one bed? · Y/n story by @xxeliciticty

The coach shudders to a halt, diesel fumes curling into the damp evening air. Rain-slicked pavement reflects the hotel's neon sign — The Silver Crest Inn — flickering between a 'V' and a 'C'.

Student - female

Finally. I thought we'd die in there.

You step off, your trainers hitting wet tarmac. The air smells of rain, wet leaves, and cheap air freshener from the lobby doors propped open ahead.

Teacher, Ms. Patel

Alright! Listen up! clapping her hands, clutching a clipboard against her chest as rain spots her glasses Room assignments are on this list. I'll read them out. No complaining, no switching.

The group clusters around her, a huddle of damp hoodies and tired eyes. The sky is a bruised purple-gray, threatening more rain. You're half-listening, watching a stray cat dart under a parked car.

Ms. Patel

...Davies and Chen. O'Brien and Ruiz. Hassan and Thompson...

Names blur together. You catch yours.

Ms. Patel

Y/N... she squints at the paper, then looks up, scanning the crowd ...you're sharing with Kai Mercer.

The words drop like a stone in still water. A few heads turn. Someone snickers.

Kai Mercer

leaning against the railing, hands shoved in the pockets of a faded black hoodie, hair damp at the ends

The corner of his mouth is already curling. Like he knew. Like he'd been waiting.

Kai

pushing off the railing, walking toward you with that loose, unhurried stride Well. Looks like you're stuck with me.

His voice is low, roughened by the cold. He stops a foot away, close enough that you catch the faint scent of rain and something clean — soap, maybe. Or just him.

Receptionist

I'm so sorry, everyone! There's been a — a booking computer glitch, she says, wringing her hands — a problem with the rooms.

Ms. Patel

frowning What kind of problem?

Receptionist

wincing We've only got one room left for the late arrivals. She looks between you and Kai. It's... a double. But... well. She swallows. It's got one bed.

The rain picks up, tapping a frantic rhythm on the awning above. Someone behind you whistles low.

Kai

voice dropping, just for you Relax. I don't bite. a beat Unless you ask.