Opposites

1 | moving in

I didn't expect it to be like this.

On my first day moving in, I had high hopes. While shovelling heavy bags through tiny doors and hundreds of flights of stairs isn't the most fun, I was excited for a new start. No more school, no more boring classmates; this was my time to become a college student.

"Now remember Jimin, you're not a child anymore, okay?" My mother's voice chimed, stern yet sweet as she grabbed me by the shoulders gently.

"I'll be fine." I consolidated her, knowing her neurotic tendencies can often get the best of her.

Her features softened, smiling at me with mellow eyes.

"Aw, look at you... growing up so fast." I rolled my eyes, as she adjusted my glasses. The stray hairs from my fringe fell down and irritated my skin. "It felt like only yesterday I was taking you into St. Lawrence's for the first time..."

Ah, yes, St Lawrence's; private catholic school for boys, one of the less fun times of my life so far. Prayers every day, long hymns and Mother Margret bringing in stale cookies for us every Wednesday.

"Come here," My mum finally exclaimed, dragging me into a tight hug, which I returned. "Call me if you need anything, okay?"

"Yes, yes..."

"Oh, and dear," she pulled back slightly, voice softening. I could sense something bad was about to come. "At least try to make some friends. You might like it here."

"Studying is more-"

"More important, yes I know..." she cut in, already knowing what I had reiterated to her for years. "But, at least try? For me? It would be nice for you to introduce me to someone. And, who knows, maybe you'd bring home a girl."

Never going to happen.

"Maybe." I smiled ingenious as I watched her. She cooed excitedly at the thought, shaking my shoulders. In truth the sheer thought of being able to get a "girlfriend" nearly made me scoff.

With a final hug goodbye, she left.

The creaking of the door was suddenly much louder than before. The room felt more empty: more alone.

This is it. This is my new life as a student.

I picked up my bags and put them onto my bed - if I could call it that; a metal frame with a bare mattress. As I dumped the weight, you could hear the springs creek which was rather unsettling.

Adjusting my glasses however, I tried to stay positive. I looked around the room.

Simple, pale white wallpaper, strips peeling away slowly. A tinge of mould growing in the right hand corner of the wall beside my bed. What looks like a wine stain on the beige carpet beneath my feet, and another ominous white stain which was on the mattress.

Fantastic.

I rolled my eyes.

There was a bunk bed the other side of the room, a desk below it.

As there was an absence of a desk of my own, I guess I could just use the desk there. It's not like anyone else is going to be using it.

A sudden thought suddenly crossed my mind:

A roommate?

No, I specifically asked for a room alone. Must be a room that was simply made for two.

Typical of a university to not care about their students.

I adjusted my glasses, and stepped onto the ensuite. The mirror had stickers on, it seemed to be previous bands such as N-Sync and Girls Aloud. A little bit broken but at least you could see.

My hair was a little darker now as it was coming up to winter. Sort of black, as oppose to the streaked brown colour that usually returns in summer. I really didn't like the thick-framed glasses my mother had bought for me last month but I didn't care enough to change them. After all, they did still work. Even if I did look like a hipster.

I sighed.

At least I was wearing a nice sweater.

I'm a formal sort of guy.

Shirt and tie.
Blazer or sweater.
Matching pyjamas.

That's the way it should be. None of this hoodie and jeans crap.

I was suddenly jerked out of my daydream in the bathroom as my phone buzzed in my pocket.

Mum: Remember: make some friends! Okay, love you sweetheart. Message me later x

Good lord, help me.

This will be a long term.