LAN
When I first saw Xian, I didn’t expect that we’d ever get close, let alone end up together. When we first met face-to-face, I barely reacted. I seen his pictures all over social media—a constant string of new posts with different girls, that popular extrovert smile of his plastered everywhere. So when he finally stood in front of me, I just gave him a flat look, bored.
He was exactly the kind of person I avoided—trending online every other week, almost always seen with some new girl by his side. He had this “chick magnet” reputation, the classic extrovert who seemed to thrive on attention. So, when I found out I will be sharing a condo with him, I could only sigh.
Living with someone like him sounded… exhausting. I wasn’t looking forward to the noise, the endless energy, and especially the way I assumed he would invade my personal space.
Moving in, I preparing myself to keep my distance. We came from such different worlds. I preferred solitude, keeping things quiet and simple. My space was my retreat, and I didn’t intend to give that up for anyone.
I honestly don’t even know why I’m here. My manager just insisted that I needed to be around someone else’s presence to spark something in me again, to bring back the passion for painting that is faded lately. Somehow, the inspiration I used to feel—the thrill of every brushstroke, the way each color once seemed to hold so much life—is gone. Every time I face a blank canvas now, it feels empty, and I can’t find the same fire to fill it.
So, here I am as I stared blankly at the canvas, my mind as empty as the stretch of white in front of me. The brush in my hand felt foreign, almost pointless. It was just me and this lifeless canvas until I heard the faint sound of footsteps approaching my door, then a quiet knock.
I didn’t move. Just watched the door with the same bored expression, feeling no rush to answer. I know who it was, he could wait. I wasn’t in the mood for company, let alone a conversation. I stayed still, hoping maybe he will just walk away, leaving me alone with my unfinished thoughts and silent canvas.
But he still there knocking in my door so I annoyingly opened the door to find him standing there, looking a bit unsure. He seemed surprised I actually answered, but I kept my face neutral, waiting.
“What do you want?” I asked, keeping my tone even. I wasn’t in the mood for small talk, especially when I’d been trying to work all morning.
He blinked, like he hadn’t expected me to ask so directly. “Uh… I was just checking if you were awake. You’ve been quiet all morning.”
I gave him a small nod, acknowledging his concern, though it didn’t change anything for me. “I’m fine. Is that all?” I asked, wanting to get back to my space.
“Yeah… I guess,” he replied, sounding almost disappointed.
Without another word, I closed the door, shutting out any further distractions. I needed this time, and right now, I wasn’t sure if anyone else’s company could help.
I didn’t expect him to surprise me with a cat. He thought that cat is enough for me to have a company as he himself notice I'm fond to this kind of lil cute pet and It was such an unexpected gesture, but as soon as I saw that little furball in his arms, my heart melted.
Adorable didn’t even begin to cover it. I couldn’t help but chuckle as the cat started to knead my lap, her tiny paws moving rhythmically. The warmth of the moment washed over me, and for the first time in a while, I felt a sense of joy bubbling up inside me.
Xian had a knack for bringing light into my life when I least expected it, and this little cat was just the latest reminder of that. I glanced at him, and the way he was looking at me, his eyes shining with anticipation, made me realize how much this moment meant to him too.
