Page 4 of Tongue-Tied

“Gotcha,” I reply absently as I try and put the pieces together. Kael was direct enough with me in our room, which is good. But maybe he also needed a backup plan if our vibe didn’t work out. He’d be stuck without housing unless Angelica and her roommates offered, but they probably don’t have the room.

Damn, that has to be hard. Sure, being gay is tough, but I can blend in when I need to. Kael seems worried he can’t, which makes his safety his utmost concern. I’ll need to be cognizant of that.

After we get him moved in, we chat for a while before he walks Angelica out. Afterward, I show him around the building, pointing out the RA’s room, the laundry, and the gender-neutral bathroom. It’s a newer policy Dex helped institute in the dorms. That way, trans and nonbinary students have a choice if they feel uncomfortable. Dex said he’s hoping to get the university president on board to add more, but funding is tricky.

“Although, I’d be sure to knock first. That bathroom’s occasionally been used for drunk encounters.”

Kael looks amused. “Noted.”

Most of the students we meet on the way to the dining hall are friendly, and Kael seems to relax further.

We get food and sit, and as I dig into the pizza, Kael picks at his salad, not saying much.

“Everything okay?”

“Yeah, just…my nerves are shot. I wasn’t sure how this would go, so thanks for making me feel safe and comfortable.”

I nod, emotion lodging in my throat and making it hard to swallow.

Later that night, I pull out my cell and text Dex.

Turns out, I did not, in fact, score a single room.

The room is dark, but I can hear Kael tossing and turning. It might take him a bit to get adjusted to his new surroundings.

What do you mean?

I have a new roommate, and he’s pretty cool.

I smile because it’s true. I like Kael, and hopefully, it’s mutual.

Yeah? So essentially, you’re gonna replace me.

He sends a pouty-face emoji, and I huff out a laugh.

We can do a roommate swap. But I don’t think Kael would want to be in your Molly House either.

Just for that, you’re meeting me and my new housemates at Shenanigans tomorrow night. Shenanigans is the campus bar that also serves food. The place is quite busy most nights.

I’ll think about it, I type, though I already know my answer. Meeting him there isn’t a hardship. It’s only been a few days, but I already miss having him around.

Glancing across the room, I wonder if the noise I hear is Kael softly snoring. I hope so. The guy is probably wiped out from the day.

I’m all for making new friends as long as it comes naturally.

Besides, Dex will low-key love that for me. He worries too much about my social life.

Pretty please, Dex replies.

I smile at my phone. Fine.

Good. Now, tell me more about your roommate.

3

DEX

Before we head to Shenanigans, Ian, who is apparently not only the student council prez but the Poli House leader too, holds a meeting to discuss our upcoming calendar. “We expect all tenants to be involved in house events as well as community service.”