[qiyokuo]

Roommate

+ rommulas x reader, one shot(?)

You were scared of moving to LA.

Not in the dramatic, movie-way people always talked about, but in the quiet moments. The kind that crept in when you were alone with your thoughts, staring at unfamiliar streets, wondering if you’d made a mistake leaving everything you knew.

You moved for college. For work too, your aunt owned a small clinic and had offered you a spot there while you finished school. It was an opportunity you couldn’t say no to, even if it meant uprooting your life and landing in a city that felt too big, too loud, too full of people who already seemed to know where they were going.

You were grateful, though. Truly. For your aunt. For the job. For the chance. And especially for your friend Sirena.

Sirena had held your hand through the scariest part– finding a place to live. Rent prices alone were enough to make you spiral, until she called one night, voice bright and reassuring.

“My boyfriend’s friend has an apartment,” she’d said. “He’s got an extra room, but he’s barely there. His name’s Roman. Super chill. You don’t have to worry about him.”

That’s how you met him.

Roman wasn’t what you expected. He wasn’t loud or intimidating or overly curious, well at least not with you. He was calm, like he had all the time in the world.

You’d only met him a few times from what you remembered. He’d been leaning against the kitchen counter, black hoodie half-zipped, cargo pants, and hair a little messy like he didn’t try but still somehow looked put together. When he smiled, it was easy and soft, like nothing really rattled him.

“Take the room you want,” he’d said. “Honestly, you can decorate however. I don’t know what to do with the place.”

That sentence alone made you trust him.

Now, the apartment was officially yours too.

Boxes were stacked against the walls, sunlight spilling in through clean windows. It still smelled like fresh paint and something citrusy from the cleaning spray you’d used the night before.

Too quiet, though.

⸻

You hadn’t seen Roman since that day.

you padded into the kitchen in socks and an oversized tee, half-asleep and thinking about coffee when the fridge door opened.

A tall figure stood there, back turned, digging through the fridge like he belonged there. Which technically he did. But your brain didn’t catch up fast enough.

“Oh my” you gasped, hand flying to your chest.

Roman turned instantly. “Shit… sorry,” he said, eyes widening before softening. “Didn’t mean to scare you.”

“Ah... you’re here today?” you blurted, still startled.

He smiled, amused. “Good morning to you too.”

You laughed awkwardly, shaking your head. “Sorry. It’s just… you’re never home.”

“Yeah,” he said, grabbing a bottle of water. “Busy with work. But I had a free morning.”

You leaned against the counter, suddenly aware of how plain the apartment looked in daylight. White walls. Bare shelves. No personality yet.

“I was actually thinking,” you started, hesitating. “I already added some stuff here, but the place still looks… empty.”

Roman glanced around. “Yeah. That’s why I gave you full decorating control. I’m bad at that.”

You smiled. “I wanna add more personality. Plants. Lamps. Anything that says people live here.”

He huffed a laugh, looking around like he was seeing it properly for the first time. “Yeah,” he said, nodding. “I’d appreciate that. It could feel more like home.”

You hesitated again, nerves creeping in. “Um… would you wanna go to IKEA with me today?”

Then you rushed out, “It’s totally okay if not. You’re probably busy and—”

“I’m free,” he said easily.

You blinked. “You are?”

“Yeah,” he shrugged. “Could be fun.”

Fun.

You nodded, trying not to overthink it. “Okay. Cool… let’s go to IKEA.”

⸻

Roman offered to drive. Quiet music, windows open, the city stretching out around you. The car ride felt comfortable not silent or forced.

His car smelled good and clean, like he took care of it without making a big deal out of it. You shifted in your seat, noticing how relaxed he looked behind the wheel, one hand resting easy as he drove.

“So,” you said, fingers tracing the seam of your bag, the fabric worn thin from nervous habits you didn’t realize you had. “What do you do? Like, work-wise?”

Roman glanced at you briefly, eyes soft before returning to the road. One hand rested on the steering wheel, the other tapping lightly against it in time with the music. “I make music. With Hollis.”

“That’s cool,” you said. “How’d you get into that?”

He shrugged. “Started messing around when I was younger. Just stuck.”

“What’s the best part?” you asked.

He slowed at a red light, thinking for a moment before answering. “Finishing something,” he said. “And knowing it sounds right.”

You smiled. “That makes sense.”

“What about you?” he asked.

“I work at my aunt’s clinic,” you said. “I’m in college too.”

“Doing both?” he asked. “That’s a lot.”

You shrugged, looking down at your hands. “Some days feel heavier than others.”

He nodded, fingers tightening briefly on the wheel before relaxing again. “Yeah. But you seem like you handle it well.”

You blinked. “You think so?”

“Yeah,” he said. “I do.”

Something about the way he said it... like he meant it, made your throat tighten just a little. You blinked, smiling to yourself and looking away.

By the time you got to IKEA, the awkwardness had softened into something lighter.

Roman grabbed the cart without a word, pushing it like it was his job. You wandered ahead, brushing your fingers along the edges of lamps and pillows, occasionally crouching to check a rug’s texture or picking up a small throw blanket just to feel it. Every now and then, you glanced back and sure enough, he was watching you, leaning slightly on the cart, that quiet, amused expression on his face like he didn’t even realize it.

You felt your chest do a little flip when his eyes met yours for a split second, and quickly looked down at the rug in your hands, pretending to inspect it more closely.

At one point, a stranger passed by and smiled.

“Sorry,” she said, stopping. “I just wanted to say that you and your boyfriend look really cute.”

Your face heated instantly. You almost dropped the throw. “Oh! We’re just friends,” you laughed quickly, waving your hand awkwardly. “But thank you!”

Roman laughed too, pushing the cart forward once she walked away.

“We’re friends?” he teased.

You glanced at him. “Well, yeah. We live in the same house now. Might as well be friends.”

Then, realizing how that sounded, you added quickly, “Unless you don’t want to. That’d be awkward. I just—”

“I’m cool with friends,” he said, smiling at you. “Very cool with that.”

You nodded, heart doing something stupid in your chest, cheeks still warm. You shifted the pillow in your hands, trying not to look at him too much, but secretly stealing glances as your stomach fluttered every time he smiled.

And somehow, in a city that scared you, standing beside him felt… safe.

[qiyokuo]

Best friend

+ rommulas x reader, bestfriends to lovers(?), one shot

You and Roman had been stuck together since high school- the kind of best friends everyone already assumes are dating, even though you swear you aren’t. You were just always with him. If you had a doctor’s appointment, he was in the waiting room. If he needed to run errands, you were in the passenger seat. His friends became your friends- Nate, Hollis, Jonah, Ryan and Finn all of them treating you like you were basically part of the group package that came with Roman.

So when he kept blowing up your phone about some party, you were like:

“Why do I have to go with you to every party? I just got off my hospital shift, I’m tired as hell. Leave me alone.”

But then he hit you with, “Megan’s going.”

That got you.

Megan was one of the only other girls you were close with, but again, because of the guys. So you texted her fast:

You: Roman being annoying again. I’m going to that party he keeps talking about. Can you bring me an outfit plss I’m literally in scrubs 😭

Megan: OMG!!! you’re coming?? I got you. I’ll bring some cute shit :P

Roman picked you up at your apartment, pulling up like he wasn’t the one begging for the last hour. When you opened the car door, he went:

“Heeey finally.”

You rolled your eyes. “Shut up. I’m only going because Megan’s going. Your ass doesn’t count.”

“Yeah, yeahhh thanks.” he muttered, but the smile on his face never dropped.

⸻

The party was already loud before you even walked in- lights flashing, music shaking the room, the smell of smoke and alcohol hitting you the moment you stepped inside. You spotted the guys, greeted Jonah and Ryan, then Megan pulled you with her because she brought the clothes.

In the bathroom, you changed into a short leather skirt and a striped tank top, topping it with Roman’s leather jacket you stole from his car. Megan handed you her makeup bag she really came prepared.

“So gorgeous.” she said, fluffing your hair.

You laughed, thanking her before you both stepped back out into the party- flashing lights, sweaty bodies, people you recognized from Instagram. You stuck with Megan, taking shots, dancing, letting the night get fun.

After few minutes, you realized you hadn’t seen Roman. Whatever, he's always like that. You were with Megan, so you were fine.

That’s when a guy started checking you out. And he was good looking too. He came closer, started talking to you, flirting a little. Megan saw the look on your face and immediately dipped.

“I’m gonna look for Jonah! I’ll be back!”

“Don't leave me here-”

“Have funnn my love!!”

So you talked to the guy. He offered you a drink, but you hesitated, you didn’t know him and you weren’t stupid.

“Oh, I already have one thank you,” you straight up lie and shows your empty cup smoothly.

He kept insisting it was fine and you were trying to keep it nice when suddenly a hand slid around your waist.

Roman appeared out of nowhere, staring the guy down like he's about to beat the shit out of him.

“Where the hell is Megan?” he asked you, can definitely tell he sounds irritated.

“She’s looking for Jona-”

“Aight. Come with me.”

Before you could react, the guy reached out and grabbed Roman’s arm.

“Aye man that’s kinda disrespectful. I’m talking to her.”

Roman looked at the hand on him like it personally offended him. “I really don’t give a fuck bro,” he said flatly.

You quickly apologized, waving at the guy. “Sorry!! I gotta go. Nice meeting you.”

Roman didn’t say another word until you were already away from the crowd, pulling you toward one of the booths in the corner.

“You’re rude,” you said smacking his arm. “I was trying to bag that man for the night.”

“You’re not bagging anyone, what the fuck?” he rolls his eyes.

You sighed. “Such a hater. But thank you though. He offered me a drink. I didn’t trust that shit.”

You sat in one of the booths, the plush seats little sticky from spilled alcohol and texted Megan, “At the booth. Rom being a haterrr 😒”

Roman move into the seat next to you, close enough to yours to make you notice, fingers fidgeting with his cigarette pack like he doesn’t know if the moment has him quiet.

You stared at him. “Why are you just sitting here?”

Roman leaned back in the booth, legs stretched wide, arms resting along the backrest, staring at the crowd like he was thinking too hard. “I’m just trying to sober up for a bit,” he said. “I’m not drinking a lot. I’m driving remember?”

you scooted a little closer to him. “Whatever. I’m not driving, so give me a drink.”

He chuckled, mouth curving. “As if you can control your alcohol.” He hands you the shot gently, like he’s handing you a treat.

You glared at him. “Who dragged me to this party? Exactly. So I’m gonna have fun. Plus I’m off tomorrow so relax.”

He shook his head, smiling like he didn’t want you to see it. “You just love giving me attitude, don’t you?”

Before you could clap back, Megan appeared with Jonah behind her.

“HEYYY wait what happened? Where’s the guy you were talking to?” she asked.

You pouted. “He’s cute and everything, but I wasn’t really feeling the vibe..”

Megan immediately grabbed your hand again. “That's okay, come with me I wanna introduce you to my other friends.”

You slid out of the booth and bumped into him that was absolutely not an accident. He watched you disappear into the crowd like he was tracking you with his eyes.

Megan introduced you to a small circle of people, pretty girls, some guys, everyone already tipsy and dancing. You laughed, talked, took another shot.

But every few seconds…You felt it. Roman’s eyes on you.

You turned your head and caught him staring from the booth, smoke curling from his lips. He wasn’t even trying to hide it. So you lifted your hand and flipped him off with a big smile.

Roman laughed, tapping ash off the end of his cigarette like you were the funniest person in the room.

You turned back to Megan’s friends, but then he appeared behind you. You felt his hand slide around your waist again, fingers soft and warm, like he wasn’t letting you go too far.

His breath brushed your ear as he spoke low “You alright?”

Just those two words. But his voice was different- like deeper and softer. Not friend tone, not protective tone.

It was something else you couldn’t explain.

You swallowed. “Yeah. Why?”

He shrugged one shoulder, eyes dropping to your outfit. “You left me in the booth too fast.”

You smirked at him. “You’re not my dad.”

Roman leaned closer, lips brushing the shell of your ear because the music was loud or maybe he was using that as an excuse. “I know,” squeezing your waist lightly, “but you’re wearing my jacket, so…”

You leaned in, closing the space between you. “So what?” you teased.

His eyes flicked down your body, then back up to your face slowly “So I’m keeping an eye on my stuff.”

You pushed his face away playfully, cheeks getting warm. “Oh shut up.”

He just smiled, that stupid pretty smile. You hated that you liked it. He didn’t even have to say anything- you knew exactly what he meant.

You tilted your head at him. “Why are you all up on me? You scaring the hoes”

He clicked his tongue. “Someone’s gotta keep them away so they don’t see you throwing a tantrum in like, maybe five minutes.”

You rolled your eyes, heat creeping up your chest. “You’re really so annoying tonight.”

“Oh yeah?” he said quietly, “you are too.”

He wasn’t even trying to hide how close he was anymore. His thigh brushed yours every time someone bumped past. His hand kept tightening on your waist like he was subconsciously pulling you closer so you wouldn’t get pushed away.

And then someone shoved through the crowd a little too hard.

You lost balance for a second, but Roman caught you right away, one arm around your waist, the other on the small of your back, pulling you against him.

Your face was right there.

His breath warmed your lips, minty and familiar. The woody, musky scent of his cologne, tinged with cigarette, made your stomach do a little flip.

Your fingers curled into the front of his shirt without thinking. His hand slid up your back, slowly... carefully.... like he forgot you were “just friends.”

Roman stared at your mouth. Not your eyes.

The beat of the music matching with your heartbeat, and for a second, a real dangerous second he leaned in.

Way too close. Noses brushing, and you shrugged mentally... well shit, guess it was up to god now-

“YOOOOO ROMAN!!”

Someone yelled from across the room.

Two inches away from kissing you, he blinked like he suddenly remembered where he was. His jaw clenched hard, looks so pissed, and he slowly pulled back, hands sliding off your waist like he didn’t want to let go but had to.

You stood there, heart pounding out of your chest. Roman ran a hand through his hair, looking anywhere except your lips.

“So you're just gonna let them shove you like that?” he asked, clearly pissed.

You laughed. “Chill. It's not like they're doing it on purpose..” Not giving him an eye contact.

You pretended that didn’t faze you. You acted like you were fine-like your heart wasn’t still racing, like your lips didn’t still feel the ghost of his breath.

But Roman? He was irritated. Because the person who yelled his name… was Hollis.

Hollis waving up to him, smirking immediately.

“My bad bro. Did I interrupt something?”

Roman glared. “Yeah you stupid fuck.”

Hollis burst out laughing. “Sorry dude. Didn’t mean to interrupt your little best-friend moment.”

Roman shoved him softly. “Shut the fuck up. You're not helping at all.”

“You and Y/N are so fucking funny. Best friend my ass....” Hollis repeated under his breath, cackling.

Roman cussing him out and walked away before he murdered him.

⸻

Meanwhile, you were in the bathroom, splashing cold water on your face. You stared at yourself in the mirror, whisper-yelling, “What the fuck is wrong with you?”

You never looked at Roman that way. Never let yourself. But tonight… you didn’t know if it was the drinks or just him, yet you couldn’t deny it- you wanted to kiss him. Really badly.

You gulped down some water Megan handed you. “Let's go sit down somewhere?” she asked.

“No nooo stay with your friends, don’t worry about me.”

Megan raises a brow but let you go. “Okay.... but text or call me if something happens.”

You sat down, the room spinning a little from exhaustion. So you decided to close your eyes for a second-

Someone lightly pinched your cheek. You didn’t even need to look.

“Wanna go home?” Roman asked, voice low.

You checked your phone. 3:45 AM.

Your eyelids felt heavy. “Is it okay if we do? I’m getting sleepy.”

Roman nodded. “Yeah. Let’s go. I'll just go text them.”

⸻

The car was just that perfect warmth that sneaks up on you after a long night. Some mellow music playing under the sound of the engine. Streetlights passed in lines across your face as you leaned your head against the window.

You kept stealing glances at him. Roman kept catching them. And every time he did, he looked away with that tiny smile you weren’t supposed to notice.

Outside, the night wind slipped through the cracked window, brushing through his soft, messy hair. He kept running a hand through it, failing every time. Eventually he just put both hands into the steering wheel, sighing a little like he gave up.

You couldn’t ignore it, so your hand moved on its own, threading through his hair, letting your fingers linger as you pushed the strands aside.

He caught your hand before you could pull away, fingers wrapping around yours with desperate kind of touch. His eyes dropped to your hand, and he brought your wrist in, close to his mouth, close enough that you felt the heat of his breath take over your skin.

You pulled back quickly, pretending it was nothing. Pretending your heartbeat wasn’t beating loudly.

When he pulled up to your apartment, he turned off the engine. The world outside felt far away, just the hum of the night and both your breaths filling the space.

You unbuckled slowly. Not because you were tired. Because you didn’t want this to end.

“Roman…”

He turned his head so fast it was obvious he’d been waiting for you to say something.

“can you… stay the night please?”

He froze. His lips parted just a little, like he wasn’t expecting that from you... not tonight. “You sure you’re okay with that?” His voice was careful, gentle… but his eyes? His eyes were so hopeful it made your stomach flip.

You nodded. But your gaze, without meaning to dropped to his mouth.

And stayed there. Roman noticed right away.

His breath caught shaky, like he was trying not to show how hard that look hit him. He leaned in a tiny bit. Just an inch.

Your hand lifted again, brushing his hair from his face, fingertips touching the side of his face. He tensed first… then melted into it, like he’d been starved for this exact moment.

He inhaled sharply, the helpless sound and his lashes flickered like he was fighting every instinct not to kiss you first

“Y/N…” he whispered, voice cracking like he hated how you made him feel.

“Keep looking at me like that and I’m not stopping.”

Your breath hitched. Your eyes dropped to his mouth again

“Then I guess I’ll just have to look at you more.” you murmured.

That was it. Roman’s hand shot to the back of your neck, and he dragged you into him, kissing you like you’d just pulled the string out of him.

It wasn’t soft. It wasn’t careful. It was years, years of almosts, almost-confessing, almost-kissing, pretending both of you didn’t want this.

His mouth moved over yours like he couldn’t get enough, a low groan rumbling from his chest the moment you kissed him back just as hard. His hands were everywhere your waist, your hips, your thighs pulling you over the center like he was done pretending.

You gasped into his mouth. He let out a desperate, low sound, gripping your shirt like he was scared you’d disappear.

You didn’t remember getting out of the car or didn’t remember the walk to your apartment. You just remembered him his mouth on your lips, your neck, the way he whispered your name like he’d been dying to say it like that.

Inside, you kicked the door closed without even looking. You breathed out his name and he groaned deep, like you were making him lose his mind.

His jacket slid off your shoulders. Your shirt lifted. His hands slid underneath, hot and desperate, thumbs brushing your ribs and chest like he needed to touch every part of you.

You pulled his shirt off, and he hissed when your hands touched his skin. “Mmm fuck,” he mumbles, before he kissed you again but messier and deeper.

He walked you backwards, kissing you between breaths, both of you tripping over shoes, shirts and whatever else ended up on the floor. He laid you down on your bed, bracing himself over you, breathing hard, pupils blown wide.

You tugged him closer by the neck, breath catching when his lips ghosted along your jaw.

“Roman....” you whispers, letting your tongue flick just against his.... “We’re gonna ruin everything.”

You tilted your head back and a soft, accidental moan slipped past your lips. He groaned hungrily, lips brushing the sensitive skin just enough to make your spine shiver. “Mmm... you sound so good,” he murmured, voice rough, teasing, and dripping with want as he pressed closer.

“Tell me you want this.”

His lips trailing over your collarbone in soft, lingering kisses, each one a little firmer than the last. His hands cupped your breasts gently, teasingly, exploring.

“Tell me baby...” he whispered against your ear. “I need to hear you say it.”

Your fingers slid into his hair, tugging him closer, your body arching into his without thinking.

“Yes-” you breathed.

“Yes roman. I want it.”

He groaned as his mouth found the spot on your chest that made you gasp.

“How bad Y/N?” he asked, tongue brushing your nipples, teasing, already knowing the answer but wanting to hear it anyway.

“Mmmso fucking bad,” you whispered, holding it together. “I want you so bad.”

Roman swore under his breath and grabbed your waist, pulling you more against him. “Fuck…” he sighed. “You have no idea what you’re doing to me.”

He lifted his head just long enough to meet your lips again. A soft moan slipped from you before you could stop it. He cursed under his breath before kissing you deeper, as if that sound had undone him entirely.

And then it was quiet. Just your breaths, just him pressed against you. He rested his forehead to yours, feeling everything shift, but he didn’t move. Not yet....

[qiyokuo]

Afterparty

+ rommulas x reader, oneshot

The Uber slows to a stop in front of a small building somewhere in LA, bright lights buzzing above the entrance. You glance at Ella, who’s already fixing her hair in the reflection of her phone screen.

“So… we’re really going to your boyfriend’s afterparty?” you ask, trying not to look as nervous as you feel.

Ella laughs, nudging your shoulder. “Yeah, Nate wanted me to pull up after the concert. And since you’re here with me, I figured why not introduce you to his friends? Who knows.” She smirks. “Maybe you might end up dating one of them.”

“Oh my god.. don't piss me off,” you groan, but you’re smiling. “Where even is this?”

“Like twenty minutes from where we were,” she says. “Nate got us an Uber, so we’re good.”

The security guard checks the list, spots your names, and lets you and Ella in. You hear music coming from the back, the bass vibrates through the floor. The place smells like cologne and drinks with a soft smell of weed in the air.

Ella leads the way, pulling you down a short hallway until she pushes open a door. Inside, a few tall guys are chilling, some slouched on couches, some leaning against the wall talking.

Nate gets up immediately when he sees Ella. “There you areeee” he says, pulling her in for a quick hug and kiss before glancing at you. “And this must be the famous best friend from the Bay.”

You laugh. “I didn’t know I was famous, but yeah… hi.”

Nate smiles and gestures toward the tallest guy in the room, who you recognize instantly from Nate’s Instagram stories.

“Hollis, this is Y/N,” Nate says. “Ella’s friend.”

Hollis stands up, giving you a quick hug that somehow feels warm. “Oh hey! I’ve heard about you.”

“Oh god,” you mutter playfully. “Only good things, I hope.”

He chuckles. “Mostly. So what brings you to LA?”

“Just visiting my cousins,” you say, brushing a piece of hair behind your ear. “Ella and I finally got a chance to hang out tonight. Thanks for letting us come through.”

“No worries,” he says. Then he turns to Nate. “Bro, where’s Roman at?” Nate shrugs. “Outside somewhere. Probably smoking, you know him.”

Before you can respond, another guy steps into the room, shorter than Hollis but loud and laughing like he just heard the funniest joke ever.

“Wassuppp,” he says, still grinning. “What’d I miss?”

Hollis taps him on the arm. “This is Ryan.” Then points at you. “And this is Y/N, Ella’s friend.”

Ryan raises his eyebrows as he looks you over. “New face. I’ve never seen you here before.”

You shake his hand, trying not to smile too hard. “Yeah, just visiting. Nice to meet you. I’m Y/N.”

“Well,” Ryan says, dropping onto the couch, “welcome to LA!”

You’re ready to answer when the door opens again, slower and almost silent. A tall guy steps in, his face still carrying the cold from outside.

“What’s going on?” he asks, rubbing his hands together to warm them.

Nate answers first. “Ella’s friend is here.”

That’s all he says. No hype, no excitement, just that. Then he turns to you. “This is Roman.”

You offer your hand, just to be nice. “Hey! nice to meet you. My names Y/N.”

Roman looks at your hand, then at your face, then back at your hand again. After a second, like he finally decides, he reaches out and shakes it. His hand is soft and warm, and he holds it just a little longer than he needs to.

“Roman,” he says simply. His voice is different than you expected.

Before you can say anything else, Hollis claps his hands together and stands up. “Everyone ready to go out? Let’s have fun!!”

You feel the energy the second you walk in. The lights are all different colors, and there’s a bit of fog hanging around. The crowd is loud and excited, everyone still hyped from the concert. People are holding their phones up and screaming when they spot the guys. A security guard tells your group to come in.

Hollis heads toward the elevated DJ booth, getting cheers from fans already waiting for him. Ella grabs your wrist, pulling you closer so you don’t get separated.

She leans in toward your ear. “Hey. I saw that earlier.”

You stare at her. “Huh? What are you even talking about?”

“With Roman,” she whispers louder. “Don’t play dumb. He was looking at you different. He was acting all nonchalant for no reason. Mind you.... rom is NEVER quiet.”

You raise your brow at her. “Girl, we literally just introduced ourselves.”

“I know,” she says, taking a sip of her drink. “But I swear he was acting weird. Like shy. I don’t know. Just saying-maybe something could happen.”

You roll your eyes. “Okay! enough with that bullshit. Get me a drink please?”

Ella grins and hands you one.

The night gets louder, music shaking the floor, lights flashing across your skin, people dancing everywhere. Then you lean close to Ella.

“I’m gonna go to the bathroom real quick.”

“You want me to come?” she asks.

“No, you’re fine,” you laugh. “Don’t worry. I’ll be quick.”

You move away from the crowd, heading down a quieter hallway. After using the bathroom, you step out and spot a side staircase not exactly hidden, but not obvious either.

You look around. No one’s paying attention.

Perfect.

You head up the stairs, pushing open a door at the top. Cool night air hits you instantly.

It’s a rooftop terrace overlooking LA’s city lights. The music downstairs pounds through the building, but up here it’s calm.

You exhale. “Nice… no one’s here.”

You pull a cigarette from your pocket, light it, and take a slow puff. The smoke curls into the night sky.

For a moment, you’re alone. Until a voice behind you says,

“Why are you alone up here?”

You jump, heart dropping. You whip around, smoke half-exhaled.

Roman stands in the doorway, hands raised slightly in apology. “Holy shit. I’m sorry.”

You wave away the smoke. “You’re good. I just didn’t hear you coming.”

He steps closer, pulling out his own cigarette. “Mind if I chill here?” he asks.

You nod, a little stuck. “YE-yeah, it’s fine.”

Roman stands beside you. “Got a lighter?”

You grab yours and hand it to him. He giggles when he sees the pink lighter with random cute stickers.

He flicks the lighter, and the small flame lights up his beautiful face. Sharp jaw, sharp nose, soft eyes under thick eyebrows that make him look both handsome and impossible to read. You catch yourself staring too hard, so you take another quick puff from your own cigarette to distract yourself, coughing softly as the smoke hits.

“Why are you here?” you ask lightly. “Aren’t you supposed to be with Hollis and Nate?”

He shrugs. “It’s fine. I just needed a five minute smoke. They’ll survive.”

You laugh quietly, taking another drag. “Fair enough.”

A comfortable silence settles.

“So,” you ask, “how was tour?”

He exhales smoke toward the sky. “So much fun honestly.” A small smirk appears. “Hollis dragged me into half the shit but I’m glad he did. Good energy. Good people. I’m enjoying it.”

“That’s good,” you say softly. “It sounds fun.”

“Yeah.” He glances at you. “You ever been to one of our shows?”

You shake your head. “Not really. I’ve been busy with uni.”

“Oh damn.” He blows out smoke. “That's fire.” He flicks ash, leaning on the railing.

“So how’d you and Ella become friends?”

“Our moms are friends. So Ella and I grew up together,” you explain. “She’s basically my childhood friend.”

Roman’s brows rise. “Really? How come I’ve never seen you around?”

You smile to yourself. “Cause I don’t live around here. I’m from the North.”

He turns toward you a little more. “Ahhhh.” he says quietly. “That's explains everything.”

You blink. “Everything?” He looks you dead in the eyes, takes a puff, exhales slowly.

“Yeah,” he murmurs. “Just saying you look cool and interesting”

You both laugh. “What? You just be saying shit man.”

The air thickens warm and changes. Neither of you move.

Roman’s shoulder brushes yours, barely. His voice drops softer.

“So,” he asks, eyes flicking to your lips for half a second. “You planning to stay in LA long?”

You shrug lightly, pretending not to overthink it. “I don’t know… not really. I’m supposed to head back soon.”

Then, out of nowhere, you add

“Unless you want me to.” You instantly regret it.

Roman chokes out a quiet laugh like it caught him off guard. He looks at you with a slow growing smirk.

“Oh, word?”

You look away, blowing smoke. “I’m just messing around. Chill.”

“Mmhm.” He teases, leaning on the railing. “You said that like you meant it.”

“What? I wasn’t,” even though your face is giving you away.

Roman takes his last puff, drops the cigarette, steps on it. Then he reaches into his pocket and hands you his phone.

Just holds it out.

You raise a brow. “What?”

“Come on,” he says, eyes low but amused. “Let’s see if it works.”

“…see if what works?” you ask.

He tilts his head, that smirk still playing on his lips. “If you’re gonna be staying in LA because of me,” he says, quoting you with air quotes, “I should probably get your number, don’t you think?”

You take the phone slowly, thumb brushing his for a split second. He notices. You notice him noticing.

You type your number, save it, hand it back. Roman checks it and nods once, satisfied.

“Bet,” he says quietly, locking his phone. “Now I got no excuse not to see you again.” You try not to smile.

He leans back against the railing like he didn’t just shift the whole air between you.

Downstairs, the crowd cheers as Hollis drops a beat.

But up here, it’s just the two of you.

You and Roman slip into the party together. Not holding hands, just walking side by side in a way that says too much. The lights are low, the room still packed. Ella’s somewhere near the booth, so it’s really just you and him moving through the crowd for a second.

Roman gives you a slow look while you walk in, that little half smirk like he’s trying not to make it obvious. But the way his shoulder brushes yours? It’s obvious.

Hollis waves him over from the DJ booth, so Roman taps your waist lightly, just enough to make your breath hitch, and leans down so you can hear him over the music.

“Stay close, alright?” He says it like it’s casual, but his eyes say something else entirely.

He goes to Hollis and Nate, getting pulled into whatever party host duties they have. But every couple of minutes he checks over his shoulder to see where you are. And when your eyes meet, he holds it like he’s trying to memorize you.

You’re talking to some girl you know, drink in hand, dancing a little. He’s pretending to focus on Hollis and the crowd but keeps glancing at you like he’s mad at himself for being that obvious but can’t help it.

Someone nudges him and he laughs at whatever they say, but the laugh drops the second he sees you looking again. His jaw clenches, and he gives you a small “come here” gesture with his fingers.

He doesn’t pull you away though. He stays where he is. When you step closer, he leans down, voice low.

“You having fun?” He says it like he already knows but wants to hear you say it.

You nod, biting back a smile, and he lifts his chin slightly at your drink.

“That's your first one?” He’s checking on you. Trying to care without saying it.

Someone calls his name again, so he turns back. But before he does, he dips his head closer to your ear, warm breath brushing your skin.

“Don’t disappear on me.”

“Don’t be talking to me like that,” you say, raising your brow. “Your people are literally right in front of us. I’m not trying to be one of those girls they whisper about.”

He pauses. Then laughs under his breath, that low warm sound that hits your stomach. He looks over the crowd whispering and recording and shakes his head, teasing

“Aight,” he says near your ear. “I’ll behave.”

You roll your eyes and take a sip of your drink like you’re unbothered, but he’s still staring at you with that slow lazy stare that feels like he’s undressing your attitude first.

Then he smirks, leaning in just enough.

“But if you’re that worried… we can just save it for next time.”

He grabs your drink for a quick sip, too close and too casual.

“Save what?” you ask, even though you already know.

He lifts a shoulder, acting innocent, looking away when Hollis calls him again, but you can see the grin tugging at his mouth.

“Whatever you thought I meant,” he says, stepping back toward the booth. “That’s on you.”