his collarbones were visible but that was enough. More than enough.

 

Kimi felt heat rise up his neck, spreading all the way to his ears.

 

He stared at the photo for a moment. Then, before he could even stop himself, he typed:

 

thanks

you’re hot too

really hot

 

And hit send before his brain had time to catch up with his fingers.

 

A thrill of panic came immediately after but the way his chest fluttered, that wasn’t fear. That was something else entirely. Something scary.

 

The Italian tried his best to keep it together as they walked back into the frat house. The cool night air had done little to calm the fire still burning beneath his skin. He said goodnight to the others with a casual smile, bumping fists, nodding at jokes he barely registered, then followed Pepe up the stairs to their room.

 

Neither of them said much, too tired to talk. Each went to his bathroom, showered quickly and changed into pyjamas. By the time Kimi slipped under the covers, Pepe was already half-asleep, face buried in his pillow, slow breaths rising and falling steadily.

 

But Kimi, he was wide awake.

 

Phone in hand, he scrolled back through his messages with Ollie, rereading the entire conversation. But in reality, he just kept coming back to that damn selfie. Again and again. The way Ollie’s mouth curled slightly. The collarbones. The « you’re hot ». The « hope you miss me too ». His thumb hovered over the screen like it was sacred.

 

With a sigh, he let the phone fall flat against his chest and dragged a hand down his face.

 

Ollie was probably asleep by now. Kimi hoped he was. He hoped he wouldn’t reply tomorrow. He hoped they could just move on. Act like none of this conversation happened. Like he hadn’t just told his friend and frat mentor that he thought he was « really hot ».

 

But it wasn’t his fault. Ollie started it. He started it by saying Kimi was hot first. By saying he missed him. By sending that goddamn photo. By being beautiful and kind and funny and thoughtful and just being Ollie.

 

Kimi was screwed.

 

What was he supposed to do? Move back to Italy? Out of the question. Quit the frat? That’d raise too many questions. Start avoiding Ollie? Also impossible with the same friend group, same events, same everything. And the very idea of not seeing him anymore made Kimi’s chest ache.

 

He was completely fucked.

 

And Ollie himself wasn’t helping. Was it just a British thing? Being flirty for no reason? Did all Brits send shirtless selfies to their friends?

 

Kimi felt like he was losing his mind, trying not to overthink every word, every touch, every look. He shut his eyes, determined to sleep it off, to forget it all by morning.

 

His phone buzzed. His eyes flew open and his hand moved before he could stop it.

 

A new message. Ollie, obviously.

 

wish I was with you right now

 

Kimi stared at the screen. His heart kicked back into high gear, a stupid smile spreading across his face again, involuntarily this time, like his body didn’t care about the consequences anymore.

 

He bit his lip, smiled harder, and typed back:

 

me too

 

Then, a second message, before he lost the nerve:

 

sleep now, you’ll see me sooner

sweet dreams

 

Ollie replied soon after.

 

night, Kimi

you too

 

Kimi locked his phone, turned off the screen and lay there in the dark, heart pounding, a soft and ridiculous smile tugging at his lips.

 

 

___

 

 

 

Sunday morning came late for Kimi and Pepe, both struggling to get out of bed around 11am. They had to use the day to wrap up preparations for next weekend’s inter-frat soccer tournament with Franco and the rest of the event committee. Still groggy from the night before, they dragged their feet down to the common area, only to find Franco waiting for them with a home-cooked Argentine dish to lift their spirits.

 

The day passed in a blur of planning and laughing and Kimi was glad to have something else to focus on. Anything to keep his mind off Ollie.

 

He wasn’t sure if the Brit was supposed to be back that evening or on Monday morning and honestly, he didn’t want to care. There was nothing to worry about anyway. He hadn’t done anything wrong. So there was no reason to feel this tightness in his chest at the thought of seeing him again.

 

At least, that’s what he kept telling himself.

 

At the end of the day, the final details were nearly done and they’d all had a good time. Kimi didn’t see his mentor at all. Maybe he was back, maybe not but either way, he was fine with it.

 

Then Monday came and went. So did Tuesday.

 

Still no sign of Ollie. Well, not really. Kimi had spotted him at lunch on Monday with Dino, sitting across the cafeteria. But his heart had started racing so fast, he hadn’t dared go over. He just couldn’t.

 

Wednesday afternoon was warm and golden, the kind of sun that made everyone forget classes existed. Kimi was lounging on a bench in a quieter corner of campus, one leg crossed over the other, sunglasses perched on his nose as he tilted his face up to the light. Paul sat next to him, scribbling in a notebook but clearly distracted.

 

“I still don’t get how Mrs. Ackerman expects us to do all that before Monday,” Paul muttered, chewing on the end of his pen.

 

Kimi shrugged. “She probably doesn’t. It’s a test to see who’s serious.”

 

Paul scoffed. “Jokes on her. I started working on it the minute she talked about this assignment.”

 

That made Kimi laugh and he leaned his head back, basking in the sun. He was perfectly relaxed until he heard a familiar voice in front of him.

 

“Well, well. Look who’s ditching the library.”

 

Kimi’s eyes snapped open behind his sunglasses. His heart skipped instinctively.

 

Ollie stood there, hands in his pockets, a lazy grin stretched across his face, curls a little messier than usual and sunglasses hooked into the collar of his t-shirt. He looked like something out of a summer ad campaign. Bellissimo.

 

Kimi sat up quickly. “Oh—hey,” he blurted, voice just a bit higher than normal. “What are you doing here?”

 

Ollie raised an eyebrow, amused. “I study here too, you know.” He tilted his chin toward the nearby building. “I just got out of PoliSci.”

 

“Oh. Right. Makes sense,” Kimi said awkwardly, then gestured between the two of them. “Paul, this is Ollie. Ollie, this is Paul. He’s in most of my classes.”

 

Paul straightened up and gave a polite smile. “Hey.”

 

“Ah, the famous Paul,” Ollie said brightly, shaking his hand. “Kimi mentionned you.”

 

Kimi gave him a look. “Do not.”

 

Paul chuckled. “He mentionned you too.”

 

“I’m sure he did,” Ollie grinned, then turned to Paul. “So? Is he as annoying in class as he is at the frat?”

 

Kimi groaned. “I’m right here.”

 

Paul laughed. “He’s alright, actually. Surprisingly focused.”

 

“That’s my influence,” Ollie said proudly and the three of them shared a light moment of laughter.

 

Paul checked his phone and stood. “I should head out. My girlfriend just finished her class.”

 

“Have a good time,” Ollie added with a teasing tone, earning a bad look from Kimi.

 

Paul waved as he left, leaving the pair alone.

 

A moment of fragile silence settled between them.

 

Ollie slowly sat down where Paul had been, his shoulder brushing lightly against Kimi’s as he sat. Kimi didn’t move away but he didn’t turn to face him either. He kept his gaze upward, pretending to be absorbed by the treetops.

 

Ollie was the first to speak again.

 

“Have you been avoiding me?”

 

The question came so casually it felt like a slap.

 

Kimi stiffened and finally turned toward him, thankful for the barrier of his sunglasses. “No. Why would you think that?”

 

Ollie tilted his head, studying him. “I don’t know. Just… haven’t seen you and haven’t talked to you. Since I left.”

 

Kimi bit his inner cheek. “We just haven’t crossed paths. That’s all. I wouldn’t avoid you.” He tried to sound casual. “That’d be… stupid.”

 

Ollie’s expression softened. “Okay. Just checking.”

 

A breeze stirred the leaves above them and for a moment, neither spoke.

 

Then Kimi leaned forward slightly and plucked a tiny leaf from Ollie’s curls. He didn’t even think about it, it was instinctive. His fingers lingered for half a second before he pulled away.

 

“You had something,” he murmured.

 

Ollie smiled at him, lips curling slow and warm. “Thanks.”

 

Kimi cleared his throat and added, “I’m glad you’re back, by the way.”

 

Ollie’s smile widened just a touch, then he looked away, as if holding Kimi’s gaze was too much. “Yeah. Me too.”

 

The silence settled again but it was comfortable now. Kimi let his head fall back again, letting the sun kiss his face, even though his heart was racing.

 

Eventually, they stood together and started walking back to the frat house, shoulders bumping every few steps.

 

Ollie launched into a story about his weekend. How his uncle who was visiting them had made them all sit through a two-hour slideshow of his last trip to Greece, how his cousin brought a girl to dinner and no one was allowed to mention it, how he’d snuck off to the garage just to avoid helping cleaning. Kimi listened, genuinely laughing at Ollie’s imitations of his family, then shared his own weekend in return like Franco’s cooking, the planning chaos, the last-minute poster drama.

 

And yet, not once did either of them mention Saturday night’s messages.

 

 

___

 

 

 

Thursday morning hit Kimi like a truck.

 

He stirred slowly, his head pounding and limbs aching, blinking at the blurry ceiling above. His throat felt dry and raw, and when he finally managed to sit up and drink, it burned with every swallow.

 

Of course. Just his luck. Getting sick the week of the tournament.

 

He glanced across the room. Pepe was still snoring, one leg dangling off the bed. Kimi didn’t want to wake him just to ask for meds. He pushed himself to his feet with effort, swaying slightly before dragging himself to the bathroom. The shower helped but only a little. His skin felt too sensitive, his body too weak.

 

He got dressed slowly, skipping breakfast since the idea of swallowing anything made his throat tighten in protest. He somehow made it to class, sitting through the first hour with a glazed expression and a pounding head.

 

Next to him, Doriane kept stealing worried glances until finally leaning over and whispering with her French accent, “You seriously don’t look okay, Kimi.”

 

Kimi tried to wave her off but by the end of the second hour, he felt like he might actually pass out.

 

“I’m taking you to the health center,” she said, standing and grabbing her bag.

 

He didn’t have the strength to argue.

 

The campus medical center was a ten-minute walk but it felt like an eternity. Kimi was quiet the entire time, focused on putting one foot in front of the other. When they arrived, the waiting room was warm and quiet and the moment they sat down, Kimi nearly fell asleep on Doriane’s shoulder.

 

Eventually, a young intern called his name. His badge read Esteban Ocon.

 

Inside the small exam room, Esteban asked a few questions and gently took Kimi’s temperature, checked his throat and listened to his breathing.

 

“Mild fever, throat inflammation, classic case of a seasonal virus,” he said calmly. “Nothing alarming but your body’s clearly fighting something. Take the rest of the day off, drink warm fluids, eat something soft if you can and sleep. I’ll give you something to ease the headache and the sore throat.”

 

Kimi nodded gratefully, voice too raw to say much else. Once he had the meds in hand, he returned to the waiting area where Doriane was scrolling on her phone.

 

“He says I just need rest,” Kimi rasped.

 

She frowned, looking at him like he might drop any second. “Come on. I’ll walk you back.”

 

“I’m okay don’t—”

 

“No, I’m coming.”

 

The Italian didn’t protest.

 

They walked in silence for a bit. The sun was too bright. Kimi squinted even behind his sunglasses and every step made his legs ache more.

 

Just as they were nearing the main path back to the frat house, they ran into Dino, rushing out of a building.

 

“Dude, what happened?”

 

Kimi blinked up at him, too tired to respond.

 

“He’s sick,” Doriane answered. “We’re coming back from the health center.”

 

Dino stepped closer, his smile fading. “Shit. You okay?”

 

“Yeah. Just need to sleep,” Kimi muttered, though the way he swayed again said otherwise.

 

Dino instinctively reached out and caught him by the arm. “You sure you’ll make it back?”

 

“Yeah. I didn’t eat this morning,” Kimi admitted. “That’s probably not helping.”

 

Dino looked ready to drop everything but Doriane cut in, steady and calm. “I’ve got him. I’ll walk him back and make sure he doesn’t pass out in the hallway.”

 

Dino hesitated, clearly torn, before finally nodding. “Alright. Text me if he gets worse.”

 

They continued walking. Doriane didn’t let go of his bag until they reached the front steps of the frat. She gave him a look that said don’t even think about pretending you’re fine.

 

“Let me know how you feel later, okay?”

 

Kimi nodded, offering a weak smile. “Thank you, Doriane. Really.”

 

He pushed the door open and trudged upstairs. The house was quiet, most people still in class. He dropped his bag as soon as he entered his room, took off his shoes and collapsed on his bed, not even bothering to pull the blanket over himself.

 

Just as his eyes began to close, his phone buzzed in his hand.

 

He ignored it at first. Then, too curious, he glanced at the screen and didn’t think twice. He picked up.

 

“Hey mister Bearman,” he rasped, voice barely audible.

 

“Kimi?” Ollie’s voice was soft but laced with concern. “You sound awful.”

 

Kimi let out a breathy laugh. “Thanks.”

 

“Dino told me you were sick. Why didn’t you say anything?”

 

“I should have? I didn’t want to bother anyone, it’s nothing serious.”

 

“You sure?” Ollie asked. “Do you need anything? I can come back to the house right now.”

 

Kimi frowned. “Aren’t you supposed to be in class?”

 

“I can miss a few hours. Not a big deal.”

 

“Ollie, you don’t have to—”

 

“I know,” Ollie said, cutting him off gently. “But I want to. I’ll come make you something to eat.”

 

Kimi blinked. “You… cook?”

 

“I can handle it,” Ollie said and Kimi could hear the smile in his voice. “If it’s to take care of my favorite Italian, I’ll make it work.”

 

Kimi didn’t reply right away. He just stared at the ceiling, letting the words settle.

 

“Okay then,” he said finally, a quiet smile curling at his lips. “Thanks.”

 

“Be there soon.”

 

 

___

 

 

 

Kimi had no idea how long he’d been asleep when he felt soft fingers threading through his curls, slow and soothing.

 

A quiet sigh escaped his lips. His body relaxed instinctively at the gentle touch. For a moment, he let himself melt into it, eyes still closed, clinging to the comfort. Then he heard a soft laugh.

 

“Kimi.”

 

The voice was low, familiar. It made something flutter in his chest.

 

“Wake up,” it said.

 

And then, closer to his ear this time, a whisper that made his breath hitch:

 

“Amore mio.”

 

Kimi blinked slowly, eyelids heavy and vision still slightly blurred. When he finally opened his eyes, he found Ollie crouched in front of his bed, smiling up at him.

 

A sleepy smile curled at Kimi’s lips. “Hey,” he murmured.

 

Ollie’s hand was still brushing gently through his hair, thumb caressing his temple.

 

Kimi’s brow furrowed slightly. “Did you just call me amore mio?” he asked, voice raspy and quiet.

 

Ollie chuckled. “It’s the best I could do,” he said. “My Italian’s limited.”

 

Then his hand slid to Kimi’s forehead, his fingers resting there for a second. “Still burning up,” he mumbled.

 

He stood and walked over to the desk, picking up a tray he’d brought with him. “Alright, sit up now.”

 

Kimi obeyed slowly, dragging himself upright with a wince as Ollie returned to the bed and carefully set the tray on his lap.

 

“I made you chicken broth, thought it would be the best meal to make you feel better.”

 

Kimi looked at the bowl, then back at Ollie. “It smells really good. Thank you.”

 

“I hope it also tastes good.”

 

Kimi’s gaze dropped to the tray. He felt a bit guilty. Ollie had gone through all this effort for him. He knew no one else’s mentor was this caring. But he didn’t say it. Instead, he picked up the spoon and took a small sip.

 

It was warm and comforting. Better than he expected.

 

But the moment he realized Ollie was watching him eat, he flushed. His throat tightened for an entirely different reason. He coughed suddenly, almost choking.

 

Ollie immediately leaned forward, his hand landing gently on Kimi’s back to pat between his shoulder blades. “Hey, hey—easy,” he said, concern laced in his tone. “Is it too hot?”

 

Kimi quickly shook his head, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. “No. It’s really good.”

 

He cleared his throat, still feeling his cheeks burn. “Thank you again.”

 

Ollie gave a small smile, softer this time. “Of course. It’s my job to take care of you.”

 

But Kimi knew it wasn’t really his job.

 

He felt himself getting dizzy.

 

Ollie started telling some random story, clearly trying to distract him and Kimi took the opportunity to finish the meal. Once he was done, Ollie took the tray and stood again.

 

“I’m gonna drop this off downstairs. Be right back.”

 

Kimi nodded and used the moment alone to go splash cold water on his face in the bathroom. He brushed his teeth, changed into his pyjamas, then crawled back into bed, curling up under the blanket.

 

When Ollie returned a few minutes later, he walked to the window without a word and pulled the curtains closed, dimming the room. Kimi murmured a sleepy “thanks.”

 

Ollie came back over, crouched beside the bed again and pressed his palm lightly to Kimi’s forehead.

 

“You’ve still got a bit of a fever,” he said. “If you need anything, just text me, okay? I’ll be in my room.”

 

Kimi’s eyes opened just a sliver. He pushed himself up on one elbow, about to say something but hesitated.

 

Ollie tilted his head. “What?”

 

Kimi looked down, lips parting but no sound came. His cheeks warmed again. His eyes flicked up to Ollie’s, then away.

 

Then, quietly, he whispered, “Can you...”

 

Ollie blinked. Then a smile tugged at the corner of his lips. “You want me to stay with you?”

 

Kimi groaned and buried his face in the pillow. But he nodded.

 

“Alright then,” Ollie said, laughing softly. “Move over a bit.”

 

Kimi shifted to the side, leaving space. He turned slightly so he could watch as Ollie sat down, then laid next to him on the opposite side, facing him.

 

The smile Ollie wore was infuriatingly kind, stupidly beautiful, utterly devastating.

 

It made Kimi’s pulse quicken.

 

They looked at each other in silence. Kimi could barely breathe.

 

Then Ollie opened his arms and whispered gently, “Come here.”

 

Kimi blinked. “Hm?”

 

“You’ll feel better,” Ollie said, voice low.

 

Kimi’s entire face flamed. He stared for a second, frozen. But then he shifted closer, unable to resist.

 

Ollie met him halfway, wrapping an arm around his waist and guiding him gently until Kimi’s head rested against his chest, just under his chin. His other hand found its way into the Italian’s hair again, the same spot he’d been stroking earlier. Kimi inhaled slowly. Ollie’s scent was comforting and addictive, like clean laundry and something woodsy, making him dizzy in the best and worst way. The older’s touch on his lower back was careful, his thumb drawing lazy circles. His fingers combed through his curls, rhythm steady. Kimi exhaled a long, shaky breath, sinking into him completely.

 

After a few minutes wrapped in Ollie’s arms, he finally felt his body relax.

 

His breathing evened out. His heart stopped racing. The warmth of Ollie’s body against his own, the steady rhythm of his fingertips trailing along his back and through his curls, all of it was grounding. Comforting and probably dangerous because Kimi wasn’t sure Ollie realized what his touch was doing to him. Still, he didn’t want it to stop.

 

His eyes fluttered shut again, the exhaustion from the day creeping back into his muscles. Part of him fought the pull of sleep. He wanted to stay like this, just for a little longer.

 

Still buried against Ollie’s chest, his voice barely above a whisper, he suddenly murmured, “I hope you don’t get sick because of me.”

 

Ollie laughed softly, the sound low and warm and Kimi could feel the vibration of it in his chest, making his skin tingle.

 

“If I do,” Ollie replied, voice teasing, “then it’ll be your turn to take care of me.”

 

Kimi didn’t answer right away. He just lay there, breathing him in.

 

Then, still curled up against him, he reached for Ollie’s sweatshirt, fingertips lightly pinching the edge of the fabric. He played with it absentmindedly, lips brushing against the material as he finally replied, “I will.”

 

Ollie didn’t say anything back but Kimi didn’t need to look up to know Ollie was smiling. He could feel it, in the way his arm tightened ever so slightly around him, in the way his hand slowed for just a moment before continuing its soft path across his back.

 

And then, that same hand drifted, lower.

 

Kimi barely noticed it at first, until Ollie’s fingers found the spot where his sweater had ridden up, just above his waistband.

 

The first touch of bare skin made Kimi flinch in surprise. It was electric. Like a spark had gone off under his ribs, traveling down his spine.

 

Ollie’s hand didn’t move at first. It rested there, warm, testing. Waiting.

 

When Kimi didn’t pull away, when he didn’t do anything at all except inhale sharply, Ollie slipped his hand beneath the hem of his sweatshirt and resumed his slow, circular motions directly on the skin of his lower back.

 

Kimi’s body tensed, not from discomfort. He wasn’t even sure he was breathing properly anymore. His head was heavy, fever still lingering, but all his focus narrowed to Ollie’s fingertips tracing those hypnotic shapes. He felt like melting.

 

After a few long minutes, Kimi couldn’t stop the soft sound that escaped his lips, a quiet, unfiltered sigh of contentment. That made Ollie pause.

 

He tilted his head down, mouth closer to Kimi’s ear now, his voice suddenly gentler, lower. “Is this okay?”

 

Kimi’s throat was too tight to speak so he simply nodded against Ollie’s chest and muttered, “Hm.”

 

That was all it took for Ollie to start again. Soft, steady movements on Kimi’s burning skin, fingers like a balm to everything hurting inside him. After this, Kimi didn’t fight the sleep creeping in. Not when Ollie was holding him like that, not when it finally felt safe to let go.

 

He closed his eyes, the world blurring out and let himself drift off. The last thing he felt being Ollie’s hand in his hair and his breath slow and steady against his temple.

 

 

___

 

 

 

Sunday arrived faster than expected.

 

The sun was at its highest when Kimi laced up his cleats, the smell of fresh-cut grass mixing with the buzz of voices outside the locker room. It was finally the day of the intra-frat soccer tournament. Kimi felt more than ready.

 

The locker room was loud and alive with movement and banter. Shirts being pulled on, socks adjusted, water bottles thrown across benches. Arthur was cracking dad jokes in broken English, Franco yelling something in Spanish no one really understood, Dino hyping everyone up with loud claps and chaotic energy and even Gabriel, usually the chill one, looked fired up.

 

Kimi was sitting next to Ollie, adjusting his shin guards.

 

“Ready to win?” Ollie asked, nudging him with his knee.

 

Kimi glanced at him and smiled faintly. “Do I have a choice?”

 

“Not if you wanna keep your spot in the frat,” Ollie teased.

 

It had only been four days since that moment in Kimi’s room, but it felt like something had shifted between them since then. It was subtle and unspoken but very much there.

 

When Kimi had woken up again that day, groggy and flushed, Ollie was already gone. For a brief second, panic had flared in his chest.

 

Then he had checked his phone.

 

hope you’re feeling better

you looked like you were sleeping well :)

would’ve stayed longer but had stuff to do

and didn’t want pepe walking in and catching us like that lol

 

Kimi had smiled like an idiot.

 

I’m feeling much better

thanks to you

 

The next day, Ollie had walked him to class, even though he didn’t have any on his own. Then they’d trained with the team on Saturday, had dinner just the two of them and ended up watching a movie in the frat’s common room until late. Kimi had been hyper-aware of every accidental touch, except nothing about it had felt accidental anymore.

 

He wasn’t imagining it. Ollie was more tactile. More present. And Kimi found himself mirroring him, unable to stop.

 

Still, neither of them had said anything. No confessions. No clarifications. Just this quiet shift between them that made everything feel more intense.

 

Kimi tied the last knot on his cleats and was about to stand when Ollie’s hand brushed his back, fingers trailing just enough to leave him distracted. The others were still deep in strategy talk, voices overlapping. Kimi tried to focus but all he could think about was that touch. That damn hand on his spine.

 

Franco tossed a ball into the air and caught it with his thigh. “We win this and I’m kissing everyone here.”

 

“Don’t threaten me with a good time,” Arthur shot back, grinning.

 

“Let’s just not lose first,” Dino added, clapping his hands together. “Let’s prove we’re the best damn team cuz’ first, we are, and second, it’ll be easier for me to get the girls I want for the rest of the fucking year.”

 

Cheers erupted. Someone slammed a locker shut.

 

Kimi stood up with the rest, rolling his shoulders. The nerves were there, as was adrenaline.

 

Ollie leaned in just a little, his voice low. “You good?”

 

Kimi nodded, meeting his eyes for half a second too long. “Yeah.”

 

“Good,” Ollie said, his smile soft. “Let’s go win this thing then.”

 

The tournament was packed. Students crowded the sidelines, some perched on the bleachers, others sitting on the grass. There were chants, music, even people holding makeshift signs for their friends. The vibe was electric.

 

Their team started strong. Fast passes, tight defense, sharp shots and they won their first match easily. The second was harder, down to a nail-biting penalty round but Ollie saved the last shot as goalie and the team went wild.

 

By the time they reached the final, everyone was sweaty and exhausted.

 

The opposing frat was good so the match was tight. Back and forth, no goals in sight for most of it. Kimi pushed himself harder than ever, darting between defenders, heart pounding, legs aching. The score stayed at 0–0 until the final minutes.

 

Then, in a perfect play, Ollie throwing a long ball from the back, Dino deflecting it with a header, Franco cutting through midfield and the ball found its way to Kimi.

 

He didn’t think. He just ran. One defender. Then another. Then the goal. The shot was clean, low and fast. The keeper dove, missed by inches. The ball hit the back of the net. Cheers exploded around him. He barely registered them.

 

Kimi turned immediately, eyes searching until they found Ollie.

 

He didn’t even think. He sprinted straight into his arms.

 

Ollie caught him like he was waiting for it, arms around his waist and pulling him in tight. Kimi buried his face in his shoulder, breath hot and shaky against his neck.

 

“We won,” he whispered.

 

Ollie held him like they’d just won the world, not just a futile frat tournament. “Yeah, I’m proud of you.”

 

Then the rest of the team crashed into them, yelling, laughing, lifting Kimi onto their shoulders. His name echoed in the crowd. Someone threw water over them. Gabriel and Pepe were nearly crying like they just won the Champions League while Arthur, Dino and Franco screamed at the top of their lungs.

 

Kimi, still dizzy from the adrenaline (and Ollie’s touch) just laughed and let himself be carried away.

 

 

___

 

 

 

The frat house had never been louder.

 

Music was shaking the walls. Lights were flashing. People were everywhere dancing, laughing, yelling, spilling drinks and filling the place with a wild energy that Kimi had never experienced before.

 

He was outside in the backyard, arms draped around Arthur and Pepe as they screamed the lyrics of some old throwback song at the top of their lungs. Everyone was celebrating. It was the kind of chaos they enjoyed. This was what winning felt like.

 

“I swear to God, if you fall on me again, I’m leaving your drunk ass here,” Kimi said, laughing as Pepe nearly tripped over a folding chair.

 

“Shut up, you love me,” Pepe shouted, wrapping an arm tighter around his shoulder.

 

Arthur raised his cup. “To the MVP of the day! Our very own Antonelli!”

 

Kimi rolled his eyes but smiled. “Stop it.”

 

“Never,” Arthur grinned.

 

A little further across the yard, Ollie was busy consoling Dino, who’d just been rejected by a girl he was clearly too confident about.

 

“She said she had a boyfriend,” Dino was saying, slouched dramatically against the fence. “But I saw her flirting with Gabriel last week!”

 

“You’re gonna be fine,” Ollie said, patting his shoulder. “There’s like, fifty other girls here. You’ll bounce back in five minutes.”

 

As if summoned, a girl walked up just then, telling Dino how impressed she’d been with his performance during the game, which was generous, considering he’d mostly tripped over his own feet.

 

Dino lit up instantly, straightening his posture and flashing his best smile. “You think so?”

 

Within seconds, he was gone, arm slung around her as they disappeared into the crowd.

 

Kimi snorted. “Back from the dead.”

 

“He heals fast,” Pepe added with a laugh.

 

Kimi was taking a sip from his drink when he suddenly felt two hands clamp down on his shoulders from behind.

 

He turned, surprised, only to find Arthur grinning at him with mischief in his eyes.

 

“What—”

 

Before he could even finish the question, Arthur was already pushing him through the crowd toward a chair in the middle of the yard.

 

“Wait, what are you—”

 

“Sit,” Arthur said, practically shoving him down.

 

Kimi frowned, confused. “What the hell is happening?”

 

He glanced around and noticed people forming a loose circle around him, chanting his name and laughing.

 

“Arthur?” he asked again, raising an eyebrow.

 

Arthur snatched the cup from his hands with a grin, downed the last sip like a shot and winked without answering.

 

Then Logan appeared, frat president energy radiating off him as the crowd quieted.

 

“Andrea Kimi Antonelli,” Logan announced dramatically. “On behalf of the entire fraternity, we wanna thank you for today. You brought us honor and glory with your stupidly sexy goal in the final minute.”

 

Cheers erupted.

 

“You’ve made us proud, freshman,” Logan continued. “And for that, you deserve a reward.”

 

Kimi couldn’t help but laugh. “A reward? Hope it’s a Mercedes.”

 

Oscar stepped into view beside Logan, holding a giant bottle of champagne.

 

Kimi raised his eyebrows. “Is that for me?”

 

Oscar smirked. “Obviously. But we have a special way of giving gifts here.”

 

Kimi’s smile faltered. “Oh no.”

 

Before he could make a move to escape, Franco slipped behind him, grabbing his shoulders to keep him in place.

 

“Hey, mate wait—” Kimi started, but it was too late.

 

Arthur and Ollie were suddenly in front of him, each holding a roll of black duct tape.

 

Kimi’s eyes widened. “No. You’re not—guys—no—”

 

But Arthur was already wrapping tape around his wrists, laughing like a maniac, while Ollie worked on securing his torso to the chair.

 

“This is abuse,” Kimi said, shaking his head even as he laughed.

 

“You’ll live,” Ollie replied with a grin.

 

Soon enough, he couldn’t move an inch, completely taped up, arms glued to his chest, legs stuck, the tape creaking every time he shifted.

 

Logan gave a nod of approval. “Looks good.”

 

Oscar handed him the champagne, then he popped the cork with expert ease. The bottle fizzed and exploded in a jet that sprayed directly at Kimi.

 

“DIO MIO—” Kimi yelped as champagne rained down on him, soaking his shirt, hair, face and everything.

 

People were screaming, cheering, chanting his name again. He tried to duck but couldn’t move, squinting against the spray, laughing and swearing under his breath.

 

Once the bottle was nearly empty, Logan handed it off to Ollie.

 

Kimi blinked through wet lashes, chest heaving with laughter, looking up as Ollie stepped closer.

 

The Brit was smiling but not his usual cheeky grin, this one was mischievous. And there was something in his eyes too, something that made Kimi’s heart skip.

 

“As your mentor,” Ollie said loud enough for the crowd, “I just want to say that I’m very proud of you. You’ve become a model frat brother.”

 

He winked.

 

“Thanks to me, obviously.”

 

Everyone laughed.

 

Kimi was soaked but beaming. “I hate you all,” he said, grinning up at him.

 

Then Ollie leaned in, holding the neck of the bottle just above Kimi’s mouth.

 

“Think you can finish the bottle?” he asked, voice light.

 

Kimi opened his mouth to answer but paused when Ollie dipped a little closer, lowering his voice.

 

“Can you take it for me, Kimi?”

 

Kimi froze.

 

Ollie’s voice dropped, low, playful, laced with something darker that sent a rush of heat curling low in Kimi’s stomach. They both knew it wasn’t just about the drink.

 

The younger didn’t break eye contact. His breath caught, pulse skipping.

 

Then he nodded slowly, as if he was willing to do anything for Ollie.

 

Satisfied, the corners of Ollie’s mouth twitched into a smirk and he tilted the bottle, letting champagne pour into Kimi’s mouth.

 

He swallowed obediently, eyes never leaving Ollie’s. The noise around them faded for a moment. The crowd, clueless, cheered but it felt distant, like background music. None of them seemed to notice the obscene show playing out right in front of Ollie. But him wasn’t missing any sec of it. And Kimi was giving him it all. He wanted to be good.

 

When the flow stopped, Ollie stepped back slightly, bottle still in hand, eyes glinting.

 

Kimi’s lips were red and wet. His pulse was a mess. And Ollie’s damn smirk was driving him insane.

 

Nervous, he let out a shaky laugh, licking the taste of champagne off his lips.

 

“You’re enjoying this way too much, mate,” he muttered.

 

Ollie didn’t answer. He just watched him, eyes dark, still smiling.

 

Franco and Oscar then approached with scissors to free him.

 

They had just finished cutting the last of the tape when Pepe and Dino lifted him off the ground like a trophy.

 

“Mate, put me down!” Kimi laughed, kicking his legs uselessly as the two paraded him through the garden.

 

“Into the pool he goes!” Dino announced.

 

“No no no, don’t you fucking dare!”

 

They ignored his protests, carrying him toward the edge with devilish grins. The crowd was howling with laughter.

 

“Per favore!”

 

But just as they reached the pool, Pepe snorted. “He’s too sticky. The pool is gonna reject him.”

 

Dino groaned. “True and he’s gonna leave a champagne trail.”

 

With exaggerated drama, they gently dropped him down onto the grass instead.

 

Still catching his breath, Kimi was immediately surrounded by more people, all clapping him on the back, complimenting his goal, jokingly telling him he’s the next Ballon d’Or. He was loved and wanted.

 

And it felt fucking amazing.

 

But as the excitement buzzed around him, a small voice inside reminded him how fragile it all was. He didn’t want to care about what people thought but after being pushed away by almost everyone back in Italy, how could he not?

 

Because what if they knew?

 

What if they saw the way his eyes found Ollie in a room without even trying? What if they realized how his heart jumped whenever Ollie touched him? What if they figured what he was?

 

He could lie forever, stay hidden and pretend. But then Ollie would smile. Or say his name. Or look at him like he mattered.

 

And Kimi would forget to be scared.

 

That was the problem.

 

Ollie made him reckless. He made Kimi forget logic and consequences. He dragged him into this stupidly enjoyable game where Kimi was playing along like it wouldn’t cost him everything.

 

The Italian was talking to Gabriel, Paul, his girlfriend and Doriane now, doing his best to stay present, when he felt a familiar hand pressing softly against his lower back.

 

“You should go dry off before you get sick again,” Ollie said, his voice close, soft with concern.

 

Kimi turned his head. The Brit was standing right behind him, brows knit in that annoyingly genuine way that made Kimi want to fall apart. He was right. Kimi was still soaked and sticky, the night air cool against his damp skin. But Ollie’s warmth was near and that felt better than any towel. Kimi wanted him closer.

 

But they weren’t alone.

 

His heart jumped. His stomach twisted.

 

Were people watching them? Did they notice how close they stood? How natural it felt?

 

He couldn’t help but being scared. Even if there was nothing between them, Kimi knew deep down that they weren’t acting like just friends anymore and was terrified that someone else could sense it.

 

He shifted slightly, stepping forward so Ollie’s hand dropped from his back and muttered, “You gotta stop acting like my mom, mate.”

 

Gabriel snorted. “He’s got a point. Ollie’s the most overprotective mentor I’ve ever seen.”

 

Then came the joke Kimi didn’t expect.

 

“You guys kinda look like a couple honestly,” Gabriel added, laughing.

 

The others joined in. Except Kimi. He froze.

 

His stomach twisted so violently he felt like throwing up.

 

He forced a smile, tight, awkward and unconvincing.

 

Ollie, either completely chill or hiding it better than Kimi ever could, chuckled and shrugged. “I just don’t wanna deal with a sick Kimi again. He’s a total baby.”

 

Kimi couldn’t tell if he was serious but he couldn’t stay. The panic was clawing at his throat.

 

“I should go change,” he said quickly. “I feel gross.”

 

He moved fast through the house, pushing past people dancing, laughing, kissing in corners. He climbed the stairs two by two and didn’t stop until he was safely inside his room. The door slammed behind him. He locked it, rushed to the bathroom and finally let himself breathe. Except he couldn’t. His chest was tight. His heart was pounding. He felt sick.

 

He sank to the floor, elbows on his knees, head in his hands. His throat burned as the tears pushed forward. He tried to fight them but the pressure had been building too long.

 

Everything spilled out at once.

 

He was crying before he could stop himself. Silent sobs that grew louder until he was gasping, shoulders shaking. It was too much.

 

All the pretending. All the hiding. All the wanting.

 

He didn’t even feel drunk anymore. It was like the champagne, the cheers, the celebration and all had cracked something in him.

 

Because deep down, he knew he’d never truly be free. Not in this world. Not like this.

 

His phone buzzed.

 

A message from Ollie.

 

you okay?

 

Kimi stared at it. He didn’t reply. He exhaled and wiped at his face before finally standing. He stripped out of his soaked clothes and got into the shower. The hot water helped. A little.

 

His phone buzzed again while he was still under the spray but Kimi ignored it. After what felt like fifteen minutes, he stepped out, steam clinging to the mirror, he dried off slowly and checked his phone.

 

Two missed calls.

 

One from Ollie. One from Doriane.

 

He ignored both again, pulled on a soft pair of pajamas and collapsed onto his bed.

 

He didn’t want to be at the party anymore. He didn’t want to be anywhere. He felt empty.

 

A new message lit up his screen.

 

It was Pepe this time.

 

where you at mate?

 

Kimi hesitated, then typed:

 

went to change

but I’m not feeling great

might lay down a bit

 

Pepe replied almost instantly.

 

ok let me know if you need anything

 

Kimi liked the message.

 

Then he suddenly heard a knock so he froze.

 

With the music still pounding downstairs, he thought it might be his imagination, just the house shaking or someone bumping into a wall. But then he heard a voice calling his name, gently and familiar.

 

“Kimi?”

 

His heart stuttered.

 

He thought about staying quiet and pretending he wasn’t there.

 

But this was Ollie and Kimi could never resist him.

 

He got up and opened the door.

 

Ollie was standing there, lips parted, brows drawn together in concern. He looked like a kicked puppy. If Kimi hadn’t felt like breaking down all over again, he would’ve found it adorable.

 

Well, he still did. That was part of the problem.

 

“Hey,” Ollie said gently, voice barely louder than a whisper. “I was worried. Are you okay?”

 

Kimi looked away, unable to answer, his throat too tight. He stepped aside instead, pushing the door open wider.

 

Ollie stepped in quietly and Kimi closed the door behind him, hand lingering on the handle as he avoided his gaze. A heavy silence fell.

 

Then Ollie spoke, even softer now. “Did you cry?”

 

Kimi bit his lower lip, hands still behind his back, fingers clenched tight on the door handle. Ollie moved in front of him, cautiously, and reached out to lay a hand on Kimi’s arm.

 

“What’s wrong?” he asked, voice full of worry.

 

Kimi inhaled shakily. His chest was tight, words trapped behind his ribs. He opened his mouth to answer but nothing came out. His throat felt like it was closing.

 

“You can tell me anything, you know that?” Ollie said, stepping a little closer. “I’m here for you, Kimi.”

 

He sounded so sincere, so kind. Kimi’s heart clenched painfully. He still wasn’t looking at him but he wanted to throw himself into his arms and disappear there.

 

Then finally, voice barely audible, he found the strength to whisper, “It’s your fault.”

 

Ollie froze. His hand slipped from Kimi’s arm and the younger boy immediately felt colder. Emptier.

 

“My fault?” Ollie asked, his voice catching somewhere between confusion and hurt. “Did I do something wrong? I’m sorry if I—”

 

Kimi finally raised his head, eyes meeting Ollie’s.

 

He loved Ollie’s eyes. They were always so expressive, full of warmth, of depth. But no matter how much he stared, he could never tell what Ollie really felt. It was so frustrating.

 

Kimi shook his head slowly, voice breaking. “You didn’t do anything wrong.” His eyes brimmed again.

 

Ollie’s face fell, panic flashing across his features as he reached up with both hands, gently brushing the first tears off Kimi’s cheeks.

 

“Then why are you crying?” he asked softly, thumb still lingering against his skin.

 

Kimi let out a weak, breathless laugh, almost like a sob. Then, unable to take it anymore, he stepped forward and wrapped his arms tightly around Ollie’s torso, burying his face in his chest.

 

Ollie responded instantly, arms coming around him in a heartbeat, pulling him close, protective.

 

“I’ve got you,” he whispered. “I’m not going anywhere.”

 

Kimi’s voice was muffled when he answered, “Don’t ever go, Ollie.”

 

Ollie exhaled, voice low and certain. “I won’t.”

 

He kissed the top of Kimi’s head, holding him tighter.

 

They stayed like that for a few minutes, in the quiet, away from the chaos downstairs. Ollie’s hand moved up and down his back, his lips pressing soft kisses into his damp curls while whispering anything he could to comfort him. Kimi let himself cry but it wasn’t panic anymore, it was relief and release. For the first time in forever, he felt truly safe.

 

Eventually, he pulled back a little and looked up. Ollie was smiling gently, brushing one last tear from his cheek. The Italian gave him a watery smile in return.

 

Then, after a pause, he asked quietly, “It’s weird, isn’t it?”

 

Ollie tilted his head. “What is?”

 

Kimi hesitated, then answered, “Us.”

 

Ollie didn’t say anything right away.

 

“Is that what’s been on your mind?” He asked.

 

Kimi nodded slowly and Ollie’s eyes flickered with something he couldn’t name before the older looked away, biting his lip. He lifted a hand, fingers grazing Ollie’s jaw and cheek with a tenderness that made the other turn back toward him again.

 

Eyes closed, Ollie leaned into the touch. For a second, everything stilled and Kimi wondered if Ollie felt as peaceful as he did every time they were together.

 

When he opened his eyes again, there was something impossibly soft in them. He smiled tenderly and Kimi mirrored it, a faint blush still lingering on his cheeks. His hand slipped from Ollie’s face, trailing down his chest like it didn’t want to let go. Then Ollie’s fingers found his, enclosing them carefully, grounding him.

 

“Do you want to talk about it?” he asked gently, thumb brushing over Kimi’s knuckles.

 

Kimi hesitated, lips pressing into a pout as his gaze dropped to their hands. “I don’t know,” he murmured. “I’m scared.”

 

Ollie gave his hand a squeeze. “That’s okay. We don’t have to talk now.”

 

Then, softer, he added “I’m scared too.”

 

Kimi looked up at him, surprised. There was something oddly comforting about hearing that he wasn’t alone in this. Like the weight wasn’t just his to carry. As his eyes met Ollie’s, he gave him his brightest smile, like sunshine breaking through the clouds.

 

Ollie stared for a second. “Do you even know how beautiful your smile is?” he asked, voice barely above a whisper.

 

Kimi laughed quietly, sheepish. “You’re not exactly lacking in that department,” he said, before slipping his arms around Ollie again, pressing himself flush against him.

 

A low chuckle rumbled in the Brit’s chest. “Oh yeah?” he teased, one brow raising.

 

“Yeah,” Kimi whispered back, looking up just as Ollie’s fingers tilted his chin gently.

 

He couldn’t think anymore, not with the way Ollie was looking at him, like he was the most precious thing in the world, making his heart ache in the best way.

 

He was probably looking at Ollie the same way, just as mesmerized, just as caught. There was nothing to define what they were yet, but everything about this moment felt inevitable.

 

Ollie leaned in slowly, carefully, like it was the most natural thing in the world to do.

 

Kimi didn’t move. Didn’t flinch. He was waiting.

 

When they were only inches apart, Ollie whispered, “Can I?”

 

“Yes,” Kimi breathed, too fast, too eagerly and too damn honestly.

 

And their lips met.

 

Clumsy and careful at first, probably both still hesitating. Kimi’s lips moved slowly against his, learning the shape, the rhythm. Ollie kissed him like he was afraid to break him, delicate and reverent, as though the younger was something sacred.

 

It even made Kimi wonder if this was Ollie’s first kiss.

 

But there was nothing awkward about it. It was sweet, electric in its simplicity and just everything Kimi had ever wanted.

 

It felt like both of them were holding back more than they dared admit until Kimi’s hands fisted into Ollie’s white polo shirt, pulling him closer.

 

The older boy let out a sound, something between a sigh and a hum of approval, that sent a shiver down Kimi’s spine. He smiled faintly into the kiss, then deepened it, tongue sweeping teasingly over Ollie’s bottom lip. The invitation was clear.

 

Ollie took the hint.

 

Their mouths opened wider, hungrier. The kiss turned messier, more desperate. Ollie’s hand slid around to Kimi’s waist, fingers curling possessively. A subtle squeeze made Kimi gasp softly against his lips, warmth pooling low in his stomach. He pressed in harder, his whole body lit up with sensations he couldn’t even name.

 

He just didn’t want it to stop.

 

Ollie pulled back first, reluctantly it seemed, and rested his forehead against Kimi’s. Both of them panting lightly, hearts racing. For a moment, they said nothing. Just stood there, wrapped in the moonlight, basking in the silence.

 

Kimi could still feel Ollie’s breath against his skin. He didn’t want to move.

 

He didn’t want this to be a mistake.

 

Not when it felt so right.

 

They both let out a soft laugh. Nervous. Giddy. A little breathless.

 

Kimi felt feverish. Too warm. His skin buzzing like he was still being kissed. He leaned back just slightly to look at Ollie properly.

 

The Brit looked wrecked in the most beautiful way. Flushed cheeks, kiss-swollen lips glistening, strands of hair sticking to his forehead. It was unfair how good he looked post-kiss. Kimi could’ve stared forever. And kissed him again. And again. And again.

 

He seemed shy, eyes flickering down, a sheepish smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. He was so cute.

 

Kimi raised an eyebrow and gave him a teasing smile. “You’re a good kisser, mate.”

 

Ollie’s brows pulled together instantly. “Don’t call me mate,” he muttered, a little whiny. “That’s…” He didn’t finish, just rubbed the back of his neck, cheeks darkening even more.

 

Kimi snorted. “I was giving you a compliment, mate.”

 

The Brit turned his head slowly, fixing him with an unamused look that only made Kimi grin wider. “Seriously?”

 

He stepped closer again, just until Kimi’s back met the door with a soft thud. He was caged in now, Ollie’s body towering over him. Kimi’s pulse kicked up.

 

Was this what heaven felt like?

 

He reached up, fisting the collar of Ollie’s polo, tugging him a little closer. Their faces were so close now, Ollie practically breathing against his lips.

 

With a mock-serious tilt of his head, Ollie asked, “Why the pout, mate?”

 

Kimi’s frown deepened deliberately. “It’s not funny when you say it,” he mumbled, still clinging to the word like it had any business being there. “Mate.”

 

Ollie huffed a laugh, eyes dancing with mischief. “Is it an Italian thing to kiss your mates?”

 

“Nope,” Kimi answered, tugging playfully at his collar. “It’s a Kimi thing.”

 

He paused, fingers brushing along the fabric between them before continuing, voice lower, like he was confessing a secret. “And it’s reserved for only one of my mates.”

 

Ollie tilted his head. “Oh. Who’s the lucky guy?” he asked, pretending to be clueless.

 

Kimi smirked. “My mate Oliver.”

 

That earned him a soft chuckle and a warm look. Ollie’s hands slid to Kimi’s waist again, fingers splaying over the thin fabric of his tee.

 

“Well,” he murmured, lowering his head just enough for their noses to nearly brush, “I was gonna kiss you again but I’ve got a thing for this really hot guy in my frat… love his accent, he’s name is Andrea.” He paused, eyes flicking to Kimi’s lips. “Wouldn’t want him getting jealous.”

 

Kimi scoffed, a grin curling on his lips. “Oliver’s got a sexy accent too. Maybe they should meet. They’d get along great.”

 

Ollie laughed.

 

Then kissed him.

 

No warning.

 

Their lips crashed together, urgent, hungry, like all the teasing and flirting had finally snapped the tension in two. Kimi gasped, caught off guard, but it only took a second before he melted right into it.

 

And there was nothing gentle about this kiss.

 

It was messier, hotter, lips parting instantly, tongues tangling without hesitation. Kimi’s back pressed harder against the door as Ollie leaned in, crowding his space in the best way.

 

The Italian moaned softly into his mouth, one hand gripping the collar of Ollie’s polo, the other trailing up to the back of his neck. His whole body burned.

 

Ollie kissed like he was starved for it.

 

His hands gripped Kimi’s waist tighter, pulling their hips together. The friction made Kimi dizzy. He whimpered into the kiss, knees just slightly buckling from the intensity.

 

His scent, his heat, his breath, his touch, Kimi could feel Ollie everywhere and he didn’t want to come up for air.

 

So they didn’t stop. Kissing like it was a matter of life and death. For Kimi, it really was a matter of life because it felt too good, too necessary. His whole body was burning, every nerve ending focused on Ollie’s mouth, Ollie’s tongue, Ollie’s hands slipping under his shirt, palms skimming bare skin and leaving shivers in their wake.

 

He tasted faintly of Red Bull and something sweeter, addictive. Kimi couldn’t get enough. He never wanted to stop.

 

When Ollie’s hands spread over his hips, pressing him closer, Kimi’s brain short-circuited. He broke the kiss just long enough to grab Ollie’s wrist, breathless and flushed, before tugging him backward, toward the bed.

 

Ollie didn’t even resist. He let himself be guided, eyes dark and pupils blown wide. He sat at the edge of the mattress, chest heaving, lips pink and wet, hair an absolute mess. Kimi thought he looked perfect. Too perfect. Dangerous.

 

But he wasn’t thinking properly anymore. He climbed right onto Ollie’s lap, knees bracketing his thighs, hands cupping his jaw as he leaned in and kissed him again, deeper, harder. Ollie made a sound, low and half-amused, half-needy and Kimi swallowed it greedily.

 

Warm hands slipped under his shirt again, this time mapping the lines of his spine, then sliding down to grip his thighs, pulling him even closer until he was sitting fully on Ollie’s lap.

 

The friction dragged a muffled moan from both of them. Kimi shivered, hips pressing forward on instinct. He could feel the heat building between them, inside them.

 

One of Ollie’s hands squeezed the back of his thigh, the other pushing under the hem of his shirt to trace circles on the small of his back.

 

“Damn, Kimi…” Ollie breathed out when they finally pulled apart for air. His voice was wrecked, eyes locked on Kimi’s kiss-swollen lips like he was ready to devour him all over again.

 

The Italian’s only answer was a flushed, crooked grin. He leaned in again, ready to kiss him senseless once more—

 

But suddenly voices broke through the haze. Loud, too close, laughter echoing right outside the door.

 

Both of them froze.

 

Kimi’s heart nearly stopped when he recognized Pepe’s laugh. And another voice, probably Isack’s. Of course. Perfect timing.

 

Panic shot through him. He scrambled off Ollie’s lap so fast it made Ollie chuckle breathlessly, even while trying to catch his own damn breath.

 

Pepe’s knock came a second later, too late. “Kimi? You good in there, mate?”

 

Kimi looked at Ollie, eyes wide, cheeks burning. Ollie, for once, looked equally caught, hair wild and pupils still blown. He stood up, pressed a finger to his lips and whispered, “Lie down. Quickly.”

 

Kimi didn’t think, he just obeyed, flopping onto the bed, facing the wall and trying to look half-dead instead of half-hard.

 

Ollie barely turned toward the door when Pepe pushed it open himself.

 

“Hey. Sorry, just checking—”

 

Kimi squeezed his eyes shut, praying Pepe couldn’t hear the thundering of his heartbeat.

 

Ollie, voice perfectly calm, said, “He’s fine. Probably drank a bit too much so he needed to lie down.”

 

A beat. Pepe’s footsteps creaked closer. “You sure?”

 

“Yes, don’t worry. I’ve got him,” Ollie said. The smooth liar.

 

Pepe exhaled a laugh. “Good. Didn’t wanna find him passed out on the bathroom floor again. Isack said it’s your fault by the way, since you gave him the rest of the bottle…”

 

Ollie huffed a low laugh. “Yeah, I’ll take the blame for that one.”

 

On the bed, Kimi pressed his face deeper into the pillow, biting back a hysterical laugh. If only they knew. If only they knew how right they were. If only they knew it was truly Ollie’s fault he was losing his mind, his breath, his whole damn heart.

 

Pepe let out a tired little yawn. “You can go back to the party if you want, but it’s pretty much done. People are heading out, everyone’s got class tomorrow.”

 

Ollie seemed to hesitate by the way he was humming, eyes probably darting to Kimi curled up on the bed, pretending to sleep but very much awake, heart pounding.

 

“I’ll watch over him, mate,” Pepe added.

 

For a second, Kimi thought he might push back but then Ollie sighed.

 

“Alright then. Yeah. Okay.”

 

Kimi felt that tiny knot in his chest tighten. He didn’t want Ollie to go, not when every part of him was still buzzing from his touch, not when he still felt warm and safe just knowing he was there. But he knew it was better this way, better Pepe didn’t suspect a thing.

 

He heard the door close quietly. And just like that, Ollie was gone.

 

 

⸻

 

 

 

By the time his last class of the day rolled around, Kimi was fighting sleep so hard his head kept tipping forward. He wasn’t the only one, most of his classmates looked half-dead, victims of the frat’s wild celebration the night before.

 

If anything, the entire campus seemed to know about their win by now. Kimi had never been stopped so many times in one day, classmates patting him on the shoulder, people he didn’t even know telling him he’d played like Ronaldo, even professors giving him an approving nod in the hallway. It felt good.

 

He liked being seen, admired, wanted. It filled up all the cracks inside him that Italy had left behind. But somewhere in the back of his mind, he couldn’t forget how dangerous it all was.

 

He had been admired before, he’d been everyone’s golden boy until the rumors. The whispers and the disgusted looks when they learned the truth. One boy, one harmless secret and everything had fallen apart. His friends, gone. His parents, loving but disappointed. His city, suffocating.

 

So he’d run. Here, across the ocean, where no one asked questions. Where he could start from scratch.

 

And now look at him. Ready to ruin everything again for one reason named Ollie. Whatever was happening between them didn’t even have a label yet but it was already too real to ignore, too addictive to walk away from.

 

He pressed a palm to his cheek, heat rising there just remembering last night. He hadn’t been able to talk to Ollie properly since. The older boy had texted him after leaving the room, apologizing because he couldn’t stay. Kimi had tried to sound casual, responding that he wasn’t his fault since Pepe was right there. Then Ollie had casually promised he’d pick him after his last class tomorrow.

 

Tomorrow, which was now. And there were exactly five minutes left.

 

A tight ball of nerves twisted in Kimi’s stomach, wondering what Ollie wanted to talk about. Probably about what they’d done, to say it shouldn’t happen again or to say he didn’t want him like that.

 

He almost wanted to run and not show up. Hide in his room and pretend he’d never fallen into Ollie’s lap at all.

 

But he couldn’t. Because even if Ollie wanted to pull away, Kimi didn’t. He wanted him too much. He already missed him too much.

 

A long sigh slipped out as the professor finally dismissed them. Chairs scraped back, people groaned and stretched, shoving their books away. Kimi gathered his things slowly, almost dragging it out, then slung his bag over his shoulder.

 

He could feel it already, that ache in his chest. Ollie was probably already waiting.

 

He forced himself to head for the exit anyway.

 

When he finally stepped out of the lecture hall, he scanned the small crowd of students trickling down the corridor. He knew Ollie would be there but his stomach still knotted tighter with every second he didn’t see him.

 

Then, suddenly, warm breath ghosted over his ear.

 

He jumped.

 

A familiar low and airy laugh (that damn laugh that made his insides melt) spilled right beside him.

 

Kimi turned his head so fast his shoulders bumped into the older’s arm. And immediately regretted it because he looked. And he shouldn’t have looked. Ollie was standing way too close, grin carved deep into his stupidly perfect face.

 

The Brit was annoyingly handsome today, wearing slim black dress pants with an expensive leather belt, crisp white shirt tucked in neatly and the top buttons undone just enough to drive Kimi insane. A sleek black sweater draped casually over his shoulders, sleeves knotted around his neck like he’d walked straight off some British magazine cover.

 

Next to him, with his faded black jeans and his grey hoodie, Kimi felt twelve and painfully, pathetically smitten.

 

“Why are you dressed like this?” he blurted before his brain could stop him. He tried to make it sound casual but his voice cracked traitorously at the end.

 

Ollie’s bunny grin widened. “Had an oral presentation today,” he said, adjusting the sweater slightly. Then he leaned in just enough to drop his voice a notch, teasing: “Do I look good?”

 

Kimi’s mouth opened and closed. He scrambled for something snarky and safe. “You look… very British.”

 

Ollie barked a soft laugh. “I’ll take that as a compliment.”

 

Kimi rolled his eyes but a shy smile tugged at his lips anyway. He hoped the heat in his cheeks wasn’t too obvious.

 

“Come on.” Ollie nodded toward the exit, fishing his car keys out of his pocket.

 

Kimi fell into step beside him. “Where are we going?”

 

Ollie shrugged, twirling the keys around his finger. “No idea yet.”

 

“Great.” Kimi sighed dramatically. “If I don’t get food, I’m fighting you.”

 

That earned him a soft nudge to his shoulder. “Relax. I promise you’ll be fed, principino.”

 

It was infuriating how one stupid nickname in his accent made Kimi’s chest do flips.

 

Minutes later, he was sinking into the passenger seat of Ollie’s car, his sleek charcoal grey Audi A3. As Ollie slid behind the wheel, Kimi caught a fresh wave of his cologne, something musky but still soft, very him. He drew a discreet breath, hoping Ollie didn’t notice.

 

Dio, he thought, watching Ollie fasten his seatbelt with those pretty hands.

 

The drive passed in easy chatter. Kimi found himself laughing at Ollie’s sarcastic retelling of his presentation disaster, then grumbling when Ollie declared with a hand over his heart that the best pizza on Earth was at this random American chain.

 

“Careful,” Kimi warned, nose scrunched. “Saying that in front of an Italian is basically a hate crime.”

 

Ollie just cackled, completely unbothered. “You’ll thank me later. If not, I’ll buy you gelato to apologise.”

 

They pulled up to a tiny pizza place with a faded sign and neon lights. Ollie ordered without asking Kimi’s opinion, which Kimi complained about for two minutes before giving in because he was starving anyway.

 

Boxes balanced on Ollie’s arm, they got back into the car but didn’t drive far. Instead, Ollie parked near a quiet overlook on the edge of campus, a spot high enough to make people not want to walk all the way here. No crowds, no frat brothers, no chance of being interrupted.

 

They climbed out and walked a few steps to a lonely wooden bench tucked under a tall oak tree, slightly hidden but with a perfect view of the skyline. Ollie set the pizza boxes between them and they both finally sat down.

 

Kimi’s stomach growled embarrassingly loud as Ollie opened the first box.

 

“See?” Ollie smirked, offering him the first slice. “Not all British guys have terrible taste.”

 

Kimi just rolled his eyes, stole the pizza from his hand, and mumbled around his first bite: “We’ll see about that, mate.”

 

Ollie only laughed, eyes crinkling at the corners, and Kimi admired him.

 

By the time the boxes were empty, Kimi had declared at least six times that the pizza was fine but absolutely not better than proper Italian slices. Ollie, naturally, kept poking at him about it, leaning back with that infuriating grin, bending one leg out on the bench and turning his body fully toward Kimi, sat with his knees drawn up against his chest.

 

“Swear on my life, Kimi, it beats every restaurant I went to in Milan,” Ollie teased.

 

Kimi scoffed, shoving his shoulder lightly. “Blasphemy. One day, I’ll drag your tasteless British ass to my favourite spot back home so you’ll learn what’s real Italian food.”

 

Ollie’s grin softened a fraction. “Really? Wouldn’t mind seeing Italy again. Especially with you showing me around this time.”

 

That shouldn’t have made his stomach do a stupid flip.

 

He tucked his chin on top of his knees, mumbling into the fabric of his jeans. “Yeah. You’d see the real Italy. Not just your tourist traps and overpriced pasta.”

 

A little laugh. Then, innocently, Ollie asked, “You think you’ll go back for Christmas?”

 

The question slipped into the night air so naturally, yet it landed like a stone in Kimi’s chest. He blinked at the empty pizza boxes between them, his throat tightening before he could stop it.

 

Ollie seemed to caught the shift and scooted closer on the bench. He picked up the boxes and placed them behind him.

 

“Hey, is everything okay with your family?”

 

Kimi shrugged, eyes fixed on a distant spot beyond Ollie’s shoulder. He mumbled, voice barely audible, “Yeah, it’s not them. It’s me.”

 

He stayed silence for a moment. Ollie didn’t push, just reached out and rested his hand warm and steady on Kimi’s shoulder.

 

“I don’t know how to say it in English without sounding stupid,” Kimi muttered, forcing out a thin, humourless laugh. “But…”

 

He felt Ollie’s fingers pause for a second, then tighten a little, a quiet encouragement.

 

Kimi inhaled slowly, curling in on himself just a little. “Last year… there was this guy. Older than me. I was already… confused, you know. And we had a sort of relationship—” He cut himself off, cheeks burning despite the cold breeze.

 

His next breath trembled. “Anyway. People found out. Maybe he told someone, maybe someone saw. It doesn’t matter but suddenly, everyone knew. Or thought they did. And they treated me like shit. My so-called friends… gone. Some of them even called me things I can’t even think to repeat.”

 

The words were there, still echoing in his mind, but they no longer made him sad. Ollie’s thumb moved slowly, still there, grounding him. Kimi still refused to meet his eyes.

 

“My parents didn’t kick me out or anything but they looked at me differently. I hated it. So I left, just to try to… reset everything.”

 

He let out a shaky exhale, pressing the heel of his palm to his eye before anything could spill over.

 

After a moment of silence, Ollie’s voice finally came, careful, “Do you still feel lost now?”

 

Lost. He hated how true it had been for so long.

 

Kimi finally turned his head. Ollie was right there, close enough that Kimi could see the worry in his eyes. Or the anticipation, he wasn’t sure.

 

The Italian shook his head, voice tiny but honest, “No, I don’t.”

 

Ollie’s lips parted but he didn't say anything. Instead, his hand moved from his shoulder to his back.

 

Kimi sniffed, trying to lighten it, his laugh half-broken. “I don’t know if I can go back yet. I’m not ready to face them or just to… face me, there.”

 

It was Ollie’s turn to exhale a little laugh. He glanced away, then back again, before slowly taking his hand away from Kimi.

 

“You know, I never really thought about… that. My sexuality, I mean,” Ollie paused, his throat bobbing like he had to push the words out. “I never questioned it and didn’t really care.”

 

Kimi’s breath caught. He searched Ollie’s face, reading the faint flush on his neck, the twitch of his lips trying to smile.

 

“And you’re the first guy I’ve ever kissed.” Ollie murmured, eyes locked on Kimi’s. “But it still doesn’t make me want to question anything because I don’t feel confused with you.”

 

Kimi’s eyes widened at his words. He opened his mouth to say something but nothing came out. He just stared, his brain stuttering on repeat the fact that he was the first boy he’s ever kissed.

 

Ollie noticed his expression and laughed softly, a small, slightly shy sound that pulled Kimi out of his daze.

 

“I guess you didn’t see that coming, did you?”

 

Kimi shook his head once, slow. “Not really.”

 

His voice came out smaller than he meant it to but he didn’t care. He was too busy trying to read every tiny flicker in Ollie’s eyes, every twitch of his lips. Somehow, all of this made sense now. The way Ollie looked at him, the way he acted. It finally fit.

 

His chest squeezed tight, his pulse jumping so fast it almost hurt. Before he could think twice, he let it slip out, barely a whisper, almost like a secret not meant to be heard.

 

“I think I like you.”

 

For a beat, Ollie just blinked. Then color climbed up his neck, settling on his cheeks, before a little smile bloomed.

 

“Yeah?” He let out a breathy laugh. “I think I like you too.”

 

They both went quiet, eyes locked for a moment long before the tension cracked and they both laughed, awkward and glancing away at the same moment. Kimi pressed his lips together, trying and failing to keep down the stupid grin that made his cheeks ache. He buried his face in his knees for a second, embarrassed by how warm he felt.

 

When he peeked up again, he tried not to sound too hesitant as his fingers fidgeted with the hem of his sleeve.

 

“So… what do we do now?”

 

Ollie shifted closer, his knee bumping Kimi’s leg, then draped his arm casually along the back of the bench behind him. He was close enough that Kimi could feel the heat rolling off him, smell the faint trace of his cologne mixing with the crisp air.

 

The Brit tilted his head, tone playful but soft enough to betray the nerves underneath.

 

“Well… not an expert in the whole ‘dating a boy’ thing but I don’t think it’s that different so we could, I don’t know… start with a date?”

 

Kimi scrunched his nose, not meaning to but it made Ollie huff out a quiet laugh. The Italian pouted, still chewing on the thought.

 

“Are you even sure you like boys, though?”

 

The question made Ollie chuckle, shaking his head slightly.

 

“I never said I like boys. I said I like you.”

 

He paused, leaning just a bit closer, his arm tightening behind Kimi like an unspoken promise.

 

“I’ve only ever been with girls before, Kimi. You’re the only exception.”

 

Kimi frowned, not quite satisfied. His fingers tugged at the strings of his hoodie as he mumbled, “So you can’t be sure you’re really into me. What if you think you like me only because we kissed once or because—”

 

“Kimi.”

 

His name, firm but gentle, shut him up. Ollie’s hand dropped from the bench to rest lightly on his shoulder, fingers curling into the fabric like he needed the anchor too.

 

“I’m sure. I like you. I like being with you so much it makes me feel like a total psycho sometimes. I like the way you get excited about random stuff like which animal would win a fight or your apocalypse survival plan.”

 

Kimi’s lips twitched despite himself, heat crawling up his neck.

 

“I like your curls. I like your smile. I like your eyes. I swear I wanted to kiss you the first time I saw you and every damn time after. So yes, I want you. I don’t care what that makes me or what people think. I don’t think about that. I just think about you, Kimi.”

 

His voice was steady at the end, no hint of doubt, no hesitation, probably a little reckless.

 

Kimi swallowed, chest tight, like he couldn’t breathe from how stupidly happy he felt. He ducked his head again, trying to hide the grin breaking across his face but knowing Ollie could probably feel it radiating off him anyway.

 

He then lifted his head, eyes meeting Ollie’s again, but the spark from earlier flickered under a cloud of worry.

 

“I wish I didn’t care what people think,” he murmured, voice low and honest, “but I do. And I hate it but I can’t help it. If they knew I liked guys… especially in the frat…”

 

He trailed off, a soft, defeated sigh slipping past his lips. His mouth curved into a small, sad smile he didn’t really feel. “I tried to push it down. What I feel for you. But… I’ve never felt like this before. With anyone.”

 

Ollie didn’t say anything right away. He shifted closer on the bench, the arm draped behind Kimi pressing just a bit nearer. His free hand came up, fingertips brushing Kimi’s cheek, warm and careful. His touch alone said that it was okay, that he was here, with him.

 

And when he spoke, his voice was soft but steady. “Then it’d be stupid to waste it, wouldn’t it? To waste us.”

 

He paused, thumb grazing Kimi’s cheekbone.

 

“We don’t have to tell anyone. It’s nobody’s business but ours. We can handle a year being discreet and if it’s too hard, we can leave the house.”

 

That earned a quiet laugh from Kimi, something gentle cracking through the fear. He leaned just a fraction into Ollie’s palm, eyes half-lidded from the calm he found there.

 

“So we would still be members of the frat but without living there?” He asked, trying to keep a calm tone, though his voice trembled a little at the edges. “You’d really leave the frat for me?”

 

Ollie’s lips curved into that stupidly sincere smile that always knocked the breath out of him.

 

“Yeah. I love this house and I love the guys but the real ones won’t bail on me. Or you.”

 

Kimi scrunched his nose, thoughtful. He plucked at a loose thread on his jeans. “I don’t want to lose them but I don’t even know if they’d be okay with… me being… gay.”

 

It was the first time he said it out loud. The word tasted strange on his tongue, heavy but freeing at the same time.

 

Ollie squeezed his shoulder, voice dipping lower like a secret just for them. “I don’t know about everyone but I know for sure Arthur and Dino won’t care.”

 

Kimi squinted at him, suspicion and curiosity mixing. “How do you know? Are they..?”

 

Ollie barked a soft laugh, the sound vibrating through the arm he had braced behind Kimi.

 

“God, no. But Charles, Arthur’s older brother, is. Dino and I hung out with him a lot last summer. So I know these two are chill about it. Don’t worry.”

 

Kimi nodded slowly, feeling something tight in his chest loosen a little. Relief.

 

A sly glimmer crossed his eyes as he tilted his head, lips curling into a smug grin. “You better never let me meet Charles then. I’m pretty irresistible, you know. Wouldn’t want you two fighting over me.”

 

Ollie threw his head back, laughing loud and boyish. Kimi couldn’t help but grin back.

 

When Ollie’s laughter faded, his hand fell away from Kimi’s shoulder just for a second, only to return and cup his chin this time, thumb brushing the corner of his mouth like he couldn’t resist.

 

He leaned in, close enough that Kimi could feel every shaky breath, every heartbeat between them. His grin softened into something wicked and warm.

 

“Wouldn’t bother me at all,” Ollie murmured, voice dropping to that tone that always made Kimi’s stomach flip. “I’d fight anyone for you.”

 

Kimi arched a brow, his grin matching Ollie’s now. “Mm… that’d be pretty sexy of you.”

 

And then Ollie closed the last inch. Their lips met in a kiss that wasn’t rushed or desperate but slow, deep, a promise carved in the space between two racing hearts. Kimi shifted, turning into him, one hand sliding up Ollie’s chest to fist the fabric near his collarbone, holding him there, needing the contact.

 

The kiss went on until the first raindrop hit Kimi’s cheek. He flinched back with a tiny gasp and opened his eyes. Ollie laughed softly against his lips, pressing one last peck before pulling away just enough to look at him.

 

“Let’s get out of here before we’re as soaked as you were last night,” Ollie teased, eyes twinkling.

 

Kimi rolled his eyes, trying not to grin too much as they both stood up. Ollie grabbed his hand, their fingers intertwining like they were used to it. Kimi squeezed back, fighting the dumb butterflies exploding in his chest.

 

They tossed the empty pizza boxes in the first bin they found, then made their slow way back to the car, walking deliberately slow despite the drizzle that turned into a steady rain. Neither seemed in any hurry to break the moment.

 

When they finally reached the Audi, Kimi let out a quiet whine when he had to let go of Ollie’s hand to climb into the passenger seat. He caught himself, cheeks burning. He was pathetic.

 

Inside, he leaned back and watched Ollie fiddle with his phone, thumbs flying across the screen, brows furrowed and lips pursed in that way Kimi secretly adored.

 

“Everything okay?” he asked, voice soft, unable to keep the curiosity at bay.

 

Ollie’s head snapped up, expression immediately smoothing out into that gentle smile that made Kimi’s stomach do a somersault.

 

“Yeah, nothing big. Just sorting something with Dino.”

 

Kimi squinted, suspicious. “Did you two fight?”

 

That made Ollie laugh under his breath as he started the engine. “Of course, no. He can be a pain sometimes but we’ve never fought. I just… needed a favour.”

 

Kimi raised an eyebrow but didn’t push. The hum of the car and the soft patter of rain on the windshield made his eyelids heavy. A huge yawn escaped him before he could stop it.

 

“Am I boring you already?” Ollie teased, glancing over with a grin.

 

Kimi stuck his tongue out, then melted it into a sleepy smile, pressing his forehead to the cool glass. “Didn’t wanna hurt your feelings, mate.”

 

He squeaked when Ollie’s hand smacked his thigh lightly in mock offense. “Careful or I’ll leave you to walk home in this rain and don’t come crying to me when you catch a cold.”

 

Kimi mumbled, too warm and too content to fight him. “Doesn’t matter. I know you’d come take care of me anyway.”

 

The car went quiet for a beat. Then Ollie’s reply came, “Yeah. I would, you idiot.”

 

They didn’t say much after that. Kimi drifted in and out, lulled by Ollie’s quiet humming and at some point, he registered him half-singing along to Love Story on the radio. It made him smile, even with his eyes closed.

 

When they pulled into the frat parking lot, Kimi stretched his arms above his head, groaning dramatically while Ollie just stared at him with that dumb, fond look that made Kimi want to kiss him stupid.

 

“That drive would’ve been perfect if you could carry me to bed now,” Kimi mumbled, voice thick with sleep and mischief.

 

Ollie barked a laugh. “I’d do it, principino, but let’s not raise suspicion so soon.”

 

His phone buzzed just then. Kimi watched him check it, watched a bright smile break across Ollie’s face like sunlight through clouds. The Italian tilted his head, suspicious. “What?”

 

Ollie immediately looked away, shoulders hunching like a kid caught stealing cookies. A little laugh bubbled out of him and he cleared his throat awkwardly.

 

“It’s… um. So. Would you— I mean—” He looked back at Kimi, eyes bright but voice uncertain for once. “Would you maybe wanna go on a date with me tomorrow?”

 

Kimi’s breath caught in his chest. His mouth fell open in surprise and he let out a choked giggle before nodding, cheeks pink. “Obviously, idiota.”

 

Ollie visibly relaxed, grin widening until his eyes crinkled at the corners. “Good. There’s just a little minor problem. I finish verylate tomorrow and the weather’s gonna suck so… not many date options.”

 

He scratched his neck, sheepish. “But… if you want, you could just come over to my room. We can chill, watch something. Dino’s out tomorrow night anyway.”

 

Kimi blinked, realization dawning. “Wait. That’s what you had to fix with him?”

 

Ollie’s guilty little snort gave him away instantly. He laughed, looking like a boy who’d just gotten away with murder. “What? He owes me, okay? I had to find something.”

 

Kimi gave him an exaggerated side-eye. “Does he know why you want him out?”

 

“Hell no. He didn’t ask and I didn’t tell. He’ll probably fish for gossip later but I’ll make something up.” Ollie’s grin softened, nervous again as he checked Kimi’s reaction. “Is that okay with you? I don’t wanna make you feel uncomfortable…”

 

Kimi’s heart flipped over itself. He leaned over the console, pressing a quick kiss to Ollie’s cheek before flopping back with a sleepy grin.

 

“It’s perfect, don’t worry.”

 

And Ollie just sat there, beaming at him like he’d been handed the entire damn world.

 

 

___

 

 

 

The cafeteria was buzzing with half-awake chatter, trays clattering and the smell of unidentified food lingering in the air. Kimi sat wedged between Paul and Ollie, his legs bumping his under the table every so often just because he could.

 

Arthur, Franco and Gabriel were across from them, tossing fries into each other’s drinks like children while Dino half-listened, too busy scrolling through his phone.

 

“Swear to God, Franco, if you ruin my Coke again—” Paul warned, flicking a soggy fry back at him.

 

Gabriel snorted. “Let’s just unify to destroy him. He’s lucky I haven't dunked my fork in his food yet.”

 

Franco gasped with shock. “Trust me, you better not.”

 

Kimi laughed under his breath, leaning just a little into Ollie’s side. For a fleeting moment, everything felt so normal he almost believed it would last.

 

Until she showed up.

 

He spotted her the second she entered with her bright smile, blond bouncing hair, eyes zeroed in on Ollie like he was the only person in the room. Kimi stiffened, recognizing her from every frat party where she’d cornered Ollie by the beer pong table, giggling at whatever he said.

 

She didn’t waste a second. Slid right in next to Ollie, her perfume hitting Kimi’s nose so hard he almost gagged.

 

“Oliver, I’ve been looking for you! Did you forget we have to finish that group paper?” she chirped, her hand brushing Ollie’s arm like it belonged there.

 

Gabriel smirked, eyes darting between them. “Damn, Oliver, dodging a date with this pretty lady?”

 

Franco chimed in, laughing through a mouthful of bread. “Maddie, sorry to break it to you but Ollie may be gay. ’Cause otherwise, how the hell—”

 

Laughter rippled around the table, except for Ollie and Kimi. The Italian felt the sour burn in his own stomach twist even tighter. He didn’t dare glance at Ollie.

 

Ollie stammered, words tripping over themselves. “I— it’s not like that. I’m sorry, Maddie. I’ve just… got a lot to do lately but I promise I’ll let you know when I’m free, okay?”

 

“Okay but don’t ignore me again.”

 

She pouted but it was playful, confident. Her fingers squeezed his arm before she stood up, swaying off with a wink. Kimi could practically feel the heat crawl up his neck, anger mixing with hurt and fear.

 

Gabriel let out a low whistle. “God, being gay would be the biggest curse if it means passing that up.”

 

Arthur threw his empty paper cup at Gabriel. “Shut the fuck up, Gab,” he said, clearly not finding it funny.

 

More laughter. Except from Kimi, who felt like he might throw up right there on his half-eaten sandwich.

 

He cleared his throat, forcing his face into something neutral. “Shit, I just remembered I gotta run by the admin office before my next class.”

 

Ollie’s head snapped up, worry flickering across his face. “You want me to come with you?”

 

Kimi’s smile was strained, fake. “No need. Finish your lunch.”

 

Paul pushed his tray away. “I’ll go with you, Kimi. I gotta drop a form off too.”

 

Kimi nodded once, not trusting himself to speak without cracking.

 

He stood, ignoring how Ollie’s eyes followed him, how Arthur’s didn’t say a word but seemed to see right through him.

 

“See you guys later,” Paul tossed over his shoulder, tugging his backpack higher.

 

Kimi didn’t look back.

 

They left the cafeteria side by side, the distant hum of lunchtime chatter and clattering trays dissolving behind them. Kimi’s steps were too quick, too stiff, hands buried in his pockets like he could shove the anger down into them.

 

Paul nudged him lightly as they neared the admin building. “You alright, mate? You’ve gone all quiet.”

 

Kimi forced a stiff shrug, eyes locked ahead. “Yeah. Just tired.”

 

Paul didn’t push and Kimi was silently grateful. Luckily, he really did have paperwork to handle because right now, he was too wired and too angry to fake normal properly.

 

At the admin office, they drifted apart. Kimi stood at the counter, repeating his name and student ID to the bored lady behind the glass, while inside his head Maddie’s fake pout, Gabriel’s laugh and Ollie’s stammer looped over and over.

 

His stomach felt twisted, knotted so tight he almost wished he had skipped lunch.

 

By the time he and Paul regrouped by the entrance, Kimi’s temples were pounding.

 

They headed toward their next lecture hall, catching Doriane just as she saved them three spots. She said hi to Kimi, her smile tilting slightly when she caught his expression, but he only nodded back, dropping into his seat and sinking into his hoodie like he could disappear there.

 

 

He barely heard Paul and Doriane whispering about last week’s quiz and their professor’s weird grading system.

 

His phone buzzed in his pocket. He knew it would be Ollie before he even looked.

 

hey, you okay?

didn’t get to ask earlier but it’s still good for tonight right?

 

Kimi stared at the words until they blurred. Something sour crawled up his throat, all that mess, all that fear he thought he’d left behind in Italy.

 

He typed before he could overthink it. His thumb hovered a second, then tapped send.

 

idk

maybe spend that time with maddie instead

wouldn’t want you to look too gay

 

He hit send before he could stop himself. Then he shoved his phone into his pocket, switched it to Do Not Disturb and tried not to think about it anymore.

 

For the next two hours, he sat rigid while the lecture droned on, pen tapping out silent rhythms on his notebook that made no sense. He didn’t say a word to Paul or Doriane, who at some point shot him a puzzled look every ten minutes.

 

When the lecture finally ended and the rows started to empty, Kimi packed up his bag like a robot. Only outside the building did he risk fishing out his phone again.

 

Nothing. No reply.

 

He squeezed his eyes shut for half a second, then forced his feet to move, catching up to Paul and Doriane who were already halfway down the steps.

 

He told himself not to think about it. Not to panic. He trusted Ollie. He really did.

 

But the moment he slipped the phone back into his pocket, the doubt flooded in anyway. He knew he couldn’t expect Ollie to stand up and shout to the whole cafeteria that he had someone. They weren’t official and Ollie didn’t even know what he was yet.

 

Kimi had no right to demand labels when it had taken him so long to admit to himself he liked boys too. And yet, deep down, the fear wouldn’t quiet down.

 

What if Ollie was just experimenting? Just figuring himself out before settling back to normal?

 

Because for Kimi, this was not an experiment. He could feel it, somewhere in his chest, that he was falling in love.

 

He squeezed the strap of his bag until his knuckles hurt. Maybe he was an idiot for jumping into this so fast. Maybe he was setting himself up to get hurt.

 

But when Ollie touched him, kissed him and laughed into his neck, Kimi felt like he could scream to the whole campus exactly who he loved. He felt brave but it scared him to think Ollie might never feel that same freedom.

 

He exhaled a shaky breath, catching up to his friends at the foot of the stairs. He pushed the thoughts away, for now.

 

By the time he walked into his second afternoon class, a small group session this time, Kimi’s phone buzzed a multiple times in his pocket. He grabbed it like it was a lifeline, pulse drumming stupidly fast.

 

He was relieved to see it was actually Ollie.

 

don’t say that

i’m sorry about lunch

but i don’t give a shit about her and yk that

it’s you i want to see

please kimi :(

 

Kimi felt something unclench in his chest. A quiet, helpless smile tugged at his lips. He hated that he was so soft for this idiot.

 

Once he’d dropped his bag and settled into his seat, he typed back quickly, fingers tapping so hard Paul shot him a curious look from across the table.

 

fine, i’ll come since you’re begging.

 

A second later he added:

 

what time you think you’ll be at the frat?

 

He barely had time to shove his phone halfway under his notebook before Ollie’s replies started to land, just as the professor walked in and started the introduction.

 

thanks for your mercy ;)

finishing class at 5, gotta work on a group project after so i’ll prob get back to the frat around 8

wanna shower & clean up so maybe come at 9?

sorry it’s late

hope you won’t be too tired…

 

Kimi bit back a grin, head ducking down so no one saw it.

 

k

i slept a lot last night so i’ll be good

 

He sent it off before the profesor could catch him texting and tucked the phone away for good, forcing himself to finally focus on his education. He knew he’d been dramatic but at least now, his chest didn’t feel so heavy.

 

 

___

 

 

 

After his last class, Kimi had dragged Paul to the library with him, certainly not because he was dying to study but it killed time and kept him from overthinking the clock crawling towards 9pm.

 

By the time he got back to the frat, it was around 6:30pm and night had already fallen. He’d showered, changed into clean sweats and half-napped on his bed, trying not to freak out about the fact that this was his first date with Ollie.

 

It felt weird. Good but weird.

 

Sure, he’d been with a guy before, but it hadn’t felt like this, this easy, this right. And the weirdest part was probably how Ollie, the so-called straight boy, seemed more chill about the whole thing than Kimi did. He envied that. But he also loved it too, having someone who wanted to take the lead, to take care of him.

 

At around 8pm, he stood in front of his closet, debating between looking effortlessly casual or obnoxiously hot. He settled on the nicest black jogger he owned and a fitted black short-sleeve sweater that hugged his arms, just enough to make him feel confident but not try-hard.

 

Then he picked up his old choker. He hadn’t worn it since leaving Italy. A thin black band with a small silver charm that dangled at his throat. His mother had hated it, which, of course, made him love it more. He clipped it on, studying his reflection for a beat.

 

Not bad.

 

He messed with his curls until they fell how he liked, then spritzed a bit of his favourite cologne.

 

It was only 8:20 when he flopped down at his desk and started mindlessly scrolling TikTok to stop himself from pacing the room like a lovesick idiot.

 

A few minutes later, the door swung open and Pepe trudged in, hair messy and eyes half-closed.

 

He bumped fists with Kimi, then paused mid-yawn.

 

“Why do you look like that? All handsome? You got plans?”

 

Kimi snorted, cheeks heating up. “This is normal. Don’t be dramatic.”

 

Pepe raised an eyebrow, dumped his bag on his desk and shrugged off his jacket. “Yeah, sure. So where’s the ‘normal’ Kimi going tonight?”

 

“Grabbing a drink with Ollie,” Kimi said too quickly, before he added a casual, “And a couple guys from the same field.”

 

Pepe squinted like he didn’t buy a word but just muttered, “Don’t drink too much this time, okay? You were a disaster last weekend.”

 

“I won’t, promise,” Kimi grinned.

 

Pepe was halfway to the bathroom when he shot back, “Lucky you got Ollie to babysit your dumb ass. Dino sucks at it.”

 

Kimi laughed but didn’t answer. He watched the bathroom door click shut and sighed, guilt pinching behind his ribs. He hated lying to Pepe. He just hoped someday he wouldn’t have to.

 

When he checked the time, it was 8:40. His heart kicked up a notch. He launched a dumb mobile game to kill the next few minutes, tapping at the screen so hard he nearly dropped his phone when the first notification popped up, showing Ollie’s name.

 

soo

if you’re ready you can come up now

second floor room 8 :)

 

Kimi waited exactly sixty seconds before liking the message. He slipped on his sneakers just as Pepe reemerged, toweling off his hair.

 

“You heading out now?” Pepe asked, eyebrows raised.

 

“Yeah. Don’t wait for me,” Kimi said with a wink, already pulling the door open and slipping out without a backward glance.

 

He tried not to sprint up the stairs but he also didn’t want to run into anyone and have to explain why he’s going to Ollie’s room. When he finally reached the door labeled 8, he paused, sucked in a breath, ran a final hand through his curls and knocked twice.

 

The door swung open almost immediately.

 

Warm light spilled out, outlining Ollie’s face, freshly showered hair still a little damp at the temples. His grin made Kimi’s knees feel like jelly.

 

“Hey, principino.”

 

A shy smile tugged at Kimi’s lips. “Hey.”

 

Ollie stepped aside, motioning him in. Kimi slipped past, catching the faint scent of Ollie’s cologne mixing with fresh laundry and that cozy boyish smell that always clung to him.

 

As soon as the door clicked shut behind them, Ollie’s voice asked him softly.

 

“Not too tired?”

 

Turning to face him, Kimi shook his head. “I’m okay. You?”

 

But instead of hearing an answer, he caught Ollie staring. Not at his face but lower, fixated near his throat. Confused, Kimi brushed his own neck with his fingers.

 

“Do I have something on me?”

 

A guilty laugh broke out as Ollie dragged his gaze away, a faint blush painting his ears.

 

“No, I just— Your necklace. It looks… really good on you. You… You look beautiful.”

 

Kimi’s cheeks burned instantly, a bashful grin blooming before he could stop it.

 

The comeback stuck in his throat when Ollie’s eyes dragged over him again, slower this time. His thought short-circuited completely.

 

A nervous chuckle cracked the moment, Ollie ruffling the back of his own hair. Kimi joined in, awkward laughter filling the room before he pulled himself together enough to glance around.

 

It was his first time in Ollie and Dino’s room, which was bigger than his own room with Pepe, and had better furniture, too. The main light was off, replaced by soft fairy lights strung along the walls, throwing a gentle glow over the beds and posters.

 

He drifted toward the left side, pointing at the bed with the giant Union Jack pinned above it.

 

“So, let me guess… this is yours?”

 

Ollie barked out a laugh. “What gave it away?”

 

A playful eye-roll and Kimi sat down anyway, sinking into the mess of pillows placed all around Ollie’s bed. His fingers curled around a small bear plush nestled near them, adorable like a child’s toy.

 

“This guy’s cute,” he mumbled, pressing the plush to his chest.

 

Weight dipped the mattress beside him. Ollie’s warm thigh pressed against his. Heat shot straight to Kimi’s ears but he pretended to focus on the bear, twisting its tiny fabric ears.

 

“They’re from my friends back in London. You know… Bearman jokes.”

 

A quiet huff of amusement.

 

“Oh yeah, right. Mister Bearman.”

 

He lifted the little bear, inspecting it dramatically, then risked a glance sideways.

 

“One of these two is cuter than the other.”

 

A puff of laughter ghosted against his shoulder.

 

“Better be me, Antonelli.”

 

When Ollie’s chin came to rest on his shoulder, Kimi didn’t dare breathe too hard. He asked him instead, curious.

 

“Do you miss them? Your London friends?”

 

The plush squished in his hands while he felt Ollie hum, more vibration than sound at his back.

 

“Of course, I grew up with them. But… I found people here too, people I’m close to in a way I didn’t expect, so… I don’t feel lonely.”

 

A small pause. Then Ollie lifted his head, shifting back just enough to catch Kimi’s eyes properly.

 

“I’ll see them soon, anyway. Next year, I’ve gotta do one of my semesters abroad and I’m going back to London for it.”

 

The news punched a little frown into Kimi’s face.

 

“Oh. Right. My econ professor mentioned that, the mandatory internship on third year.”

 

His voice dipped to a pout.

 

“So you’ll be gone for a whole semester.”

 

Ollie’s sigh was soft, a resigned smile playing at his lips as he lifted a hand, thumb brushing delicately along Kimi’s cheek.

 

“Yeah and the only bad part about it is not seeing you for months.” He paused, searching Kimi’s eyes. “But it’ll fly by. And the year after, it’ll be your turn to ditch me.”

 

Brows knitted, Kimi huffed, not convinced.

 

“I don’t wanna go that long without you.”

 

A quick thought flickered behind Ollie’s eyes before he spoke again, teasing but half-serious.

 

“Then do an exchange at my uni. It could be fun.”

 

The idea lit up Kimi’s face so suddenly it made Ollie laugh outright. He barely had time to react before Ollie tugged him forward by the wrist, wrapping both arms around his shoulders and burying him against his chest.

 

“God, you’re so fucking cute,” Ollie mumbled into his hair, voice half a laugh, half a sigh.

 

Surprised, Kimi stayed stiff for a heartbeat. Then his own arms slid around Ollie’s back, hugging back just as tight. Just breathing him in.

 

Right then, being here felt stupidly, terrifyingly perfect.

 

Kimi let out a breathy laugh when he felt Ollie sniff his hair like a curious dog.

 

“Stop sniffing me like a dog,” he teased, nudging him gently.

 

“I can’t help it,” Ollie mumbled against his hair, voice low and fond. “You smell too good.”

 

But he eventually pulled away, hands sliding off Kimi’s shoulders as he stepped back.

 

“Oh, by the way,” he added casually, “I grabbed us some tacos on the way back, since I didn’t know if you’d eaten.”

 

Kimi straightened up, giving him room to move. Ollie walked toward his desk, where two paper bags were waiting.

 

Lips parted, brows slightly furrowed, he unpacked everything and took care to position each wrapped taco like it mattered. Kimi couldn’t help smiling, watching in silence from where he sat. There was something endearing about how seriously Ollie took this and the Italian felt that he was trying to make their night perfect.

 

“Maybe,” Ollie said after a beat, glancing back at him, “I should’ve gotten a flower or something.”

 

Kimi laughed. “It’s already perfect, idiot.”

 

Smiling, he kicked off his shoes and sat cross-legged at the head of the bed. Ollie picked up the tray and set it down between them, settling into the same position on the opposite side. Their knees bumped lightly under the tray, and Kimi gave him a grateful smile.

 

“Thanks,” he said softly.

 

Ollie rubbed the back of his neck, suddenly shy. “It’s nothing.”

 

A beat of silence passed before Ollie asked, “You wanna put on something? Like a show? Or do you just wanna talk?”

 

Kimi blinked, then laughed again, louder this time.

 

“What?” Ollie frowned. “What’s so funny?”

 

“You’re acting so nervous,” Kimi said, grin stretching wider.

 

A flush climbed up Ollie’s neck as he bit down on his lower lip.

 

“I just…” He shrugged helplessly. “I want this to go well and it’s not exactly a dream date. We’re literally eating tacos on my bed while I could’ve taken you out, to dinner or a movie or whatever.”

 

“But Ollie, I like this,” Kimi cut in quickly. “This is better. It’s chill and… I don’t need a perfect date like in the movies. This is more than enough.”

 

Ollie’s shoulders relaxed at that and he gave Kimi a small, tender smile.

 

“I really like you,” Ollie suddenly said, voice low.

 

Kimi’s heart stumbled. “I really like you too,” he murmured, then sipped from his drink, trying not to think too hard about what he wanted to say next.

 

Until he remembered what was in his mind all day.

 

“But… I hope I’m not just an experiment for you,” he said, eyes still fixed on the straw in his cup.

 

The silence stretched a second too long, long enough to make him wonder if he shouldn’t have said it at all.

 

“You’re not,” Ollie finally said, firm but soft. “I swear, you’re not an experiment, Kimi.”

 

He paused, searching the younger’s face.

 

“If this is about earlier, at lunch… I’m sorry again. Maddie just caught me off guard and I didn’t know how to handle it but I promise I’m not into her. I’m…” He huffed out a little laugh. “I’m very much into hot Italian boys named Andrea Kimi Antonelli these days.”

 

The Italian in question rolled his eyes but his lips twitched into a smile anyway.

 

Ollie’s expression shifted slightly, more serious now.

 

“And about Gab… I’m sorry for him too. I really don’t think he’s homophobic, honestly. Just kind of… girl-obsessed and clueless. I don’t think he realizes how his words sound sometimes.”

 

A sigh slipped out of Kimi’s mouth. His voice dipped, tired. “Yeah but I don’t wanna go through the same thing and losing friends again.”

 

Ollie didn’t speak right away. He reached out instead, slowly, waiting for a sign, then touched his hand.

 

“You’re not alone this time,” he said. “And if anyone dares to attack you, I’ll be there. I’ve got you.”

 

The pressure in Kimi's chest swelled and he blinked rapidly, trying to hold back the tears that were forming in his eyes.

 

Ollie frowned, soft voice rising. “Hey, don’t cry, please. Come on, give me your hand.”

 

Kimi didn’t hesitate. He slid his hand into Ollie’s who lifted it with care, before pressing a kiss to his knuckles.

 

“Trust me,” Ollie whispered.

 

Kimi nodded, eyes shining. “I do. I just… What about you? Aren’t you scared?”

 

Ollie smiled, brushing his thumb over the back of Kimi’s hand.

 

“I mean… yeah. A little,” he admitted. “It’s new and I know some people won’t get it but I’m not scared enough to walk away from you,” he sighed. “And I know I’ll probably mess up again but I’m trying, Kimi. I’m figuring it out. I just need time. Time to let it sink in that I’m… falling for a boy.”

 

That last line sent Kimi’s heart into overdrive. He wanted to kiss him so badly, to show him that all of this–them–wasn’t a mistake.

 

And just when he thought he couldn’t take it anymore, Ollie smirked and added, “Now let’s eat before this gets cold.”

 

Kimi huffed a laugh and shook his head, cheeks warm, heart thundering like a fool in love. Which he absolutely was.

 

They ate slowly, taking breaks between bites to chat, tease each other and let out bursts of laughter. Kimi licked a bit of salsa from his thumb while Ollie told a ridiculous story about Arthur getting locked out of the frat house in just a towel. When they were done, wrappers crumpled and drinks half-finished, Ollie stood to clear the tray, while Kimi stretched lazily and headed toward the small bathroom.

 

He washed his hands, then caught a glimpse of himself in the mirror. A quick hand ran through his curls to fix them just a little before he stepped back into the room.

 

Ollie was tossing the last of their trash into the bin under his desk, back turned. Kimi approached quietly, wrapped his arms around Ollie from behind and rested his cheek against his back.

 

“I ate way too much,” he mumbled into the cotton of his shirt.

 

A low chuckle rumbled in Ollie’s chest. “You can lie down if you want. I’ll finish tidying.”

 

Kimi let go and flopped face-first onto the bed, burying his head in one of the pillows with a dramatic sigh. A minute later, he heard the water running in the bathroom.

 

By the time Ollie returned, drying his hands on a towel, Kimi had rolled onto his side, back resting against the wall of pillows, cradling the little bear plush against his chest.

 

Ollie had his laptop under one arm and an amused look tugging at his mouth. He settled on the edge of the bed.

 

“What do you wanna watch?”

 

Kimi shrugged. “You choose.”

 

A few scrolls on Netflix later, Ollie clicked on Suits.

 

“I started it a few days ago,” he said. “It’s good so far. But if you find it boring, we can change.”

 

“Hm,” was Kimi’s only answer, already curling closer. When Ollie noticed, he set the laptop down between them for a second, stood again and walked to his closet.

 

He returned with a soft grey blanket, unfolded it over the mattress and tucked it loosely around Kimi, who let out a small laugh.

 

“Wow, you’re spoiling me.”

 

“I’m trying to,” Ollie replied, smiling as he settled next to him again. The laptop returned to his lap and he opened his right arm, an unspoken invitation.

 

Kimi accepted it instantly, nestling against Ollie’s shoulder and chest like he’d done it a hundred times. His weight melted into his side and a warm hand drifted up to card gently through his curls.

 

“Wanna turn off the lights?” Ollie asked softly.

 

A small shake of the head and the fairy lights stayed on.

 

They watched in comfortable silence, though Ollie kept whispering comments about the plot, trying to help him follow. Kimi nodded along but he wasn’t really paying attention to the screen. He just wanted to be held.

 

When the episode ended, Ollie turned slightly toward him.

 

“What do you think? Wanna watch another one?”

 

Kimi blinked, then sat up slowly. “Yeah, but… I need a better position.”

 

Concern flickered across Ollie’s face. “Do you want me to move my arm?”

 

Instead of answering, Kimi offered a tiny smirk and reached for the laptop. He placed it on the pile of pillows he’d just arranged near the wall, adjusting the height until the screen was at the perfect angle.

 

Ollie watched, puzzled, until Kimi turned back, nudging him to lie down fully, this time facing him.

 

“Oh,” Ollie murmured, chuckling as he caught on. He shifted, resting on his side as the Italian restarted the show.

 

Then Kimi joined him, lying on his side too, back pressed against the older’s chest. One of Ollie’s arms slid carefully around his waist, fitting beneath his own. The other slipped under his head, gently lifting it to rest on his bicep. His chin came to hover close, breathing in the scent of Kimi’s shampoo again.

 

Kimi relaxed into the touch, fingers resting lightly over the hand wrapped around his stomach. Warmth radiated from Ollie’s body, seeping into his skin and calming his nerves like nothing else could.

 

Everything felt exactly where it belonged.

 

Kimi had actually started paying attention this time, at least enough to catch a few character names. But more than the show, it was the soft glide of Ollie’s hand over his stomach, the way his breath warmed his curls and the steady pulse beneath his skin that kept him grounded.

 

Near the end of the episode, the motion of Ollie’s hand slowed and his breathing deepened, making Kimi wonder if he’d dozed off. Carefully, he turned onto his stomach, lifting his head to check.

 

Ollie wasn’t asleep. His eyes were obviously heavy with sleep but he offered Kimi a little smile as soon as he turned to him.

 

“You look tired,” Kimi whispered, brushing a strand of Ollie’s hair out of his eyes. “You had a long day… I should let you sleep now.”

 

A quiet hum answered him. “I’m fine,” Ollie’s voice was low, almost sleepy. “So you can stay all night if you want.”

 

Kimi let out a soft laugh, shaking his head as he reached up to card his fingers gently through Ollie’s hair.

 

“I’d love to,” he responded gently, “but I should head back. Don’t wanna push my luck.”

 

Ollie pouted instantly, eyes narrowing as his arms wrapped around Kimi’s waist, pulling him in and keeping him from moving.

 

“What are you doing,” Kimi chuckled, squirming slightly but not really trying to break free.

 

He moved, planting his hands on Ollie's chest, slowly pushing him down until he could grab both wrists and straddle him, knees on either side of his hips.

 

They looked at each other, both grinning, breathing slightly uneven.

 

“I should really go,” Kimi said, more trying to convince himself.

 

“Then go,” Ollie murmured, daring him.

 

The Italian smirked, released his hands and leaned back, starting to climb off.

 

But Ollie was faster. His arms circled his waist again and tugged him right back down, forcing Kimi to stay perched atop him. Before he could protest, Ollie sat up slightly, making Kimi shift in his lap until he was seated fully on his thighs, chest to chest, breaths brushing against each other’s faces.

 

Kimi blinked, hands now resting on Ollie’s shoulders. “Changed your mind?”

 

No answer.

 

Instead, Ollie’s gaze dropped to his lips, eyes darkening slightly. Kimi smirked and flicked his tongue across his bottom lip, slow and deliberate. Ollie subtly tightened his grip on his waist, pulling him just a bit closer.

 

The tension between them grew dense, humming with something sharp and electric. Just as the silence threatened to crush them, Ollie leaned in, his voice barely more than a breath:

 

“Be mine.”

 

Kimi’s breath caught in his throat.

 

His eyes widened a fraction. “What do you mean?” he whispered back, not daring to move.

 

Ollie didn’t answer right away. He buried his face in the curve of Kimi’s neck, took in a deep inhale like he was grounding himself, then exhaled slowly.

 

“I want you to be my boyfriend, Andrea Kimi Antonelli.”

 

The words hit him like a wave, sudden and impossible to ignore. He didn’t move, stunned.

 

Then Ollie pulled back, his eyes searched his face, more vulnerable than Kimi had ever seen them.

 

“I—,” Kimi finally stammered. “Yeah, I just— are you sure? Maybe we should talk about it tomorrow after you’ve slept—”

 

“Stop,” Ollie cut him off gently, shaking his head. “Please, Kimi. Stop doubting me and my feelings for you.”

 

Kimi bit the inside of his cheek, then nodded. “No, I don’t doubt you. It’s just…” He paused, trying to stay calm. “I mean, yes. Yes, I’d like to be your boyfriend.”

 

The reaction was immediate. Ollie’s entire face lit up, smile brighter than Kimi had ever seen it, like the sun had risen inside of him. Kimi let out a nervous laugh and tried to not show how terrified he was.

 

“I still have to go back to my room,” he said with a little smile.

 

Ollie snorted. “I’ll walk you, then.”

 

Kimi rolled his eyes, warmth blooming in his cheeks. “It’s literally one floor, Ollie.”

 

“And I’m literally your boyfriend now,” Ollie countered with a grin. “I don’t want you to go alone, I’m a gentleman.”

 

“Shut up,” Kimi muttered, hiding his face in Ollie’s shoulder.

 

“Make me.”

 

Kimi leaned back and raised a brow, not needing more than that. He gave Ollie a firm push, sending him back onto the mattress and before the Brit could say anything else, Kimi leaned down, closed his eyes and captured his lips in a kiss filled with everything he didn’t know how to put into words.

 

Ollie let out a quiet moan, kissing him back without a second of hesitation, his wrists still pinned under Kimi’s hands. The Italian pressed in closer, closing every last bit of distance between their bodies until their chests and hips were pressed together.

 

He shivered when he felt Ollie’s erection brush against his own, the friction shooting sparks through his spine. His body moved on instinct, deepening the kiss as he rolled his hips forward. The sound Ollie made against his lips nearly undid him.

 

Ollie’s wrists twitched under Kimi’s hold, silently begging for release. Kimi let go, pulling back just enough for them to catch their breath, eyes never leaving Ollie’s face.

 

He looked daze, lips swollen, cheeks flushed, gaze soft and vulnerable. Kimi stared, taking it in. He never saw that expression in Ollie’s eyes. He looked beautiful in a way only Kimi ever got to see.

 

“Sei così dannatamente bello,” Kimi whispered.

 

Ollie’s eyes widened slightly. He didn’t respond, just reached up with one hand, fingers threading through the curls at the back of Kimi’s head, pulling him into another kiss.

 

Their free hands found each other, fingers intertwining, while Ollie kissed Kimi like he was claiming him, like this was what he’d been waiting for all along.

 

Because now Kimi wasn’t just kissing his best friend or his mentor, he was kissing his boyfriend. The person he trusted more than anyone else. The one who had chosen him, again and again.

 

It scared him, how much he felt. But he refused to let that fear ruin this.

 

Especially not when Ollie’s hands were now sliding down his back, lower and lower, until they were cupping the curve of his ass through the fabric of his joggers. He pressed gently, rolling his hips up into Kimi’s and Kimi responded immediately, grinding down with a low moan.

 

Every brush of their bodies, every shared breath, made Kimi feel like he was unraveling. Their sweaters rode up inch by inch with every shift, riding up enough for their skin to finally meet. Just a few centimeters, the barest contact but it lit something inside Kimi. He sat up, breath shaky, hands flat on Ollie’s chest. Everything felt tight, his clothes, his thoughts, the heat in his stomach spreading fast.

 

He hesitated. He could feel how hard Ollie was beneath him, matching the way he throbbed in his own clothes. But still, Kimi held back. Not because he didn’t want it but because he didn’t want to rush Ollie. He might’ve had more experience but he didn’t want to cross a line. He didn’t want to make Ollie uncomfortable.

 

And as if he could read him, Ollie’s fingers caught the hem of Kimi’s sweater.

 

“Take it off,” he murmured, voice rough and desperate.

 

Kimi bit his lip, unable to resist. He pulled the sweater over his head in one smooth motion, exposing his skin to the cool air and Ollie’s touch. Fingertips dragged up his abs, featherlight but precise, tracing every line. Kimi shivered.

 

Then Ollie looked up at him, smiling faintly and propped himself up on his elbows.

 

“Help me with mine?” he asked.

 

Kimi grinned and leaned down, hands moving to the hem of Ollie’s sweater and pulling it up, revealing his pale skin and the warmth beneath it.

 

Once both sweaters were off, Ollie sat up and wrapped his arms around Kimi’s waist, shifting their weight until Kimi was on his back and Ollie was above him, hair tousled and eyes burning. Kimi, chest rising and falling fast beneath him, didn’t look away.

 

Ollie dipped his head into the curve of his neck, brushing his lips over his warm skin, kissing it carefully before his tongue came out to trace a slow, wet line across his neck. A quiet gasp slipped from Kimi’s lips and his hand slid instinctively into Ollie’s hair, grasping tightly to keep himself from losing control too soon.

 

Then that tongue dragged up to his ear, slow and deliberate.

 

“Ollie—” Kimi moaned, the sound escaping before he could even think about holding it back.

 

He felt the older boy chuckle against his throat, low and smug, and his cheeks burned instantly, shame blooming hot across his face. But Ollie didn’t stop, if anything, it only seemed to encourage him.

 

He made his way down, kissing across Kimi’s collarbones, then lower. His lips skimmed over the top of his chest, soft and slow, before he reached his nipples. He took his time there, teasing first with the tip of his tongue, then circling, licking again and Kimi let out another sound, more raw this time, his head tilting back against the mattress.

 

Ollie latched on and sucked gently. Then his teeth came into play, a tiny and experimental bite that made Kimi arch into the touch, his fingers tightening around the curls at the nape of Ollie’s neck.

 

He bit down on his own bottom lip, trying to muffle the moan crawling up his throat but again, Ollie seemed determined to break his restraint.

 

Without warning, his mouth switched to the other side and as he worked, one of his hands drifted lower, slipping down Kimi’s stomach and cupping the growing bulge in his joggers. The pressure made Kimi’s hips jerk, a strangled sound bursting from his lips.

 

His mind was already starting to spin, every nerve ending on fire. He could feel the heat coiling in his stomach, rising way too fast. He forced himself to stay grounded, to breathe, to hold on just a little longer even if Ollie’s touch was making that impossible.

 

Kimi pulled gently on his hair, guiding Ollie’s face back up until they were nose to nose.

 

The Italian hesitated just a second before whispering, “If you keep doing that… I’m gonna come.”

 

Ollie blinked, then laughed softly. His tongue darted out to wet his lips, a teasing smile on his face. However, his eyes held something else, a glint of nervousness.

 

“Is that a bad thing?” Ollie asked carefully, voice lower now, cautious.

 

Kimi shook his head, a soft smile tugging at his again, quieter. “No. Just… intense.”

 

There was a beat of silence, then Ollie’s voice came again, quieter.

 

“I don’t really know what I’m doing,” he admitted. “You’ll have to guide me.”

 

Kimi blinked, a little stunned by how vulnerable Ollie sounded. This wasn’t the Ollie who bantered confidently in the frat house or who teased him relentlessly on the campus.

 

“You’re doing great,” he murmured. “But…”

 

He hesitated, glanced away, trying to gather the courage before looking back.

 

“I can take take the lead… If you want, I mean.”

 

He couldn’t believe he’d actually said that. His face was burning and Ollie not saying anything wasn’t helping at all. He just kept looking at him, eyes unreadable.

 

“We don’t have to go all the way,” Kimi added, voice low and careful. “We can just… do other things.”

 

He knew his face was probably bright red by now, heat crawling from his chest to the tips of his ears.

 

Ollie nodded, that small, tender smile returning. “Okay.”

 

He looked younger like this, eyes soft, expression open and obedient. It wasn’t the version of Ollie Kimi was used to but he loved it so much he was ready to do anything to take care of him.

 

Gently, he pushed on Ollie’s chest and the Brit allowed himself to be moved, sitting up slowly. He looked completely pliant, waiting for whatever came next. Kimi couldn’t help but let out a soft laugh.

 

“What?” Ollie asked, his eyebrows raising, curious.

 

“Niente,” Kimi whispered, leaning in to kiss him again. This time slow, unhurried and full of something deeper. When they parted, a small string of saliva still connected their lips, catching the light.

 

Kimi’s hands trailed down to Ollie’s thighs and pressed gently, wordlessly guiding him to stretch his legs. Ollie complied without a moment of hesitation.

 

Kimi shifted his touch upward, letting his fingers run slowly across Ollie’s bare chest, exploring and memorizing, then tracing the ridges of his abs before reaching his waistband. His hand lingered there a moment, then pressed slightly over the hardness straining against the fabric of his joggers.

 

Ollie let out a shaky breath, his hips twitching slightly in response.

 

Kimi gave him a gentle tap on the hip, signaling what he wanted. Ollie lifted his hips without needing a word and Kimi wasted no time tugging the joggers down, letting them pool at the floor, revealing Ollie now just in his boxers.

 

When he looked back up, he caught the flicker of uncertainty on Ollie’s face.

 

“You still okay?” Kimi asked quietly.

 

Ollie’s expression softened instantly. “Yeah. Of course.”

 

Relieved, Kimi smiled.

 

“Come sit here,” he instructed gently, tapping the edge of the bed.

 

Ollie did as told, scooting forward. “As you wish, baby,” he quipped with a smirk.

 

Kimi rolled his eyes fondly and stood up from the bed, positioning himself between Ollie’s legs. His hand came up to cup Ollie’s jaw, brushing a thumb over his cheek.

 

Then, slowly, he got down on his knees.

 

Ollie inhaled sharply, eyes wide as he followed the motion.

 

Their eyes locked and Kimi gave him the faintest smile before leaning in, brushing a gentle kiss over the outline of his erection through the fabric.

 

And it was enough to make Ollie let out a desperate moan, hands clutching the sheets on either side of him, chest rising with a sharp breath as he tilted his head back, completely at Kimi’s mercy.

 

Kimi’s hand stayed firm on Ollie’s thigh as he pressed soft, teasing kisses along the bulge in his boxers. His other hand slipped up, cupping it gently, thumb stroking over the fabric. Ollie let out a shaky moan, breath hitching as his head tipped back.

 

“Kimi—” he breathed, voice soaked in longing, a plea hidden in the way he said his name.

 

It made him smile. He looked up. Lips parted, cheeks flushed, sweat clinging to his temples and his gaze blown with desire, Ollie was a mess. Looking at him like this sent heat rushing through Kimi’s veins and if he hadn’t turned away, he might have come right then and there.

 

He quickly hooked his fingers into the waistband of Ollie’s boxers and tugged them down in one smooth movement, exposing him fully. Kimi swallowed, his heart pounding in his chest (and lower). The sight of Ollie’s hard cock in front of him made his own arousal pulse with need and his joggers suddenly felt way too tight.

 

Ollie, visibly affected by Kimi’s stunned silence, let out a breathless laugh and asked, voice unsteady, “Are you… Are you sure you wanna do this? It’s okay if you don’t.”

 

Kimi looked up, cheeks pink but smiling softly. “Yeah,” he murmured. “I want to.”

 

Ollie bit his lip and brought a hand to Kimi’s cheek, his fingers brushing lightly against his flushed skin before drifting down to the black choker wrapped around his neck. His thumb toyed with the silver charm that dangled at the center, eyes fixed on the way it rested just above Kimi’s collarbones, delicate and hypnotic.

 

Still holding Ollie’s cock in one hand, Kimi gave a small squeeze and looked up again. “Do you want me to?”

 

“Fuck, yeah,” Ollie breathed, the words barely more than a moan as his hand fell back to the mattress, body already trembling with anticipation.

 

Kimi’s own cock was still pressing hard against the fabric of his joggers and it was almost unbearable. But he pushed the sensation aside. Right now wasn’t about him. He wanted to take care of his boyfriend.

 

He started slow, letting his hand slide up and down Ollie’s shaft with gentle, steady strokes, fingers wrapping tightly enough to draw shudders from the boy above him. Ollie was panting already, clearly trying to keep quiet but Kimi didn’t want quiet. He wanted to hear him.

 

So, still stroking, he leaned in, letting his breath ghost over the tip. Then, with eyes locked on Ollie’s, he slowly licked it. Kimi was obviously teasing him and Ollie let out a loud, unrestrained moan, hips bucking just slightly as his hands clenched at the sheets.

 

Encouraged, Kimi dragged his tongue along the length of his cock, once, twice, savoring the way Ollie’s body responded to every movement. When he took him in hand again, his own desire was so intense he had to fight the urge to grind down against the floor.

 

He gathered spit in his mouth and let it drip over Ollie’s erection, watching it glisten as he spread it with slow strokes of his hand.

 

Then, without wasting another second, Kimi finally brought him into his mouth.

 

Just the tip at first, sucking lightly, tongue circling, tasting him.

 

“Kimi—fuck,” Ollie cried, too loud, but neither of them cared. Kimi’s lips wrapped tighter around him, taking him deeper, beginning a slow rhythm that sent Ollie reeling.

 

One of his hands found its way into Kimi’s curls, not pulling, just resting there, trembling. It only spurred Kimi on. He bobbed his head steadily, using his hand to pump the base in sync, and each time he looked up, Ollie looked closer to falling apart.

 

Then, through ragged breaths, Ollie whispered, “Kimi, you’re doing so good.”

 

The words hit him like a wave. His body jerked involuntarily as pre-cum leaked into his boxers, the praise sending a whimper through his throat, muffled by the cock in his mouth.

 

Ollie must’ve felt it. His hand tightened slightly in Kimi’s hair, not forcing him down but giving the faintest nudge, a plea.

 

Kimi picked up the pace, sucking deeper, his tongue working every inch he could take. He stroked what his mouth couldn’t reach, saliva and slick making every movement glide easier. Ollie was gasping now, broken moans tumbling, hands gripping whatever he could hold on to as he rocked slightly into the rhythm.

 

Kimi could feel him pulsing, knew he was close. And he wasn’t far either.

 

He didn’t slow down. If anything, he doubled down—his hand moving in sync with his mouth, each stroke more purposeful than the last. The wet sounds, the faint gasp of Ollie’s breath, the way his thighs trembled beneath Kimi’s hands, every detail pushed him further. He sucked harder, deeper, feeling the tension coil in Ollie’s body like a fuse burning too fast.

 

Then it happened. Ollie’s voice, raw and strangled, tugging on his curls with urgency.

 

“Kimi—I’m gonna come—”

 

Kimi pulled back just in time, lips swollen, chin slick, breath ragged and fast.

 

Ollie came with a long, helpless moan, one hand desperately trying to catch his cum in his palm while it spilled over, landing on Kimi’s cheek, his chin and even across his chest.

 

Kimi blinked up at him, dazed and still trembling, the heat of Ollie’s release lingering on his skin.

 

They stayed there for a few seconds, catching their breath, both still buzzing from what had just happened.

 

Kimi, still kneeling, sat completely before lifting a shaky hand to wipe the mess off his cheek.

 

Now that everything had settled, a sudden wave of embarrassment washed over him. He avoided Ollie’s eyes entirely, terrified of what he might find there.

 

Ollie was the first to break the silence.

 

“I’m sorry,” he said between breaths, voice hoarse.

 

Kimi’s head snapped up in confusion, panic flashing in his eyes. His heart dropped, cold dread replacing the warmth that had been blooming moments ago. But when Ollie met his gaze and saw the way his expression twisted, he let out a soft, breathy laugh.

 

“No—no, not for that,” he clarified quickly, shaking his head as he leaned down toward him. “For this.”

 

Gently, Ollie reached for his face and thumbed away the trail Kimi hadn’t wiped, then moved down to clean his chest with the edge of the blanket still on the bed.

 

Kimi blinked, finally understanding and a quiet, “Oh,” escaped his lips. He gave a small shake of his head. “It’s nothing.”

 

But Ollie didn’t move away. His face stayed close, gaze still locked on Kimi’s. He leaned in again and pressed a soft kiss to his lips, gentle and grounding. Kimi responded without hesitation, melting into it like it was a balm, the answer to every anxious thought running wild in his mind. Because somehow, Ollie always managed to calm him without saying anything.

 

When they pulled apart, Kimi felt lighter.

 

Ollie smiled at him before his eyes flicked down toward Kimi’s lap. He tilted his head, curiosity lacing his voice as he asked, “Did you…?”

 

He didn’t finish but Kimi knew what he meant immediately. His entire body tensed as he let out a mortified little groan and fell back dramatically onto the floor, covering his face with one arm.

 

“…Yeah,” he mumbled behind it. “I couldn’t help it.”

 

His voice was tiny and muffled. Even though his joggers were black, the wet spot was obvious. Ollie let out a surprised laugh, one hand already reaching down to pull his boxers back up before stepping over to him.

 

“You don’t have to be embarrassed,” he said, kneeling just enough to grab Kimi’s arm and gently move it away from his face.

 

Kimi let it drop beside him and when he looked up, Ollie was standing there with the softest smirk playing on his lips, eyes dancing.

 

“Although,” he added after a beat, gaze sweeping slowly over him, “I kinda wish I’d been the one to do that for you.”

 

Kimi let out a breathy laugh, cheeks still glowing red. “It was still because of you.”

 

That earned him a satisfied smirk from Ollie. “Well then,” he said, inching just slightly closer, “we could always go for round two…”

 

Kimi chuckled and shook his head, sitting up slowly. “I’d love to,” he admitted, “but it’s late, Ollie. We’ve got class tomorrow, remember?”

 

Ollie let out a dramatic sigh and pouted. “Then stop looking like that,” he grumbled before turning toward the bathroom.

 

As he walked, he added, “And next time you wear that necklace with me, you better be ready.”

 

Kimi laughed under his breath and stood up, wiping his hands on the edge of the blanket before reaching for the sweater he’d discarded earlier. He pulled it over his head just as he heard the water run from the sink of Ollie’s bathroom.

 

When the Brit came back out, he immediately frowned.

 

“Wait—why are you putting your clothes back on?” he asked, a hint of disappointment in his voice.

 

Kimi shrugged. “This time, I really need to go back to my room.”

 

But Ollie didn’t let him get far. He walked up to him and slipped his arms around Kimi’s waist, resting his face in the curve of his neck.

 

“But I really want you to stay,” he mumbled, his voice muffled and almost childlike.

 

Kimi chuckled, fingers threading gently through Ollie’s hair. “You’re so dramatic.”

 

But he was already caving.

 

“Alright,” Kimi gave in with a soft smile. “But I need something to sleep in. My pants are… yeah.”

 

Ollie beamed and pressed a kiss to his neck. “Don’t worry.”

 

He pulled away and walked over to his dresser, grabbing a clean pair of boxers and a grey t-shirt before tossing them toward Kimi.

 

“See? We’re already like a married couple,” Ollie joked. “Sharing underwear and bed.”

 

Kimi rolled his eyes with affection. “You’re ridiculous,” he said, catching the clothes.

 

“Yeah,” Ollie grinned, “but you love it.”

 

Kimi didn’t argue. He just slipped into the bathroom with a shy smile tugging at his lips.

 

 

—

 

 

 

Kimi was exhausted.

 

The kind of exhaustion that clung to his limbs and made every step feel slower than usual. But he didn’t care. Last night, after everything, he and Ollie had stayed up talking for hours, too wired and wrapped up in each other to care about sleep. Even if the night had been short, the few hours he had spent dozing off in Ollie’s arms were the best he’d ever known.

 

Maybe it was cheesy. Definitely cheesy. But Kimi didn’t care about that either because he felt happy.

 

And for once, that happiness didn’t come with a sense of guilt or doubt. Sure, he knew things wouldn’t be easy. Their world wasn’t exactly the most forgiving. But lying in Ollie’s bed, whispering dumb stories in the dark and laughing until their chests ached, Kimi had decided he wanted to try. He wanted to fight for them. No more letting fear dictate how he lived. No more letting others decide what he deserved. Ollie was worth every risk.

 

Now, as he stepped out of his last lecture, he felt a rush of warmth at the thought of seeing him again. Ollie had texted him earlier with something stupidly sweet.

 

miss u :(

just finished my class

come find me after yours

i really really miss u actually

don’t make me wait too much or I’ll die

 

Kimi had smiled at his screen for way too long before speed-walking across campus, trying to seem casual but secretly counting every step.

 

The park was almost empty. Late afternoon had thinned the crowd and the cold helped too. Kimi wrapped his bomber jacket tighter around him, his hands tucked deep into the sleeves of his turtleneck. He scanned the area quickly until he saw a familiar figure standing under one of the biggest trees, phone in hand, a red scarf looped around his neck.

 

His heart flipped. Stupid Ollie. Looking that good in the middle of a random Wednesday.

 

As soon as Kimi got close, Ollie looked up and grinned.

 

When Kimi finally arrived in front of him, Ollie didn’t even let him greet him and leaned forward to press a quick kiss to his lips.

 

The Italian immediately froze. His eyes went wide and he looked around like they’d just committed a felony. “Ollie! Are you crazy?” he hissed. “Someone could’ve seen us!”

 

Ollie just laughed, completely unbothered. “There’s no one here, babe. Relax.”

 

Kimi huffed. “You’re lucky.”

 

Ollie tilted his head, still smiling. “To have you? I know.”

 

That earned him a reluctant smile and they both sat on the cold iron bench. The air was crisp, their jackets matching in deep navy and when Kimi noticed, he couldn’t help but comment, “We’re matching.”

 

Ollie raised an eyebrow. “Glad you’re taking inspiration from me. I have excellent fashion sense.”

 

Kimi gave him a look. “You look like a British prince with that scarf.”

 

Ollie smirked. “Then that makes you my princess.”

 

Kimi groaned but he laughed anyway, nudging him with his shoulder.

 

They sat like that for a while, talking about classes, laughing at dumb campus gossip, their thighs just barely brushing. It wasn’t anything that would scream couple to a stranger but Kimi felt the weight of Ollie’s presence like a comfort blanket.

 

Then—

 

“BOOH!”

 

Both boys jumped, Kimi letting out a small yelp as they spun around.

 

Arthur stood behind them, practically crying from laughter.

 

“Oh my god,” Ollie muttered, clutching his chest. “You absolute child.”

 

Arthur wheezed. “That was worth it just for Kimi’s face.”

 

Kimi narrowed his eyes, still recovering from the shock. “You’re the worst.”

 

Arthur walked around the bench and gave them a lazy fist bump before shoving his hands into the pockets of his coat. He looked at them for a few seconds without saying anything, eyes squinting slightly.

 

“You two really look like a couple, it’s like it’s written all over your foreheads,” he finally said.

 

Kimi froze.

 

His heart stopped. Everything felt like it had tilted sideways. He didn’t know what to say, didn’t even know how to breathe. His gaze snapped to Ollie, who had a hand over his mouth, visibly trying not to laugh.

 

Kimi glared. “Why—”

 

Arthur snorted. “Seriously, you’d have to be blind not to see it.”

 

Kimi’s mouth opened but nothing came out. He turned back to Ollie, who finally let out a chuckle and said, “Alright, alright, chill—”

 

“What’s going on?” Kimi asked, narrowing his eyes.

 

Ollie glanced at Arthur, then back at Kimi, already wincing. “Baby, it’s just that—”

 

“Wait,” Kimi cut in, raising a brow. “Did you tell him?”

 

Ollie gave a sheepish smile. “Yeah. But only because he already knew, I swear.”

 

Kimi groaned and looked at Arthur, who was now wearing his usual smug grin.

 

“Don’t worry,” Arthur said, shrugging. “I don’t care. Honestly, I’m really happy for you.”

 

Kimi exhaled slowly, his heart calming down at last.

 

“Besides,” Arthur added, “it’s not like it was subtle. I saw it coming for weeks.”

 

Kimi blinked. “How?”

 

Arthur rolled his eyes. “Well, first of all, you two look at each other the same way my brother looks at Max.”

 

Kimi blinked, confused. “Max?”

 

“That’s Charles’s boyfriend,” Ollie answered first.

 

Arthur nodded, a faint smile tugging at his lips. “Yeah. Ever since they got together, Charles turned into the cheesiest idiot. He even started speaking Dutch.”

 

Kimi’s eyes widened like saucers. He blinked. “Wait—wait, wait. Does this Max happen to be named Max Verstappen?”

 

Arthur looked at him, caught off guard. “Yeah, that’s his name. How the hell do you know that?”

 

Kimi just stared at him, completely speechless. “You’ve got to be kidding me.”

 

 

Notes:

Hope you enjoyed it !! <3 Feel free to share your thoughts, I'd love to know what you think.
I might write a part 2 but not immediatly sooo stay tuned ;)

Thank you for reading and take care <33