Under the Same Roof

Chapter 1: Rough Start

Eloise's POV

After many tiring hours of driving, I finally pulled into my college parking lot. The familiar college campus spreads out before my very eyes—buildings and paths I've only seen in picture, up until now. My stomach is a mix of excitement and nerves. The long trip has left me very exhausted, but now that I'm here, the adventure is just beginning.

I grab my suitcase and bags from the trunk and head inside. My dad and brothers should be shipping the rest of my stuff off later this month. I follow the signs to my assigned apartment. I picture myself living here, but the uncertainty looms over me like a dark cloud. What will my roommate be like? Will we get along.

I unlock the door with the key given to me prior. The apartment is honestly pretty big. The walls are bare, and a few bits of furniture that makes it look almost... sterile. I set my bags down in the living room, and waltz to the end of the hall, finding my room.

My roommate moved in a week before me, and doesn't seem to be home at the moment, so I should be fine. I enter my room, and admire the emptiness. It stand in the center and try to imagine how I'll make this place my new home.

Before I can worry about anything else, I need a shower. And a nap. I'm exhausted.

THREE HOURS LATER.

Times passed, and it's a lazy afternoon. I've spent most of the last hour curled up in a ball on the floor in her room. with the blanket covering my entire body, leaving a small hole for me to breathe. The apartment is quiet, the soft hum of the air conditioner and the boxes of her remaining possessions greet her.

I've nearly drifted off to sleep yet again, when a large sound comes from the kitchen—a series of clattering pots and pans, followed by a few loud bangs. My eyes snap open, irritation flaring up as I push myself up from the ground.

I grown while stretching. Seriously? I say to myself.

I rub my eyes, annoyed that my peaceful nap was interrupted. But maybe it was my roommate. I finally get a chance to meet her. Still very disoriented, I make way to the kitchen, my footsteps slow and unsteady, body heavy with sleep. I approach my doorway, but suddenly freeze once I hear a deep and calm voice, murmur something to themselves.

"Great. Of course it's empty. Why wouldn't it be?" Says my roommate annoyingly.

The voice sounds familiar by the slightest, but it doesn't register properly. I push the door open and step into the kitchen, narrowing my eyes at the sight of my new roommate. Back turned, fiddling with a set of dishes. She's tall, broad shoulder, with messy brown hair, falling into her eyes. Her movements are quick but purposeful.

For a moment, I stand still. Trying to adjust my focus. I'm actually insanely confused. But before I can process it completely, she turns around, her gaze meets mine. My heart stops for a second.

I stand there. Blinking. Stunned.

"What the hell?" I say in shock.

It's a fucking dude? No. This can't be. It had to be a mistake, that's not my roommate. Certainly not. Maybe Andrea just let her boyfriend in early to help her unpack.

The guy doesn't seem startle by my appearance, as if he was expecting me to be here. In fact, he only takes a brief glance at me, his expression cold and unreadable.

I take a double take.

Am I dreaming?

This guy, he's the one making all the noise? I was expecting Andrea to be the one in the kitchen, but instead I find myself in front of this random, who gives zero shits about my reaction.