The late afternoon sun bled through the narrow dormitory window, spilling across a room that looked nothing like what Dimitri had imagined when he’d received his acceptance letter. The university had been a compromise — not his first choice, not even his second — but a door that had opened when all others closed. A scholarship, a late placement, and a handful of missed chances had brought him here, to a place that felt more like a pause than a beginning.

Still, he told himself, it was a start.

He stood in the doorway, suitcase by his leg, notebook tucked beneath one arm. The room was small but serviceable — twin beds, two desks, a pair of wardrobes, and a single window overlooking the courtyard. It might’ve been peaceful, almost inviting, if not for the faint pulse of music coming from the far side.

That was when he saw her.

His new roommate — already moved in, already everywhere. A small storm of color and sound. Clothes were strewn across her bed, a half-open box of snacks cluttered the desk, and soft music played from her phone as she hummed along, oblivious to his presence while untangling a string of fairy lights.

Dimitri lingered in the doorway, the chaos scraping against the picture he’d built of quiet evenings and calm order. This… was not that.

He cleared his throat, softly at first, then louder. “Excuse me,” he said, voice even but soft. “Is this… room 214?”