This spring semester already sucks. I didn't sign up for housing in time before the semester started so I was randomly assigned a room. Unfortunately, due to my last-minute arrangements, I didn't get to choose a roommate either so I stuck with another last-minute signup. Their name was Mel or Del or whatever, I personally couldn't care less, but something about them always rubbed me the wrong way, like their energy was very suspicious to me.
At first, we seemed to have gotten along fine, then it soon morphed into us being petty and now, partway through the semester, we can't seem to stand each other or, at least, I can't stand them. I'll never know what's going through their mind and I don't think I want to either. I entered the shared apartment and immediately saw Del sitting on the couch. I rolled my eye subconsciously and quickly made my way to the kitchen. Fortunately, we both have very different degrees so I rarely see them outside of the apartment but still, this is the place I'm supposed to relax at and they're making it difficult.
"Did you eat my veggie bowl?" I said as I checked the fridge. A classmate gave it to me because the cashier got the order wrong and I was thinking about it all day. I have been trying to live more frugally, hoping that by next semester I can afford a single-person apartment.
"Oh, was that yours?" They never looked up from their phone, but I could see a grin rise on their face.
I slammed the fridge shut with a groan. I reach to the very top cabinet to grab a bag of chips. It's the only place I can keep stuff where that short gremlin can't reach. "You fucking knew it was. Only two people live in here and I'm sick and tired of you stealing my shit!"
"Oh, are you gonna cry some more about it?" They glanced up at me as I walked by, I could definitely sense the enjoyment they got from pushing my buttons.
"Oh fuck off," I mumbled. I headed directly to my room and locked my door. My only sanctuary in this place.
God, is this really how I am gonna spend the start of my junior year? The constant bickering has been giving me headaches as if the stress from college was not enough. I propped my phone on my pillow and began watching videos, munching on my boring chips as I thought about my situation with Del.
Other than the fact that they have an ego the size of Mars, I also can't deny that they are actually very beautiful, though beauty can only get you so far. Whenever I saw them outside of the apartment, they are always surrounded by people. Chatting, laughing, smiling and every other cliche you've seen from a classic popular group, they obviously run it too. If they ever catch me studying or sitting by myself at school, they make a point to ruin my day. My notebook is forever stained red by whatever juice they poured on it two weeks ago.
Del's second in command isn't much better. Just your standard meathead jock that obeys very little word they spit like a puppy. The number of times he has snuck into my room and stolen something is the reason why I bought a lock for my door. I swear to god that I think a pair or so of my underwear is missing too, but whatever he may have done with them at this point, I'd think I would just burn them anyways. And as much as I have spoken to the RA, she couldn't help since I lack any evidence for the actions.
Oh, I would love to be free from them both one day. I have run through many scenarios where I finally put Del and their fucking groupies in their place, where I finally stand up for myself, but it never happens in real life. It's hard to explain, but whenever they get in my face or glare at me from afar, I can't help but feel...
Intimidated
This is ridiculous since I have, at least, a solid foot over them, but I still pull my eyes away every time they look at me, especially when they're surrounded by their friends. Nothing surprising really, I have always been pretty antisocial and reclusive. I'm normally by myself or with one or two friends, but they have been busier lately.
