Untouchable

Unexpected Encounters

Before I cross the threshold into my new room, I take a deep breath, hoping that this roommate will be an improvement over Josie. Spending an entire year with someone as prickly as her doesn't seem appealing. With a slight sense of trepidation, I open the door, and before I can even process my surroundings, a whirlwind of energy barrels toward me. This vivacious girl latches onto me, enveloping me in a tight hug. "You must be Mia! This is so exciting; we're going to be best friends, I can tell!" she exclaims, her voice echoing in my ear as she nearly hoists me off the ground.

I return her hug somewhat reluctantly, my bemusement clear. "It seems unfair that you know my name, but I don't know yours," I remark, mustering a friendly smile.

"My name is Kiara," she responds with an even broader smile, and I can't help but wonder how anyone can exude so much enthusiasm this early in the morning. Her boundless energy is infectious, and I find myself slowly warming to her presence.

"Come on, Mia, you must want to take a shower. Please be quick; I want us to go get some coffee before class starts. I have to show you the best spots!" Kiara continues, almost breathless with anticipation. "I'm going to look for an outfit for you for your first day. This is so exciting; we're going to have a blast!"

Most people might find Kiara's exuberance a tad overwhelming, but her vibrant personality somehow puts me at ease. With a friendly nod, I grab my bathroom bag, asking her where the showers are.

Kiara takes my hand, leading me out of the room, and we pass by several doors before arriving at one that she swings open. "These are the showers; just remember to close the curtain while you're in there," she advises, winking at me before heading back to our room.

In the privacy of the shower, I find solace as the warm water cascades over me, cleansing away the remnants of stress and uncertainty. I finish my shower and wrap a towel around myself, ready to face the new day. However, as I step out, I'm met with an unexpected sight. A tall man stands before me, clad only in a towel that leaves very little to the imagination. His jet-black hair is still glistening from the shower, and his deep brown eyes draw me in. For a moment, I'm lost in a trance, unable to break my gaze.

"You must be new here," he comments, his voice low and commanding.

My response is tinged with playful innocence, "What gave it away?" I reply with a shy smile.

He steps closer, and I instinctively take a step back, only to realize that I've backed myself into a corner. Trapped between his towering presence and the wall, I feel a shiver of anticipation coursing through me. He presses his arm against the wall, his body mere inches from mine. With a single finger, he lifts my chin to meet his gaze, moving closer until his warm breath tickles my ear. "Because this is the boys' bathroom," he whispers.

The realization jolts me back to reality, and I quickly slip past him, fleeing down the hall and back to our room. My emotions, a tempest of embarrassment and confusion, surge through me.

I burst into the room, my anger uncontainable. "What the hell, Kiara?" I demand, slamming the door behind me. However, Kiara is not alone. Two other girls are with her, laughing as if I'm the punchline of a private joke. I cross my arms and level a stern gaze at Kiara. "Explain. Now."

The laughter stops abruptly, and it's clear they understand I'm not in the mood for jokes. Kiara steps forward, her expression tinged with regret. "I'm sorry, Mia. I thought it would be fun; I really want you to be a part of our friend group. It's a silly initiation tradition we have. I didn't mean to upset you; none of the boys are ever up this early, so it's harmless fun."

Taking a moment to digest what she's said, I realize Kiara's telling the truth. Except for the attractive man in the bathroom, I haven't seen any other boys around the school. I sigh and relent, "Okay, Kiara, I'm sorry I overreacted. This morning with Josie didn't leave the best impression, and this just caught me off guard. I thought it might be some kind of prank."

Kiara pulls me into a warm hug. "Forget my sister; she can be a real piece of work sometimes. But I promise I'll never treat you that way. Please, let me introduce you to the rest of the group." She gestures for me to take a seat, and I oblige. "Mia, meet Jesse and Cassie." Jesse wraps me in a friendly hug, saying, "Lovely to meet you, Mia," while Cassie gives me an awkward fist bump. Kiara interjects with, "Don't mind her; Cassie takes a while to warm up to people."

With my spirits slowly lifting, Kiara proceeds to select an outfit from my bed. "This is the perfect look for your first day! What do you think?" she asks, her eyes sparkling with excitement as she holds up the chosen ensemble.

I take a look at the outfit she's picked—a beautiful blue dress that clings to the upper body and cascades gracefully at the bottom, paired with cute sandals. "This will make those beautiful blue eyes of yours pop, and the color suits you so perfectly," Kiara gushes. Her comment catches me by surprise, and the blush returns to my cheeks. I've never thought of myself as beautiful, so this kind gesture tugs at my heartstrings.

"Go ahead and get dressed, Mia. We can't afford to be late for coffee, and I just won't make it through the day without my caffeine fix," Kiara quips, winking as I retreat into my closet to change. When I emerge, the girls react with a chorus of whistles, only to be interrupted by a knock on the door.

"Are you expecting more guests, Kiara?" I inquire, raising an eyebrow as Kiara strides toward the door. As she opens it, a familiar voice resounds in the room. "Kai!" she exclaims, surprised. In the doorway stands the handsome man I'd encountered in the bathroom not long ago. "Hi, ladies," he greets us, his eyes locking with mine, a charming smile revealing perfect dimples on his cheeks. I can't help but blush as his gaze sweeps over me, even though I'm fully clothed.