College

My ancient legacy has quietly followed me into university life.

I share a dorm room with Ethan of House Ptychos, the son of one of the country’s most powerful senior bureaucrats. He’s a decent, hardworking guy who still has no idea about his family’s true history. The full truth only comes on their twenty-second birthday. At twenty, he remains oblivious. Ethan has a serious crush on Sophia, a confident, intelligent, and beautiful girl from our literature seminar. She genuinely likes him - she enjoys his kindness and shared interests - but I’ve noticed how her eyes linger on me for a few seconds whenever she visits. She’s attracted to my physique, even if she tries not to show it too openly.

Last night, after Sophia left our room, Ethan sat on the edge of his bed looking anxious.“Man… do you think she actually likes me?” he asked, rubbing the back of his neck. “She laughs at my jokes and texts me back pretty fast, but I still feel like I’m not enough. Like… what do I even bring to the table compared to other guys?”

“You’re a good dude, Ethan,” I replied, leaning back in my chair. “She clearly enjoys spending time with you. You should ask her out for coffee this weekend. Keep it casual.” He gave a nervous laugh. “I don’t know… I get so anxious thinking about the physical stuff. I feel inadequate, like I wouldn’t be able to satisfy someone like her if things got serious. It’s embarrassing, but that’s why I started wearing this at eighteen.” He gestured downward. “It’s just self-regulation, you know? I chose it myself to stay focused on studies and goals instead of getting distracted. It’s not like my parents made me do it or anything. Helps keep me disciplined.”

I nodded, keeping my expression neutral. “Discipline is important. But you can’t hide behind it forever, man. Sophia seems to really like the real you. Go for it.” Ethan sighed and stared at his phone. “I keep imagining messing it up. What if I can’t perform? What if she expects way more than I can give? It makes me nervous as hell every time she comes over.”

“Dude, relax,” I said, clapping him on the shoulder. “She likes spending time with you. That’s what matters right now. Text her tomorrow and suggest meeting at that café near the library. I’ll even help you figure out what to say if you want.”He smiled gratefully. “Thanks, man. You’re way more confident with this stuff. I appreciate it.” The truth is more complicated. Sophia does like Ethan - she enjoys his gentle personality and the way he listens to her - but there’s a clear, instinctive pull toward me. She finds excuses to talk to me when she visits, her gaze tracing my arms and chest when she thinks I’m not looking. Still, I encourage Ethan because that’s how the legacy works best: quiet, supportive, and patient.

This morning, Sophia stopped by to return a book. She smiled warmly at Ethan. “Hey, I had fun talking about that novel yesterday. You always have interesting takes.”Ethan lit up. “Really? Thanks! Maybe we could grab coffee sometime and discuss the next one?”“I’d like that,” she said, glancing briefly at me before looking back at him. Later, once she left, Ethan punched the air. “Did you hear that? She said yes! Well… sort of. Should I actually ask her properly?”

“Absolutely,” I told him. “Go for it, man. You’ve got this. She clearly likes you. Don’t overthink it.” I stay supportive on the surface, playing the role of the encouraging roommate. But I know the full story of King Gallus, the cages, and his family's legacy. I know why Ethan feels the way he does, and why Sophia’s eyes keep drifting toward me.