THE ZOESTERY

Soft + Secretly Dating Fluff

Zoey walked into the kitchen wearing a massive black hoodie that swallowed her whole frame.

It draped past her thighs. Sleeves covered her hands. The drawstrings were uneven and tangled.

But what made Mira drop her spoon mid-bite wasn't the size.

It was the red embroidered Saja Boys logo on the sleeve.

And the faint scent of cologne that was absolutely not Zoey's.

"Nice hoodie," Mira said slowly.

Zoey froze mid-step.

Looked down at the hoodie.

Then looked back up.

"...Thanks. It's mine."

Mira raised an eyebrow.

"It's definitely three sizes too big."

"I like them oversized."

"That hoodie also smells like woodsmoke and mystery."

Pause.

"I mean, literally. Mystery."

Zoey blushed to her ears.

Meanwhile, across the building—

Mystery was pacing in the Saja Boys lounge, hoodie-less, sipping coffee and trying not to look like he was panicking.

"Why do you look like you just admitted to a crime?" Jinu asked.

Mystery groaned.

"She wore it."

"The hoodie?"

He nodded once. Slowly.

"Dude. Chill. You've literally fought demons twice her size and didn't flinch."

"She wore it in public. To breakfast. Around people."

Jinu stared. "So?"

Mystery sat down with a heavy sigh. "I don't think I can ever wash it again."

Back in Huntrix dorms:

Zoey had snuck back to her room, hoodie still on, hugging herself.

There was something about wearing his clothes that felt different.

Like comfort.

Like warmth.

Like being held, even when he wasn't there.

Her phone buzzed.

[Mystery 🌓]:

did they notice?

[Zoey ✨]:

mira stared at me like i was the final stage boss in a dating sim

[Mystery 🌓]:

i'll take that as a yes

do u want me to come get it?

[Zoey ✨]:

...no

[Zoey ✨]:

i'm not done pretending it's your arms around me

[Mystery 🌓]:

LITERALLY HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO BREATHE AFTER THAT

Later that night, Zoey opened her door to grab water and nearly collided with Mystery in the hallway.

She froze. Hoodie still on. Their eyes locked.

"...You kept it," he said, voice low.

"I told you," she said, stepping closer, "I'm not giving it back."

His gaze softened.

"Then maybe I'll just wear yours."

She laughed. "Mine won't even fit over your head."

"Then I'll wear the necklace," he said, gently reaching up to tug at the moon charm resting near her collarbone.

His fingers brushed her skin.

Their eyes met.

He leaned in.

And just before their lips touched, Zoey whispered—

"...Still not giving it back."

Love isn't just in kisses or touches.

Sometimes it's in hoodies borrowed,

and hearts held quietly. 🖤🌕