Play hard to get

You hesitate briefly before agreeing, wanting to seem like you're playing hard-to-get. "Okay, but only if there are people around us," you say, giving him a stern look as you follow him upstairs.

Bryce chuckles at your condition but doesn't argue. Instead, he guides you towards an open doorway leading into what appears to be the frat house's library – complete with bookshelves lining the walls and a few worn-out couches scattered throughout the room. To your relief (and disappointment), several other students are already hanging out here, chatting and laughing amongst themselves.

As you both enter the room, one of them calls out to Bryce. "Hey man! Finally decided to grace us with your presence?" They gesture towards another couch where two more guys are sitting, looking eager for some company.

"Just needed a little break from all the noise downstairs," Bryce explains, placing his hand lightly on your lower back as he leads you over to join their group. He introduces everyone quickly, but you barely have time to register any names before they start asking questions about who you are and how you know each other.