After leaving the café, I walked back toward my dormitory, my hands stuffed into my pockets, head low against the cold.
The whole way back, I couldn't stop thinking about the guy—Shaun. Maybe I had been a little too harsh.He was just trying to be friendly. And I treated him like... whatever.I let out a breath and tried to shake the thought off. I'd just apologize tomorrow if I ran into him. No big deal.
When I entered my dorm room, I immediately noticed someone inside—finally, my mystery roommate had arrived.
She looked up at me and gave a small, polite smile, like a quiet greeting.
I paused. She had an almost fragile look about her—big doe eyes framed by long, straight hair, cheeks touched with the softest shade of pink, and porcelain skin that made her seem almost doll-like. Her lips were heart-shaped, delicate.
Even as a girl, I could admit it—she was beautiful. Stunning, even.Great. My roommate is a literal doll.
I barely nodded in acknowledgment, no smile, no words. Just went straight to my bed and sat down, my eyes falling to my phone out of habit.
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw her quietly moving her things in, arranging them neatly. She didn't make much noise, like she was trying not to disturb me.
Finally, after a few minutes, I spoke, my voice dry."What's your name? Since we're roommates, I guess I should know."
She turned to me, her voice soft but clear. "My name's Pearl."
I gave a slight nod in reply. Fitting, I thought. She really did have that rare, delicate beauty—like a pearl.
Then she asked, with a faint, almost shy smile, "What's yours?"
"Odette," I said shortly.
"Beautiful name," she said kindly.
I just nodded again, the same cold thank-you I gave to everyone.
My eyes stayed glued to my phone as usual, though they flickered up every now and then, watching her move around the room.
She was being too careful.Placing her belongings so delicately, like she was scared someone would scold her if she made a sound.
I didn't know why it bothered me.It wasn't my business anyway. Why should I care about a girl I barely knew?
Still, before I could stop myself, I asked,"Why did you move in so late?"
I hadn't meant to ask.Maybe because we were stuck sharing the same space, I felt like I needed to at least know something.
She looked up, a little startled, then replied softly,"Umm... I had some issues."
It was obvious she didn't want to talk about it.Fine by me. I wasn't interested enough to pry.
I just gave a small nod and lay back on my bed, scrolling through my phone again, shutting the conversation down completely.
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