The tension was broken when Ryan suggested they make it a 'shower challenge' - whoever could come up with the most creative shower song would get to control the TV remote for the rest of the day.
The two friends stood there for a moment, the water continuing to cascade down around them. They had always been close, but this was a new level of intimacy.
As he began to wash up, he heard the shower door creak open. His heart skipped a beat as he turned around, expecting it to be his roommate, Jamie, who often shared the bathroom. But to his surprise, it wasn't Jamie standing there - it was his best friend, Ryan, a mischievous grin spreading across his face.
As they stood there, Alex couldn't help but notice the unusual closeness. It was as if they had crossed an unspoken boundary, one that made him feel both uncomfortable and intrigued.