The dorm is quiet in the early morning hours, the only sounds the soft rustling of blankets as my fellow initiates slowly wake up. I barely slept last night, already feeling spoiled be being able to sleep in Eric's bed, this bed no longer feels comfortable. I sit on my bunk, tying my shoes, and try to push the lingering anxiety from my latest fear simulation out of my mind. But the images of the factions at war are hard to shake.

"Hey, Jo," Andrea's voice breaks through my thoughts. She's sitting on her bunk, brushing her hair, and watching me with a curious expression. "Can we talk?"

I look up, forcing a smile. "Sure, what's up?"

Andrea moves to sit beside me; her voice is quiet. "I've been meaning to ask you about something. The other day in the dining hall, I noticed that weird look between you and Eric. Is there something going on between you two?"

My heart skips a beat, and I try to keep my expression neutral. "I don't know what you're talking about, Andrea. Eric and I... there's nothing going on."

Andrea raises an eyebrow, clearly not buying my attempt at nonchalance. "Come on, Jo. I saw the way you two looked at each other. It was... intense. You can talk to me, you know."

I sigh, knowing I can't dodge her questions forever. Andrea is one of the few people here I trust, and she's always been there for me. It would also be nice to talk to someone about this instead of keeping it all bottled up. "Okay, fine. There is something, but it's complicated."

Andrea's eyes widen slightly, and she leans in closer. "Complicated how?"

I take a deep breath, trying to find the right words. "Eric has been... actively pursuing me. He's been doing his best to get my attention, and I've been trying to avoid him, but he always seems to find me."

Andrea's concern is immediate. "Actively pursuing you? What do you mean?"

I hesitate, not sure how much to reveal. "He's been showing up wherever I am, making it clear that he's interested in me. And it's not just casual interest, Andrea. He's... intense. Persistent."

Andrea's face softens with understanding, but her concern doesn't fade. "Jo, that sounds... a bit scary, to be honest. Eric isn't exactly known for being gentle or considerate."

"I know," I admit, feeling a weight lift slightly from my shoulders now that I'm sharing this. "But there's more. You know how when I didn't come back that night and said I fell asleep on the roof?"

"Yeah."

I let out a sigh before continuing and look around to make sure no one else is listening. "I was at the bar drinking, but Eric showed up. We ended up going back to his apartment."

Andrea's jaw drops. "Oh my God!" She whisper shouts. "You guys totally did it." The smile on her face is teasing.

"Shhh! We totally didn't. He brought me back to his apartment because he didn't want me to be alone after drinking so much. I slept in his bed, and we didn't have sex, I swear. But it's still confusing. And now, I feel like I'm in deeper than I ever intended to be."

Andrea reaches out and takes my hand, her grip warm and comforting. "Jo, you need to be careful. Eric isn't the nicest guy, we know that. But it kind of seems like you're into him too," she says questioningly.

"I mean," I stumble over trying to find the right words. "Yes and no? I mean, he's an attractive guy. Like you said, not the nicest, and not exactly gentle but, I don't know. There's something there and every time I'm around him and it's just the two of us, it doesn't feel wrong."

"Holy shit," Andrea is full on grinning now. "I freaking knew something was going on. Why didn't you say anything?"

I shrug my shoulders. "Guess saying it aloud makes it more real, and I guess I just wasn't ready for it. I've just been really confused."

"I get it, and I'm glad you told me."

"Me too," I tell her honestly.

Her expression turns serious. "Just promise me you'll be careful, okay? And if you need to talk, I'm always here for you."

"I promise," I say, feeling a little more at ease. "Thank you."

Andrea squeezes my hand gently before letting go. "Of course, Jo. We're in this together."

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Little short but I felt like more was needed between Andrea and Jo. Hope you're enjoying! :)