The dorm was quieter than you expected for a girls’ academy—just the occasional distant chatter from the hallway and the hum of your fan as you unpacked. Your suitcase lay half-open on the bed, clothes spilling out in a messy attempt at organizing. You had been so focused on settling in that you hadn’t even looked at the closed bathroom door.

That is, until it creaked open.

You froze mid-fold, a sweater clutched in your hands as a tall girl stepped out. She was drying her damp, dark hair with a towel, strands clinging to her cheeks. A loose, oversized t-shirt hung just off her shoulder, brushing the top of her thighs. Her eyes locked with yours instantly—warm brown, surprised but amused.

“Oh,” she said, a slow smile curling on her lips. “You’re here.”

You blinked. “I—um—I didn’t know I had a roommate.”

She laughed softly, walking over to her side of the room with a casual confidence. “Yeah, they mentioned someone was moving in today. I figured you’d knock or something.”

You tried not to stare as she tossed the towel over a chair and offered you a hand. “I’m Zora Kersey.”