Chapter 22: Cup of Coffee

Chloe’s apartment was spotless. The place was simple, with basic furniture and just a couple of frames on the walls. Everything smelled fresh, like it had just been aired out.

"Sorry about the mess..." Chloe murmured as she dropped her backpack by the sofa.

Ethan raised an eyebrow and looked around in disbelief.

"Mess? Chloe, if you saw my room... it’d look like a warzone compared to this."

[Want me to pull up a tutorial on how to fold your clothes too? You know, so men stop looking bad because of you.]

Ethan held back a laugh and accepted the cup of coffee Chloe handed him. They sat at a small table, facing each other.

"And those two idiots from the store?" Ethan asked, taking a sip.

Chloe sighed, stirring her spoon absently.

"They’re classmates. She... runs track too, just like me. Well, in theory. But her times are way slower than mine. Of course, her dad’s got a political seat, and that makes her think she’s entitled to everything. Me? I’m here on scholarship, and to them I’m just the poor girl."

"Wow," Ethan leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms. "I get that more than you think. You know, I was supposed to get into Harvard too, but I couldn’t afford tuition even with a scholarship."

Chloe blinked in shock.

"That makes no sense. With an admission scholarship you don’t pay anything. What did they ask you for?"

Ethan remembered that day. The fancy office, the vice provost in a tailored suit looking down at him with disdain.

"He asked for money... or better said, demanded it. I didn’t get it back then. Thought it was part of some hidden process, like a mandatory donation."

Chloe leaned forward, fire in her eyes.

"That’s illegal! You could’ve filed a complaint with the ethics committee. Nobody can take money like that except the finance department."

Ethan went silent for a few seconds, processing it. And then he got it. It wasn’t about money. It was someone blocking him on purpose, someone pulling strings behind the scenes. But why? He was just an orphan with no ties.

"So... someone wanted me out of the way," he muttered.

[Ooooh, rectorate conspiracies. Juicy. Probably someone jealous of your muscles or your bargain haircut, champ.]

Chloe rested her chin on her hand, watching him softly.

"I’m sorry you went through that. And now? Are you doing better?"

She tried to steer the mood away from something so depressing, and Ethan gave her a crooked smile.

"Let’s just say I’ve been lucky lately... a couple of businesses that are looking good. Can’t complain."

[Businesses huh... Sure, champ. If flexing on bullies and handing out iPhones counts as a job, you’re the union leader.]

Chloe chuckled, and Ethan smirked back.

He finished his cup and set it on the table.

"Well... I think I should go."

Chloe bit her lip nervously.

"It’s late... are you sure you want to drive? You could stay here."

He raised an eyebrow, smiling slyly.

"And your parents? I wouldn’t want them to walk in and find me here."

Chloe let out a shy laugh and lowered her gaze.

"My parents live out of state... in Vermont, on a farm. Nobody else here."

[Ohhh, empty house, late night... classic forbidden college episode. Champ, if you say no, I’m quitting.]

Ethan leaned back, pretending to think.

"Alright... I’ll stay. Thanks for your hospitality."

Chloe nodded, visibly relieved, and stood up.

"I should be thanking you for earlier..."

Ethan cut her off with a grin.

"Nothing to thank. Smacking down spoiled kids is my new hobby."

Chloe blushed, shaking her head.

"Either way, thank you." She hesitated for a moment, then added, "Make yourself comfortable. I’ll grab you some clothes. My dad left a couple shirts and sweatpants last time he visited."

While Ethan settled on the couch, Chloe disappeared into her room. She returned with the clothes, set them neatly on the armrest, then practically ran off with her face burning.

Minutes later, the sound of running water echoed from the shower. Ethan leaned back, imagining the water streaming over her skin, and had to stifle a laugh.

[Picture her lathering up, champ... oh yeah, true "zen mode." Too bad the walls aren’t transparent, huh?]

"I’m not a pervert, you know... I wouldn’t spy on her like that."

[You say you’re not a perv, but I can read your mind like an open book. And it’s all naked Chloe. Hypocrite.]

Chloe stepped out of the bathroom, the silk nightgown still damp and clinging to her skin, outlining every curve. The pearlescent white of the gown was transparent, showing her firm breasts and her hard, rosy nipples. The pink lace panties were barely noticeable beneath the wet fabric, giving a sense of mystery.

​Her honey-colored eyes shone with a mix of shyness and desire. Her wet blonde hair fell in waves over her shoulders, framing her face. "Do you want a bath to cool off?" she whispered, her voice loaded with invitation. "The water is perfect, and we could relax together—I mean, you could sleep more comfortably."

​Despite saying it with a smile, her nervousness was visible. Even so, Chloe extended a hand, her fingers brushing his arm with a light yet promising caress.

"Thanks, I’ll take it." Ethan didn’t hesitate, letting the hot water wash away the tension.

[Shower well, don’t let your first impression be sweat stink. Life tip, champ.]

When he came out, dressed in the clothes Chloe had left, he noticed something off. The couch had no sheets or pillow.

"Chloe... could you at least give me a pillow? Maybe a blanket too?"

She turned toward him, cheeks flushed.

"No... as my guest I can’t let you sleep on the sofa."

Ethan’s eyes flicked to another closed door down the hall, but Chloe said nothing. She simply guided him into her own bedroom.

"Come on... it’ll be more comfortable."

He didn’t argue. He just nodded, grateful. They lay side by side, the sheets smelling faintly of lavender. They chatted a little longer, silly stories, nervous laughter, until Chloe yawned and turned off the light.

"Good night, Ethan," she whispered, giving him her back.

The room went quiet. Ethan could hear his own breathing, fast and uneven, his heart pounding.

[You’re really gonna sleep, champ? You’re in her bed. She’s alone. You’re alone. Don’t screw this up.]

Ethan clenched his teeth, gathered his courage, and slowly slid closer until his body pressed against her back. His arm slipped firmly around her waist, pulling her into him.

Chloe’s body stiffened instantly, her breath catching in her throat.

The night was just beginning.