Glassheart

Chapter 1

RED'S POV
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It's finally move-in day on campus. Unfortunately, my mom couldn't be here to help, but Principal Uma kindly stepped in to assist me. As we walked towards my dorm, Uma initiated a conversation.

"So, Red, have you been told who your roommate is yet?" Uma inquired.

"No, I haven't been told," I responded.

"Well, you're about to find out," Uma remarked, unlocking the door to my dorm. Upon entering, I noticed a lot of blue on one side and a girl with blue curly hair seated at the desk.

"Chloe?" I questioned. Chloe looked up, beaming widely.

"Red!" she exclaimed, rising and rushing over to me. While she didn't hug me, she placed her hands on both of my arms, eliciting a smile from me.

"I can't believe we're going to be dorm mates!" she squealed.

"I know, I can't believe it!" I replied. Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed Uma smiling.

"Thank you for helping me with my belongings. I can manage from here," I expressed.

"Anytime, kid. Don't hesitate to ask if you need anything," Uma said before departing. After she left, Chloe and, I set up my belongings on my side and I settled onto my bed.

"Ah, how I've missed these beds," I mused. Chloe chuckled as she sat across from me.

"We barely slept here, Red. How could you miss them?" Chloe teased. I glanced at her discreetly before meeting her gaze, giving her a look.

"They were still comfortable," I defended with a smile. Chloe's laughter was infectious, causing me to join in. Together, we organized our things, clearly distinguishing whose side belonged to whom.

"You've claimed the desk, so you can handle my homework," I playfully suggested to Chloe.

"No way, Red. I won't be your homework slave," Chloe retorted, scanning me before a brief glare at my lips. Though I felt flustered, I played it off  by rolling my eyes.

"Fine, if anyone's the princess here, it's you," I jested. Chloe's smile deepened, a subtle blush coloring her cheeks.

"Sure, Red," she replied, rolling her eyes. I sat up, contemplating our next move.

"What do you feel like doing? We still have a week before classes start," I inquired.

"I could use a nap; moving in has left me exhausted," Chloe admitted, lying down. Our shared laughter filled the room as I changed into more comfortable attire while Chloe took a shower. Eventually, I drifted off to sleep before Chloe finished.

CHLOE'S POV
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After showering, I changed into cozy attire and lightly dried my hair. As I walked out of the bathroom, only a soft glow from a few lamps lit the dorm. Red was fast asleep in her bed, looking peaceful, I smiled at the sight of her sleeping, finding her adorable.. But hoping to also fall asleep, I settled into my own bed, but I couldn't fall asleep.

Glancing over, I noticed Red, her expression looked fearful, trembling slightly. "Red?" I called out softly, seeing if she was awake. She began to mumble, causing me to get concerned and prompted me to rise and approach her. Seeing her shaking, I reassured her, "Red, it's okay. I'm right here," while taking a seat beside her. Startled, she opened her eyes, sitting up while breathing heavy.

"Are you okay?" I inquired, noticing her still upset. She looked down, shaking her head as tears welled in her eyes.

"Oh, Red," I murmured sympathetically, pulling her in a tight hug as tears fell down my shirt. Making her sit up and face me, I gently lifted her chin.