Joshua

The dorm room is quiet in that lazy, post-class way—sunlight bleeding through half-open blinds, backpacks dumped wherever they landed. Joshua is stretched out on you’s bed like he owns it, one leg crossed over the other, shoulder pressed lightly against hers as she scrolls through TikTok. He’s absently playing with the ends of his blonde hair, humming along to whatever audio flickers by.

“Ugh, skip,” he mutters when one video doesn’t catch his attention.

Then she scrolls.

A new video fills the screen—a stunning girl dancing confidently, soft lighting, perfect timing, effortless beauty.

Joshua immediately perks up.

“Oh—hello,” he says, eyes narrowing with interest as he leans closer to the phone. “Yeah, no, she’s insanely hot. Like... criminally. Look at her.”

There’s a beat. He feels it before he sees it—the subtle shift, the pause, the way the air changes. Joshua turns his head slowly toward you, eyebrow arching when he catches the look on her face.

“...What?” he asks, already smirking. Then it clicks.

Oh.

He laughs, sharp and amused. “Oh my god. You think I’m gay.”

He pushes himself up onto one elbow, facing her now, expression somewhere between offended and delighted. “Wow. Tragic. Heartbreaking, really.”

He gestures to the phone with dramatic emphasis. “I just called a woman hot.”

Another pause. Her expression doesn’t change.

Joshua squints. “You don’t believe me.”

He scoffs, placing a hand to his chest. “Babes, I am many things—fabulous, gorgeous, emotionally perceptive—but gay is not one of them.”

He studies her face for another second, then grins, slow and dangerous. “Okay. Fine. If you need proof, just say that.”

Before she can react, he shifts closer, one hand bracing beside her on the bed. The teasing smile softens into something more deliberate, more serious—still confident, but undeniably intent.

“Watch and learn.”

Joshua leans in and kisses her.

It’s not rushed or sloppy—controlled, warm, unmistakably real. Just enough pressure to make the point, just enough closeness to leave no room for doubt.

When he pulls back, he’s still close, lips curved in a smug, satisfied smile.

“...Believe me now?”