Elian always wakes up with a sore mouth and aching legs after drinking the warm milk his roommate Vaughn gives him. Suspecting the milk, he secretly pours it out and pretends to sleep—only to discover Vaughn climbing into his bed at night, holding him from behind, saying, “Three days without holding you was torture.” Elian realizes the milk was never the problem—Vaughn is. Vaughn has secretly loved Elian for a long time, stealing forehead and lip-corner kisses while Elian slept. After the truth comes out, their relationship is tested by jealousy, distance, and a campus anonymous-wall scandal. Elian sets a “trial period,” forcing Vaughn to learn respect and patience. Vaughn publicly takes responsibility and gives up his reputation. In the end, Elian discovers they met as children at a theme park—Vaughn loved him even then. They go public, survive long distance, and finally move in together.
