Mine To Love

Memory Lane

[Three years ago - Year 1]

Of all days for the elevator in the dormitory building to break down, it just had to be on the day that Type was moving in. It didn't help that his apartment was situated on the fourth floor and that the temperature was close to hitting 34 degrees recently. The last box that Type was carrying up the flight of stairs was also the heaviest, so he was on his way to becoming increasingly annoyed. If he had known that this was going to happen, he wouldn't have rejected his father's offer of hiring movers for him.

The corridor was silent as Type made his way down to the very end where his apartment was located, not much students around since most of them would only be making their way back for the new academic year during the weekend. He set the box down with the others with a grunt and dug into his pocket for the keys. The door swung open just as he was about to slot the key in, coming face-to-face with a brown-haired baby-faced male who actually flinched at the sight of him. It was more amusing than insulting, especially since he resembled a startled cat.

''Shit!'' The stranger swore, placing a hand over his chest. ''You startled me.'' His gaze fell on the tightly sealed boxes outside. ''Ah, so I guess we're sharing this apartment. Er, do you need any help with that?'' He offers brightly, pointing to the stacked boxes.

Type scrutinizes the male's lean frame, wondering if he was even capable of carrying the lightest one in. It's not that he's judging the male's capability, but he's more worried of the other straining himself from carrying the heavy boxes. But he didn't want to seem like an asshole for rejecting his roommate's offer, especially since they were going to share this confined space for the long term. 

''Think you could help me with my duffel bag?''

''Sure.'' The other steps out, uncaring of the fact that he was still in his socks and comfy-looking slippers, and hoists the strap of the bag over his shoulder. ''Anyway, I'm Techno. People mostly call me No for short.'' He fills in cheerfully as they enter the apartment. ''What's your name?''

Type sets the box down with a grunt, ''I'm Type.''

Techno helps him with the rest of the boxes and then asks if it's okay if he takes the bed nearest to the toilet since he doesn't like sleeping near the balcony doors. Type's not fussy about the sleeping arrangements and he finds himself visibly relaxing as both of them start unpacking their boxes, idle chatter filling up the silence. He'd heard stories about roommates from hell and had been worried that he'd be stuck with one that he wouldn't be able to get along with. Techno wasn't overly nosy, allowing the comfortable silence to take over whenever the conversation dies out.

''Are you an athlete?'' Techno asks all of a sudden.

Type unfolds the shirt in his hand and slips it onto a hanger, ''I played soccer in high school. Is it that obvious?''

''Really?'' Techno's expression visibly lights up at the admission. ''Me too! I know I don't really look like the sort that plays soccer. So, you're definitely going to try out for the university team then?''

''Definitely.'' Type watches as Techno struggles to place something on the shelf that's drilled above the study table, face pinching in concentration. ''Here. I'll help you with that. Are you going to try out as well?''

Techno's nod is an enthusiastic one and Type finds himself mirroring his roommate's smile. There was something about Techno's vibe that was...infectious. Type didn't normally let his guard down so easily around new people and it'd usually take him some time to warm up to strangers, but he found himself completely relaxed in the male's company. 

''A little to the right, please.'' Techno claps Type on the shoulder with a grateful smile that has the corners of his eyes curving up just the slightest. ''Thank you. Now I know why some people like having tall friends.''