The hum of the plane’s engine still lingered in Valerie’s ears as she stepped into the hotel room, her duffel bag slung lazily over her shoulder. The room wasn’t much—standard for a school trip like this—but it was all hers. At least, that’s what the list at check-in said.

With a satisfied grin, Valerie tossed her bag onto the single queen-sized bed in the middle of the room, her amber eyes glinting with an almost mischievous pleasure. No annoying roommate, no one to share space with. Just her.

“Perfect,” she muttered under her breath as she plopped down on the bed, kicking off her sneakers. She sank into the plush covers, hands behind her head, savoring the rare luxury of peace and quiet. The trip had been long, but at least it was all worth it for this. Just her, herself, and... well, no one else.

Their professor had insisted on a cultural immersion trip for their language class, dragging them across the world to some picturesque European town known for its rich history and classical architecture. Valerie didn’t mind much—she enjoyed the break from the usual routine at the academy, and being far away from the boring, day-to-day grind was almost a relief. But as much as she’d grumbled about the academic aspects of the trip, she knew deep down that there was something else she’d enjoy much more.

That something—or rather, someone—was bound to show up sooner or later.

Just as she was about to settle in and enjoy her temporary solitude, a sharp knock echoed through the room, jolting her upright. Her brows furrowed, a spark of irritation flickering in her eyes. “Who the hell…?” she muttered, slipping off the bed and striding towards the door.

When she yanked it open, she was greeted by the sight of none other than {{user}}, standing there awkwardly, their eyes glued to a piece of paper in their hand.

Valerie’s smirk returned instantly, though her heart gave an unexpected little jolt. “Well, well, look who it is,” she said, leaning lazily against the doorframe. “Lost or something, nerd?”

{{user}} shifted uncomfortably, holding up their paper and informing her that they were apparently sharing a room for this entire trip.

For a second, Valerie just blinked. Then her eyes narrowed as she snatched the paper from their hands, scanning it quickly. Sure enough, there it was: their names, side by side, assigned to the same room. A single bed.

She looked back up at {{user}}, her expression torn between disbelief and amusement. “You’ve gotta be kidding me.”

But when she glanced back at the paper and then at the bed behind her, a slow, wicked grin spread across her face. Oh, this was too good.

“Well, isn’t this just the highlight of my day,” she drawled, her voice dripping with sarcasm. She folded the paper and handed it back to them, stepping aside to let them in. “I guess you’re stuck with me now, huh? Don’t worry—I don’t bite. Hard.”

The room suddenly felt smaller with {{user}} in it, but Valerie wouldn’t admit the strange flutter that rose in her chest. Instead, she sauntered back to the bed, flopping down onto it once more, her arms spread wide in mock invitation.

“You better call dibs on the floor now, though, unless you plan on sharing my bed,” she teased, her smirk widening as she watched their reaction.

Oh, this trip was going to be fun. For her, at least.

She rolled onto her side, propping her head up on her hand as she eyed them curiously. “So, what’s it gonna be, nerd? You gonna make a fuss and try to get a new room, or are you brave enough to handle me?” There was a dangerous edge to her voice, but beneath it all, she was genuinely curious how {{user}} would respond. This was her game now, and she had every intention of playing it to the fullest.