Kieran's PoV

I woke up early the next morning from a dull pain in my side. Simon's right arm was under me so he was wrapped around me like a hug. He was very warm and also very turned on. Fuck. I was ✨affected✨. I could feel his hardness digging into me and it was NOT helping. It took me a few minutes to pry him off of me without waking him up and when I was finally free, I was also rock hard. Absolutely refusing to deal with it, I got up and moved to my own bed. I laid there for a while, specifically not thinking about my hard-on until finally, it began to wilt. Only then did I allow myself to get up. I quickly threw on a dark grey t-shirt and jeans before going to make breakfast as if nothing happened.

Simon woke up a while later as I flipped the last pancake. I was listening to my music to give him some privacy and playfully dancing around our small kitchen area. My music was loud in my ears but changed songs at the same unfortunate time that he let out a soft moan. Fuckkkk. Ignoring it. The hairs on the back of my neck stood up. I could feel him watching me as I vibed at the stove, obviously not paying him any attention.

He either didn't have the same qualms I did or he wanted an icy shower because he quickly gathered clothes and left for the showers. The second the door closed, I slowly sank to my knees. My breath started coming in fast, short pants as I tried to work out what the hell I started my day with. I can't deal with this. I can't be this close to him all the time. I need more friends. I smelled the pancake burning and stood quickly. I pulled the skillet off the stovetop and set it aside, frowning at the annoyingly crispy pancake. No sense in letting it go to waste though. I put it and two other pancakes on one plate, leaving the rest on another for Simon. I got out the butter and syrup and set myself to the task of buttering my pancakes. Simon came back and I looked up and smiled at him.

"Hey, your plate's over there." I nodded towards his plate on the counter casually before dousing my own pancakes in syrup.

"Thanks," He replies. He grabs the plate and sits across from me, taking the syrup from where I'd sat it.

I took a few bites before continuing, "I'm heading to the library to work today. Don't forget that assignment for Professor James and today is your day for dishes." Simon nodded, mouth full of pancakes. I nodded back and got back to eating.

"These are really good, Kieran."

"Thanks." I finished my pancakes and took my plate to the sink. Grabbing my favourite hoodie and slipping in my Vans, I picked up my bag and headed off to the library. The library didn't allow drinks or food inside so I was without coffee. Not a good start. I went through the aisles, looking for the book my professor has suggested for my topic when I saw a brunette boy struggling to reach a book on one of the higher shelves. "Do you need some help?" I offered, walking to his side.

"Oh! Yeah, if you don't mind. I'm trying to get that blue one up there." He pointed and I easily plucked it off the shelf. I handed it to him with a small smile.

"Here you go." As the book passed from my hand to his, our fingers brushed and I fought down a blush. His green eyes were just so pretty..

"Thanks. Since you helped me, can I help you find the book you're looking for?" He asked sincerely. He fidgeted almost unnoticeably, looking down slightly. He stopped moving at all and I realized he'd noticed the very unsubtle rainbow shoelaces. Oops.

I hook my left foot on my right heel, hiding the laces. I respond embarrassed. "Sure.. It's called- It's called That's So Gay!. I'm doing a project on sexuality discrimination for-"

"Psychology?" He cut me off excitedly before blushing. "Sorry! I didn't mean to interrupt you! I'm taking that class too!" He smiled so brightly. I think I could really like this guy. "Okay, so my stuff is on the back table. It's the burnt orange backpack. We'll split up and look for your book and meet back there in ten, okay?" I nodded and he disappeared before I knew what happened. I searched around but didn't find anything so I looked for the table he mentioned. I found his spot and set my bag down. On his bag, I noticed a small rainbow pin. "Hey! You found the table!" He appeared behind me and handed me the book.

"Oh thanks." I smile at him. "I'm Kieran by the way. Kieran Grey." I offered him my hand and he took it.

"I'm Ethan Knox. It's nice to meet you, Kieran."