I got the groceries and lugged them all the way to Akin’s dorm, running slightly behind because I couldn’t get into the building on my own. The university required ID cards to get into the dorms after six, and since I wasn’t an actual student, I had to wait for someone else to come along and scan his, so I could piggyback in.“You need some help?” the boy asked, his eyes lingering on my mouth. I shook my head no.“Aww, come on. That’s way too heavy for you.” He came closer, and again I cursed our natural appeal. I wasn’t in danger exactly, and I knew that, but it didn’t make these encounters any less uncomfortable. I shook my head again.“No, really, which floor are you on? I can—”“Hey, Ahlen!” I looked up to see Akin walking down the hall. His button-up was open over the gray shirt beneath it, but I was thrilled to see that he’d at least put one on. “I was starting to worry. Hey, Sam.”“Hey.” The boy gave Akin a look and headed toward the stairwell, his displeasure at Akin’s arrival clear. In the meantime, I felt my mood lift significantly. I was now officially on my first date.

The Siren