Fermented Desires

You can't run from Everything

Isabella woke up to the faint morning light filtering through her curtains, but an inexplicable heaviness clung to her chest. It had been a month since she'd moved into the house with her three gorgeous, infuriatingly charming roommates, and though life had been remarkably peaceful since her escape, today felt different. Something—she couldn't place what—gnawed at her.

Shrugging off the feeling, Isabella pushed herself out of bed and began her morning routine. The small flower shop she worked at with Eva awaited, and she wasn't going to let a vague sense of dread ruin her day. She pulled on a soft, floral dress that hugged her slim frame perfectly and styled her curls into a loose updo. The ritual of getting ready offered a momentary distraction, but the unease lingered, like a storm cloud just out of view.

By the time she arrived at the shop, the comforting scent of fresh blooms and the sound of Eva's cheery voice greeted her.

"Morning, Isa!" Eva called out from behind the counter.

"Morning," Isabella replied, offering a soft smile.

Eva leaned closer with a knowing grin. "You're extra focused today. Trying to impress someone?"

"I'm just trying to keep busy," Isabella replied, giving a soft laugh as she adjusted a ribbon on a bouquet.

"Uh-huh," Eva teased, dragging out the syllables. "You know, it's hard to focus when you're around. You're practically a walking distraction."

Isabella's eyes flicked toward Eva, catching the subtle smirk on her lips. "Should I be flattered or worried about how much you're looking?"

"Oh, it's definitely both," Eva said with a playful infliction. She stepped closer, her fingers brushing against the counter as she leaned slightly forward. "But don't worry. I'm a professional. Mostly."

Isabella shook her head, trying to suppress a grin. "Let's focus on the arrangements, shall we? I'm pretty sure these roses won't sell themselves."

"Fine," Eva replied, though her tone was anything but serious. She picked up a pair of scissors and began trimming stems with deliberate precision. "But just so you know, I'm keeping a tally of every time you make me lose my train of thought."

"You'd have to admit you're distracted first," Isabella quipped, her voice light but steady.

Eva's laugh was low, her eyes gleaming as she looked up. "Oh, I'm not shy about admitting it." She reached for a ribbon and handed it to Isabella, their fingers brushing briefly. "But you're right. These roses won't arrange themselves."

The rest of the day was punctuated with fleeting glances and subtle touches, the air between them a delicate balance of professional and something unspoken. By the time the shop closed, Isabella couldn't help but feel a mix of relief and anticipation. Eva's presence was as disarming as it was invigorating, leaving her both flustered and oddly grounded. She said her goodbyes to Eva, their usual playful banter leaving her with a smile as she made her way home, blissfully unaware of the storm brewing on the horizon.

---

The house was unusually lively that evening. Hudson, Cameron, and Ashton all returned home around the same time, their voices filling the living room as they settled onto the couch. Cameron grabbed the remote, aimlessly scrolling through channels while Ashton teased him about his inability to choose anything.

"Just pick a game," Ashton said, rolling his eyes.

"Game shows are better," Cameron countered, flipping past various options.

Hudson leaned back, his calm demeanor unshaken. He was about to suggest something when Cameron abruptly froze.

"Wait... go back," Ashton said, sitting up. "Was that... Isabella's name?"