(Inspired by the song Loathing from wicked)
Lisa stood at the university gates, clutching her campus map and dorm assignment. The sprawling campus buzzed with students—some laughing, others rushing, all seemingly more confident than she felt. She took a deep breath, her nerves warring with her excitement.
"This is it, Lisa," she muttered to herself. "New start. Don't mess it up."
As she stepped into the main building, her attention darted between the map and the sea of people. Distracted, she didn't see the girl rounding the corner until it was too late.
BAM!
Lisa stumbled back, nearly dropping her bag.
"Watch where you're going!" snapped the girl, her tone sharp enough to make Lisa's cheeks burn.
"I—sorry, I didn't see you," Lisa stammered, steadying herself. She looked up to see a petite girl with sharp features and dark hair tied in a sleek ponytail. The girl's eyes narrowed as if Lisa's apology wasn't enough.
"Maybe look next time," the girl huffed before brushing past her.
Lisa blinked, stunned by the interaction. "Well, that was... pleasant," she muttered sarcastically, her initial excitement dampened.
She continued to the dormitory, hoping to shake off the encounter. When she reached her room, she paused to read the small sign on the door:
Room 208: Lisa Manoban & Jennie Kim.
"Jennie Kim," Lisa read aloud. "Okay, let's hope Jennie's nice."
Pushing the door open, she was greeted by a small but cozy room. Half of it was already occupied—neatly folded clothes on the bed, a line of high-end skincare products on the desk, and a small framed photo of a black-and-white cat perched on the windowsill.
Lisa sighed with relief. "At least she's tidy."
She placed her own bags on the empty side of the room and started unpacking. Her clothes went into drawers, her books lined the shelves, and her favorite polaroids decorated the wall. By the time she was done, she felt a little more at home.
Deciding to explore the campus, she grabbed her phone and headed for the door. But as soon as she opened it, she froze. Standing on the threshold was none other than the rude girl from earlier.
"You've got to be kidding me," they said in unison, their voices dripping with disbelief.
Lisa's jaw dropped. "You're Jennie Kim?"
Jennie crossed her arms, looking equally horrified. "And you're Lisa Manoban?"
Lisa's mind raced. Of all the people to share a room with, it had to be her. The universe was playing some kind of cruel joke.
Jennie scoffed, pushing past Lisa into the room. "Great. Just great."
Lisa closed the door, her irritation rising. "Hey, you're not exactly my dream roommate either."
Jennie spun around, her eyebrows arching. "Excuse me? You bumped into me, remember?"
"And I apologized!" Lisa shot back.
Jennie rolled her eyes and turned her attention to her side of the room, pointedly ignoring Lisa.
Lisa clenched her fists, trying to stay calm. "Okay, you know what? Let's just... stay out of each other's way."
"Fine by me," Jennie said without looking up.
Lisa grabbed her bag and stormed out, muttering under her breath. "This is going to be a long semester."
Behind her, Jennie glanced at the closed door and let out a huff, muttering to herself, "Unbelievable."
