Night_Dream_Ben

Beneath the Same Roof
A BL Novel by: Night_Dream_Ben

Kael Reyes just wanted peace. Scarred by a past he keeps buried and haunted by people he tried to outrun, all he needed was a quiet roof over his head and no one digging too deep. But peace is a fragile thing.

Enter Riven Sato—sharp-tongued, effortlessly magnetic, and completely off-limits. What starts as a reluctant cohabitation under the watchful eye of Riven's aunt, Ms. Sato, slowly unravels into something much deeper, messier, and dangerously intimate.

Between rushed mornings, late-night bickering, and moments of unexpected softness, the line between friendship and something more begins to blur. But when ghosts from Riven’s past—especially one ex who doesn’t know how to let go—come crashing into their fragile haven, Kael and Riven are forced to confront the truth:

Love isn’t always gentle. It’s raw, it’s real—and sometimes, it burns.

As secrets surface and hearts collide, Kael and Riven must learn whether love born beneath the same roof can survive the storms that threaten to tear it all down.

"Beneath the Same Roof"

Riven watched him butter toast with the kind of focus usually reserved for disarming bombs. He wore Riven's oversized flannel, sleeves rolled to his elbows, collar slipping off one shoulder. The early sun filtered through the kitchen window, making him look warmer than he probably felt.

They hadn't talked much after Kael broke down last night. They didn't need to.

But this morning, Riven had plans.

Kael raised a brow. "I did that last time, and you made me try oysters."

Riven grinned. "C'mon. A night away. No noise. No exes. No broken cups."

Kael hesitated—then smiled faintly. "Okay."

They drove two hours to a little cabin Riven used to stay at with his uncle. Hidden in pine-covered hills, it overlooked a lake so clear it mirrored the sky.

Kael stepped out of the car, eyes wide. "Holy shit. This is—"

"Mine," Riven said with a smirk. "Well, sort of. I've got the key, and no one's gonna kick us out."

Inside was small but cozy—one big bed, a fireplace, a porch with a swing. Riven tossed their bags onto the worn couch and pulled Kael outside.

They sat on the swing in silence, watching wind ripple across the lake.

"I used to come here when things got heavy," Riven said. "With my uncle. He always said the lake could hold anything you gave it. Pain, anger, guilt—just let it float."

Kael leaned against him. "Think it works?"

Riven kissed his temple. "Let's find out."

They spent the afternoon doing nothing.

Feet in the water. Trading old songs. Making grilled cheese that came out slightly burned, but perfect anyway.

Kael laughed more than Riven had heard in weeks. It wasn't forced—it was light, free.

That night, wrapped in a blanket by the fire, Kael lay with his head on Riven's chest, tracing slow circles over his skin.

"For knowing when I needed quiet instead of words."

Riven tilted his head. "That's how I knew I loved you."

"First night you slept over. You kept your hoodie on and barely touched me, but the way you looked at me in the morning... it felt like I'd finally come home."

Then he climbed into Riven's lap and kissed him—slow, deep, like gratitude and longing and every unspoken thing between them.

And in that cabin, with only moonlight and firelight for company, they made love like it was a conversation—one with no shame, no fear, just soft gasps and trembling hands learning each other all over again.

Kael whispered, "I want this forever."

Riven held him tighter. "Then don't let go."

Ch. 18: Somewhere Only We know