Author's Note: My apologies for several revisions, was indecisive sa backstory, but this is the final version . Enjoy!😊.
"So, ano, Miss, itutuloy mo ba ang pag-rent?"
The apartment owner's voice cuts through the stillness as they stand in the living area, having just completed the tour. The muted hum of the air conditioner and the lingering scent of brewed coffee tickle Jhoanna's senses as she considers her decision.
The quiet, secure neighborhood is a major draw, and the fact that the owner works late most nights promises the solitude she desperately craves. Its prime location—just a short walk from DLSU, where she is in her final year of Journalism—is an added bonus.
Jhoanna weighs the pros and cons of living with a complete stranger. Just a week ago, she clicked on a "Wanted Housemate" ad she found online, desperate to move out—or rather, escape the dorm room she shares with her best friend.
Right. Ex-best friend. She thinks bitterly.
Now, here she is, face-to-face with the person who posted the ad—a girl who seems only a bit older than her. Jhoanna notes that the other girl is an inch or two shorter; her pouty lips and chubby cheeks give her an innocent, almost angelic appearance, but her standoffish demeanor adds a layer of intimidation.
Maganda sana, suplada naman, is Jhoanna's first impression of her.
Jhoanna would say yes in a heartbeat if it weren't for the prickly owner. She mentally scoffs at the list of rules the other girl rattled off earlier, most of which feel unnecessarily strict. Respect each other's privacy; don't mess with each other's stuff—these are customary house rules when co-living with a stranger. Jhoanna doesn't need to be reminded unless the owner was insinuating she is the nosy type.
"Hindi mo rin ako kailangan kausapin unless absolutely necessary," is the owner's most important rule. Sure, Jhoanna is friendly by nature, but at this moment in her life, she craves space and solitude, too. Hindi niya priority makipagkaibigan, lalo na sa taong wala rin naman siyang balak kilalanin. Hence, she can't quite put her finger on why that rule irks her so much.
Nonetheless, she really likes the place. It is on the 4th floor of a five-story apartment building along Taft Avenue, with each floor housing four spacious units—each suitable for a small family. During the tour, she learned that the walls are soundproof, ensuring that any noise from neighbors won't be a problem. A quiet neighborhood, indeed.
Jhoanna also finds the interior cozy and functional. The two bedrooms are adjacent, facing a spacious living area that flows into the kitchen and dining space, partitioned by a built-in cabinet. The living room is neat, with its pale gray walls adorned by just a few carefully chosen paintings, which add a touch of character. The room features clean lines, simple furnishings, and a few antique accents. It has it's minimalist and vintage vibe to it that Jhoanna finds appealing.
There is a shared bathroom, but since the owner has her own in her room, Jhoanna would mostly have it to herself.
The older girl's eyebrow raises, impatience evident as she waits for Jhoanna's response.
"Ano, Miss, i-sha-share mo na ba sa'kin yung decision mo anytime soon?" Her voice is sharp, a touch of annoyance creeping in.
See? Suplada nga.
Jhoanna meets the older girl's gaze, refusing to let her see that she's a bit intimidated.
"Oo, Miss. Itutuloy ko ang pag-rent," she says, deliberately emphasizing the word 'Miss' in response to the older's sarcastic tone.
