Bryan dropped me off at the dorm. We hugged briefly before going our separate ways. As I turned toward the building, I spotted Gabriel stepping out of another room.
"Where are you coming from?" I asked, raising a brow.
He shrugged casually. "A friend's place."
I didn't think much of it, and we headed inside together.
The moment we entered our room, we froze.
Bobby wasn't alone.
A girl sat on his bed, clearly startled by our sudden entrance. Her eyes widened in panic, like she'd just been caught committing a crime.
"Relax," I said quickly, raising my hands. "We're his roommates."
Gabriel nodded, trying to ease the tension. "You're safe."
Bobby scratched the back of his neck, looking slightly embarrassed. "I had to disguise her as a guy so she wouldn't get caught," he admitted.
I glanced at her outfit and couldn't help but chuckle. "Honestly? It worked."
Not long after, a memo dropped in the school WhatsApp group.
Two days holiday.
The room erupted instantly.
"Yes!!" we all shouted, the excitement filling every corner.
Without wasting time, I called my mum.
"I'm coming home today," I told her, unable to hide my smile.
She sounded just as happy.
I quickly packed a few clothes while my roommates did the same, but I was the first to leave. Gabriel walked me to the main gate.
"Safe trip," he said.
"Thanks," I replied, waving before getting into a taxi.
Two days was more than enough for me. I really missed my parents… especially my bed.
The journey was long, but smooth. The driver wasn't in a hurry, and for once, neither was I. My mind had already left the road and arrived home.
All I could think about was my mum's food.
Nothing beats homemade meals.
The quiet hum of the car and the soft sound of the radio made everything feel calm. The campus stress slowly faded behind me with every passing mile.
By the time we pulled up in front of our house, a wave of relief washed over me.
I smiled.
The moment I stepped into the house, the familiar smell hit me.
"Mum!" I called.
She rushed out almost immediately, pulling me into a tight hug. "You're finally home!"
"I missed you," I said, smiling.
"I missed you more. You must be hungry—I made your favorite."
Of course she did.
But then..
"Hmm."
That low voice came from the living room.
Dad.
I turned slightly. He didn't even look at me properly, just glanced up from his phone.
"You're back," he said flatly.
"Yeah… I just got in."
A pause.
"Focus on your studies," he added. "That's why you're in school."
No hug. No smile. Nothing.
"Okay, sir," I muttered.
The mood shifted instantly.
Mum shot him a look. "At least welcome him properly."
"I already did," he replied, standing up and walking away.
I forced a small smile, but something in my chest tightened.
Nothing had changed.
Later that night, lying on my bed, I stared at the ceiling.
School felt easier.
At least there… I could breathe.
Here, every word I said, every move I made it felt like I was being watched, judged.
Like if he ever found out the truth about me…
I swallowed hard.