Liam tousled her hair, every gesture radiating warmth and care.

    “That’s right, these are my three roommates.” Alessia waved them over with a

    smile.

    “Hi, we’re Lessie’s roommates. I’m Esme,” Esme introduced herself first, grinning.

    To everyone’s surprise, Liam reached up and pulled off his ck face mask. Seeing this, Tristan followed suit, removing his own.

    The moment both faces were revealed, Esme’s eyes went wide. She pped a hand over her mouth and pointed at them, looking as if she might scream any second.

    “Calm down,” Alessia said, already used to this. She’d seen the array of Liam and Tristan merchandise on Esme’s desk the first day she’d moved in–there was no doubt Esme was a diehard fan.

    What Alessia didn’t know, though, was that some fans had a different obsession: shipping their idols together.

    “She’s probably one of your fans,” Alessia exined calmly.

    “Really? Thanks,” Liam replied, a little surprised, nodding politely along with Tristan. “Oh my god, it’s really Liam and Tristan?” Esme patted her cheeks in disbelief, convinced she was dreaming.

    “I–I went ito /iyour concert this summer. You were amazing! The duet you two did? Absolutely incredible!”

    As she spoke, Esme edged behind Mia, trying to hide.

    Everyone burst iout /iughing. Mia simply grabbed Esme by the shoulders and pulled her out from behind her.

    “This is your idol, what are iyou /ihiding for?”

    “You guys just don’t get it,” Esme muttered, blushing furiously as she nervously picked at her nails. “There’s a sacred distance between a fan and their idol.”

    “Want an autograph?” Liam offered, barely suppressing augh.

    “Yes! Yes, please!” Esme’s brain barely caught up with her mouth as she whipped out her ever–ready autograph book and pulled out a photo.

    b09:38 /b

    “Is… is this okay?i” /ishe asked, holding up a concert photo of the two of them–one their fanmunity had dubbed the “holy grail” of pictures.

    Liam and Tristan exchanged a knowing look, but didn’t say anything. Wordlessly, they each signed a corner of the photo.

    “Oh my god, I’m going to treasure this forever!” Esme practically squealed.-

    Mia rolled her eyes and ruffled Esme’s hair. “Alright, alright, calm down inow/i.i” /i

    Alessia turned away, watching the group fondly. “They’re all good kids.”

    Liam nodded. “I can see you get along well. That makes me feel better.”

    “I’d better get going,” he said. “Call if you need anything, alright? Let me iknow /iwhat you want to eat, I’ll bring it next time. I also transferred you some pocket

    money–take care of yourself at school.”

    Alessia nodded to each of Liam’s reminders.

    As soon as Liam’s car left, Esme grabbed Alessia’s hand, nearly scaring her.

    b“/bAlessia, you’re my hero!”

    “Is it really that big a deal?” Alessiaughed, pulling her hand away.

    “You have no idea! I’m going to brag about this for the rest of my life! All my fellow fangirls will be so jealous!”

    Alessia nced at the other two, who both looked exasperated.

    “By the way, your idol left you some sunscreen. Want it?”

    “What?!” Esme blurted, her voice ringing out so loudly that several people nearby

    turned to look.

    The other three immediately quickened their pace toward the school, determined to distance themselves from the spectacle.

    “Hey, wait up! I want it! Why are you walking so fast?” Esme called, hurrying after them.

    The faster she chased, the quicker the others walked.

    By the time they reached the dorm, Alessia stopped again.

    “Wow, how many celebrities do you know?” Mia marveled. “Who was that just now, some kind of superstar?”

    Alessia struggled not tough. “That’s my boyfriend. Here, take these

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    00:20

    upstairs–split them up, there’s one for each of you.”

    The others caught on instantly. “Got it,” they said, grabbing the bags and hurrying

    up the stairs–each one an expert in reading the room.