The ceiling fan's hum filled the hostel room as Nisha shifted on her bed as the digital clock on her nightstand glowed 2:17 AM. She was wearing an oversized white cotton t-shirt and it's.hem reached mid thigh along with gray pajama pants and simple white cotton panties.
Riya turned on her bed with her toned legs stretched out. She was wearing a black boy shorts with sleeveless pink tank top revealing a sliver of smooth stomach.
"You're going to explode if you keep holding it," Riya said.
Nisha's thighs pressed together tighter.
"I'm fine," she said.
Meanwhile Priya sat cross-legged on her bed in her lavender nightie that slipped off one shoulder.
"Nisha, you've been struggling for nearly an hour," she said softly.
"I just don't want to go down the hall alone," Nisha said.
Her fingers were twisting the fabric of her t-shirt as Riya put her phone down and sat up.
"What exactly are you afraid of? Ghosts? The creepy janitor?" she asked.
"Are you worried you won't make it in time?"
Nisha's face blushed.
"That's not- I just-"
Riya stood up in one motion.
"Fine. I'll go with you."
Nisha looked in surprise.
"You will?"
"Sure," Riya said, stretching her arms above her head making her tank top ride up even further.
"But you owe me."
Priya stood as well, smoothing down her nightie.
"I should go too, actually."
Her cheeks blushed slightly.
"All that tea earlier."
Nisha walked sandwiched between Riya and Priya, all bare feet.
"You're walking like you've got a stick up your ass," Riya teased.
Nisha whimpered.
"Please don't make me laugh."
Priya reached out and gave Nisha's hand a reassuring squeeze.
"Just a little further."
Her fingers were surprisingly warm and soft against Nisha's skin.
When they reached the bathroom door, Riya pushed it open dramatically.
"After you, princesses."
Nisha made a beeline for the nearest stall, but Riya's hand on her wrist stopped her.
"Wait," Riya said.
"What is it?"
"You two were terrified to walk down the hall, but you're fine being alone in separate stalls in this creepy bathroom at 2 AM?"
Nisha hadn't considered that.
"I don't..."
Priya's breath hitched.
"What are you suggesting?"