My name is Ashley, and I'm 20 years old. I'm in my last semester of college. Thankfully, the college is close to my house, so I don't have to stay in the dorms.
I have a boyfriend, Vincent Archer — or as I like to call him, Vin. We've only been on two dates, but honestly, I think I've already fallen for him. He's funny, romantic, and honest. He almost 'ghosted' me on our second date, but thankfully, that wasn't the case.
He asked to meet up. At first, I was hesitant because I thought he might be just like any other guy, but my feelings convinced me to go. I'm so grateful I listened to them. He explained everything that happened that night... what a terrifying night he had to experience. I felt awful for him.
On our second date, Vin took me to a romantic dinner. It was such a beautiful night. I even gave him my first kiss!
Though... It's been two days since then, and he still hasn't replied to any of my texts.
How are you doing?
Have you eaten yet?
Vin, are you okay?
Vin?
I texted him, but everything was left unread.
I was worried. Did something happen to him? Or... was he not happy with the date? My mind kept overthinking. I wanted to see him, but I didn't even know where he lived, and I didn't have any of his family or friends' numbers. We've only been on two dates, after all — it wasn't like we were at the point of sharing locations.
It was afternoon, and I was on my way to the grocery store to buy my weekly groceries. I lived with my family, but that didn't mean I didn't have to help out. Grocery shopping was usually my job.
As I was searching for the usual stuff — a bottle of olive oil, bell peppers, eggs, a carton of milk, oatmeal, onions, etc. — I couldn't help but notice how expensive everything was these days. In this economy, it was awful. Thank God it wasn't my money I was using to buy the groceries.
Then, I heard someone muttering next to me.
"Why do I have to buy it myself? All because he won't come out of his room..."
A man beside me was grumbling under his breath. I couldn't catch everything he said, but one look at him told me plenty. His hair was a mess, dark circles hung under his eyes, and his clothes... let's just say they weren't winning any fashion awards.
He must have felt my stare because he glanced at me.
"Hm?" His eyes narrowed.
Please don't be a bad guy...
"I feel like I've seen you before," he said, studying me. "Hm... Do you know Vincent? Vincent Archer?"
I gasped, stunned.
"Wait — you know him? Can you tell me where he is? He hasn't read any of my messages!"
Before I realized it, I had practically closed the distance between us.
"Whoa, calm down, lady," he said, putting up his hands like a shield.
"Yes, I know him. I'm his housemate," he continued. "You must be his girlfriend, then?"
I felt a wave of relief wash over me. Thank you, God!
"Oh, uh, where are my manners?" I quickly stepped back, brushing off my clothes like that would fix my sudden outburst. "I'm Ashley. And yes, I'm Vin's girlfriend. Can you please tell me what's going on with him?" My voice shook slightly, thick with concern.
He scratched the back of his head, avoiding my eyes. "I don't know. He's been locked up in his room for two days. Won't come out, won't answer the door."
The way he wouldn't meet my gaze... Was he just shy around women? Or was he hiding something?
"Then can you tell me where he lives? I want to see him," I said, trying not to sound desperate.
"...Aight," he sighed. "I'll show you. But let me grab the stuff I came here for first. You should, too."
He started walking toward the beverage aisle.
Right. I was supposed to be buying groceries.
About half an hour later, we were on our way to his house. Apparently, his name was Zack, and he had been Vin's housemate for about a year now. According to him, he'd never seen Vin act like this before. Usually, Zack was the one who stayed holed up in his room like a caveman, while Vin would be out for most of the day.
Those were his exact words, not mine.
Hearing that only made me even more worried.
We finally arrived at the house. From the outside, it looked fairly normal, but I could tell it must cost them quite a bit in rent for just the two of them. I felt a surge of gratitude that I still lived with my parents.
The moment we stepped inside, though, I almost gagged. The place was a mess — boxes of half-eaten food on the floor, soda cans scattered everywhere, and the TV blaring loudly with no one watching.
What is this? A trash warehouse?
I couldn't help but judge their way of living.
"Sorry for the mess. I don't really have time to clean," Zack said casually as he stepped over a pile of garbage like it was nothing. "Vincent's room is upstairs, first door on the left."
I wanted to stay and clean this place so badly, but right now, Vin was my top priority. I thanked Zack quickly and made my way up the creaky stairs.
Once I reached the second floor, I turned left and found a single door.
Vin's bedroom.
I stood there for a moment, heart pounding hard in my chest. I hesitated.
What if he doesn't want to see me?
What if... I'm the problem?
What if—
"Who's there?" a weak voice called out from behind the door.
"Vin?" I gasped, stepping closer. "Can I come in?"
There was a pause — a long, painful few seconds — before he answered.
"...Yeah. You can."
The second I heard his permission, I opened the door.
I gasped.
The room itself was surprisingly clean, but Vin... he wasn't. I rushed toward him, the smell hitting me the closer I got. He lay sprawled on the bed, pale and frail, like the life had been drained out of him.
"Oh God... Vin, what happened to you?" I whispered as I knelt beside him, taking his limp hand in mine. My chest ached just looking at him.
"Ashley..." He smiled faintly when he saw me, his voice barely a whisper. "How did you find me? I didn't even give you my address yet."
He still wasn't answering my question.
"I met Zack at the grocery store. He brought me here," I explained softly, my thumb gently caressing the back of his hand.
"Zack? That lazy bastard?" he chuckled weakly. "Wow... the world really must be ending."
I couldn't help but smile a little. I would never understand you boys.
"Anyway," I said, more seriously, "have you eaten anything? You look like you haven't touched food in days!"
"Maybe because I haven't?" he teased, a small, pitiful giggle escaping his lips.
Without thinking, I leaned in and pressed a kiss to his forehead — and immediately regretted it when the smell hit me full-force.
"God, you stink too! You haven't showered in two days?" I pulled back, wrinkling my nose, half in worry, half in disbelief.
"Come on. Let's fix that first," I said, helping him sit up carefully.
Supporting his weight, I led him toward the bathroom. I didn't know where it was, so I let him guide me a little. On the way, I grabbed a towel and a bathrobe hanging nearby.
Once inside, I turned on the hot water and let the tub fill up, the warm steam slowly rising.
"Sit tight, okay?" I said gently. "I'll take care of you."
I turned around — and immediately froze when I saw Vin casually stripping off his clothes.
"Wait, wait! I haven't gotten out yet!" I shrieked, spinning around and covering my eyes, my cheeks burning hot.
"Hm? Oh, right. I forgot," he said nonchalantly.
Forgot?! Did he not see me standing right here?!
"Just... just get in the bathtub, okay? All the soap, shampoo, and whatever else you need is on the stool next to it. If you need anything, just call me, understand?" I rattled off like a flustered parent lecturing their kid. Without waiting for a response, I stumbled out of the bathroom, pulling the door closed behind me.
Needing to keep myself busy — and distracted — I headed downstairs into the kitchen to cook for him. Considering he hadn't eaten in two days, I figured he'd need a big meal. Honestly, I should probably just make enough for all three of us at this point.
30 minutes later...
I heard footsteps approaching the kitchen.
"Oh, you're making us lunch? Thanks, Ash," Vin said as he walked in, wearing nothing but a towel around his waist.
I turned—and immediately regretted it.
Oh. My. God.
Was he always that jacked? I'd never seen him shirtless before — his usual choice of baggy clothes never hinted at the six-pack abs currently in full display. I quickly snapped my eyes away, but it was too late. My heart was pounding like crazy. And to make matters worse, he smelled amazing now.
"Uh—yes—you're welcome!" I stammered, busying myself with the food. "I'm almost done here. You, um... should probably put on something first."
I couldn't bring myself to look at him again. Please, go upstairs before I faint...
"Alright, alright," he chuckled before heading back up the stairs.
The second he turned around, my eyes — entirely against my will — dropped to his rear.
Girl, keep yourself together! I mentally scolded myself.
I swear, I was practically drooling.
Thankfully, when he came back down, he was fully dressed in a simple black T-shirt and regular pants. My heart sighed in both relief and disappointment. Still, it was probably for the best. I needed to keep my cool.
I had already set the table by the time he returned — food, drinks, and utensils for the three of us.
We sat down just as another door opened upstairs.
"I smell some hella good food. Did you make some for me too, Ashley? Thanks!" Zack said as he emerged from his cave and plopped himself at the table.
"Hey, Z, I heard you actually went outside today. You good?" Vin teased, shooting him a smirk.
"Oh, shut up, dude. This is all your fault, you know," Zack grumbled, rolling his eyes.
They both laughed, and we started eating.
But as I watched Vin — laughing, smiling, acting like everything was perfectly fine — I couldn't shake the feeling in my chest.
He never answered my messages. He never told me what happened. Now, he was acting like nothing was wrong at all.
Why won't you tell me, Vin?
What are you hiding?
I wanted to ask him, right then and there.
But... seeing how happy he looked, I just couldn't bring myself to do it.
Not yet.
It was already evening when my mom called, telling me it was time to come home. I wanted to stay longer... I wanted to help Vin clean this place up, but—
A warm hand landed gently on my head, ruffling my hair in a way that made my heart ache. I looked up at him. Vin, towering over me, gave a soft, reassuring smile.
"I'll take care of it," he said, his voice low and tender. "You should go home. And... I'm sorry for making you worry. I'm such a bad boyfriend, aren't I?"
His smile faltered, and the room suddenly felt heavier, more fragile.
"...Yes," I admitted with a small, teasing pout. "Yes, you are. But you're still my boyfriend, and that's not going to change."
I squeezed his hand, pulling it away from my head and holding it tightly between both of mine. I looked up into his dark eyes, willing him to see how serious I was.
"I was scared something had happened to you... I know we've only been together for a few weeks, but even so, the thought of losing you—"
My voice cracked a little. I steadied myself and continued, "You don't have to tell me what's wrong right now. But whenever you're ready, I'll be here, okay?"
Vin's eyes softened. The sadness there shifted into something familiar — something I remembered.
"...Okay," he said quietly. "I'll tell you. One day." And then he smiled — the real, honest smile I had missed so much.
"I'd love to stay longer," I said, reluctant, "but... I have to go now."
We both leaned in, drawn to each other like magnets, until our lips met in a slow, tender kiss.
For a few precious seconds, the world outside disappeared — there was only him and me.
When we finally pulled away, he rested his forehead lightly against mine for a heartbeat before stepping back.
"I'll see you again," I whispered, lingering in the doorway.
"Yeah," he said, waving with that crooked smile of his. "You too."
With one last glance over my shoulder, I turned and walked away, my heart full — and yet somehow heavier than ever.