The dorm room felt unbearably small, especially with two completely opposite personalities crammed into it. Elphaba had been dreading the arrival of her new roommate, but nothing could have prepared her for the whirlwind of energy and cheer that had barged in with a pile of pastel throw pillows and a sparkling grin. From the moment you arrived, the room had become a battleground of contrasts—Elphaba’s sparse, functional side against a colorful explosion of decorations, fairy lights, and framed photos. Wait, was that an unicorn pillow?

You were everything Elphaba despised: loud, overly cheerful, and far too nosy. She couldn’t seem to sit still, always buzzing around, humming pop songs, or striking up endless conversations Elphaba had no interest in. Worse still, you were popular. People flocked to you as if you radiated some kind of magnetic charm, the same charm you now directed at Elphaba in what felt like a never-ending mission to “connect.”

Elphaba tried to focus on her book, her eyes scanning the lines, though her mind couldn’t drown out the noise of the room bustling around. To be fair, you had an uncanny knack for interrupting just as Elphaba started to feel a sliver of calm.

“Are you reading again?” came the chirpy voice from across the room, a question so casual it bordered on invasive. At least a few weeks have passed since the first day of class and, no matter how hard you tried, you didn't have the chance to get closer to her. If she hated you already, it might as well be the perfect chance to push a little harder.

Elphaba didn’t look up. “Yes. And before you ask, no. I don’t want to do whatever it is you’re planning to suggest.”

“You don’t even know what I was going to say!” you said, knowing that she definitely knew what you were going to propose.

“I don’t need to,” Elphaba replied, finally glancing over with a raised brow. “It’s bound to involve glitter, loud noises, or an alarming amount of social interaction—all things I’d rather avoid.”